I recently took a trip that changed my life. I traveled to a city that loves four-legged friends as much as I do. Oslo. The heart of Norway. A place of deep forests and modern streets. If you consider Pet Friendly Travel in Oslo, Norway, you are in for a treat.
I spent weeks exploring every corner with a pup. I learned the rules. I found the best spots. Now, I want to share this guide with you. It is for the mature traveler. People like us. We love a slow pace. We love nature. We love our dogs.
Is Norway Dog Friendly?
First of all, you might ask a simple question. Is norway dog friendly? My answer is a loud yes. People here treat dogs like royalty. You will see dogs in norway everywhere. They are on the trains. They are in the parks. They are even in some high-end shops. I met so many friendly locals who stopped to pet my companion. The culture is very welcoming. However, there are strict rules you must follow. Responsibility is key here.
Oslo is a unique mix. It is a big city. It has 700,000 people. Yet, it feels small and cozy. Nature is always close. You are never more than 300 meters from a park. That is a fact. It makes the city a dream for dog owners. Plus, the air is clean. The water is fresh.
Planning Your Move or Visit
Maybe you are just visiting. Perhaps you are moving to norway with a dog. Either way, you need a plan. First of all, you must look at the norway dog entry requirements. Norway is not in the EU. This makes things a bit different.
If you come from an EU country, you need a valid norway pet passport. Your dog must have a microchip. It must be ISO-compliant. If it is not, you have to bring your own reader. This is very important. Additionally, a rabies vaccine is mandatory. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old for the shot. You have to wait 21 days after the vaccine before you travel.
On top of that, there is the tapeworm treatment. This is for the “fox dwarf tapeworm”. A vet must give this medicine. It must happen between 24 and 120 hours before you cross the border. The vet has to sign the passport. Do not forget this step. If you do, your dog might end up in quarantine.
Getting to Oslo
I chose the road and the sea. It felt like a true adventure. I took a dog friendly ferry to norway. I started in Hirtshals, Denmark. The boat goes to Kristiansand. The ride takes about two hours and fifteen minutes. I paid around 200 Euros for two people and a car.
On the ferry, dogs often stay in the car. However, I saw many people bring their pups to the outdoor deck. It was windy but beautiful. There is also a lounge area inside for people with pets. It is very convenient. Once you land, you drive north to Oslo. The roads are narrow and curvy. Take your time. The views of the fjords are worth it.
If you fly, use Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL). Many airlines are pet-friendly. Lufthansa and Air France are good choices. Small dogs can sometimes stay in the cabin. They must weigh less than 8 kg with their bag. Larger dogs go in a climate-controlled hold. I know that sounds scary. But these airlines use high standards.
When you arrive at the airport, follow the red channel at customs. You must show your dog and its papers to the officials. It is a simple process if you have everything ready.
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels
You need a good home base. Oslo has 385 hotels. Many allow pets. I looked at several options. Here are my top picks based on my experience.
First of all, the Scandic Sjolyst is great. It has a rating of 8.3 out of 10. It is near the Viking Ship Museum. Prices start at around $116. It is a solid choice for a mid-range budget.
If you want luxury, look at Hotel Continental. It is in the heart of the city. It has a 9.0 rating. It is very close to the Royal Palace. It is expensive, though. Prices start at $343. But they really treat your dog well there.
For a boutique feel, I liked the Saga Hotel Oslo. It is in a quiet area but close to the center. It has a rating of 8.8. The cost is about $200 per night.
Additionally, the Anker Hotel is a good budget option. It is near the Grünerløkka district. It costs around $90. It is simple but clean.
Finally, the Thon Hotel Opera is right by the train station. It has amazing views of the Opera House. It costs about $230.
Most hotels charge a small extra fee for pets. I always suggest you call ahead. Make sure they have a pet-friendly room ready.
Navigating the City: Is Oslo Dog Friendly?
I found that getting around is easy. Is Oslo dog friendly for commuters? Absolutely. The public transport system is called Ruter. It includes buses, trams, the metro (T-bane), and even some ferries.
Here is the best part. Dogs can ride for free on Ruter if there is space. They must be on a leash. They cannot sit on the seats. They must stay on the floor. I saw many dogs on the T-bane. It is a very normal sight.
