Drinking and Drugs in Norway: What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

Is Norway strict with alcohol? ›

Norway has strict alcohol laws and regulations in place. Alcohol can only be sold in specific stores called Vinmonopolet. Norwegian drinking culture emphasizes responsible and moderate consumption. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold during specific hours and days.

If you're a foreigner that probably won't be you, as Norwegians have great stamina in the arena of marathon drinking. In Norway drinking tends to start at a pretty young age and is a large part of college life. Generally, this is accepted by society and in some cases even encouraged.

Alcohol. To buy wine or beer in Norway, the minimum age is 18, 20 for spirits. Beer can be found in most supermarkets, but is only sold before 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm on Saturdays. For wine, spirits or strong beer, you must visit Vinmonopolet, the state alcohol monopoly shops, found in most large cities and towns.

Last year, the Norwegian customs service made 1,847 drug seizures – more than in the previous 10 years combined – including record quantities of cocaine. The amount of cocaine in Oslo is “alarming and increasing”, said Tanderø Schaug, urging the Norwegian government to act.

Private import of e-cigarettes for personal medical use is allowed from the EU/EEA area. See the requirements for such import in the regulation on the manufacture and import of medicines § 3-2 (in Norwegian). The product must be legally acquired and for personal use only.

In 2004, Norway became one of the first countries to introduce a national smoking ban. Smoking and vaping are banned in all bars, restaurants, government buildings, and offices, although there is an exemption for some private clubs if no food is served. There is no ban on smoking in vehicles or outdoors.

Aquavit is spelled “akevitt” in Norwegian and is the country's most popular spirit.

Aquavit is flavored liquor that has been produced in Scandinavia since the 15th century. This is Norway's national drink (Linie Aquavit) and is typically sipped straight with Christmas dinner. Strongly linked with the Scandinavian drinking culture its name is derived from aqua vitae which is Latin for “water of life”.

Raise your glass. Say “skål!” (pronounced “skoal”) with gusto. The word “skål” itself has origins made misty over time. Some claim that the term has a root in the skulls of the vanquished, from which Viking warriors would drink to celebrate their victory.

When and where should you tip, and how much? For the most part tipping is not common in Norway, with the exception of bars and restaurants where the locals tip when they are happy with the service or food. There is no fixed rule of thumb for how much to tip, but tips tend to stay within 5-15% of the bill.

Why is alcohol in Norway so expensive? ›

The cultural norms surrounding alcohol in Norway are generally moderate, with alcohol often consumed during social events and holidays. However, it's worth noting that Norway alcohol is subject to high taxation, making it relatively expensive, a policy that is also part of the alcohol laws in the country.

Grocery stores sell beer and cider but are not permitted to sell anything above 4.7% alcohol content, and are only allowed to sell alcohol before 8 PM on weekdays and before 6 PM on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and some holidays including Ascension Day (Kristi himmelfartsdag), the eves of Christmas (jul) and New ...

Myles explained that the reasons why Norway moved towards a strict policy on free alcohol sales are rooted in social, religious, and political concerns. – In the 1920s, there was widespread social frustration due to the poor economic conditions of Norway, particularly among the working class, Myles told me.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) has the highest share with 6.35% of total DALYs. IHD has remained as the leading cause of DALYs in both 1990 and 2019, although its prevalence has been decreasing. Back pain has the second largest share of 4.7% of total DALYs, followed by COPD and stroke that both have 3.92% of total DALYs.

Norway, as European country, experiences a high level of drug overdose mortality, although the mortality rates for such deaths remained stable between 2010 and 2021 (Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 2022).

Some countries have very strict laws, such as dry counties in the United States where the sale of alcohol is prohibited, or countries like Saudi Arabia where alcohol is completely illegal.

The Norwegian alcohol prohibition included fortified wine from 1917 to 1923 and liquor from 1917 to 1927. Attempts have been made, both by researchers and activists, to 'rehabilitate' the prohibition. These attempts are self-contradictory, given that the ban on alcohol was lifted.

Texas-made Tito's Handmade Vodka has secured new distribution deals in Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland and Norway. Disaronno International will represent the vodka brand in Belgium and Luxembourg, while Collection Spirits will be responsible for the brand in Denmark, Finland and Norway.

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is 21. Guests who are 18 - 20 years of age can purchase and consume beer or wine when the ship is in international waters (3 miles out of US territorial waters).