If you're about to take a business trip to Norway for the first time, there's a few things you should know about working culture and travel opportunities. Here’s our guide for business travellers planning a visit to Norway.
Norway is home to many international companies, especially in the fields of oil and gas, energy, shipping, aquaculture, and technology.
That means a steady flow of international professionals arrive in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim every week for meetings, conferences, and short-term assignments.
If that’s you, velkommen! A business trip to Norway is often a little different from what you might expect. Norwegian workplace culture is shaped by egalitarian values and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
Meetings can be surprisingly informal, and offices are often quiet long before the sun goes down. For some visitors, it’s refreshing; for others, it’s a shock.
This guide is designed to prepare you for your first business trip to Norway. We’ll cover what to expect in the workplace, how to navigate business etiquette, practical travel advice, seasonal factors to keep in mind, and how best to spend your downtime.
That's because, chances are you’ll want to stay a little longer once your meetings are over.
Business Culture in Norway
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about Norwegian business culture is the national attitude toward work. Norwegians work to live, not the other way around. This perspective influences everything from working hours to how meetings are scheduled.
The standard working week is 37.5 hours, and it rarely exceeds 40. Most people are out of the office by 4pm, and many will leave even earlier on Fridays to get a head start on the weekend.
If you’re coming from North America or Asia, where long hours are often a badge of honour, this can be disorienting. But don’t mistake it for laziness. Norwegians simply prioritise efficiency and balance.
Family and Free Time Come First
Family commitments are non-negotiable. A senior executive may excuse themselves from a meeting at 3:30pm to pick up their children, and no one will bat an eye. Weekends are often spent in mountain cabins or by the coast, disconnected from work entirely.
Holidays are generous too. Almost all employees are entitled to five weeks’ paid vacation, and it’s common for offices to be nearly deserted in July when Norwegians take long summer breaks.
Tip: Avoid scheduling important meetings late on a Friday, during school holidays, or throughout July. If you must hold a summer meeting, early June or late August is more realistic.
Flat Hierarchies and Consensus
Norwegian companies are famously flat in structure. Titles matter less than they do in many other countries, and decisions are often made collectively rather than imposed from the top. You’ll notice that colleagues of all levels are encouraged to share their opinions.
This can slow down decision-making, but it reflects a deep cultural value: equality. Even if you’re dealing with senior leadership, expect to address them by their first names, and don’t be surprised if their office looks no different from their team’s.
Business Etiquette and Meetings
If there’s one rule you must remember, it’s this: be on time. Arriving late to a meeting is considered disrespectful, and even a five-minute delay will often require an apology.
Dress Code: Smart but Practical
Business attire in Norway leans toward smart casual. A suit and tie are rarely required outside of formal banking or government circles.
In winter, practicality wins: expect to see people in wool jumpers, sturdy boots, and sometimes even slippers inside the office. Many workplaces have a separate area where you leave your outdoor shoes.
Communication Style
Norwegians are direct. They say what they mean, and they expect you to do the same. Overly polished sales pitches, exaggerated claims, or “hard sell” tactics rarely go down well. Honesty and humility are valued. Silence in meetings isn’t awkward — it’s space to think.
Meals and Coffee Culture
Business lunches are functional affairs, often consisting of open-faced sandwiches, salad, or soup. Alcohol is almost never involved in workday meals. If there is a dinner attached to a conference or event, wine and beer may be served, but moderation is the norm.
Coffee, however, is omnipresent. Norwegians consume more coffee per capita than many other countries. Expect to be offered black filter coffee repeatedly throughout the day, so pace yourself. It’s strong!
Gifts and Formalities
Gift-giving is not part of Norwegian business culture. At most, you might exchange a small token at Christmas or after a successful project, but it’s never expected.
Handshakes are the standard greeting, though many workplaces have become relaxed about this post-pandemic.
Practical Travel Logistics
Most international visitors will arrive via Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), located about 50 km north of the capital. From there, you can connect easily by domestic flight to Bergen, Stavanger, or Trondheim if your meetings take you beyond Oslo.
Norway is a long, narrow country, and flying is the default for business travellers covering distance. However, certain routes — Oslo to Bergen or Trondheim — are also well served by scenic trains. If you have time, these rail journeys can double as sightseeing.
