One of Europe’s ‘most beautiful countries’ mulls tourist tax | World | News
Known as the land of the Northern Lights, breathtaking glaciers, majestic fjords, cascading waterfalls, charming red houses, and unspoiled nature, it’s no surprise that Norway is growing in popularity. Norway has repeatedly been recognised as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, including being named among the top by Condé Nast Traveller in 2025. Condé Nast hailed the country as a stunning land of glaciers, mountains, Northern Lights, and iconic fjords, highlighting scenic wonders like Geirangerfjord, Trolltunga, and the Lofoten Islands.
Norway is considering introducing a tourist tax to manage the strain of increasing tourist numbers. Last year, the country welcomed a record 38 million overnight stays, prompting concerns over overtourism.
The new proposed Bill would let local municipalities charge a 3% tax on overnight stays in accommodations like hotels, campsites, and short-term rentals.
First set at 5%, the rate was reduced after objections from the tourism sector. If passed by the Norwegian Parliament, the tax could come into effect as early as this summer.
Norway’s trade and industry minister, Cecilie Myrseth, told NRK: “We know not every municipality needs this, but in high-pressure areas, it’s about building trust between the local population and visitors.”
The money from the tax will then be used to fund tourism-related infrastructure, such as maintaining trails, public toilets, and signage.
Each local municipality would work with local tourism bodies to decide how the money is spent.
However, some have reportedly argued that the tax unfairly excludes cruise passengers, day-trippers, and camper vans, despite their impact on popular destinations like the Lofoten Islands.
The country has also decided it will no longer allow non-zero-emission ships in the fjords by 2032, and starting from 2026, tourist ships and ferries under 10,000 tonnes will be banned from certain areas.
