Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Staffed lodges don't normally have cooking facilities for guests, but a self-service section
with cooking facilities is available at some lodges when they are unstaffed. Sleeping sheets
are often sold or included in the price at staffed huts.
For the full range of options and prices at staffed huts, see the DNT website.
PRACTICALITIES
Currency
Norwegian kroner (Nkr)
Weights & Measures
Metric. Watch out for the use ofmil(mile), which is a Norwegian
mile (10km).
Newspapers & Magazines
The most respected Norwegian-language daily is
Aften-
source of news in English, although the print version is not widely available. Major inter-
national newspapers and magazines are available a day after publication in cities.
Smoking
Forbidden in enclosed public spaces, including hotels, restaurants and bars.
TV & Radio
Government-run NRK (one TV and four radio channels) competes with
TV2 and TV Norge networks and satellite broadcasts of TV3. Foreign-language pro-
grams are subtitled. Hotels often have cable TV.
DVD
Norway uses the PAL (Region 2) DVD system.
Guesthouses & Pensions
Many towns have
pensjonat
(pensions) and
gjestehus
(guesthouses) and some, especially
the latter, are family-run and offer a far more intimate option than the hostel or hotel experi-
ence. Prices for a single/double with shared bathroom usually start at Nkr500/750 but can
cost significantly more; linen and/or breakfast will only be included at the higher-priced
places.
Hostels
In Norway, reasonably priced hostels
(vandrerhjem)
offer a dorm bed for the night, plus use
of communal facilities that usually include a self-catering kitchen (you're advised to take
your own cooking and eating utensils), internet access and bathrooms. Some also have
single or double rooms with either shared or private bathroom facilities, but these often rep-
resent poor value.
