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nished in the classic style and are equipped with their own living area with sofa, CD player and four-poster bed. Most of the bedrooms also boast a unique and distinctive view across the adjacent parkland and the Svendborg Sound. Capital of the archipelago Bjørnemose Estate enjoys a perfect location not far from Svendborg, a charming town described as the "capital of the archipelago" which is characterised by narrow streets and well-preserved old squares and courtyards. Svendborg is also known for its charming harbour front cafes and restaurants that are reminiscent of southern France, as well as its broad choice of sights, activities and attractions.Practical information- Fixed changeover day FRIDAY- Obligatory final cleaning - DKK 5,513,- (EUR 740,-)- Bed linen and bath towels - DKK 78,-.- Deposit - DKK 10,000- Water usage - DKK 40 per m3The following items can also be ordered in advance and paid for upon arrival if required: - Gourmet dinners- All-inclusive event arrangements Please note that Bjørnemose Manor is not suitable for teenage or youth groups.Bjørnemose is a centuries-old country estate located to the west of the town of Svendborg. This property is surrounded by 178 hectares of parkland, countryside and woodland bordering directly onto the Svendborg Sound. By the private beach you will find a tennis court (bring your own rackets) and a private marina. Offshore, the attractive archipelago consists of 32 small islands, all of which can be reached by boat in an hour or less. The house itself is a typical example of romantic architecture in an idyllic rural setting, in which the parkland is gently transformed into woodland, scrubland and beach.This castle-like building was thoroughly modernised between 2002 and 2006, meaning that today it is one of the nation's most exclusive country properties. Full of charm and atmosphere, Bjørnemose aspires to the highest levels of elegance and luxury. Eleven of the bedrooms,
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Travel Tips - Norway
Alcohol
Currency and Credit Cards
Customs and Regulations
Driving in Norway
Electricity
Emergency Phone Numbers
Medical Information
Pets
Public Holidays
Right of Access
Shopping
Smoking Restrictions
Taxis
Timing Your Trip
Tipping
Vaccinations and Health Certificates
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Visa/Passport Rules
What to Wear
Wilderness – Preparations
Alcohol
The age limit for purchasing beer and wine is 18 years and for spirits it is 20 years.
Wine, spirits and strong beer are only sold at Vinmonopolet - special shops that are wholly owned by the state. Such shops are found in the larger cities and towns. Beer can be bought at supermarkets. However, in some small towns/villages they have special outlets for the sale of beer.
Most restaurants are licensed.
Within the limit of NOK 6000 you are allowed to bring with you the following alcholic beverages free of customs and excise duty:
a) 1 litre of beverages with more than 22 % up to and including 60 % alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5 % up to and including 22 % alcohol per volume or 3 litres with more than 2.5 % up to and including 22 % alcohol per volume
and
b) 2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5 % up to and including 4.7 % alcohol per volume.
This means that you may for example bring with you 5 litres of beer provided you do not have with you any other alcoholic beverages.
For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22 % alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.
Currency and Credit Cards
Currency: The Norwegian currency consists of "kroner" (NOK) and "øre". 100 øre make up 1 krone.
When entering Norway you are allowed to bring with you Norwegian and foreign bank notes and coins at a total value of NOK 25,000. If the currency you are carrying exceeds this amount it has to be declared on a form available from the Norwegian Customs and Excise. There is no limit on travellers’ cheques.
Currency exchange: All Norwegian banks and major post offices exchange foreign currency. Currency exchange offices are also located at all major international airports, train stations and ship terminals.
Credit cards: The use of credits cards is widespread in Norway, and they are accepted almost everywhere. Eurocard, MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Diners Club are the most common. It is a good idea to check with your credit card company about the degree of acceptability and available services before you leave home.
Traveller’s checks: Traveller’s checks are accepted, and these should be purchased before arriving in Norway.
Customs and Regulations
Norway is not a member of the European Union (EU). Therefore, imports from EU countries will generally be treated like imports from countries outside the EU. Provided in the following are the most important regulations you need to know about before entering Norway with goods or currencies.
