How to get an IP address in Norway

Connecting to a VPN server in Norway will give you a matching IP address and encrypts all of your data in the process. Find out everything you need to know to get started. 

Want to binge-watch NRK shows like Skam? Or perhaps you’re traveling abroad and need to access Norwegian online services, such as a Norges Bank account? In either case a VPN can help. We’ll tell you how to use a VPN to quickly get an IP address in Norway.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to change their IP address – and thus virtual location – simply by connecting to a VPN server. Servers can be anywhere in the world, with some providers operating in more than 100 countries. Once a connection is established, all traffic flowing between the user’s device and the server is encrypted, making it all but impossible for third-parties to monitor users’ online activity. 

How to get an IP address in Norway

It’s easy to get a Norwegian IP address using one of our recommended providers. Just follow these instructions: 

1. Choose a VPN that has servers in Norway. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Sign up for a subscription – longer terms are almost always better value. 
3. Download, and install, the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and choose “Norway” from the list of available servers.
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app tells you that a connection has been established.
8. Use the internet as normal, but with a Norwegian IP address and encrypted internet traffic. 

We’ll examine individual VPN services in more detail later. For now, here’s a summary.

Top VPNs for Norwegian IP addresses:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for Norwegian IP addresses. Has 61+ RAM-only servers in Norway and thousands more worldwide. It’s great for streaming and has very fast connection speeds. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. ExpressVPN: Very fast RAM-only servers for easy access to IP addresses in Norway and an excellent option for streaming. Has an app for routers, obfuscation enabled by default, and a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network.
3. Proton VPN: Has 36+ servers in Norway, with an additional three secure core servers. All apps are open-source and allow port forwarding. Provides very fast connection speeds and works well with major streaming platforms.
4. Mullvad: Highly secure service with 20+ RAM-only servers in Norway. Provides notably fast connection speeds and allows port forwarding. It’s a good option for use in restrictive countries like China, Egypt, and Iran.
5. CyberGhost: Vast network of RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Provides Norwegian IP addresses via 34+ RAM-only servers in Oslo. Great for streaming, with servers optimized for individual providers. 
6. PrivateVPN: Provides IP addresses in 63+ countries, including Norway. Decent connection speeds and good for both torrenting and streaming. Includes adjustable encryption and a stealth mode that can bypass VPN blocks in China and elsewhere.
7. Atlas VPN: Servers in Oslo make it easy to get a Norwegian IP address. Connection speeds are fast, with good access to popular streaming platforms. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and access to MultiHop servers.  

Summary Table

The sheer number of VPN providers can overwhelm anyone trying to decide between them. To make things easier, we objectively compare each provider against a list of criteria. These are summarized below, and expanded upon later in the article where we discuss our testing methodology in greater detail.

• Servers in Norway
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong privacy and security features
• Ability to access streaming services
• Value for money
• User-friendly apps 
• Helpful customer support

To be included as one of our top two providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs for getting an IP address in Norway

Now let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN has 60+ RAM-only servers in Oslo, making it easy to find one that isn’t heavily loaded. As well as a Norway IP address, the company provides access to servers in 60+ other countries.

The service provides excellent access to a range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, and Hulu. It has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that’s very fast and doesn’t store user data on its servers. 

The company’s SmartPlay feature enables VPN-incompatible devices like smart TVs and game consoles (PS5 and Xbox) to access geo-restricted content. Other NordVPN features include obfuscation that can bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries, MultiHop servers, and one-click access to the Tor network.

NordVPN apps have a well-thought-out GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. They come with a threat protection tool, split tunneling, built-in leak protection, strong encryption, and a kill switch. 

Subscriptions permit up to six simultaneous device connections. Subscribers who need more can configure a NordVPN connection on their home router. This has the benefit of protecting every linked device – even those that don’t support VPN software natively.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that’s been verified via multiple audits of its server network and software. Following a minor attack on a server located in a Finnish third-party data center, the company bolstered its security with a suite of new security measures – including a bug bounty program.

