Licensed Guide and Norway Tour Planner

Turning Your Big Ideas Into
The Trip of a Lifetime

Turning Your Big Ideas Into The Trip of a Lifetime

I help curious travelers from all over the world explore
Norway like a local and make lasting memories.

I help curious travelers from all over the world explore Norway like a local and make lasting memories.

Hei! Hei! I’m Pål (pronounced: Paul)

Pål Bjarne Johansen, founder of Norway with Pål.

I’m a Norway native, licensed Oslo travel guide, sailor, filmmaker, and writer. And I want to help you enjoy Norway the right way — like a local.

From savoring traditional waffles to boarding a majestic fjord cruise, I share all the tips you’ll need to make the most of your adventure in Norway!

Pål in an iconic Norwegian sweater standing on a sunny day next the the water

How this adventure started

2013: My work with Rick Steves begins

I have the pleasure of offering my travel expertise for Rick Steves’ guidebooks and tours.

You can see some of my work with Rick on the Monday Night Travel Show: Norway, the Festival of Europe: Scandinavia, and in one of his many guidebooks, including Rick Steves’ Scandinavia Guide Book.

For more Pål and Rick Steves you can also check out this interview, Video of the Month: Today's Oslo on Two Wheels, and Nordic Europe with Rick Steves (at about 48:10).

Start by discovering Norway’s most famous cities and little-known landmarks with my City, Fjord, and Regional Guides.

Pål and Rick Steves at a fjord in Oslo on a sunny day
Pål and Rick Steves at a fjord in Oslo on a sunny day

2019: Norway with Pål sets sail

I started Norway with Pål because of my passion for sharing Norway’s stunning beauty, captivating culture, and rich history.

Over the years, and as I’ve connected with wonderful travelers from around the world, my excitement for all things Norway has only grown!

With all the travel experiences I’ve had in North America, South America, and Europe, including, of course, Norway, I have lots of insider tips to share with you.

I offer Norway tour planning and guide services so you get a tailor-made journey and the trip of a lifetime!

When I’m not exploring with fellow travelers, you’ll find me sailing the pristine Scandinavian waters on my boat, Lyra — and enjoying Vafler, a traditional Norwegian waffle topped with my favorites, strawberry jam and sour cream. Nam! (Yum!)

I look forward to traveling with you!
Pål

Pål smiling on his sail boat
Pål smiling on his sail boat

When you tour Norway with me, you get to…

  • Take an inside look at the local customs and daily life.
  • Learn about Norwegian history, art, and architecture.
  • Eat like a local with tips from a food lover.
  • Make the most of local transportation.
  • Have a lot of fun!

Let’s make Norway your new favorite getaway!

Learn how to make my favorite Norwegian classic, Vafler,
with my step-by-step guide to Norway’s tasty waffle.

Learn how to make my favorite Norwegian classic, Vafler, with my step-by-step guide to Norway’s tasty waffle.

Pål showing you some Norwegian waffles on YouTube
A happy Rich Steves Tour Group on a sunny day with Pål in Norway

Be Part of a Global Viking Family

Join me on Patreon and get...

  • A 1:1 Zoom chat with me each year of your membership (VIP Viking tier only)
  • A Norway with Pål mug (VIP Viking tier only)
  • A digital Oslo Travel Map featuring 200+ pins of my favorite places and sights
  • Members-only discounts on Oslo guide services
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
  • Early access to YouTube episodes
  • And more only on Patreon!
A happy Rich Steves Tour Group on a sunny day with Pål in Norway