How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Norway?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Most shops are closed on Sundays in Norway — stricter than many European countries — and Vinmonopolet (wine and spirits) is always closed on Sundays and public holidays.
2What You Need to Know
Norwegian Sunday closing is comprehensive in residential areas and smaller towns. Large supermarket chains (ICA, Rema 1000, Kiwi, Coop) have some locations open on Sundays but with reduced hours, typically until 6pm — this varies by municipality and location. Shops in major tourist areas, Oslo city centre, and at airports operate with more flexibility. Vinmonopolet is absolutely closed every Sunday, all public holidays, and closes early (3–6pm) on Saturdays. Fjord ferry services, trains, and key tourist attractions operate daily. Planning grocery shopping and any alcohol purchases before Sunday prevents a frustrating discovery of closed shops.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Stock up on groceries and any wine or spirits from Vinmonopolet on Saturday — Sunday closures catch many tourists unprepared, especially in smaller towns
- 2Convenience stores (Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Deli de Luca) in cities remain open on Sundays though at premium prices — useful for essentials if caught short
- 3Major tourist attractions including fjord cruises, Flåm Railway, and Oslo museums operate on Sundays — plan cultural activities for Sunday and shopping for other days
Important Warning
Vinmonopolet (the only shop selling wine and spirits) is completely closed every Sunday and on all public holidays — if you want wine or spirits for the weekend, buy it on Friday or Saturday before closing time.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Shops are closed on Sundays by law. Restaurants and cafés are open. Supermarkets close Sunday. Plan your grocery shopping for Saturday.
Large shops open shorter Sunday hours (typically 10am–4pm or 11am–5pm). Pubs and restaurants normal hours. Bank Holidays see widespread closures.
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
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