SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

NORWAY EXPLAINED

EXPLAINED: The rules, regulations and social norms of alcohol in Norway

Norway's relationship with alcohol can seem incredibly strange and complex at times. If you want to find out more about the country's drinking culture, you've come to the right place.

Beers
In this article, we will cover the general rules related to alcohol sales and consumption in Norway, drinking culture, and how social concerns led to alcohol being strictly regulated in the country. Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

If one is to trust widely held stereotypes, Norwegians tend to be somewhat shy and reserved in their day-to-day lives.

While this broad rule of thumb might apply to a part of the population on weekdays, it’s an entirely different thing when it comes to the weekend.

Why, you ask? Mostly due to the widely beloved (and overpriced) social adhesive fueling parties across the country – alcohol.

Alcohol-related laws and regulations in Norway

We’re starting this deep-dive article with an overview of the relevant laws and regulations. The legal age for buying alcohol in the country is 18 for wine and beer but 20 for hard liquor (drinks with an alcohol content surpassing 22 percent, such as gin, are considered hard liquor in Norway).

Compared to most European countries, Norway’s laws related to alcohol are pretty strict. First off, know that you aren’t allowed to drink in public spaces in Norway (outdoor bar terraces are excluded from this rule).

Furthermore, the laws are especially tough on drunk drivers – remember that driving with more than 0.02 percent of alcohol in your bloodstream is illegal, with high penalties and fines if you are caught over the limit.

How and where to buy alcohol in Norway

If you plan on buying drinks during a night out (an expensive endeavour in Norway), know that most pubs, bars, and nightclubs have an age limit set at 20-22.

On the other hand, if you want to save some money by buying alcohol in the store, you’ll also be faced with certain rules. All grocery stores sell beer and cider; however, they’re prohibited from selling drinks with an alcohol content surpassing 4.75 percent.

Furthermore, grocery stores can only sell alcohol up to 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on Saturdays. On Sundays and a number of holidays, they usually don’t sell alcohol – if they’re even open at all.

To purchase something stronger than 4.75 percent you will need to head to a Norwegian institution – Vinmonopolet (the literal translation would be ‘Wine Monopoly’).

Vinmonopolet

Vinmonopolet, often just called Polet by Norwegians, is the state-run alcohol store chain that has a monopoly on selling drinks with an alcohol content of over 4.75 percent.

Your first experience with Vinmonopolet is likely to look similar to this: You’ll be walking down the street of a Norwegian city. Suddenly, you’ll see a queue. A really long queue of people, young and old alike, patiently waiting.

What are they waiting for? You might ask yourself. More often than not, the answer will be: They’re waiting for their turn to do some weekend alcohol shopping – or just restock their reserves – at Vinmonopolet.

Note: Polet shops usually close at 6pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays, so make sure to do your shopping within opening hours. Individual Vinmonopolet stores can have different opening hours, so look up your store online and check if they’re open before you make the trip.

The social context of Norway’s restrictive alcohol regulations

In the 1920s and 1930s, Norway decided it would implement a series of regulations to curb consumption and limit the sales of alcohol.

The key concerns of the politicians of the time were how alcohol consumption was driving social and health problems among the Norwegian population.

The measures included – among others – the creation of the aforementioned Vinmonopolet, limits on alcohol sales and purchases, and high tax rates.

Norway had several alcohol bans in place during the last 100 years, especially in the years following World War I – with the most recent ban being the one related to the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

Norway’s drinking culture

Drinking is very popular in Norway – from nights out in clubs to house parties among friends – expect to find alcohol involved in virtually any social environment. However, the vast majority of the drinking involved will not take place on workdays (with Friday evening being the obvious exception).

There is a social taboo against drinking on workdays – especially during work hours. However, once they clock out on Friday, Norwegians tend to leave all their restraint at the office – weekends often involve heavy partying.

House parties are quite popular in Norway, especially among young people. Don’t expect a night out to start off at bars or pubs right away. With the price level of alcohol in Norway, Norwegians save a lot of money by “warming up” for a night out at a friend’s place.

If you’re attending a house party, make sure to bring your own alcohol. As the prices of alcohol are very high, people are expected to take care of their own drinks. Also, don’t be surprised if guests take their leftover alcohol with them as they leave.

However, despite the sky-high cost of alcohol in the country, larger cities in Norway (such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Tromsø) have well-developed nightlife scenes.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

FOOD AND DRINK

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

Bergen, located on Norway's beautiful west coast, is known for its vibrant culinary scene. Here are The Local's top picks for a dinner date.

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to get better acquainted with Bergen’s restaurant scene.

READ MORE: Norway’s food calendar: 12 events for foodies to look forward to in 2024 

If you’re visiting for a short period of time, you might only have time to visit one or two, and you don’t want to end up in an establishment that doesn’t meet your expectations.

On the other hand, if you’ve (just) moved to the city, you’ll want a good overview of its top restaurants so that you can safely take your significant other, friends, family, or business partners there for special occasions – or just a nice dinner.

Having a good overview of Bergen’s top restaurants not only helps you avoid dining disappointments but also enables you to confidently recommend places to others.

And while there are many great restaurants in the city, we’ve singled out our top five spots to wine and dine in Norway’s “Rain Capital.”

