Norway attracts tourists all year round. New data for 2025
Norwegian tourism ended 2025 with a clear increase in overnight stays, driven mainly by foreign visitors. Data from January to October show the scale of change compared to the pre-pandemic period. At the same time, the industry is preparing for the coming months, focusing on balanced growth throughout the entire year.
Interest in traveling to Norway remains high.
Fot. Hans Haug, Visit Øst-Norge
According to data from the Central Statistical Office, from January to October 2025 there were 36.4 million commercial overnight stays recorded. This is an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
The growth has continued uninterrupted since April 2023. The most dynamic increase is seen in overnight stays by foreign tourists, which rose by 31 percent compared to 2019.
The growth has continued uninterrupted since April 2023. The most dynamic increase is seen in overnight stays by foreign tourists, which rose by 31 percent compared to 2019.
Foreign guests increasingly important
Overnight stays by domestic tourists also increased, though more slowly, by 8 percent compared to 2019. The share of foreign guests in the total number of overnight stays rose from 31 percent to 36 percent in 2025.
According to the Norwegian Agency for Innovation and Enterprise Development, Norwegian tourists still account for the largest number of overnight stays. They form a stable foundation for the tourism industry.
According to the Norwegian Agency for Innovation and Enterprise Development, Norwegian tourists still account for the largest number of overnight stays. They form a stable foundation for the tourism industry.
Ski and alpine tourism remain important for the industry.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Higher spending, but uneven profitability
Increased international traffic resulted in over NOK 10 billion in additional spending between 2019 and 2024. At the same time, the data show that increased turnover does not always mean good profitability.
Some parts of the industry are still struggling with low margins. Seasonality and the high share of tourists using free accommodation, such as wild camping, also pose a challenge.
Some parts of the industry are still struggling with low margins. Seasonality and the high share of tourists using free accommodation, such as wild camping, also pose a challenge.
The importance of year-round tourism
Other seasons, including the Northern Lights season and winter tourism, are becoming increasingly important. From 2019 to 2025, the number of overnight stays during the Northern Lights season more than doubled.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Norwegian Agency for Innovation and Enterprise Development highlights the growing role of technology, including AI-based tools, which are increasingly supporting travel planning and booking.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Norwegian Agency for Innovation and Enterprise Development highlights the growing role of technology, including AI-based tools, which are increasingly supporting travel planning and booking.
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