{"id":11153,"date":"2024-04-23T11:33:17","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T01:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=11153"},"modified":"2024-04-23T11:33:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T01:33:19","slug":"dog-friendly-norway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/dog-friendly-norway\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog-Friendly Norway: Travelling in Norway with a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While I wouldn\u2019t list Norway as one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe<\/a>, it\u2019s still a wonderful destination to visit with your dog. And with its spectacular scenery, especially during the short summer months, it can make for a great summer road trip with your pup. Read on to find out what it\u2019s like to travel in Norway with a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dog-friendly<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Travelling to Norway with a Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Norway is one of the countries in Europe<\/a> that requires your dog to have a worming treatment done before arrival. This echinococcosis worming treatment needs to be done by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days of crossing the border, and recorded in your dog\u2019s pet passport<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The one exception is if you are directly travelling from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Northern Ireland, which also require the same treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practice, depending on how you arrive in Norway, particularly if you drive across the border, this isn\u2019t always checked. This wasn\u2019t checked when we crossed the border, but it was in the remote north. However, always follow the rules and complete this step to keep echinococcosis out of Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dining Out in Norway with a Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After visiting nearly every country in Europe with our dog, I can confirm that Norway is the most expensive for dining out. Due to this, we only dined out a couple of times in Norway, unless you include service station hot dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our burgers and beers at a touristy restaurant in Flam were a rare splurge, although we also once came across a reasonably priced little restaurant next to some cabins we stayed at in the north of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, I can\u2019t really comment on how dog-friendly dining out is in Norway. My expectation is that most restaurants will not allow dogs inside, similar to Sweden<\/a>. Although we did eat at a trendy food market type establishment in Oslo, called Mathallen<\/strong>, where our dog was fine to join us at the outdoor tables.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Mathallen
Our dog was welcome at the outdoor tables at the Mathallen Oslo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Most of the time we made our own meals from supermarket supplies, enjoying many roadside picnics or simple meals at campgrounds and cabins. Even groceries are more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. However, the locally produced smoked salmon and fish burgers are reasonably priced in comparison, and shouldn\u2019t be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A
A roadside picnic in Norway with a view, although Schnitzel was more interested in our food<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we were road tripping with our own vehicle we never made use of public transport in Norway. However, if you do need to use public transport it\u2019s fairly dog-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"An
An epic campervan we spotted in Norway – dreamin’ for a future road trip!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Dogs on Local Transport in Oslo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Oslo and surrounds, public transport is operated by Ruter. Dogs ride for free, with just a few simple rules<\/a>, such as dogs need to be on a leash and not sit directly on seats, instead sitting on the floor or your lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs on Long-Distance Trains in Norway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the long-distance trains, dogs are allowed on board<\/a> in specially designated areas, with a limited number of pets per train. This means multiple pets may be sitting in close proximity, similar to the situation we found ourselves in on a Swedish train<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet dogs are not allowed in the Plus or sleeping compartments, as well as family-friendly or animal-free zones. Small dogs with a shoulder height under 40cm travel for free, while larger dogs require a half-price ticket. Also note dogs may not be allowed on rail-replacement buses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Bergen line, an extra seat is allocated for larger dogs travelling on a half-price ticket, plus an extra seat can optionally be purchased for smaller dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs on Norway in a Nutshell Tours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not driving your own vehicle in Norway, one of the popular ways to see the country is on the Norway in a Nutshell self-guided tours, that include train, cruise and bus transport. Dogs are allowed on multiple tours, including the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour<\/a>, which includes a train to Flam, the express boat on Sognefjord to Bergen, then a return train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to inform the company when you are making a booking, due to the specially designated areas dogs must travel in on the train. Additionally, an extra fee applies for dogs on the express boat, payable on the boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs on Vehicle Ferries in Norway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I should also comment on the situation with vehicle ferries in Norway<\/strong>, which you\u2019ll likely make use of while on a road trip. There were no issues with our dog travelling on any of the ferries we took.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Ferry
One of the ferries we took in Norway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

On the ferries that we took, we found that most people travelling in cars or campervans tended to leave their pets in their car, at least on shorter ferry trips and during the cooler weather we experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Torghatten-Nord, one of the operators, stipulates that pets are allowed in designated areas. Some vessels have a separate room with cages where they can stay, while on other vessels pets can either remain outside on the deck or inside if kept in a carrier at all times, without disturbing any other passengers. Double check on the ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Onboard
Onboard the ferry with Schnitzel and our car<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Generally no fee applies for dogs on vehicular ferries, but a fee might apply on sightseeing boats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During our two weeks road tripping through Norway, our intention was to sleep most of the time in our tent. However, with some rainy weather and a touch of sleet one day above the Arctic Circle, we also resorted to some nights in cabins, generally fairly basic ones.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Camping
Camping on a sunny evening in the Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