BEST VPN FOR NORWEGIAN IP ADDRESSES: NordVPN is our recommended provider. It has 60+ RAM-only servers in Norway, very fast connection speeds, and easy access to popular streaming platforms. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

ExpressVPN has speedy RAM-only servers that are ideal for getting an IP address in Norway. Servers are also available in 104+ other countries. 

The service works with a large range of content libraries from the major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. ExpressVPN can help VPN-incompatible devices access restricted content – either by using its MediaStreamer tool or by using its router app.

Obfuscation is enabled by default, which makes it easier for subscribers living in countries where the internet is heavily censored. Users in restrictive countries can sign up using the company’s dedicated site on the Tor network. 

Other ExpressVPN security features include the weekly reinstallation of every server’s operating system, a proprietary connection protocol, and a Threat Manager Tool that blocks trackers and access to malicious websites. 

Sophisticated apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These come with built-in leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption.

As of 2021, ExpressVPN is one of the VPN brands owned by Kape Technologies. Although now an established cybersecurity firm, Kape had previously – under its former name of Crossrider – specialized in creating software designed to inject adverts into users’ browsers. 

ExpressVPN says that it continues to operate as a separate brand and service. It has had its no-logs policy verified via several audits of its infrastructure and software.   

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN has RAM-only servers available in 105+ countries, and makes it easy to get an IP address in Norway. Its proprietary connection protocol provides fast speeds and plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN makes it easy to get an IP address in Norway, with 36+ servers in Oslo providing up to 10 Gbps down. In addition, the company has three Norwegian SecureCore servers. These route sensitive traffic through company-owned data centers in Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

The service works well with a variety of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Connection speeds are impressively fast, so streaming in 4K shouldn't be a problem.

Proton VPN is good for torrenting. It has a split tunneling feature, and allows port forwarding for improved seeding and leeching. Apps are all open-source and available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and FireTV. They come with built-in leak protection, a kill switch, strong encryption, and an ad-blocker. 

The company has a solid no-logs policy, which has been verified through independent audits of its software and infrastructure. Proton VPN lists any legal requests for information about its customers on its website. At the time of writing, the company was last served with a warrant in 2019. It was unable to comply with the information request, confirming its no-logs claims.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN has plenty of options for those seeking an IP address in Norway. It provides very fast connection speeds and works well with the top streaming platforms. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad has 20+RAM-only servers in Oslo and Stavanger. These are owned by Mullvad and provide users with an IP address in Norway and 10 Gbps connectivity. The company also has its own RAM-only servers in Finland, Sweden, and London. 

The VPN service is ideal for torrenting. It allows port forwarding and has extremely fast connection speeds. However, users seeking broad access to streaming platforms should look to one of our other recommended VPNs. 

Mullvad apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They come with strong encryption, a built-in kill switch, and access to MultiHop servers. Split tunneling is available, but only for Windows, Android, and Linux.

The service can be used to bypass Chinese VPN blocks by bridging data through a Shadowsocks proxy. Those who want to maximize their anonymity can sign up to Mullvad using cash or cryptocurrency.

The company has had its no-logs policy verified through multiple independent audits of its apps and infrastructure. Reassuringly, it has never had a data breach in its 10+ years of existence. 

TRANSPARENT PROVIDER: Mullvad makes getting an IP address in Norway easy and secure, with 20+ RAM-only servers in Oslo and Stavanger. Connection speeds are extremely quick and its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.  

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost VPN is known for providing its subscribers with access to a vast network of speedy RAM-only servers. These are available in 100+ countries – one of which is Norway. The company has 34+ servers in the country’s capital, Oslo. 

Some CyberGhost VPN servers are optimized for individual streaming platforms, which takes the guesswork out of finding working servers for the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, and Paramount+. Connection speeds are fast enough for watching video in 4K.

CyberGhost VPN’s long-term subscriptions are excellent value and it provides decent support via 24/7 live chat. Apps are enjoyable to use and available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux. They provide protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks; and come with built-in ad and malware blocking. 

