Norway will celebrate the calendar turning over from December 31st to January 1st, meaning you can expect disruption and reduced business hours. Here’s what is open and what closes over the New Year.
Shops
New Year’s Eve isn’t a public holiday, meaning plenty of shops will remain open. However, they will only stay open with reduced operating hours. Most stores will likely close around 6pm, so staff can enjoy the evening off.
Norway’s state-owned wine monopoly, the only place to buy alcohol stronger than 4.75 percent, will only stay open until 3pm on New Year’s Eve.
For those who only want to purchase alcohol weaker than 4.75, you will have until 6pm on New Year’s Eve.
On New Year’s Day, all shops, except small convenience stores and supermarkets in rural areas with plenty of tourism, will be closed.
Normal business hours will resume on January 2nd.
Banks
Banks will remain closed on both December 31st and January 1st but will see a return to normal business hours on January 2nd.
This means it may take longer to pay bills and transfer money. For instant money transfers, your best option will likely be the mobile payment app Vipps.
Healthcare and pharmacies
Doctors’ offices will remain closed or, at the very least, have reduced operating hours on December 31st and January 1st. Pharmacies will also be closed on January 1st.
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If you need medical care, you can try the out-of-hours medical service. The number for this service is 116 117.
Every local authority in Norway has its own out-of-hours medical service.
Alternatively, if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should contact the medical emergency number in Norway, 113, and the service will send an ambulance to your location.
Bars, restaurants and coffee shops
You can expect bars, restaurants and coffee shops to remain open on New Year’s Eve. Coffee shops may have reduced hours and be open for hours similar to Sundays.
Many bars and restaurants will be reservation-only on New Year’s Eve, so it is worth checking whether you need a reservation or entry ticket before heading out to your favourite bar, pub or club.
Restaurants, cafes and bars will remain closed on January 1st.
Attractions
Practically every attraction will be closed on January 1st.
Plenty of parks and natural attractions will remain open, meaning that hitting the ski slopes or going on a New Year’s cross-country trip will be possible.