Is the international driving license valid in Norway?

An International Driver’s License does not exist. However, the proper document to use to translate your home country driving licence is called an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). It is a document, as mentioned, that will translate your valid driver’s license into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide as per the convention on road traffic.

Our International Driver’s Permit is accepted in 165+ countries including the following:

- Switzerland

- Australia

- Canada

- Iceland

- New Zealand

- South Korea

- Monaco

- Japan

How do I get an international driver's license in Norway?

If it is your first time driving in another country as one of its motorists, you will find that getting an International Driver’s Permit is relatively easy. You only need to complete your application, attach your passport-size photo, and then upload a copy of your valid driving licence.

However, if you intend to go on a road trip around the country for more than three months, you may have to do the following:

- Enroll in a driving school

- Submit a residence permit

- Pass both the theory test and practical driving test

- Pass the Norwegian Age Requirements

- Get your valid driving licence exchanged into Norwegian driving licence from the Staten Vegvesen or Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

Do US citizens need an international driver's license in Norway?

Whether non-EU or a part of the European economic area (EEA country) list, it is highly recommended to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive in another country.

Top Destinations in Norway

Norway is the land of beautiful fjords, wonderful scenic routes, and fishing villages. If you are someone who is always captivated by folklore, legends, and movies about mystic beings and enchanted mountains, driving in this country should be on your travel bucket list.

Why should I visit Norway?

Visiting the said country is a feat. It's an adventure that would take you through cities and countryside with idyllic landscapes, unique minimalist architecture, and snowy mountainous regions. The Scandinavian design and heritage can be seen in a lot of products and establishments nowadays but truly experiencing a Nordic country is about being one with nature and civilization in its purest form.

What makes it famous?

Oslo is the capital and the center of urban living. It is the major transportation hub in the country, so traveling to this country would practically mean traveling to Oslo and probably move from there. Being the largest city in the country by far, Oslo has a population of around 600,000. But roughly around two million people reside within the wider urban area and towns circumnavigating Oslo.

Bergen

What makes it famous?

This metropolitan area on the west coast is home to a relatively small population even if it is the second-largest city in the country. Despite its popularity among tourists and the crowded feeling it gives during peak season, the population is still only about 420,000 people already considering those who live around the wider perimeter of the city. This gives off the small-town vibe to Bergen with its hillside houses, cobbled alleys, and world-famous heritage sites.

What are the popular places to go and things to do there?

Bergen perfectly sits between two of the biggest fjords in the country, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord which probably plays a part in why tourists come there most often. You can hike to the top of Mt. Fløyen or take the Fløibanen funicular up the peak. The highest of the mountains surrounding Bergen is the Ulriken who’s peak is also easily accessible via the Ulriken cable car.

Sticking to the urban areas, the Bryggen is an iconic old wharf listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site with traditional wooden buildings housing today’s museums, shops, and restaurants. Another thing about Bergen, it is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and fresh seafood is its core. Nightlife and concert scene are also popular among Bergen’s citizens and visitors, especially for music lovers. This city raised some of the most successful musicians today such as AURORA, Kygo, Alan Walker, and Boy Pablo.

Stavanger

What makes it famous?

Stavanger has been named European Capital of Culture once before so it definitely has a lot to offer from food, design and architecture, educational institutions, and even nightlife. It is also Europe’s oil and energy capital reflecting the city’s vigorous atmosphere. Old Stavanger is famed for having over 170 of the best-preserved white wooden houses in Europe truly making it a city of bona fide Scandinavian culture and design.

What are the popular places to go and things to do there?

The city is also nestled deep within fjord country. Preikestolen or the Pulpit Rock is a cliff with a near-perfect flat top rising a little more than 600 meters above the Lysefjorden. This view is one of the most famous natural gems in the country and a must-see for tourists passing through the area. Surfing along the sandy beaches is also a viable option to spend time in this wonderfully diverse city.

Trondheim

What makes it famous?

The city situated right in the middle of compact southern Norway is where one of the largest educational institutions in the country, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), was established. The population of roughly 200,000 is intermixed with a number of foreign exchange students and is small yet diverse.

What are the popular places to go and things to do there?

The perfectly curated mix of quaint and urban architecture balancing each other is probably due to the fact that in the Viking era, Trondheim was the capital of the country. This is a very interesting fact to explore as you rummage through history in the numerous scattered museums around the area. You should also consider visiting the Nidaros Cathedral in the middle of the city before you go on about exploring more fjords and forests that are within a short transit ride or walking trail away from the urban area.

Kristiansand

What makes it famous?

Kristiansand is a popular summer destination and its central beach is one of the best in the country. Located far south, the city was also an important military stronghold in history. A view of its traditional wooden buildings gives a rustic vibe contributing to the iconic Scandinavian design known worldwide.

What are the popular places to go and things to do there?

The city has numerous children-friendly attractions like a zoo and theme park. It also has more grown-up attractions too like museums, classic architectural establishments, and a beautiful cathedral. Nature lovers would enjoy Kristiansand with its beautiful coastal beaches and surrounding woodlands.

Tromsø

What makes it famous?

Opposite the previous city on the list, Tromsø is located far north of the country. Its citizens may be under a hundred thousand people but Tromsø is still a fantastic urban destination. Museums and beautiful architecture are found abundantly in Tromsø, but nature is truly what it has to offer. The surrounding mountains, woodland areas, and arctic tundra make it a paradise if you would love to get more in touch with nature's finest.

What are the popular places to go and things to do there?

If your main agenda of heading over to the country is to see the Northern lights, you will probably end up in Tromsø. This enthralling phenomenon is one of Tromsø’s honeypots. The lights are visible on numerous nights from fall through.