Within the limit of NOK 6,000 you are allowed to bring with you the following articles free of customs and excise duty:
Alcoholic beverages (minimum age 18/20*):
a) 1 litre of beverages with more than 22 % up to and including 60 % alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5 % up to and including 22 % alcohol per volume or 3 litres with more than 2.5 % up to and including 22 % alcohol per volume
and
b) 2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5 % up to and including 4.7 % alcohol per volume.
This means that you may for example bring with you 5 litres of beer provided you do not have with you any other alcoholic beverages.
*For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22 % alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.
Tobacco (minimum age 18): 200 cigarettes or 250 g of other tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper.
Meat, meat products, milk and milk products: Meat, meat products, cheese and foodstuffs except dog and cat food, totalling 10 kg altogether from EEA countries. From countries outside the EEA, it is prohibited to bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products with one in one’s luggage. Such products must be imported through a veterinary border control station, and the goods must be accompanied by a health certificate.
Animals: Special provisions govern the importation of animals. Dogs, cats and ferrets from all EU countries except Sweden must have pet passports, ID marking, valid rabies vaccination, and valid blood-test documentation (does not apply to ferrets). Dogs and cats must also be given approved tapeworm treatment during the week before and the week after importation.
Smalll rodents, cage birds and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
For more information, please visit the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (http://www.mattilsynet.no/english/import_export/pets).
Currency: When entering Norway you are allowed to bring with you Norwegian and foreign bank notes and coins at a total value of NOK 25,000. If the currency you are carrying exceeds this amount it has to be declared on a form available from the customs authorities. There is no limit on travellers’ cheques.
It is prohibited without special permission to import the following:
• Drugs, medicines and poisons (minor quantities of medicine for personal use are permitted)
• Alcohol over 60 % per vol.
• Weapons and ammunition
• Fireworks
• Potatoes
• Mammals, birds and exotic animals
• Plants/parts thereof for cultivation
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Driving in Norway
Dazzling scenery awaits you at nearly every turn if you drive through Norway.
Speed limits: In general the speed limit for cars on Norwegian roads is 80 kph (50 mph).
• Residential areas: Sometimes as low as 30 kph (19 mph). Watch out for speed control bumps, they are not always signposted!
• Built-up areas/town centres: All vehicles 50 kph (31 mph).
• Dual carriageways and motorways: Either 90 kph (56 mph) or 100 kph (62 mph) for cars.
Motor vehicles with a highest permissible gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes and motor vehicles towing caravans/trailers may not exceed 80 kph (50 mph) even if the local speed limit is higher. Motor vehicles towing a caravan/trailer without brakes with a gross weight of over 300 kilos, may not exceed 60 kph (38 mph) even if the local speed limit is higher.
Drinking and driving: Alcohol can have a serious affect on judgment and your ability to drive. The legal limit is 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. There are severe penalties for driving under the influence. Some medications should be avoided if you intend to drive. These are marked with a red triangle.
Headlights: It is obligatory for all vehicles to drive with dipped headlights at all times, even on the brightest summer day. This includes motorcycles and mopeds. Do not forget that right-hand drive cars will require black adhesive triangles, usually supplied by the ferry company you travel with, or clip-on beam deflectors, so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers. Carrying spare headlight bulbs is recommended.
Seat belts: Seat belts are compulsory. All children must be firmly strapped in using approved safety equipment that matches their age, size and weight. Children under 4 years must have their own seat or safety restraint (babies in a cot). Children over 4 years can use normal seat.
Tires: There must be a minimum of 1.6 mm tread on summer tires and a minimum of 3.0 mm on winter tires. Vehicles must not be used unless they have sufficient road grip for the road surface.
During the winter, you must drive with winter tires with or without studs. All-year tires can also be used. Use of studded tires is allowed from 1 November - 15 April. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark studded tires are allowed during the period 15 October - 1 May. Studded tires may also be used outside these periods if the weather and road surface conditions make it necessary.
