A guide to alcohol sales in Norway
Where can you buy beer, wine and spirits? Here is everything you need to know about navigating alcohol sales in Norway.
Moving to or visiting Norway comes with many new experiences, and understanding the country's regulations around purchasing alcohol is essential. Norway has a distinctive system designed with public health and social responsibility in mind.
Whether you are looking for local craft beers, world-class wines, or premium spirits, here is a quick guide to navigating alcohol sales in Norway.
Why does Norway have a monopoly?
Responsible sales of alcohol has been our mission for over a century. Through responsible sales, limited availability and the absence of marketing, Vinmonopolet has contributed to lower alcohol consumption in Norway than it would have otherwise been.
Read moreOur social mission
Where to buy
Supermarkets and grocery stores
Supermarkets and grocery stores can only sell lower-alcohol beverages: Primarily regular beer, ciders, and ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails up to 4.7% ABV. Strict national sales cut-offs apply:
- Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 09:00 – 20:00
- Saturdays: 09:00 – 18:00
- Sundays & Public Holidays: Sales of alcohol are not permitted.
Note: Local municipal hours may end earlier. Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks (2.5% ABV or lower) can be purchased in supermarkets at all opening hours, including Sundays.
Vinmonopolet
Any beverage exceeding 4.7% ABV – including wine, fortified wine, spirits, and higher-strength beer – must be purchased at a Vinmonopolet outlet.
Opening hours
Some shops have local opening hours, but our regular opening hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Saturdays: 10:00 – 16:00
- Sundays and public holidays: All our shops are closed on Sundays and on Christmas Eve, May 1 (Labour Day) and May 17 (Norwegian Constitution Day), and on public holidays. Opening hours may also differ during Christmas, Pentecost and Easter.
National coverage
We operate an extensive network of more than 350 stores across the country. In rural areas, the nearest store may be some distance away, but you can order online and have your items delivered to most Norwegian addresses, or to your nearest post office (in many places, the local supermarket features a "Post in Shop” counter).
Planning ahead
Because sales hours are restricted and stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, plan your purchases in advance. You can explore local store hours and browse our complete catalogue online.
Read moreOpening hours, orders and deliveries.
Local farm sales
Standard wine, beer above 4.7% ABV, and spirits are not eligible for farm sales and remain exclusive to Vinmonopolet. Please note that farm outlets must adhere to standard retail sales hours and are closed for alcohol sales on Sundays.
If you are travelling through rural Norway, especially fruit-growing regions like Hardanger, Sogn, or Telemark, you may encounter local farms selling directly to visitors.
Under strict licensing rules, registered producers are permitted to sell their own craft ciders or fruit wines (other than grapes) directly from the farm, provided the beverages are made from the farm’s own harvest.
Bars and restaurants
Norway boasts an exciting food and drink scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy neighbourhood pubs and craft cocktail bars. When enjoying a drink, keep these key rules in mind:
- Serving hours: Under national legislation, licensed venues may serve alcohol until 03:00 at the latest. However, local municipalities often set earlier closing times (frequently midnight, 01:00, or 02:00, especially on weekdays and for outdoor seating).
- On-premise only: You cannot bring your own alcohol into a licensed venue, nor can you take an alcoholic drink outside the defined premises or take it “to go”.
Read and learn about Norwegian gastronomy
Age limits and identification requirements
Anyone can enter Vinmonopolet regardless of age, but when making a purchase, we have different age limits depending on the product's alcohol content. These age limits also apply in supermarkets and bars/restaurants.
Age limit 18 years – up to 22% ABV
You must be at least 18 years old to purchase beer, wine, cider, and spirits with an alcohol content of less than 22 percent.
Age limit 20 years – more than 22% ABV
You must be at least 20 years old to purchase spirits or other products with an alcohol content of 22 percent or more.
Acceptable identification
Passports, national identity cards and valid driving licences are accepted as identification. Are you under the age of 25? Thank you for showing your ID unprompted.
Information in NorwegianWhich ID types are accepted at Vinmonopolet?
A unique and impartial product range
Behind the strict regulations lies one of the world's most comprehensive selections. Vinmonopolet offers a catalogue of roughly 38,000 distinct products.
Because we operate without commercial brand bias, every product is selected on the basis of quality, fair pricing, and customer demand. Our customers enjoy equal access to rare fine wines, artisanal spirits, and local Norwegian craft beverages that might otherwise struggle to find retail shelf space.
Don’t hesitate to ask our staff for assistance or recommendations. They are highly trained and knowledgeable about the products available at Vinmonopolet.
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