Language: Norwegian and Saami

Climate: The coastal regions have relatively mild winters and cooler summers. Inland areas have a continental climate with colder winters, but warmer summertime. In midwinter, daylight lasts 5-6 hours in southern Norway and in the north, darkness prevails. Those dark days and nights are a Scandinavian phenomenon called the Polar Nights. In midsummer, daylight takes over and there is no night darkness during June and July, even as far south as Trondheim. This is called the Midnight Sun.

Time Zone: CET — Central European Time

International phone code: 47

Currency: Kroner (NOK)

Capital: Oslo

Transportation: The only intercontinental flights to Norway are from the US. Another option is to travel to Europe and transfer from European ‘gateway’ cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin or Copenhagen. Ferry connections between Norway and Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Sweden and the UK provide straightforward links. There are trains from Sweden to Oslo, Trondheim and Narvik, with onwards inland connections. Several international bus lines run into Oslo from Sweden, the major operators being Eurolines, Swebus Express and Säfflebussen. The best way to see Norway is in your own vehicle. Domestic flights are very popular, the largest operators are SAS, Norwegian and Widerøe.

Gay Norway

Like most Scandinavian countries, Norway is very liberal in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Marriage laws are gender-neutral, and it was the first country in the world to enact a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.The queer scene is strong and integrated, with much crossover with the straight scene.