Split tunneling for specific apps is only available on Android. Windows users can specify websites that they want to exclude from the VPN tunnel using the Smart Rules tool. It comes with an automatic kill switch, and can be used to bypass bandwidth throttling with ease. 

CyberGhost VPN is one of the VPN brands owned by Kape Technologies. As mentioned in the ExpressVPN mini-review, Kape Technologies has a somewhat murky past. For its part, CyberGhost VPN says that it doesn’t collect data about users’ VPN activity – a claim that’s been verified via an audit carried out by Deloitte. The company also issues quarterly transparency reports detailing any third-party data requests. 

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost VPN has 34+ RAM-only servers able to provide IP addresses in Norway. It’s a secure option for streaming devices, with connection speeds fast enough for watching 4K video. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

PrivateVPN provides safe and secure connections to servers in 63+ countries. Norwegian IP addresses are available via a server in Oslo, and the provider itself is based just across the border in Sweden. 

The service is good for streaming and able to access platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, and BBC iPlayer. Connection speeds are good enough for streaming in HD, but pale in comparison to the fastest providers.

PrivateVPN allows port forwarding and its stealth mode is able to bypass VPN blocks in countries like China, Iran, and Egypt. Users can adjust the level of encryption used on their data and choose between a range of connection protocols. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Their features include access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy, app-specific and system-wide kill switches, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. 

PrivateVPN is compatible with routers, and its customer service team is able to offer remote control assistance with configuration. Subscriptions allow up to 10 simultaneous device connections, so there’s plenty to play with.  

The company adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has never suffered a data breach in its 10+ years of existence. In 2022, PrivateVPN was acquired by the Miss Group web-hosting business. 

STEALTH MODE: PrivateVPN has servers in Oslo able to provide multiple Norwegian IP addresses. It's compatible with routers and has a stealth mode that can bypass Chinese VPN blocks. The service is a solid choice for both streaming and torrenting. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Atlas VPN's servers in Oslo provide subscribers with very fast connection speeds and plenty of choice of Norwegian IP addresses. Subscriptions allow users to connect as many devices as they want simultaneously, making Atlas VPN a good option for large households. 

The company’s SafeSwap servers rotate users’ IP addresses in-session for additional security, and provide MultiHop connections with randomized exit servers. Note that SafeSwap servers are currently only available in the Netherlands, Singapore, and the US.

Other Atlas VPN features include a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a tracker-blocker, and a data breach monitor. Apps are well-designed and available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. 

The service is great for streaming and able to access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, ABC, BBC iPlayer, and NBC. It uses the WireGuard connection protocol by default, which is much faster than the other available option: IPSec/IKEv2.

Atlas VPN has undertaken independent audits of its Windows and iOS apps. It operates a no-logs policy and – since being acquired by Nord Security in 2022 – is expected to adhere to that company’s transparency principles. 

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN offers unlimited device connections and easy access to IP addresses in Norway. It works well with the most popular streaming platforms and is fast enough for 4K streaming. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for a Norwegian IP address

Plenty of VPNs host servers in Norway, but far fewer have the other features we consider necessary to provide a good all-round service. You can read about the different areas we assess using our testing methodology below.

• Servers in Norway: The easiest way to get an IP address in Norway is to connect to a VPN server in that country. We look for VPN providers that have multiple Norwegian servers that physically reside in the country. We also considered the entire network of servers while making up this list.
• Fast connection speeds: Some VPN providers will slow your internet connection speed to a crawl. Nobody wants that, which is why we perform regular speed tests to ensure we only recommend the speediest providers. We’re interested in VPNs that are fast enough to ensure lag-free gaming and bufferless streaming. 
• Strong privacy and security features: VPN companies must be able to provide subscribers with safe and secure connections. To do this, they need to use strong encryption as well as providing a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. We prioritize those companies that also offer access to MultiHop servers, obfuscation, split tunneling, and port forwarding for improved online protection.
• Ability to access streaming services: While many VPN providers advertise their ability to access additional streaming content, very few of them actually work with big-name platforms. We regularly test which VPNs are able to access multiple content libraries from geo-restricted sites and platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• Value for money: The best VPN services are subscription-only. But while some of the rolling monthly fees can seem a little steep, there are plenty of providers offering reasonably priced long-term contracts. We seek out those offering the best deals at a range of price points, with unlimited bandwidth. 
• User-friendly apps: A well-designed app makes it easy for new users to intuitively get an IP address in Norway. We look for providers with an approachable GUI and consistency across a range of platforms. Their apps should also have enough functionality to keep more experienced users happy.
• Helpful customer support: The best VPN providers have helpful and knowledgeable customer support staff that are available 24/7 via live chat and email. Furthermore, their websites contain comprehensive and searchable knowledge bases. 

