While a visit to Norway typically conjures up images of flawless untouched nature, there’s plenty of excitement to be found behind their quaint shop windows too. Shopping in Norway is an experience in itself – escape the snowy streets and be welcomed into the arms of a cosy boutique filled with trinkets and irresistible foods. Stylish Scandinavian clothes beg for a place in your suitcase, but with so much to see and so little spare room, we’ve compiled a list of what to look out for when going on a Norwegian shopping spree.
Opening Hours
The opening hours in Norway’s shops aren’t wildly different to what you’re used to at home, with most shops open between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Supermarkets are usually open from 7am or 8am and close a little later, at around 9pm or 10pm. Sundays see the biggest difference, with most shops being closed all day aside from convenience shops like Narvesen and 7/11. Schedules can vary, so it’s always good to check ahead of time to save the disappointment of seeing the dreaded ‘closed’ sign.
Currency and Costs
The Norwegian krone is the currency used in Norway, however most places will take credit, debit or contactless as forms of payment if you’re not big on carrying cash. Getting to know the price of daily items will help you gauge the cost of daily spending when shopping in Norway:
Bottle of water: 28 NOK (2.15 GBP)
Coffee: 45 NOK (3.45 GBP)
Soft drink: 32.50 NOK (2.50 GBP)
Included in the price of many regular goods is a 25% sales tax and 15% on food, which is included in the price. However, the good news is that there’s tax refunds for tourists of around 12-19% that can be popped back into your pocket when leaving the country. Refund desks can be found dotted around airports, ferries and cruise ships. All you need is your receipt, passport and whatever you purchased (provided you haven’t already eaten it).
What to Look For
Authentic Knitwear
Norwegians know what it takes to stay warm in the bitter cold, and they know how to do it with dashing style. When shopping in Norway it’s almost a rite of passage to snatch up an authentic wooly jumper and bring home a slice of Scandi-style. Dale of Norway produces high-quality, 100% pure wool knitwear, and have been working gorgeous patterns (inspired by the country’s history and nature) into their clothing since 1879. You’ll find the village of Dale nestled into fjords on the west coast, but Oslo is also home to one of their shops.
Liquorice Chocolate
Liquorice (known locally as lakris) is a bit like marmite – you either love it or hate it. However, in Norway, locals can’t seem to get enough of it. You won’t get far without seeing an abundance of the little black sweets packed onto shelves, with flavours to suit every palate whether you’re craving salty, sweet or spicy. When combined with chocolate, it’s considered a delicacy and the smooth milky sweetness mixed with an unusual salty tang makes for an interesting snack. It’s a no-brainer to bring home, and we’re sure you won’t want to miss the look on your friends faces as they taste a piece of Norway for the first time.
Norwegian Brown Cheese
Eaten daily as part of breakfast, lunch or just a snack, Norwegian brown cheese isn’t really a cheese at all. Known as brunost, its produced by boiling down milk, cream and whey into a caramelised golden-brown concoction, which cools and hardens to form a block of tangy sweetness. You’d be wrong to not pluck this off the shelves when shopping in Norway. Pair with bread, jam, waffles or crispbread for a truly tasty Norwegian treat.
Rosemaling
Rosemaling, a form of traditional Norwegian decorative folk art, is a popular way to inject some Scandinavian flair into your home. The style dates back to the mid-18th century and features intricate floral designs that are painted onto ceramics or carved into wooden objects. This colourful tradition has recently surged in popularity, and a gorgeous array of cups, bowls and vases can be found across Norway.