If you take a Vy train for a longer trip, the rules change slightly. Small dogs under 40 cm shoulder height ride for free. Larger dogs pay half of an adult ticket. They also must stay on the floor. The train staff decides if there is enough room. Look for the carriage with the dog symbol on the door.
I also saw the pet norway police horses. My dog usually barks at horses on the television. In real life, she was very calm. The police in Oslo are very professional. They keep the city safe for everyone, including pets.
City Walks and Green Spaces
Oslo is a city of parks. I spent most of my time walking. It is the best way to see the beauty.
Frognerparken is the most famous park. It is huge. Over 45 hectares. It contains the Vigeland Sculpture Park. There are over 200 sculptures. It is a wonderful place for a stroll. There are open spaces where dogs can run. However, keep them on a leash in the main areas. It gets busy with tourists.
Another gem is the Akerselva River. This river divides the city into east and west. There is a trail that follows the water for 8 kilometers. It is full of waterfalls and old factory buildings. I loved the sound of the water. It is very meditative.
Ekebergparken is on a hill. It offers the best views of the city and the fjord. It has many art installations in the woods. It is a bit of a climb. But the fresh air is like a dose of vitamins.
For a coastal walk, go to Bygdøy. It has beautiful beaches and forests. I walked along the water and watched the boats. It is a very peaceful area.
Finally, check out Sognsvann. It is a lake at the end of the metro line. The path around the lake is 3 kilometers long. It is very flat and easy to walk. It is a favorite for locals and their dogs.
Dining Out with Your Dog
Finding a place to eat can be tricky. In Norway, dogs are generally not allowed inside places that serve food. This is because of health laws. However, things are changing. Many cafes and bars now welcome dogs.
For coffee, try Jubel på Adamstuen or Kuro. They have great pastries. I also liked KAFETERIA AUGUST.
For a full meal, Winther Artisan Food is excellent. Hernandez serves Latin food and is very friendly. If you like sushi, go to KUMI Oslobukta.
Many bars are also open to pets. BrewDog is a classic choice. Båbler Vinbar is great for wine and tapas.
During the summer, almost every place with outdoor seating will let your dog sit with you. I spent many evenings at Aker Brygge. It is the waterfront area. It is vibrant and noisy in a good way. I enjoyed seafood while my dog rested at my feet. It is the most expensive area, though. Be prepared for that.
Life in the City: A Personal View
I met a local named introvert & dog on a vlog channel. She lives in a small flat in Oslo with her pup, Mochi. Her life seems so peaceful. She takes Mochi on long walks through Bjølsen. She visits the “Hjemmets kolonihager”. These are tiny cottages with beautiful gardens. People wait 10 to 20 years to buy one. It is a special part of Norwegian culture.
She also visits the library. Oslo has a wonderful main library called Deichman Bjørvika. You cannot bring the dog inside the main book areas. But she goes to pick up books like “The Friend” by Sigrid Nunez. It is a story about a woman and a Great Dane. It fits her life perfectly.
She mentioned something interesting about winter. In January, the snow turns the city into a quiet, muffled place. It is magical. She even has a “dog toy emergency room” at home. She fixes Mochi’s broken toys to make new ones. It is these little details that make pet ownership in Oslo so special.
However, life is not always perfect. Mochi had to have surgery recently. She was sterilized. She had “phantom pregnancies” twice a year. Her body thought she was expecting puppies. She even produced milk. It was very stressful for her. The surgery fixed this. She had to wear a little body suit while she healed. It shows that the vets in Oslo are very skilled.
Health and Supplies
If your pet needs help, you are in good hands. Evidensia Oslo Dyresykehus is the largest animal hospital in the city. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They have specialists in surgery, skin problems, and even a blood bank.
If you need a check-up, they offer a free dental check for dogs. This is a great service. Most dogs have mouth problems by age three. They also have weight control programs. It is located at Ole Deviks vei 10.
For supplies, you must visit Oslo Pet Shop at ALNA Senter. It is the largest pet store in the city. They have everything. Food, leashes, toys, and even equipment for reptiles. They carry top brands like Royal Canin and Hills.
Additionally, you can buy dog food in most supermarkets like Rema 1000 or Kiwi. Though, the selection is smaller there. Norway is expensive. I suggest you bring some of your own dog food if you travel by car. It will save you a lot of money.
Safety and Tips for Travelers
Oslo is very safe. But you should still be careful.