We experienced no issues with our dog joining us inside the various cabins in which we stayed, although I think one place we checked at in Alta didn\u2019t allow dogs in their cabins. We were however generally using our own sleeping bags, without requesting bedding, which was often an additional service (with extra cost).<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Rustic
Rustic Norwegian cabins<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"Inside
Inside a particularly cosy cabin, complete with dog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying in hotels, my study into the number of dog-friendly hotels in various European cities<\/a> ranked Oslo about mid-way for percentage of dog-friendly hotels, at 43%, albeit with a fairly low number of hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Norway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are no shortage of things to do in Norway with your dog, from embarking on an epic road trip to going for a hike to enjoying historic towns. These are my top picks on dog-friendly things to do in Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Go on a Road Trip Through Norway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Top of my list of what to do in Norway with your dog is to go on a road trip<\/a>. During our summer trip to Norway, we spent two weeks driving from the far north to the far south of the country, after having firstly driven north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Road
Following the road in Norway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

From the wild north including the beautiful Lofoten Islands to the many majestic fjords down south, alongside glaciers and windswept snowy plateaus, it was a magical journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you don\u2019t need to do as long a road trip (there\u2019s plenty of beautiful scenery just in the south of the country), this is still hands-down the best way to experience the country\u2019s spectacular scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Northern
Typical scenery in northern Norway – we made a lot of photo stops!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I recommend trying to follow some of the national scenic routes around Norway, to ensure you see the most stunning parts of the country, rather than just following the quicker routes recommended by Google Maps. We used a tourist map that came as an insert in a listing of camping grounds and cabins, or check out the guide online<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general though, allow plenty of time for your road trip. Many roads in Norway are windy and narrow (with plenty of tunnels along the way, including the longest road tunnel in Europe). Most highways except a few in the south are signposted at 80km\/h. Plus you need time for all those scenic stops!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dog-friendly
Just another stunning view from the side of the road in Norway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not taking your own vehicle (such as one of the many campervans we saw while in Norway), be aware that the rules for dogs in hire vehicles can be stricter in Scandinavia, so double check with the hire company you are going through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Visit the Lofoten Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have enough time to drive to the north of Norway, or instead take a domestic flight, I highly recommend going to the Lofoten Islands. When we were driving south through Norway, we noticed the islands were marked as a scenic route, and detoured from the mainland, allowing an extra day or more for our journey.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Lofoten
Gorgeous scenery from the Lofoten Islands<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"A
A seaside village in the Lofoten Islands<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

To get to the Lofoten Islands from the north is quite easy, with each of the islands connected by a series of bridges. However, to continue your journey heading south, rather than backtracking through the islands, it\u2019s possible to save time and instead take a ferry across from Moskenes to Bod\u00f8. The ferry only takes 3 hours, compared to the 11 hours journey via road.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Drying
Drying fish is a common sight in the Lofoten Islands<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

3. Go for a Hike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When road tripping through Norway, it\u2019s a must to stop frequently at the many lookout points, to enjoy the vistas and take some photos. Many stopping places also offer short walks, a great time to stretch your own legs and exercise your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dog-friendly
The beautiful walking trail to Torghatten<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

I recommend also looking completing some longer hikes in Norway. One of the most famous is Trolltunga. But at 28km long, it\u2019s beyond the capability of many humans and dogs, us included, although dogs are allowed if you\u2019ve got the stamina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stuck to some shorter hikes, including one to a local summit near Alta, home to a World Heritage listed Struve Geodetic Arc marker<\/a>.  We also walked a short but beautiful hike to Torghatten, the hole in the mountain near Br\u00f8nn\u00f8ysund. The easy hike only took about 20 minutes each way and was a fun evening excursion during the long summer evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Summit
On top of the summit near Alta<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Note that dogs should generally be kept on a leash in Norway. There is a rule that dogs need to be kept on a leash from 1st April to 20th August each year, to protect livestock and local wildlife, plus individual areas may have additional rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Cruise on the Fjords<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How can you visit Norway and not go for a cruise on one of its many fjords? If you\u2019re road-tripping around the country like we were, there are many vehicular ferries on the fjords that combine getting you to your next destination and a cruise at the same time, although of course there\u2019s also cruise ships that are passenger only.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord
Schnitzel checking out the cruise boats at N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord near Flam<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not driving around Norway, one of the most popular ways to take a fjord cruise is with the Norway in a Nutshell self-guided tours, which combine train, cruise and bus transport. Dogs are allowed on the Sognefjord in a Nutshell tour<\/a>, which includes a train to Flam, the express boat on Sognefjord to Bergen, then a return train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway and one of the most spectacular. You’ll need to mention your dog when booking, as dogs must travel in a specific area on the train. An additional fee also applies to dogs on the express boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Drive to Dalsnibba and the Geiranger Skywalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of fjords, the most impressive view that I saw anywhere in Norway was of the Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba and the Geiranger Skywalk<\/a>. When driving to Geirangerfjord, I highly recommend turning off and driving up to Dalsnibba, although there is a hefty vehicle charge for the private road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road quickly climbs up through a series of hairpin bends to Dalsnibba, giving the skywalk an elevation of 1500m, far above the fjord below. There were no restrictions on our dog joining us at the skywalk. Note that the road is generally only open from May to October.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Dog-friendly
Checking out the view of Geirangerfjord from Dalsnibba<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"Dalsnibba
Schnitzel at Dalsnibba<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