If studded tires are fitted to a car weighing under 3.5 tonnes, they must be fitted to all four wheels. Vehicles with a permitted total weight of 3.5 tonnes or more, must carry snow chains if ice or snow is expected on the road. These snow chains must fit the vehicle's wheels.
Snow chains can be bought at reasonable prices. Studded tires can be rented. In Trondheim and Oslo you will have to pay a fee of approximately NOK 30 if you drive with studded tires in the city centre. This restriction has been introduced to limit the pollution produced by studded tires.
Visibility vests: It is compulsory to have at least one visibility vest in your car.
Mobile Phones: It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
Insurance: Third party insurance is compulsory and green cards are highly recommended. Without it, visitors with motor insurance in their own countries are allowed the minimum legal cover. The Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the visitor's own policy.
Useful links:
• Toll roads (www.vegvesen.no)
• Route planner
(visveg.vegvesen.no)
Electricity
220 volts AC (50 Hz) is the Norwegian standard.
If you are traveling with electrical or electronic devices be sure to bring a two-pin continental adapter with you. And if your voltage at home is 110 volts, also bring a transformer. For further information click here!
Emergency Phone Numbers
In the event of an emergency, please call:
• 110 - Fire
• 112 - Police
• 113 – Ambulance
Medical Information
If you are registered in the National Registry (folkeregister) as a resident of a Norwegian municipality you will be assigned a regular GP (fastlege) by your local social security office (trygdekontor). Contact your local social security office (app.norway.no) for more information, or alternatively call 810 59 500. General information on the "Municipal regular general practitioners (GP) scheme" (fastlege) can be found on the Ministry of Health and Care Services’ web site, or on the National Insurance Administration's website (in Norwegian only - www.trygdeetaten.no).
If your stay in Norway is only temporary and you need medical attention, the municipal service office in the area where you are staying (http://app.norway.no/styresmakter/liste.asp?el=66) will advise you on which health clinic to contact. Alternatively, a list of health clinics and doctors in listed in the Norwegian Yellow Pages (www.gulesider.no).
To call an ambulance in an emergency, dial 113.
When you undergo a health check or receive medical treatment, you are obliged to pay a ‘user fee’ (in Norwegian = egenandel). This fee is paid directly to the health institution that has treated you.
Pets
Norway is one of the few European countries where rabies is not found.
Every precaution is being taken to maintain this status. Special provisions govern the importation of animals.
Dogs, cats and ferrets from all EU countries except Sweden must have pet passports, ID marking, valid rabies vaccination, and valid blood-test documentation (does not apply to ferrets). Dogs and cats must also be given approved tapeworm treatment during the week before and the week after importation.
Small rodents, cage birds and rabbits must have valid import permits issued by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
Public Holidays - Norway (2007-2008)
2007 2008
New Year's Day 1 January 1 January
Palm Sunday 1 April 16 March
Maundy Thursday 5 April 20 March
Good Friday 6 April 21 March
Easter Sunday 8 April 23 March
Easter Monday 9 April 24 March
Public holiday 1 May 1 May
Constitution Day 17 May 17 May
Ascension Day 17 May 1 May
Whit Sunday 27 May 11 May
Whit Monday 28 May 12 May
Christmas Day 25 December 25 December
Boxing Day 26 December 26 December
Right of Access
In Norway everyone has the unrestricted right of free access in the countryside - including the national parks.
In principle, there is a public right of way on all uncultivated land on property that is not in the immediate vicinity of the owner's residence. However, care must be shown at all times so that animals and plants are not disturbed or harmed.
The following rules must be observed:
• Tents and caravans may not be pitched less than 150 m from houses and cabins/cottages. You can stay for up to 48 hours (in the high mountains you can stay for as long as you wish). It is not allowed to stay overnight in lay-bys.
• Fires must not be lit in woods or open ground between 15 April and 15 September. This includes the use of cooking equipment that uses petroleum (primus stoves etc.). However, fires may be lit on areas of bare rock.
