– No, we are not from the USA! We are from Canada.
Jocelynn beams as she takes a moment to glance at her daughter Kensey and her friend Paige, who have traveled from afar.
Kensey, a resident of Oslo, is hosting her mother and best friend for a brief visit.
The trio has just strolled along the stunning Opera House and the picturesque Oslofjord.
– We’re fond of harbors and boats, as Canada has many. Norway feels similar, yet more modern, Jocelynn observes.
TOURISTS: Jocelynn and Paige (left and center) visit Kensey, an Oslo local.
Photo: Bård Nafstad / NRK
She expresses no surprise at the rising tide of tourists to Norway.
– The locals are incredibly friendly, and the food is delightful. We are captivated by the unique cultures and traditions, particularly those surrounding Norway Day.
Jocelynn notes how content Canadians typically are in their homeland.
– Given the current climate in some neighboring countries, it’s especially true. But Norwegians display an admirable love for their culture and traditions. It’s truly charming.
On the Road to a New Record
The influx of tourists is not limited to Canadians enjoying the sights at the Opera.
Last year marked a record for Norwegian tourism, and this year appears poised to surpass it, with Oslo projected for the most significant increase:
– In the first quarter, we reported nearly a 20% growth compared to 2024. Hotels, restaurants, and other establishments are already seeing bookings exceed last year’s numbers,
reports Christian Lunde, managing director of Visit Oslo.
– Much would need to change for us not to set a new record for Oslo in 2025.
HAPPY: Christian Lunde, managing director of Visit Oslo, is optimistic about the record number of tourists expected this summer.
Photo: Bård Nafstad / NRK
According to Lunde, Oslo has emerged as a cultural gem in Europe.
– It’s a bit of an undiscovered treasure. The pleasant summer climate also plays a crucial role, he notes.
– Furthermore, the current strength of the Norwegian krone provides tourists with exceptional value for money.
Innovasjon Norge shares a similarly optimistic outlook for the summer of 2025.
Aase Marthe J. Horrigmo, Director of Tourism, states:
– Norway has experienced steady monthly growth in foreign commercial overnight stays since April 2023.
– There’s nothing indicating a reversal of this trend as we approach the summer peak season.
OPTIMISTIC: Aase Marthe J. Horrigmo, director of tourism at Innovasjon Norge.
Photo: Siri-Ann Roska / Innovasjon Norge
For over a century, Norway’s breathtaking nature has been the primary draw for tourists.
Six out of ten foreign visitors embark on summer round trips throughout Norway, with Northern and Western regions being particularly sought after.
However, an increasing number of tourists are also eager to engage with Norway’s art, culture, and history, according to Horrigmo.
– Overnight stay statistics indicate that the largest cities, particularly Oslo, are thriving and consistently growing month after month.
Engaging Visitors from Around the World
The lobby of The Hub, a bustling hotel in Oslo, teems with tourists.
Håvard Uglem Hovdahl, the hotel’s loyalty manager, smiles broadly, noting that bookings for this summer have dramatically surpassed last year’s figures.
Oslo is experiencing a remarkable 13% growth:
– Our figures indicate even more significant growth, suggesting our hotels will be at capacity this summer.
AT THE TOP: Håvard Uglem Hovdahl of Strawberry predicts full hotels in Oslo this summer.
Photo: Bård Nafstad / NRK
He attributes the influx partly to the weak krone, making Oslo more appealing to visitors, and believes Norway as a travel destination has grown more attractive overall.
– We’re witnessing heightened enthusiasm from tour operators and a good number of familiar faces returning from countries like Germany and France.
– From the USA, we’re also seeing growth, along with a remarkable 90% increase in tourists from China compared to last year.
As always, Sweden and Denmark contribute significantly to Norway’s tourist numbers, with even more visitors making their way here.
– Norway offers something unique that others lack, from its breathtaking fjords to majestic mountains.
Hello!
Do you have any thoughts about the case you just read?
Tips or input about news, trends, or stories from Greater Oslo that I should write about?
Feel free to send me an email!
All information is treated confidentially.
Published
Updated
