https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/norwayNorwayhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/wildlife-safety-issues-in-norwayLearn how to observe wildlife from a safe distance and stay safe in Norway's incredible wilderness, whether you're in Svalbard or Nordland.2019-09-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/wildlife-safety-issues-in-norwayhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Enjoy Norway's incredible scenery safely with these tips.</p> <h2>Wildlife in Norway</h2> <p>Deer can be seen all over Norway, particularly in the country areas and tundra. In deer country there&nbsp;is usually more than one deer around, so if you see one about to cross the road you are driving on, be alert for the second as they are usually not far away, and can do a significant damage to your car if you hit one.</p> <p>Drivers in Western Norway should be alert to red deer jumping onto the highway in late autumn and winter, often without warning. There are special signs at some of the more common crossing points to alert drivers.</p> <p>Moose and Elk are also known for running out onto roads around dusk and dawn and drivers should exercise caution at these times. The elk is at its most active after heavy snowfall, at a full moon and at twilight and dawn. Drivers in Northern Norway are likely to see reindeer that also wander onto the roads and sometimes shelter in mountain tunnels, appearing suddenly. Sheep and goats are also found walking on roads and can be a hazard to traffic.</p> <p>Norway has around 50 wolves which are rarely a problem for visitors. As there are only 50 or so brown bears in Norway visitors are unlikely to see one. Walkers in Northern Norway are likely to be pestered by swarms of blackfly and mosquitoes which emerge from the tundra bogs and lakes during summer. It is advisable to wear long trousers and shirts and avoid exposing the skin. Head nets are essential and if camping it is best to use mosquito netting.</p> <p>Norway has one venomous snake which could be a hazard to walkers. This is the European Adder (<em>hoggorm</em>) which has a distinctive v shaped pattern on its back. The adder can be found all over Norway except the Arctic and its bite is rarely life threatening.</p> <h2>Polar bears&nbsp;on Svalbard</h2> <p>Svalbard is located halfway between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean.&nbsp;This Arctic fairyland of&nbsp;<a href="https://en.visitsvalbard.com/visitor-information/rules-of-svalbard-and-safety" target="_blank" title="Svalbard Guidelines">Svalbard</a> is made up of glaciers, mountains, icy fjords, snow and polar bears.</p> <p>Around 2,500 locals&nbsp;share the islands with roughly 3,000 polar bears. As cute and fluffy they may appear, they&nbsp;can pose a risk to humans. Polar bears can move at an incredible speed and are not to be underestimated. They cannot be outrun by humans and are far more unpredictable than the European brown bear.</p> <p>With climate change threatening polar bear habitat, including shrinking pack ice and the number of tourists visiting Svalbard annually increasing, interactions between bears and humans is inevitable. It is vital to take precautions when visiting this part of Norway.</p> <p>In Svalbard, making contact with polar bears is strictly forbidden as it can jeopardise the safety of both humans and the bears themselves. Bears should not be approached and should also not be chased on snowmobiles or other vehicles as they will overheat quickly.&nbsp;Anyone traveling outside the main town area of&nbsp;Longyearbyen has to know how to use or travel with someone who knows how to use a gun and carry one in case there is an encounter with a polar bear. Longyearbyen is the only safe place to walk freely without the need for a gun, however on the odd occasion, bears have been seen in town. Authorities have coordinated measures in place to sedate and relocate a bear in another part of the island should it wander into town.</p> <p>If visitors are camping they need to carry flares and use trip wires around the perimeter of their camp. Any food and waste must be at least 320ft (100m) away from a tent, and stored in a way that it can be seen from the tent flap. In 2015, a camper from the Czech Republic was attacked in their tent by a polar bear, fortunately only sustaining minor injuries.</p> <p>Svalbard is 60% glacier, and therefore any visitors must report where they are going to the Local Governor.</p> <h2>What are the seasons in Norway?</h2> <p>Winter runs from December to February, late winter/spring is March to May, their version of summer is June to August, and fall falls during September to November.</p> <h2>Wilderness safety tips for Norway</h2> <p>Venturing into the Norwegian mountains and wilderness requires preparation, no matter what time of the year you are visiting Norway. The conditions are harsh and the weather can suddenly change.</p> <p>When driving across the mountains it is very important to have a full tank of fuel, warm clothing, snow chains and food. Even on a hot day the weather can change and it is essential to have waterproof clothing and warm layers. Always inform someone where you are going and your route.</p> <p>Listening to weather warnings is essential in Norway. Local hotels can advise on weather conditions and it is possible to rent equipment in Norway. Visitors should be aware that in Norway there is an expectation that a person can manage on their own in the wilderness and therefore you will need to prepare wisely.</p> <p>Public shelters are crucial for safety if there's a sudden blizzard. Research what facilities mark the trails you are hiking prior to departure.</p> <h2>Hypothermia and frostbite risk in Norway's wilderness</h2> <p>Hypothermia and exposure are big killers in the Norwegian wilderness, which is why it is vital to take time preparing for any eventuality. Make sure you can recognise the early signs of hypothermia which are loss of judgment, shivering and clumsiness. It's important to get warm at the first sign of hypothermia otherwise the condition progresses to confusion, apathy and coma which leads to death. You can prevent further heat loss by sheltering somewhere and staying dry, drinking hot sweet fluids and getting into some dry clothing. Sharing body warmth is an excellent way of preventing hypothermia and wearing a hat as a substantive amount of body heat can be lost form the head.