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top two positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: For over a decade, China has dedicated significant effort to preventing its citizens from accessing VPNs. Its systems are so effective that only a small number of VPN providers are now able to function within the country, making them invaluable to those seeking access to the open internet.
• Diskless servers: In a bid to further enhance their security, some VPN providers have made their entire server networks RAM-only. Because these servers are not able to retain data long-term, their appeal as targets for hackers or law enforcement agencies is reduced. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Many countries participate in intelligence-sharing alliances. Some that are known to us include the Five Eyes, SIGINT Seniors Europe, and Maximator – though there are likely to be many more. Members of these alliances can seek surveillance assistance from their partner countries – an arrangement that allows them to circumvent domestic laws that restrict direct spying on their own populace. To avoid becoming co-opted, the better VPN providers incorporate their companies in countries that are not affiliated with any known intelligence alliances – such as Panama or the British Virgin Islands.
• Audited software and infrastructure: Determining whether to trust a VPN with your data can be difficult – particularly as some providers haven’t always been truthful. To help consumers make more informed choices, the top VPN companies engage third-party auditors to assess their software and infrastructure. These audits play a vital role in uncovering any vulnerabilities and also serve to verify any no-logs claims.

Can I get a Norwegian IP address using a free VPN?

Most free VPNs will not have servers in Norway. Even if you find one that does, we'd recommend treating it with caution. Free VPNs have a poor reputation when it comes to privacy and security. Most have some form of logging policy, and will use trackers to gather data. Others may leak your IP address or fail to encrypt your internet traffic.

Connection speeds are typically slow, with too few servers for the number of users trying to access the service. Available servers tend to be restricted to just a few countries, such as the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. 

How to get an IP address in Norway – FAQs

What TV channels can I watch with a Norwegian IP address?

The most popular Norwegian TV channels are NRK1, NRK2, and NRK3 – all of which are accessible using a VPN with servers in Norway. At the time of writing, some of the most highly rated shows include Norsemen, Skam, Bergensbanen – minutt for minutt, The Saboteurs, Heirs of the Night, and Rådebank.

Are VPNs legal in Norway?

Yes. VPNs are legal in the vast majority of countries – including Norway. At the time of writing the only countries where VPNs are illegal are Belarus, Turkmenistan, North Korea, and Iraq. 

Although VPNs are legal in Norway, that doesn’t mean they should be used to mask illegal activity. Norway’s Criminal Code contains provisions that protect citizens against certain types of hate speech as well as online harassment, threats, defamation, and violations of privacy. 

Should I use a VPN in Norway?

Norway’s law on the Processing of Personal Data (Personal Data Act) implements the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) passed by the European Union. Although this provides strong data protection rules, there are still plenty of reasons that a VPN is still useful in Norway.

For one, it allows users to access otherwise restricted content libraries from their favorite streaming platforms – or just to access Norwegian content while traveling abroad. VPNs will also secure connections made when using public WiFi of the sort that’s easily accessible in Norwegian cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. The VPN’s encrypted connection prevents attackers from harvesting intelligible data if they intercept connections.   

How can I tell if my IP address has changed to Norway?

It’s easy to check your IP address using an online resource such as https://whatismyipaddress.com. This provides you with your current IP address and an approximate location under the “My IP Information” heading. The country should show as “Norway” if you’re connected to a Norwegian VPN server. If not, then contact your VPN provider to find out why.