First of all, watch out for the winter conditions. The streets get very slippery. I saw people put little shoes on their dogs. This protects their paws from the cold and the salt on the roads. Also, watch out for falling icicles from roofs when it warms up.
Additionally, be aware of the “leash law”. In Norway, dogs must be on a leash for most of the year. This is to protect the wildlife. There are many moose and even some wolves in the forests. You do not want your dog chasing a moose. That is dangerous for everyone.
Plus, you should always carry waste bags. Norwegians take great pride in their clean city. If you do not clean up after your dog, people will be very upset.
If there is an emergency, the number for the police is 112. For an ambulance, it is 113. Most people speak perfect English, so you will have no trouble getting help.
Fun Activities for You and Your Dog
If you want to do something special, try an electric cruise. The Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise is 100% electric. It is quiet and peaceful. Some of these tours allow dogs if they are well-behaved. It is a great way to see the islands.
You can also go hiking in Oslomarka. This is the massive forest that surrounds the city. It has hundreds of lakes and trails. You can take the metro line 1 to the very top at Frognerseteren. From there, you just walk into the woods. It is pure poetry.
If you are there in the summer, visit Hovedøya. It is an island just a short ferry ride from the city hall. It has old monastery ruins and great beaches. It is a perfect spot for a picnic.
On top of that, there is the Norway Cup in August. It is the world’s biggest football tournament. The area at Ekebergsletta gets very busy and fun. It is a great place for people-watching with your pup.
FAQ
Is Oslo pet friendly?
Oslo is a very welcoming place for our furry friends. You will find many hotels and cafes that allow pets. Plus, the city has a high number of green spaces for walks.
Are dogs allowed on public transport in Norway?
Dogs are welcome on the metro, buses, and trams in the city. They usually ride for free if they stay on the floor and on a leash.
Is Norwegian pet friendly?
Many people in Norway love animals and treat them well. You will find that locals are often happy to see dogs in public spots.
What to do in Oslo with a dog?
You can walk along the Akerselva river to see the waterfalls. Another option is a trip to Frognerparken to see the statues. Additionally, you might take a ferry to the islands for a hike.
What are the rules for traveling with pets?
Your dog needs an ISO-compliant microchip and valid vaccines. Also, a vet must give a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before you arrive.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Norway?
Some beaches in the Bygdøy area are perfect for dogs that love to swim. Hovedøya island also has nice spots for a coastal stroll.
What is not allowed to bring to Norway?
Certain dog breeds like Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers are not allowed to enter. On top of that, you cannot bring reptiles or spiders on the local trains.
Can you take dogs on ferry to Norway?
You can take your dog on ferries that travel from Denmark. These boats often have specific areas where pets can stay during the trip.
Concluding Words
Oslo is a gift. It is a place where you can have a simple and slow life. I felt so lucky to explore it. The mix of modern design and wild nature is something you cannot find anywhere else.
My dog, much like Mochi, was my perfect tour guide. We followed her nose through the Akershus Fortress. We walked down Karl Johan street and saw the Parliament. We even stopped to watch the sunset over the harbor.
Every day felt like a blessing. The city is waking up to new possibilities every morning. Whether it is a sunny Saturday or a foggy Tuesday, there is beauty everywhere.
If you love your dog and you love to travel, Oslo should be at the top of your list. It is welcoming. It is beautiful. It is truly pet-friendly. Just remember to bring some cheese for the “tax collector” pup. They deserve a treat after all that walking.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure. Oslo is waiting for you. The forests are quiet. The city is alive. Pack your bags. Grab the leash. Go see for yourself. You will not regret it.
Quick Statistical Summary for Your Trip
- Population: 700,000 in the city.
- Green Space: No more than 300 meters from any home.
- Islands: 40 islands to explore in the fjord.
- Lakes: 343 freshwater lakes in the city limits.
- Hotel Prices: $90 (Budget) to $400+ (Luxury).
- Public Transport: Free for dogs on Ruter (most city lines).
- Train Cost: Half price for dogs over 40 cm on Vy trains.
- Sunlight: 18 hours in summer, 6 hours in winter.
- Entry Rule: Tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry.
Oslo is a city that works together. People and animals live in harmony. It is a beautiful thing to see. I look forward to my next visit already. Maybe I will see you and your dog on the trail by the river. Happy travels!.