Transport Within Cities
Public transport is excellent, especially in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. Taxis are available but extremely expensive; use them only if your company budget allows.
Airport express trains and airport buses are efficient and easy to use. In Oslo, both the Flytoget train or local train whisks you downtown in 20-30 minutes.
Connectivity and Payments
Norway is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and airports. Mobile coverage is excellent, even in smaller towns.
It’s also almost a cashless society. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere, and mobile payment apps like Vipps are widely used. Foreign visitors don’t need cash at all.
Accommodation and Costs
Hotels in Norway are modern and functional, but Norway is expensive. Expect high prices for accommodation, dining, and even everyday items. Business travellers usually have expenses covered, but it’s worth being mindful when budgeting.
Seasonal Factors to Consider
Norway’s seasons are dramatic. In summer, daylight lingers late into the evening, giving you long hours to explore after work. In winter, the opposite is true. In Oslo, you’ll have just six hours of daylight in December, and even less in Tromsø.
Weather can also be unpredictable. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket. In winter, sturdy footwear is essential, even if you’re mostly in the city. Don’t assume you can get away with thin dress shoes; icy sidewalks are the norm.
Holiday Closures
Norway has a handful of public holidays tied to religious festivals and national events.
Easter week is particularly quiet, with many offices closed from Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday. May is full of public holidays (Labour Day, Constitution Day, Ascension). And as mentioned, July is effectively “off-season” for office life.
After-Work and ‘Bleisure' Ideas
Norwegian working hours leave plenty of time in the evenings and weekends, so if you’re visiting on business, you’ll have the chance to combine your trip with sightseeing (often called ‘bleisure’ travel) in some of the country’s most fascinating cities and regions.
Oslo
If your trip brings you to the capital, you’ll find plenty to see within easy reach of the city centre.
Stroll around the redeveloped waterfront at Aker Brygge, visit the Royal Palace, or take the metro up to Holmenkollen for ski history and panoramic views. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is another must-see.
A 24-hour Oslo Pass covers entry to many attractions and includes public transport. It can be a good option if you have a full day free, but it's not always good value.
Stavanger
Known as the oil capital of Norway, Stavanger mixes industry with charm. Wander the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, admire the colourful houses of Øvre Holmegate, and hunt for street art. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum offers fascinating insight into the industry that built modern Norway.
If you can stretch your schedule, consider a boat trip through Lysefjord to see Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Bergen
Norway’s second city is rich in culture. The historic Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, while the funicular to Mount Fløyen offers sweeping views of the city and fjords.
The train ride from Oslo to Bergen is one of the world’s great rail journeys. Many travellers break the trip in Flåm to ride the famous Flåm Railway and explore the fjords. Packages like “Norway in a Nutshell” make this easy to arrange.
Trondheim
Often overlooked by business travellers, Trondheim is a growing tech hub with a lively student scene. The medieval Nidaros Cathedral, old wooden warehouses along the river, and the neighbourhood of Bakklandet with its cafes and cycle bridge are worth exploring.
Tromsø and the North
If your trip takes you further north, Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic. In fall or winter, northern lights tours are popular, while summer brings the midnight sun. Lofoten, with its dramatic peaks and fishing villages, is also within reach if you have a few extra days.
Scandinavian Add-Ons
Because many international flights connect via Copenhagen or Stockholm, it’s worth considering a stopover. Both cities are easy to navigate in a day or two, and they provide a broader Scandinavian perspective.
Final Thoughts on Business Trips to Norway
A business trip to Norway is rarely just about business. The work culture may feel relaxed compared to other parts of the world, but Norwegians are efficient and results-driven. Meetings are straightforward, hierarchies are flat, and honesty is valued above all else.
At the same time, you’ll find yourself in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, with endless opportunities to combine work and leisure.
Whether it’s a hike in the Oslo forests, a fjord cruise from Bergen, or a northern lights chase in Tromsø, there’s always something worth adding to your itinerary.
Have you visited Norway on business? What surprised you most about the workplace culture, and what did you enjoy in your free time? Please do share your experiences in the comments below.
