Norway to introduce tourist tax amid record visitor numbers and infrastructure strain

Starting in 2025, Norway will implement a 3% tourist tax on overnight stays in its most visited destinations, joining other EU countries that have adopted similar measures to manage soaring tourism volumes and invest in infrastructure.

A 3% surcharge on overnight stays: how it works

Tourists booking accommodation in hotspots like Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, and Bergen will see a 3% tourist tax included in their lodging fees, according to Schengen.News. The tax will apply per night and may vary seasonally, as local municipalities are authorized to adjust the rate.

“This is a historic agreement,” said Cecelie Myrseth, Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry. “We want tourism that is both responsible and beneficial for local communities.”

Funds earmarked for infrastructure upgrades only

Unlike general taxation, revenue from the tourist tax will be allocated solely to tourism-related infrastructure. Municipalities must first demonstrate the inadequacy of existing facilities to be eligible for funds.

Expected projects include new hiking paths, waste management systems, visitor centers, and public restrooms — essentials under strain due to the 2024 boom, which saw 38.6 million tourist bookings, a 4.2% rise from the previous year.

In Tromsø, 77% of locals surveyed said the influx of tourists had become inconvenient, particularly in peak seasons.

Norway benefits from cool climate tourism trends

With more travelers seeking cooler climates amid rising global temperatures, Norway is positioning itself as a new premium summer destination. The Lofoten Islands, renowned for hiking, and Arctic Circle cities like Tromsø, are increasingly drawing crowds once headed to Southern Europe.

“We are witnessing a seasonal shift in travel preferences,” notes a report from Norwegian Tourism Partners. “Scandinavia is no longer just a winter market.”

The European model: from Catalonia to Oslo

Norway follows countries like Spain, where Catalonia raised its tourist tax to €15 per night in 2024. Rates vary by accommodation type, with €7.50 applied in 5-star hotels and €6.25 for vacation rentals.

Norwegian authorities are studying these models to implement scalable taxation across the country, ensuring equitable burden-sharing between tourists and host communities.