Can you drink tap water in Norway?

You’ll be fine drinking tap water in Norway—it’s known for being safe and well-managed.

Norway’s water comes from protected lakes and mountain springs, requiring minimal treatment. It’s known for exceptional quality and is safe to drink straight from the tap.

Quick Overview

Tap Water Concern:Our Advice
Tap Water Drinkable?✅ Yes, it’s safe to drink
Common Risks:Minimal — high quality standards
Brush Teeth?✅ Yes, no concerns
Wash Fruits/Vegetables?✅ Yes, safe to use tap water
Use Ice in Drinks?✅ Yes, generally safe in restaurants
Safe to Shower?✅ Yes
Filter Bottle Needed?❌ No, not necessary

Information compiled from CDC, WHO, and official water providers across Norway.

Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle

We don’t sell any products ourselves, but we’ve researched the best water filter bottles based on independent testing, real traveler reviews, and health safety data. A reliable filter bottle lets you safely drink local tap water, avoid buying plastic bottles multiple times a day, and reduce your risk of waterborne illness—making it one of the smartest, space-saving items you can pack. You’ll find our top-rated picks listed below.

Water Filter Bottle – LifeStraw

Rating

★★★★★
A full view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a smooth, light surface. The black lid features an integrated carry handle, making the bottle easy to clip onto a backpack or hold while traveling. Through the clear body, the internal filtration system is visible, including the long white membrane microfilter designed to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically along the front of the bottle in white. The clean, minimal background keeps the focus on the durable, BPA-free bottle—made from 50% recycled plastic—and reinforces its purpose as a reliable, travel-ready filter bottle for safe, great-tasting water during trips, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
A disassembled LifeStraw Go water bottle laid out on a light-colored surface, showing all the key components of the two-stage filtration system. The translucent gray bottle stands in the background with the LifeStraw logo visible. In front of it, the long white membrane microfilter lies horizontally, displaying its vented design used to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. Next to it are the smaller parts: the activated carbon filter pod that reduces chlorine and odors, the white connector piece that attaches the filters inside the bottle, and the black screw-on lid with its integrated drinking spout. The layout highlights how each part fits together, reinforcing the bottle’s functionality, easy maintenance, and purpose as a durable, BPA-free, travel-ready filtration system made from recycled plastic.
A straight-on view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a light surface. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically in white along the front of the bottle. Through the clear plastic you can see the internal two-stage filtration system, including the long cylindrical microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, as well as the lower section where the activated carbon filter fits to improve taste by reducing chlorine and odors. The black lid with the built-in sip spout sits securely on top. The clean, minimal background draws attention to the durable, BPA-free design made from 50% recycled plastic—highlighting the bottle’s purpose as a reliable, eco-friendly filter bottle for travel, everyday hydration, and safe drinking water on the go.
A close-up photo of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle showing the “MAX 0.65L” fill line printed in white on the side. Small droplets of water cling to the surface, suggesting the bottle was just rinsed or recently used. Through the clear plastic, the internal filtration system is visible—the upper cartridge that houses the two-stage filter combining a membrane microfilter for bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sediment, and cloudiness, and an activated carbon filter to reduce chlorine, odors, and aftertaste. The top portion of the lid with the built-in drinking spout appears at the edge of the frame. The image highlights the durable, BPA-free construction made from 50% recycled plastic. It supports product information about the LifeStraw Go series, which provides safer, better-tasting water for travel, outdoor use, and everyday hydration, while also contributing one year of clean drinking water to a child in need with every purchase.
Protection: Filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt from unsafe water
Travel-Ready: Safe to use in countries with non-drinkable tap water
Better Taste: Carbon filter reduces chlorine, odors, and chemical flavor
Eco-Friendly: Replaces up to 8,000 single-use plastic bottles
Long-Lasting: Membrane filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons
Safe Materials: BPA-free, durable, and leak-proof design
Budget-Friendly: Cuts daily costs on bottled water
Convenient: Great for airports, hikes, hotels, and remote areas
Check Price on Amazon

Health Risks for Travelers

Even when tap water meets international safety standards, it can still take some adjustment for travelers. Differences in water chemistry, treatment methods, or piping systems may not affect locals but could lead to minor digestive issues for visitors.

Potential (but low-level) concerns include:

  • Changes in mineral content that your body isn’t used to
  • Older buildings with worn-out plumbing systems
  • Ice or raw produce that might have been rinsed with tap water in less consistent establishments
  • Regional variation — even within safe countries, rural areas may differ from urban centers
  • Travelers with sensitive stomachs may benefit from filtered water in the first days

These aren’t major health risks, but staying aware of how your body reacts can make your trip more comfortable.

If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Norway, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.

More About Tap Water in Norway

While hiking, many Norwegians refill their bottles directly from mountain streams or waterfalls—a common habit tied to friluftsliv, their deep connection to nature. In restaurants, tap water is always free, often served with ice and lemon, and it’s completely normal to only order water.

Norway invests in innovative water treatment methods, including biofiltration and the reuse of treated greywater in cities like Oslo and Bergen. The taste of the water varies by region: soft and neutral in the mountains, slightly more mineral-rich along the coast.

FAQs About Tap Water in Norway

Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?

The water is clean and treated, so you can brush without thinking twice.

Can I use tap water to wash my face?

Yes, the water here is clean and fine for washing your face, shaving, or rinsing.

Is it safe to use ice in drinks?

Ice here is just as safe as back home, made from treated tap water.

Can I shower safely with tap water?

Absolutely—tap water here is clean and safe for everyday use.

Not sure what’s in the water where you’re staying? A compact shower filter can help protect your skin and hair from harsh water. Just double-check that the showerhead isn’t built into the wall—those can’t be fitted with a filter. According to most travelers, this shower filter is the best pick. Click here to check the best price.

Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?

Yes, it’s safe to rinse fresh produce with tap water in Norway.

Is bottled water expensive in Norway?

It’s not very expensive, but you can skip it since tap water is safe to drink.

Norway is a major destination for Nordic travel, commonly visited alongside Sweden, Finland, or Denmark. Comparing tap water quality across Scandinavia is helpful for travelers.

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