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What changes about life in Norway in May 2021?

From new speed limits, the introduction of "corona certificates", Covid-19 restrictions being eased, and more, here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Norway during May.

What changes about life in Norway in May 2021?
A boat of the coast of Trømso, northern Norway. Photo by Bit Cloud on Unsplash

Step two of the reopening plan

Health Minister Bent Høie expects Norway to begin the second phase of its four-step plan to reopen society in May.

“If everything goes as we hope, we will take the second step in the second half of May”, he said at a government press conference.

The health minister stressed that for step two to be given the green light, infection numbers would have to remain stable.

Step two would see the number of guests allowed to visit homes double, a relaxation of alcohol rules in hospitality settings and a loosening of entry restrictions.

You can read more about step two here.

Corona certificates

A simplified version of the government’s corona certificate or vaccine passport will be issued in May.

The certificate will show a person’s vaccination status, test results and any immunity to the virus from antibodies.

Despite certificates being issued, the government still hasn’t outlined how they will be used.

“The use of the certificate has not been specified, neither nationally nor with a view in relation to entry into Norway from abroad,” Høie said at a government press conference.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health will assess how the corona certificates can be utilised and will make a recommendation on how the certificates should be implemented to the government.

The final version of the certificate will be ready by the end of June. It will launch alongside the EU’s coronavirus passports.

“From the Norwegian side, we have emphasised that a coordinated European approach to the design of corona certificates can contribute to a safe reopening in Europe,” Høie said.

Tax returns for the self-employed

Self-employed people and business owners will have until the end of May to submit their tax returns for 2020.

The partially pre-filled tax return form has already been issued and is accessed electronically via the Skatteetaten website.

 You can also use this deduction tool to see what you can add to your deductibles.

Potential easing of travel restrictions

Strict restrictions on travel into Norway first introduced in January are currently in place until May 12th.

The restrictions limit entry to a very small group outside of Norwegian residents and citizens.

If the measures are not extended, then entry requirements could be eased in May in line with the country’s plan to alleviate coronavirus restrictions.

READ MORE: When will I be able to travel to and from Norway again 

The second phase of reopening, which could get given the go-ahead in the second half of May, includes potential for partners and family to enter and the resumption of business travel.

The advice to not travel abroad on “unnecessary trips'”such as holidays is likely to remain, as is quarantine hotels for those returning from these trips and mandatory testing at the border for everyone.

New speed limits at sea come into force on May 15th

Boating is a popular activity in Norway and over 30 percent of Norwegians have access to a boat.

Norwegian speed limits on water will change in May, and you will no longer be allowed to go faster than five knots if you are less than 50 meters from people who are swimming or buoys.

The new regulations also require drivers of all types of seafaring vessels to adjust their speed to the conditions at sea.

Boat owners are being encouraged by the Ministry of Transport to download Båtfart, which the Norwegian Coastal Administration developed. The app will notify you of the speed limit wherever you are when at sea.

AstraZeneca decision

Norway will make its final decision on whether it will scrap the use of AstraZeneca on May 10th.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has already recommended that the vaccine be shelved.

An expert committee will weigh up the pros and cons of using the Anglo-Swedish vaccine in Norway’s vaccine program and deliver it.

The committee will also look at Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, which had its rollout in Europe delayed due to concerns over blood clots. Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca’s vaccines are based on the same technology.

AstraZeneca has been on hold in Norway since March 11th due to suspected severe side effects, including blood clots and low platelet counts.

Five patients have been admitted to Oslo University Hospital (OUS) with severe blood clots after taking the vaccine. Three of them have died.

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BERGEN

How much does a city break in Bergen cost in 2024?

If you're considering a city break to Bergen, you might be wondering about the expenses involved. We've prepared a breakdown of the essential costs during a break to the picturesque city.

How much does a city break in Bergen cost in 2024?

Bergen, renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty (nestled amidst seven majestic mountains) and cultural treasures (including the UNESCO-protected Bryggen wharf), promises an unforgettable city break.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

Whether you’re visiting historical landmarks, indulging in the culinary delights of western Norway, or simply immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery, here’s what you can anticipate in terms of prices for your Bergen experience.