Shopping
Norwegian towns have a good selection of shops, with everything from large shopping centres to small exclusive boutiques. Popular things to buy whilst on holiday include knitted sweaters, gloves and mittens, pewter, silverware, porcelain, hand-painted wooden articles, goat and reindeer skins, furs, glassware, ceramics and speciality food.
Opening hours: In general, shops in Norway are open between 10 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, and from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Food stores are normally open between 9 am and 8/9 pm. Most towns have late shopping on Thursdays when the shops stay open until 7 pm. Opening hours at larger shopping centres are usually from 10 am until 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on Saturdays. Shops are closed on Sundays.
Smoking Restrictions
It is not permitted to smoke in public buildings and other places open to the public.
Offices and other places of work are non-smoking areas. This includes hotels, bars, restaurants and all other establishments where food and beverage are served. Smoking is not permitted on board aircrafts or on other means of public transport.
You must be over 18 years to buy tobacco in Norway.
Within the limit of NOK 6,000 you are allowed to bring with you 200 cigarettes or 250 g of other tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper free of customs and excise duty.
Taxis
There are taxis available in all cities and most towns, and drivers usually speak English.
You can hail a taxi off the street or pick one up at the many taxi stands throughout the city or town - or simply ask the hotel to call a taxi.
All taxis in Norway accept the most common credit cards such as VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard and MasterCard. You should inform the driver at the start of the trip that payment will be done with a credit card.
Timing Your Trip
Norway is one of the few countries in the world that really has four seasons. Whether you go in summer, winter, spring or autumn, there are numerous possibilities.
Activities are not limited to certain times of the year. You can just as well have fun in the sea in the southern part of Norway on a hot summer's day and at the same time time you can also get your skis on in several places in the mountains.
While hiking in the mountains in summer is a unique experience, it only becomes truly spectacular when nature brings out her sparkling colors and the air is clearer and fresher in the autumn than at any other time of the year.
The transition between winter and summer can provide surprising combinations of activities, for example a combined skiing and canoeing trip. And when the cold begins to loose its bite, the outdoor cafes, parks and beaches become busy once again.
Tipping
In Norway, tipping should be viewed as a voluntary gesture rather than expected economic compensation for services. That said, many Norwegians leave the small change (up to nearest 5 or 10 kroner) when being served drinks. For larger bills in a restaurant, rounding up and plussing a bit is often done. Around 10 percent would be a nice gesture. It really depends on your mood and the bill. You can leave the tip on the table, give it to the waiter when he collects the bill, or put it on the credit card bill.
For taxis, it is nice to round up and maybe add 5 or 10 kroner, but it depends on the service.
Norwegians generally do not tip hotel maids, but it is a nice gesture if someone feels like doing it. Most Norwegians carry their own bags, so porters are only found at the top hotels or are hired in for American and Japanese groups that require bags delivered to the rooms. At most hotels employees would consider it to be natural to assist someone who is unable to carry bags without extra compensation (however if guests are able to carry their own bags they should carry them).
Haircuts, some add 10 or 20 kroner some don't tip at all. No sour looks if you don't tip.
For WCs, nothing is expected, some tip to be nice.
Vaccinations and Health Certificates
At present, no vaccinations, health certificates or the like are required when entering Norway from another country for business or for pleasure.
Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT in Norway (called MOMS in Norwegian) is 25 per cent. It is always included in your hotel and restaurant bills, as well as in any other bill for services rendered, admission charges and in purchase prices.
Tax-free shopping: If you are a citizen from a country outside Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland you can claim a VAT refund on your purchase. There are approximately 3,000 Norwegian shops that offer this service. Look for the tax-free shopping sign whenever you shop for NOK 310 or more.
Visa/Passport Rules
On arrival in Norway, you must show a valid passport or other official document that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality. Norway takes part in the Schengen* co-operation and hence nationals from countries within the Schengen area do not have to show their passport when entering Norway. However you must show an official document that satisfactorily establishes your identity. We therefore recommended that you bring your passport after all.