</p> <p>Frostbite is another hazard of travelling in Norway's wilderness regions and starts as a white numb area of skin or a frost nip. If the skin is not warmed it will develop blisters and turn black. It is very important to ensure you have a high calorie intake and wear warm clothing to prevent frostbite. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/frostbite-snow-safety" target="_blank" title="Frostbite safety tips">Read these tips on how to treat and avoid frostbite</a>.&nbsp;</p>Getty Images/Jekaterina Nikitina 1860699890 Getty Images Wildlife and scenery on the Mount Ulriken hike, close to Bergen, Norwayhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/is-norway-safe-scams-and-safety-tipsNorway is a very safe place for travelers, but here are a few tips to keep you safe while exploring the wilderness and streets of Norway's cities.2021-04-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/is-norway-safe-scams-and-safety-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Overall, Norway is a&nbsp;very safe country, with very low levels of crime, and the vast majority of visitors to Norway have a problem-free stay. Like in most countries, the usual common-sense measures to protect yourself from crime in and around transport hubs, tourist attractions and when out at night. Theft of credit cards, passports and other valuables can occur in Norway, and&nbsp;is most probably fuelled by drug-related criminal activity. Most crimes reported to police are theft-related, mostly centered around transport services and the inner city areas, so be aware of your surroundings and belongings when in these areas.</p> <h2>Crime in Norway</h2> <p>Gun crime is increasing in Norway, but relatively rare. This is particularly problematic in Eastern Oslo and run-down areas where gang and drug-related crime is prevalent. Rape is another problem in Eastern Oslo, and women should avoid walking through these areas alone and particularly at night. The US Department of State reports that sexual assault crime increased in 2016, mostly large assault cases with many victims.</p> <p>Visitors should avoid buying bootleg goods in Norway, as there are strict restrictions on counterfeit and pirated material. If you buy something you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law in Norway very quickly.</p> <h2>Extreme weather</h2> <p>Norway can experience extreme weather such as strong winds, snowstorms, avalanches and occasional earthquakes, which may cause floods, tsunamis or landslides. Always listen to local advice in an emergency. Note that certain attractions or hiking routes may be closed at certain times of the year due to extreme weather. It's a good idea to travel with a range of clothing for all weather variants as the weather can change quickly, even in summer.</p> <h2>Road safety</h2> <p>Pedestrians and cyclists on Norwegian roads are respected and will expect you to slow down and stop for them. Norwegians drive on the right. Despite its apparent size, Norway is a long country that would take around 40 hours to drive from end to end. Distances can be deceptive and Norway has many long and winding roads which may be dangerous or even impassable during the winter months. Always use snow chains when driving in snow, or winter tires fitted on all wheels with a tread depth of 3mm. Find out more at the<a href="https://www.vegvesen.no/en/">&nbsp;State Highways website</a>.<br /><br />Seat belts are mandatory, drive with headlights on, don't speed and be aware that when driving on roads that do not have a yellow diamond priority sign, you must give way to the right.<br /><br />Rules around drink-driving are very strict and there are regular roadside checks. penalties are severe and can include imprisonment.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Adventure and Arctic travel in Norway</h2> <p>The terrain of Norway lends itself to lots of adventure activities including hiking, skiing and glacier walking.&nbsp; Only partake in any of these and other adventure activities if you are fit and well and have the proper training or guides. the archipelago of Svalbard&nbsp;(in the Barents Sea off the coast of Norway near Greenland)&nbsp;is home to polar bears that have injured and killed travelers. Avalanches and glacier accidents can also occur here.<br /><br />The most northern area of Norway sits in the Arctic Circle. This is a vast, remote area some distance from help should you become unwell or injured. Always check weather and travel factors and make sure you have safety precautions in hand before visiting.</p>Getty Images/Tatsiana Volskaya 11012060596 Getty Images Reine, Moskenes, Lofoten Islands, Norwayhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/road-safety-issues-in-norwayPlanning a road trip around Norway? Find out about harsh road conditions and how to stay safe while driving this scenic country.2019-12-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/road-safety-issues-in-norwayhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Norway has the highest speeding fines in Europe and some of the lowest national speed limits. But, that shouldn't make you shy away from an incredible road trip. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the roads.</p> <h2>Planning your driving trip in Norway</h2> <p>Driving conditions in Norway can be harsh and it is very important to prepare well for a journey. Make sure you keep warm clothes, food, and water in the car and have a full tank of fuel at all times. Winter tyres are compulsory in Norway from November to April and it is advisable to gain some skills driving in snowy and icy conditions before planning a drive on Norway's roads.