Accommodation and food expenses

Hotel prices in Bergen range from 1,200 to 1,500 kroner per night for mid-range options like the Ole Bull Hotel or Scandic Byparken in 2024, while more luxurious hotels – such as Hotel Norge by Scandic or Thon Hotel Orion – may cost around 2,000 kroner or more per night.

Budget-conscious travellers can always find hostels (such as City Hostel Bergen), apartments, or guesthouses for as low as 400 to 600 kroner per night.

Eating out in Bergen can be a delightful experience – though it’s rarely cheap.

You should expect to spend around 1,500 kroner per day on two meals if you dine in mid-range restaurants (such as Enhjørningen or Pingvinen in the centre).

Opting for budget-friendly eateries (Søstrene Hagelin in the city centre is a good example, especially if you want to try some local seafood specialties) may reduce your daily food expenses to around 400 to 600 kroner (if you’re gunning to eat out two times a day).

If you’re really looking to save money on food, one of the best value options in the city centre is the Sabrura sushi chain, which has an all you can eat buffet option for 279 kroner.

Getting around Bergen

Exploring Bergen is easy with its efficient and easily accessible public transportation system.

A single bus or light rail (Bybanen) ticket typically costs around 40 kroner (valid across the bus and light rail network for an hour and a half), and you can save with multi-day passes if you plan to use public transport frequently.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

You can find more information about ticket options and current prices on Skyss’s website.

Taxis have a starting fare of roughly 100 kroner, with additional charges per kilometre/minute, as well as a minimum price, which differs on weekdays and weekends.

Bryggen winter

Bryggen, a UNESCO-protected wharf in Bergen, stands as an iconic testament to the city’s rich Hanseatic heritage, with its wooden buildings dating back to the medieval era. Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Activities and attractions

Bergen offers a number of attractions, including the iconic Bryggen Wharf (which you can visit without charge), the Bergen City Aquarium (230 kroner for a day ticket for children up to 15 years and 365 kroner for adults), numerous museums (such as the KODE Art Museum, where a ticket will cost you 150 kroner), and a selection of scenic fjord cruises.

Entrance fees to museums may range from 100 to 200 kroner, while fjord tours will set you back a lot more, anywhere from 450 to 900 kroner per person (for example, the Bergen Fjord Cruise to Alversund Streams on the m/s Eric Bloodaxe sightseeing boat costs 590 kroner).

If, on the other hand, you want to take the Fløibanen funicular, one of Bergen’s best-known and most visited attractions, which takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen, expect to pay 130 kroner for a return ticket between January and March or 180 kroner between April and September.

Going out for drinks, grabbing a cup of coffee, and souvenir shopping

Nightlife aficionados can enjoy a night out at bars or clubs for around 400 to 700 kroner, which includes a couple of alcoholic drinks (a beer at a club or pub goes for anywhere from 80 to 130 kroner) and some salty snacks.

If you’re not a night owl and prefer to relax with a cup of coffee while soaking in a city’s vibe in broad daylight, you can expect to spend anywhere between 30 and 60 kroner for a cup in most of the cafes close to the city centre (you can get coffee cheaper at 7-Eleven or Narvesen kiosks though, starting from 20 kroner).

READ MORE: A beginner’s guide to the Bergen dialect

Don’t forget to budget for miscellaneous expenses, including souvenirs and shopping. You’ll be able to find small Bergen-themed souvenirs for 50 to 100 kroner in gift shops in the Old Town. Bigger souvenirs and shirts can go for 200 to 600 kroner if they’re not branded. If you’re looking for quality and a local or Norwegian brand, such as a sweater from Dale of Norway, don’t be surprised to find pieces in the price range north of 1,000 kroner.

Total estimated cost

For a comfortable two-day weekend city break in Bergen in 2024, with mid-level accommodation, you can expect to spend roughly between 1,500 and 3,000 kroner per day, depending on your choices and preferences.

Keep in mind that these are approximate prices at the time of writing and may vary based on your personal preferences and circumstances, especially when it comes to items such as accommodation and food.

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