For all other nationals a valid passport is necessary. For some nationals a visa is required as well. General rule: A visitor's visa may be issued for tourist travel, family visits, official assignment, business travel, study or for other reasons. A visitor's visa is valid for a maximum of three months.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to Norway. Any U.S. citizen who wishes to travel to Norway for any purpose other than tourism or business negotiations (e.g. work, study, adoption, immigration, or stays longer than stipulated in the entry requirements) should contact directly, the embassy or nearest consulate.
* The Schengen Countries: The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe. The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members.
What to Wear
Whatever the season, the Norwegian weather is liable to change from day to day. So it is a good idea to bring a selection of items.
Your luggage should include some light clothes, items you can layer (that way you can add or remove layers depending on temperature), at least one warm jumper, waterproof coat and/or umbrella and comfortable walking shoes/boots/trainers.
If you go during the winter, you will need an overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes/boots.
In autumn and spring, you may want to bring waterproof trousers and boots.
For the summer, lighten up, but remember that even summer evenings and nights can be chilly, particularly in the mountains.
Temperature: Most people living outside of Norway have a misconception about the Norwegian weather. Thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a very mild climate compared to other countries at a similar latitude. As a matter of fact, temperatures in July and August sometimes reach as high as 25°C - 30°C. At the same time there is hardly any humidity in the air. Quite pleasant, in other words.
The following table shows the average daytime temperatures in degrees Celsius for some of the major Norwegian cities.
Oslo Bergen Trondheim Bodø Tromsø
January -2.3 2.7 -1.6 -1.3 -3.8
February -1.3 3 -0.7 -0.9 -3.1
March 2.4 4.9 2.1 -1 -1
April 7.3 8 5.1 3.8 1.7
May 14 12.9 10.5 8.5 6.1
June 17.6 15.1 13.2 11.8 11
July 19.9 16.6 15.3 14.1 13.7
August 18.7 16.3 14.9 13.8 12.5
September 13.7 13.3 11.3 10.7 8.4
October 8.1 9.8 6.7 6 3.3
November 2.3 5.8 1.8 1.7 -1
December -1.4 3.3 -1.1 -0.5 -3
Source: Meteorologisk institutt
Precipitation: There are large regional variations in annual precipitation in Norway. The largest amounts of precipitation are found some miles from the coast of Western Norway. In these areas most of the precipitation is received during autumn and winter.
Showery precipitation occurs most frequently in the inner districts of Østlandet and Finnmark. Here summer is the wettest part of the year, and winter and spring the driest.
The table below shows the average monthly precipitation in milimetres for the major Norwegian cities.
Oslo Bergen Trondheim Bodø Tromsø
January 49 190 63 86 95
February 36 152 52 64 87
March 47 170 54 68 72
April 41 114 49 52 64
May 53 106 53 46 48
June 65 132 68 54 59
July 81 148 84 92 77
August 89 190 87 88 82
September 90 283 113 123 102
October 84 271 104 147 131
November 73 259 71 100 108
December 55 235 84 100 106
Source: Meteorologisk institutt
Wilderness – Preparations
Changing weather makes it important to take precautions and bring the right gear.
Norway and Svalbard (Spitsbergen) consist of large areas of unspoilt nature and vast tracts of wilderness. These are unique natural habitats that we want to protect without human encroachment, be it in the form of fencing or official signs.
Norway is also a long, drawn out country where weather conditions along the coast or in the mountains can change at the drop of a hat. It is therefore important that you as a tourist are aware of the forces of nature and that you take with you the necessary gear for surviving in the countryside.
Our objective is to reduce the number of accidents and therefore urge you to heed the advice of the locals and respect warning signs. Use proper equipment when climbing in the mountains, engage qualified guides when visiting glaciers or Svalbard, keep to marked trails and always carry an up-to-date map in the mountains. Never set out in a boat without consulting with the boat owner or someone who knows the area and local weather traits.
Source: Norwegian Tourist Bureau and Government Sources
Wikipedia.com
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