Having a drink when traveling is not essential, but it’s a fun thing to do. Not all countries make it easy to get a drink. For example, it’s much harder to buy alcohol in Norway, Sweden, and other Nordic countries.
Personally, I like to taste the local beers and sometimes even visit the breweries. Follow my beer specific adventures on the Belgian_Beer_Buds Instagram.
Who can buy alcohol in Norway?
As in many countries, not everyone is allowed to buy a beer or wine. In the shops, you have to be over 18 years old to buy alcohol. At that age, it’s only allowed to buy alcoholic drinks that contain less than 22%. This means most beers and wines.
For hard liquor or bottles with an alcohol content over 22%, you have to beer 20 years old.
To buy a drink in bars and clubs, you usually have to be over 20 to 21 years old. They have their own restrictions, so be sure to inform yourself at each venue.
Where to buy alcohol in Norway?
In regular grocery stores, it is possible to buy beers and ciders. All of those will be under 4,7% in alcohol content. So these are the lighter beers. You can buy the alcoholic drinks before 8 pm on weekdays, and before 6 pm on Saturdays.
Anything stronger than 4,7%, like liquor, wine, and stronger beers, have to be bought in the Vinmonopolet. This is a state-run store. The drinks are stalled in a neutral way, to not favor any over the other.
If you go for a drink in Norway, don’t forget to toast with: Skal!