Moon dish

A dish from one of Moon’s multi-course menu. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Moon (Marken Street 33)

Nestled in the heart of Bergen, Moon is a must-visit for foodies. At the time of writing, it is considered one of the best – if not the best – restaurants in the city. Be warned – the status comes with a hefty price tag attached.

Moon was launched by twin brothers Jules and Nicolas, who brought their passion for French cuisine and hospitality to life in the charming Marken Street near the Bergen central train station.

Jules is the head chef, while Nicolas is the restaurant manager and sommelier. Together, they have curated a dining experience that reflects their diverse backgrounds.

Since opening its doors in April 2021, Moon has quickly become a beacon for food enthusiasts and romantics alike.

To enhance the dining experience, Moon introduced a revamped menu layout in 2024, offering guests the choice of a 3-course (750 kroner per person + 600 kroner for wine pairing), 4-course (900 kroner per person + 780 kroner for wine pairing), 5-course (1,050 kroner per person + 960 kroner for wine pairing), or 6-course (1,200 kroner per person + 1,120 kroner for wine pairing) culinary experience.

Moon’s commitment to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has earned praise from Michelin for its honest, classically based French cooking that incorporates locally sourced produce.

Enhjorningen dish

Bergen fish soup at Enhjørningen, photographed in January of 2024. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Enhjørningen (Bryggen)

Enhjørningen is a beloved seafood restaurant, located along the lively (and very popular) Bryggen waterfront.

This seafood haven offers patrons a journey into Norway’s coastal cuisine, boasting a menu full of freshly caught delicacies.

The restaurant’s cosy, candlelit atmosphere sets the stage for an intimate dining experience, perfect for dates or gatherings with loved ones.

READ MORE: Five Norwegian food mistakes you only make once

As part of the Smak av Kysten culinary network, Enhjørningen is committed to showcasing the best of Norwegian seafood while supporting local producers and fishermen.

Among the restaurant’s offerings, you can expect an array of tasty main courses: from the No Fish Olsen, featuring entrecote of beef paired with pickled vegetables and a luscious port wine sauce, to the delicate Oven-baked Monkfish served with mushroom sauce and truffle gnocchi, there’s something for everyone here.

Main courses range from 395 to 450 kroner per person, while starters and soups are generally around the 200 kroner price point.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Enhjørningen boasts panoramic views of Bergen’s bustling harbour, adding an extra layer of ambience to the dining experience.

Agave dish

A dish in Agave photographed in 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Agave (Kong Oscars gate 2A)

Agave, just a 60-second walk from the Fish Market, is widely considered the best Mexican restaurant in Bergen.

With a glowing reputation that precedes it, Agave has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, drawing diners back repeatedly with its irresistible combination of great food, fantastic atmosphere, and professional service.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mexican cuisine aficionado or a newcomer to the flavours of Mexico, Agave will likely hold up – and surpass – your expectations.

From the moment you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming ambience. Agave boasts charming decor and friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu and share their passion for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Diners rave about the Mole Agave, a standout dish featuring a rich and complex mole sauce. The tender and juicy venison is also popular, as is the ceviche rojo starter.

What sets Agave apart from other Mexican cuisine establishments in Bergen is its dedication to authenticity, with a focus on traditional Mexican recipes prepared from scratch using fresh local produce.

The menu (which you can check out here) also features classics like carne asada and tacos, all offered at mid-level prices.

Bryggeloftet dish

A meat dish photographed at Bryggeloftet & Stuene during the 2023 winter season. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant (Bryggen 11)

Tucked away in Bergen’s old town, Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant offers an indulgent and authentic dining experience.

While it may lean towards the pricier side, with dinners ranging from 700 to 900 kroner per person, the splurge is justified for those craving a taste of traditional Bergen (and Norwegian) cuisine at its finest.

Situated along the historic Bryggen Wharf, this restaurant has become a beloved destination known for its commitment to heritage, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking a classier dining experience.

Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or any other time of year, you’ll find a menu filled with classic dishes that capture the essence of Norwegian cuisine.

READ MORE: Where to find Norwegian Christmas food in Bergen

One of the highlights of Bryggeloftet & Stuene is its traditional Norwegian Christmas menu, featuring favourites like reindeer steak and pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs).

For those visiting outside of the holiday season, the Bergen fish soup is a popular choice, showcasing the region’s freshest seafood and flavours.

Beyond the food, Bryggeloftet & Stuene provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal in company.

1877 dish

A meat dish as a part of a multi-course menu at the 1877 Restaurant in May of 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Restaurant 1877 (Vetrlidsallmenningen 2, Kjøttbasaren)

Opened in 2013 by Christer Økland and his wife Ragnhild Børven, Restaurant 1877 occupies a storied location just below the iconic Fløibanen tourist attraction in Bergen’s historical Kjøttbasaren.

It offers a semi-fine dining experience with a seasonal and modern twist.

From the well-used copper pots adorning the walls to the vintage dishes, every detail of the restaurant evokes a sense of history and tradition.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen, ensuring that the dishes tell the story of the region’s gastronomic landscape.

For dinner, which is served Tuesday-Friday from 4 pm and Saturday from 6 pm, it provides guests with an à la carte option.

Additionally, guests can select “The kitchen’s choice,” a set menu comprising dishes curated by our kitchen.

This menu includes multiple courses and is intended for sharing. The starting price is 895 kroner per person.

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

SHOW COMMENTS