6. Drive the Snow Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Further south in the country near Flam, when you\u2019re driving west towards Flam from either Oslo or after crossing the Sognefjord on the ferry, the quickest route to take is the L\u00e6rdal Tunnel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tunnel at 24.51km long is the longest road tunnel in the world, but isn\u2019t the most interesting drive, especially with multiple speed cameras. For a more scenic option, instead head up over the mountains on the Aurlandsfjellet scenic route<\/a>, or the \u201cSnow Road\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closed in winter time (from November to June), during the summer this road is still often lined with snow, although the actual road seems to be regularly cleared, meaning vehicles without snow chains can drive along it. It\u2019s a fun route for those of us like myself who don\u2019t often experience snow.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Snow
A white out on the Snow Road<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

At the other end of the road, up above Aurlandsfjord, stop at the beautiful Stegastein view point, with the final section of the road up to this open year round. Naturally, your dog can join you on this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Experience the Midnight Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you head to the north of Norway around Midsummer, you\u2019ll be sure to experience the midnight sun. Well, you\u2019re sure to experience the sensation of the sun not setting overnight, but the sun could well be behind clouds, as we experienced on many of our nights (and days) in Norway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was concerned about the impact that this could have on my dog, particular if we were camping in a tent. Would he be confused and not want to sleep? I need not have worried, with him sleeping just as well each night. Different dogs could well handle the situation differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advantage of the long hours of daylight, regardless of where you are in Norway in the summer months, is that you can get out and about more during the evening. However, take note that office hours at camping grounds still might end quite early, so don\u2019t leave it too late to pull over for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Arctic
Crossing the Arctic Circle in Norway<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

8. Stroll the Waterfront in Bergen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The historic city of Bergen on the southwestern coast of Norway is a fascinating place to visit. The historic district of Bryggen on the waterfront was once the centre of the Hanseatic League\u2019s trading empire. These days it is home to colourful wooden houses and is UNESCO World Heritage listed.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Colourful
Colourful buildings in Bryggen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Bryggen is perfect for going for a stroll with your pup, enjoying the historic buildings and walking through the alleyways. Dogs are not allowed inside the museum (instead take turns visiting). But we did enjoy coffees outside of a cafe together as well as wander through the waterfront market, selling a variety of seafood options, including controversial whale meat.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Posing
Schnitzel coming face to face with a moose in Bryggen!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

9. Visit Historic R\u00f8ros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another historic town to visit in Norway that offers the chance to experience the country\u2019s history is R\u00f8ros. This historic mining town is located deep in the interior of Norway, near the Swedish border and 2 1\/2 hours drive southwest of Trondheim. It\u2019s best to visit in summer, with the snows lying long and thick during the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The location of a no longer active copper mine, the town is full of original wooden houses mainly from the 17th and 18th-centuries. Many of the house retain their dark pitch-log facades, giving the entire town a medieval appearance. It\u2019s also possible to walk around the remains of the copper mine workings and slag heaps.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Historic
Historic wooden houses in R\u00f8ros<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n
\"Classic
Classic cars cruising the main street of R\u00f8ros<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

10. Check out the Sculptures at Vigelandsparken<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Oslo is Vigelandsparken, a large park featuring the striking sculptures of the Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Entry to the park is free (making it very popular with tour groups) and dogs are allowed inside, as long as they remain on a leash in most of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"One
One of the granite sculptures at Vigelandsparken<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Start at the gates on the southeastern side, walking to the western side of the park, allowing an hour or two. In the northwestern corner of the park is a dog park (known locally as a \u201chundejordet\u201d), a great opportunity to allow your dog to run about off-leash and socialise with other dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"The
The dog park in a quiet corner of Vigelandsparken<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

11. See Prehistoric Rock Art in Alta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For some older examples of art in Norway, head north to Alta for the largest concentration of hunter-gatherer rock art in Northern Europe. This rock art consist predominantly of rock carvings, as well as some paintings, made between 7000 and 2000 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main rock art sites is located adjacent to the Alta Museum<\/a>. While dogs are not allowed inside the museum, which has an introductory exhibit plus other exhibits, I was delighted to discover that dogs can join you on the walk around the site, staying on a leash of course. Double check this is still the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, the art is only visible during the summer months. (During winter it is completely covered with deep snow.) Many of the carvings have been painted over in red or white pigment to make them more visible.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Prehistoric
Prehistoric rock carvings near the Alta Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Head Next To<\/h2>\n\n\n\n