What’s New About Norway Travel In 2025

With growing interest in the Northern Lights and ongoing interest in ‘coolcations,’ Norway travel is poised for yet another record-breaking year in 2025.

However, upcoming taxes and potential travel disruptions mean savvy travelers should plan carefully to make the most of their trip.

Two Trends To Dominate

In 2024, two major travel trends took center stage in Norway, with every indication they will continue to shape the tourism landscape in 2025.

The allure of the Northern Lights has always been a draw for Norway, but 2024 saw unprecedented interest, fueled by the solar maximum—an 11-year peak in solar activity that intensifies aurora displays.

This led to a surge in Northern Lights cruises and travel packages, with sensational displays reported across the country.

While the exact duration of the solar maximum is uncertain, experts anticipate it will continue into 2025, keeping Norway at the top of winter travel wish lists.

Meanwhile, the ‘coolcation’ trend emerged strongly in 2024 as European travelers increasingly opted for cooler, northern destinations like Norway over traditional Mediterranean summer spots.

This shift reflects growing concerns about climate change, with travelers seeking relief from extreme heatwaves and prioritizing sustainable, nature-focused experiences. From fjord hikes to coastal road trips, Norway’s pristine landscapes offer a refreshing alternative.

If these trends persist, travelers should brace for high demand, particularly during peak times for Northern Lights viewing and summer vacations. Accommodation in popular destinations is expected to fill up quickly, and prices are likely to reflect the growing interest.

Planning well in advance, being flexible with dates, and considering off-the-beaten-path destinations will be key strategies for travelers hoping to secure the best experiences.

Tourist Tax

Norway finally plans to introduce its long discussed framework for local tourist taxes by summer 2025. This would allow local municipalities to charge up to 5% on accommodation costs, including hotels, campsites, Airbnb rentals, and cruise ships.

Rural areas with popular hiking trails but few local residents, such as the municipalities in the Lofoten Islands, have long called for such a tax to help them pay for improvements.

Any revenue raised by the tourist tax, managed by local authorities, must fund tourism-related infrastructure and services like hiking trails, public restrooms, and environmental conservation.

While aimed at addressing tourism impacts, some local authorities question its effectiveness, citing issues caused by day visitors rather than overnight guests.

As the proposal is under consultation until January 2025, it may be revised before a parliamentary vote.

Norway Travel Disruption In 2025

To the disappointment of many international road trippers, Norway’s iconic Trollstigen mountain pass was closed at short-notice for all but two weeks during the 2024 season.

The famous road known for its 11 hairpin turns is unlikely to reopen before mid-July 2025. Travelers planning road trips should consider scheduling visits a few weeks after this tentative date to account for potential delays.

Meanwhile, visitors to Oslo in 2025 should prepare for significant metro disruptions, particularly on lines passing through the west of the city.

These disruptions may also complicate travel to popular tourist attractions and the national stadium during major events, with replacement buses in operation on affected routes.

Higher Costs For Flights

Norway’s government plans to raise the taxes airlines pay to Avinor, its state-owned airport operator, to address financial challenges. Avinor operates most major airports in Norway, including Oslo and Bergen.

Airlines warn this could lead to higher ticket prices, fewer routes, and reduced travel options. Major airlines Norwegian and SAS have expressed concerns about cutting routes, potentially making travel to and from Norway more expensive.

Although the government will slightly reduce the air passenger tax, this is unlikely to offset rising costs. The Ministry of Transport will decide on the tax increase by the end of 2024.

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