Apps You Need To Download Before Visiting Norway

Want to go to Norway? There’s an app for that—several apps, in fact, that range from getting information about trains and buses in real time to know when to look up for an Aurora Borealis sighting and where to buy a vegan meal—so grab a smartphone to download the following ones; they are appsolute must-haves.

The one that solves all your transportation issues

This app is so important, it’s actually two apps. Ruter.no, the lifesaver website that provides information about the bus and train schedules all around the country—in real time—and allows users to book their tickets online, can also live on smartphones in two separate applications. Download RuterReise and plan a journey in seconds and buy tickets through RuterBillett, its sister application. Given the fact that many train stations don’t have ticket machines that accept cash, these apps are basically the easiest way to buy a public transport ticket in Norway.

The one that tells you what’s going on in Oslo

The one that brings the whole country in your pocket

The official travel app for Norway has something for everyone (as does the actual country of Norway). Looking for the must-sees? The National Tourist Routs section features 18 gems that combine architecture with nature. Looking for the must-eats? Norwegian Foodprints shows whether a restaurant is worth going to while also providing a list of eco-certified venues. Apart from that, the app also has thousands of places to stay, activities, attractions, and events.

The one that helps you share a ride

Carpooling is a cheap, efficient, and eco-conscious way to move around in the city. SammeVei (meaning ‘same way’ in Norwegian) also makes it safe and fun. Become a member of a community of like-minded individuals and pay a small fee (about the cost of a bus ticket) directly to the driver chosen to SammeVei with on the app.

The one that helps you eat green

How difficult is it to be a vegetarian or a vegan in the Land of the Vikings? Lately, not as difficult as one might think: this meat-loving country is finally starting to warm up to a plant-based way of eating. Of course, some cities have more vegetarian options than others, Vegan Norway will help non-meat eaters find a place to enjoy a vegan-friendly meal.

The one that makes you look up in the sky

Norway is the best country to see the Northern Lights. But when and where should people go to see them? The Norway Lights app takes the guesswork out of the gawking: just download it and see exactly what are the chances for an Aurora Borealis viewing and where to go to increase them.

The one that helps you find a taxi

Taxis in Norway are a safe but sometimes expensive way to get around the country. One of the problems is that the prices are not regulated, so the tariffs per km vary depending on the city and taxi company. This is where Mivai comes along: this handy app helps get quotes from the taxis that are near and to book the cheapest one directly. Rate the driver afterward to help other app users make informed choices in the future.

The one that inspires you to get out there

Organizing outdoor adventures? Get hiking tips from people who’ve been there before. Save an itinerary offline to access them even when stuck in the middle of nowhere or on a mountain with no signal. Create journals of the experiences on Outtt, the best friend/hiking partner/adventure mentor outdoorsy types never knew they needed.

The one that hooks you up with a car

Thinking about renting a car in Norway that’s not needed it all the time? Nabobil is the answer: this app helps users locate a car in whatever neighbourhood they’re currently in and seamlessly rent it without even needing keys to open it.

The one that hooks you up with a bicycle

Oslo is a great city to bike in—and the municipality makes it very easy for you to do so. The Oslo City Bike app allows users to locate and unlock bicycles all over Oslo. A day pass costs 49 NOK (€5.26; $6.21), a three-day pass costs 99 NOK (€10.63; $12.54), and an entire season pass (from April to November) costs 299 NOK (€32.09; $37.86).

The one that plans fun activities for you

Not sure where to go on a date? Lokalii has a ton of authentic local experiences that to choose from and book, including coffee-brewing lessons, studying street art, and doing slingshots from a bridge. It’s definitely a fresh way to explore Norway like a local and maybe meet new people while doing so.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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