</p> <p>In winter, all cars must carry snow chains. This is checked by the police who can stop a driver from proceeding if they do not have the correct equipment. Whilst major routes are generally kept clear in Norway it is important not to develop a false sense of security as drifts can easily build up. Drivers must also carry a visibility jacket and a red triangle in case of an accident. A first aid kit, fire extinguisher and spare bulbs are also highly recommended.</p> <h2>Driving in Norway</h2> <ul> <li>In Norway the priority is on the right. Drivers on a road that is not a priority (marked with a yellow diamond) must give priority to traffic from the right</li> <li>Speeds in Norway are a lot slower than in many other countries and levels are strictly enforced by the use of radar traps.&nbsp;The police can and will impose hefty on the spot fines</li> <li>Drivers must drive with dipped headlights at all times in Norway. Driving whilst using a hand held mobile phone is illegal. All passengers and the drivers of vehicles in Norway must wear seatbelts</li> <li>Drink driving is prohibited and legal levels of alcohol are a lot lower than many other countries, at 0.02. Roadside checks for alcohol occur frequently and penalties are severe</li> <li>If driving on mountainous roads traffic coming downhill has the priority over the uphill road users who should reverse into a space to allow vehicles to pass</li> <li>Drivers should be vigilant for potholes which can appear when ice has thawed creating hazards in the road</li> <li>Drivers should also use a low gear when coming downhill to avoid the brakes overheating. Sometimes there are few danger signs or fences in areas of wilderness and drivers are expected to be mindful of these hazards</li> <li>In Norway drivers should be vigilant around the entrances and exits to tunnels as animals such as reindeer and sheep are attracted to the warmth in cold weather and have a nasty habit of emerging in front of a car when least expected</li> <li>There are many vehicle ferries across Norway which traverse the vast fjords. Bad weather can affect their schedule&nbsp;so it's important to factor that in should you be road tripping around the country.</li> </ul> <p>Many people visit Norway to experience the wilderness &ndash; be prepared and take caution to make sure you have a safe trip.</p> <h3>Have you done a road trip in Norway? Share your safety tips below!</h3>Getty Images/Marco Bottigelli 11176591476 Getty Images Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road, Norwayhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/drinking-and-drug-safety-issues-in-norwayNorway has one of the highest heroin addiction and overdose rates in Europe. But, how does this affect travelers, if at all?2015-06-16T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/norway/drinking-and-drug-safety-issues-in-norwayhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>As a result of alcohol and drug abuse in Norway, the majority of crime occurs&nbsp;at night&nbsp;in city centers. Petty theft and violence is rare, but keep your wits about you at night time no matter where you are to avoid trouble. However, as the police are determined to&nbsp;control&nbsp;the violence and criminal behavior of drug users, the real threats are to those who are buying or selling drugs themselves. Which means, most sensible travelers should feel safe in Norway's major cities.</p> <p>Here's what you need to know about issues with drugs and alcohol in Norway.</p> <h2>Drug problems in Norway</h2> <p>Oslo earned itself the title of "Drug Death Capital of Europe", in 2002 which reflects the problems authorities have in dealing with drugs problems, particularly in Eastern Oslo. Narcotic drugs are still illegal in Norway although there have been discussions with the authorities to decriminalise the issue. Importing drugs into Norway has severe penalties and visitors are strongly advised against doing so.</p> <p>The Norwegian drug scene is also the root cause of crime in the country, as addicts look for ways of funding their habit. One of the main reasons deaths are higher in Norway than other parts of Europe is that more people inject heroin rather than smoke it. Drugs users then mix this with Rohypnol and alcohol. It is believed that the hardcore drinking seen in Norway is to blame for this combination of substances. The police have surveillance in place at Oslo Central Station and Plaza, where drug dealing is common and there are needle exchange schemes in Norway.</p> <p>There are around 5,500 people living with AIDS in Norway, which is lower than other parts of Europe, and visitors should exercise caution when dealing with bodily fluids and be vigilant for poorly disposed needles.</p> <p>Rape has been on the increase in part of Oslo, particularly the Grunerlokka area of the city. Rohypnol used by drug addicts is also a&nbsp;<a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/drink-spiking" target="_blank" title="Drink Spiking: How to Avoid it">substance used in date rape</a>, and visitors should never leave drinks unattended in a bar or night club, and always be very&nbsp;cautious of drinks bought&nbsp;by strangers (best to politely say no).</p> <h2>Issues with&nbsp;alcohol in Norway</h2> <p>Norway has a number of problems with alcohol due to its reputation for hard core drinking, and has introduced legislation to try and address these issues. Visitors should be aware that drinking in a public place is illegal in Norway, and even drinking on your own balcony where you can be seen by others is technically against the law. Urinating in public is also illegal and if caught offenders will get an on the spot fine for up to 10,000 kroner. Making a nuisance of&nbsp;yourself&nbsp;while&nbsp;drunk is likely to end with a night in jail.</p> <p>Drink driving is taken very seriously and the legal levels are well below the rest of Europe at 0.02%, with severe penalties. Drivers should not drink any alcohol at all. Drinking and falling over in winter can lead to the onset of hypothermia very quickly, and this in a cold climate can be fatal. So stay safe while partying in Norway, and always have a safe option to get you back home to your accommodation after a night out.</p>Håkon von Hirsch on Unsplash 0lDaRwd8H7lI Unsplash A full moon rising above Oslo, Norway