This beautiful European country has issued an update on how much tourists will have to pay when they visit. Norway's trade and industry minister Cecilie Myrseth confirmed the country's tourist tax will now be capped at 3 per cent of the cost of an overnight stay instead of 5pc.

The nature-rich country is hoping the new levy, which is tipped to take effect in summer, will tackle some of the negative impacts of over-tourism. Norway has experienced a surge in holidaymakers seeking cooler climates and last year registered a record-breaking 16.7 million overnight stays during the summer months, according to Euro News.

Oslo said the tourist tax will be optional and will be up to local authorities to decide whether to introduce it. The revenue generated will go towards projects helping residents and tourists, such as maintaining hiking trails and installing public toilets.

If implemented, the tax will apply to visitors staying in overnight accommodation such as hotels, hostels, campsites and short-term rentals. Local authorities can also adjust the fee depending on the season, Myrseth confirm. 

She told Norway's public broadcaster, NRK: "It is not the case that we have year-round tourism throughout the country, but in some places, there are parts of the year that are particularly demanding, and the expenses that the residents have to pay for are particularly high." There is currently no fixed date for introducing the tax though its believed it may be in place as early as this summer.

Oslo is still waiting on its parliament to approve the bill giving it powers to issue a tourist tax. Opposition parties have signalled they oppose the levy. The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) has warned it could put tourists off visiting the Scandinavian country.

An NHO spokesperson called the tax "madness". Critics argue it targets overnight visitors, leaving cruise passengers, day-trippers, and campervanners staying overnight in free public areas not required to pay. 

They said these tourists can be the most destructive, particularly in cruising hotspots like the Lofoten Islands and Geiranger fjord. It is believed sweltering temperatures in summer destinations like Italy and Spain are driving a trend known as 'coolcations', where travellers are deliberately choosing to visit cooler destinations in northern Europe.

Norway is also a popular destination for people wishing to see the northern lights. The country is considered one of the best places for aurora-chasing, and the celestial spectacle is proving to be particularly visible in 2025.