Norway
Whenever you plan to hire a car it is important to understand the local driving regulations. Norway is no different; while the use of a hire car will allow you to see some of the most striking scenery in Europe it is important not to get carried away by the outstanding natural beauty and pay attention to motoring laws. In terms of speed limits that you will have to remember when using a hire car in Norway there is a general 50 mph (80kph) on most roads. Residential areas are however different with the limit sometimes being as low as 19 mph (30 kph), other built up areas carry a limit of 30 mph (50 kph) so be sure to recognise the distinction or fines could be coming your way. Also in Norway, speed bumps are used extensively and are not always clearly signposted so unless you want to return your hire car with a faulty suspension keep your eyes peeled. Dual carriageways carry a limit of either 56 or 62 mph, much slower than other European countries.
Like most countries in the developed world, drink driving is heavily frowned upon in Norway. As alcohol can seriously impair judgement of speed and distance this is not surprising and alcohol limits should always be strictly adhered to. Per 100 ml of blood the allowance is 20 mg, if this limit is exceeded the penalties can be extremely severe so before you think about having a drink make sure your hire car is safely under lock and key. Added to this, various medicines are also prohibited if planning to drive, thankfully these are marked with a red triangle for clarity. In Norway all cars must drive with their headlights on day and night, even if it is extremely bright. A hire car in theory should be left hand drive but if driving in a right hand drive car it is a legal requirement to attach a black triangle so other drivers are aware of your situation. Also it is worth asking the car hire company for a set of spare headlight bulbs as carrying these at all times is highly advisable.
Like most of Europe the use of seatbelts in Norway is compulsory. If travelling with children it is worth taking advantage of the car hire company’s child seat services as all children under four must be securely strapped in with a booster seat. Smaller children such as babies must also have appropriate child seating arrangements. There is a large amount of regulation to do with tyres that in all honesty should be met by the car hire company. Norway has a policy on summer and winter tyres with different tread depths for each season. 1.6 mm is the minimum in summer while in winter this increases to 3 mm.
In winter, appropriate tyres must be fitted whether these are with or without studs. Studded tyres are permitted during the months of November and April, while in the colder north, this period is extended from October to May. Studded and chained tyres do however carry a premium when travelling in some city centres due to pollution and road maintenance expenses. Like most of the world the use of a handheld mobile phone while driving in Norway is strictly prohibited although the use of hands free kits is allowed as long as they are completely hands free and do not require any manual operation. Added to this, it is now compulsory to carry at least one high visibility vest in the event of breakdown although once again the car hire company should supply you with all of these legislative demands.
As the capital city of Norway, Oslo enjoys the majority of the tourists to Norway. Oslo is beautifully located in the southeastern portion of Norway on the Oslofjord Bay and lovely green hills and mountains surround the city. Although there are beautiful attractions across the entire country, Oslo offers the best in terms of a complete holiday. In fact, this is one of the only cities in the world where it is often preferable to visit in winter. One of Norway’s most visited attractions is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump that is located at the top of Oslo and is the gateway to the forests that surround the city.
A good reason to visit Oslo in winter is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. This resort rose to prominence on the back of the 1952 Winter Olympics. Situated just outside of Oslo, this is one of the best places to get a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding area. Even if you are not into skiing, you can visit the Ski Museum which will give you a good look into the evolution of the sport over the last 4,000 years. If you are scared of heights, however, the 200 foot jump will either scare you even more or cure you.
If you want to stay near the ski resort then there are plenty of options in terms of holiday apartments and hotels. The public transport system in Oslo is world class so no matter where you stay you should be able to find your way around with relative ease. You could also hire a car, but just be careful in the winter months when the roads become iced over. Just take it slow and take in the views because Norway is a beautiful country.
If snow isn’t your thing then maybe a bit of culture will be more to your liking. The Munch Museum has made art more accessible to those who are not necessarily art enthusiasts. Edvard Munch one of Scandinavia’s best and most loved painters has an exhibition of over 1,000 paintings, almost 5,000 sketches and close on 20,000 prints on show. Add the sculptures and life material and you are left with a museum that will appeal to all your senses. This museum is entertaining enough to take the kids along if that is how you are travelling.
Depending on where you are staying, there is always something to do in Oslo. The summer months are best for outdoor activity however the winter allows you access to the ski slopes and similar areas. No matter what time of year you decide to go you should always take some warmer clothing along. Being so far north the weather can change from warm to cold without much notice.
Accommodations in Oslo are varied, as the city has a generous offering of hotels within the city limits as well as bed and breakfasts, campsites and youth hostels. Be warned however, that Oslo is a very popular city and that its hotels are often fully booked, so booking ahead is highly recommended. A terrific option if you plan to visit Oslo is to rent an apartment.Booking in advance will increase your chances of finding the more charming accommodation as well as allowing you access to better deals.