LGBTQ+ Travel In Norway – The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide

The stunning scenery of Norway is something you have to see to believe. The country is filled with vibrant green spaces and spectacular glaciers as well as some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. 

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Norway multiple times as a same-sex couple over the past decade and have personally experienced no discrimination during our time there.

The majority of Norwegians are incredibly accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, however, in 2022 there was a shooting in a gay bar in Oslo that killed two people and injured 21 on the day the city was due to celebrate its annual Pride parade.

Both shootings and acts of violence towards members of the LGBTQ+ community in Norway are incredibly rare and together as a same-sex couple, we have visited the country since the shooting and felt incredibly safe doing so.

That being said, it’s always best to research the country and regions of the country you’re visiting in advance and make a decision based on your personal situation.

Is Being Gay & Lesbian Legal In Norway?

Norway has an open and welcoming approach to sexuality and gender identity, being the first country to legislate equality for all genders and sexual preferences.

That means everyone living in and visiting the country is free from discrimination and has all the same rights as heterosexual couples, such as marriage and adoption. 

Norway prides itself on being liberal and leading the way for equality with prominent members of the government as well as national celebrities both promoting and celebrating the country’s LGBTQ+ community.

Is Being Trans Legal In Norway?

Transgender individuals and those looking to go through the gender reassignment process are well supported within Norway. 

Legislation is in place to ensure discrimination is forbidden, and any gender reassignment is recognised by law, meaning all documentation can be changed to reflect the new gender. 

Public Displays Of Affection & LGBTQ Social Acceptance In Norway

Public displays of affection in Norway are common, and as such, you’ll often find locals walking around holding hands, cuddling and kissing.

This combined with the high social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Norway makes it a relatively safe country to display public affection as a same-sex couple.

Personally, Helen and I are relatively reserved as a couple and therefore our public displays of affection are rare. That being said, we personally would feel safe displaying public affection towards one another when in Norway.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Places In Norway

Although one of the least populated places to visit in Scandinavia, Norway has a lot to offer tourists. For LGBTQ+ tourists.

Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway and has the largest population in the country.

As such you’ll find that this city has the most to offer LGBTQ+ individuals including LGBTQ+ specific bars and clubs.

Alongside this, the city has plenty to keep you entertained during the daytime with inspiring museums, a beautiful Royal Palace and large green spaces.

Bergen

Bergen is our favourite city in Norway due to its beautiful natural surroundings and rich history.

However, this city isn’t as large as Oslo and therefore doesn’t have any dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces.

That being said, all the bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels here are typically incredibly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals making this still a fantastic place to visit as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Trondheim

Another fantastic place to visit in Norway is Trondheim which benefits from a beautiful natural setting and rich cultural heritage.

Located on the Trondheim fjord, this city is surrounded by stunning scenery, with mountains, forests, and waterways all within easy reach.

Much like Bergen, this is a small city and therefore it doesn’t have a dedicated LGBTQ+ scene. However, the locals here are as always, incredibly accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.

Flam

Flam is a charming small village located in southwestern Norway, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty.

Nestled at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the vast Sognefjord, the village of Flam is surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery, providing breathtaking views in every direction.

The village is most famous for the Flåmsbana, a steep and scenic railway that connects Flam with the mountainous station of Myrdal, offering one of the most stunning train journeys in the world.

The Best Gay Prides In Norway

Norway has three major annual pride events which take place across the country and see thousands of people come out in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Oslo Pride

Oslo Pride is the main annual pride event in Norway and takes place over the course of one week in the summer months.

The event features a range of different activities throughout the week which culminates in a street celebration on the weekend.

Bergen Pride

The Bergen Pride Parade is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Bergen and typically takes place in June.

This pride event is smaller than the one in Oslo but still provides the LGBTQ+ community with a space in which they can meet with like-minded people.

Lillehammer Winter Pride

Winter Pride Lillehammer typically takes place in February in the ski resort of Lillehammer.

This event focuses on LGBTQ+ history and looks to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ population both within Norway and Europe as a whole.