Norway has three neighboring countries that it shares land borders with: Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Together these borders run for roughly 2,566 km along Norway's eastern and northeastern edge, on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden is by far the longest neighbor, while Russia accounts for only a short Arctic frontier in the far north.
The Three Land Neighbors of Norway
Norway occupies the western half of the Scandinavian Peninsula, so all of its land neighbors lie to the east. Here is how each border breaks down:
- Sweden — the longest border by a wide margin, stretching about 1,630 km from the Oslofjord region in the south all the way up to the far north. This single frontier makes up the bulk of Norway's total land boundary.
- Finland — a northern border of roughly 730 km, running through Lapland and the sparsely populated Arctic interior.
- Russia — the shortest at around 196 km, located entirely in the high Arctic near the towns of Kirkenes (Norway) and Nikel (Russia). This is Norway's only land border with a non-Nordic, non-EU country.
Notably, Norway is the only Nordic country that shares a land border with Russia, giving it a unique strategic position in the region.
Sweden: The Closest Neighbor
Sweden is Norway's most important neighbor culturally, economically, and historically. The two countries were united under a single crown from 1814 to 1905, when Norway peacefully dissolved the union and became fully independent. Today they share close linguistic ties — Norwegian and Swedish are mutually intelligible — and the border is essentially open, with thousands of people commuting between them daily. Major crossings connect Oslo to the Swedish cities of Karlstad and Gothenburg. Both nations belong to the Nordic Passport Union and the Schengen Area, so travelers move freely across the frontier without passport checks.
Finland and the Arctic North
The Norway–Finland border lies almost entirely above the Arctic Circle, passing through tundra, forest, and the lands of the indigenous Sami people, who live across all three Nordic countries and parts of Russia. Reindeer herding, fishing, and tourism dominate this remote region. Because both Norway and Finland are Schengen members (and Finland uses the euro while Norway keeps its krone), cross-border trade and movement are seamless. The Finnish region of Lapland and Norwegian Finnmark together form one of Europe's least densely populated and most pristine wilderness areas.
Russia: The Short Arctic Frontier
Norway's border with Russia is small but geopolitically significant. It runs along the Pasvik River valley and ends at the Barents Sea coast. The Storskog–Borisoglebsk crossing near Kirkenes is the only legal land checkpoint between the two countries. Unlike the open Nordic borders, this is a guarded international frontier with passport and visa controls. The region has long been a focus of Arctic cooperation over fishing rights, energy resources, and environmental protection in the Barents Sea, though relations have grown more tense in recent years.
Maritime Neighbors Across the Sea
Beyond its three land borders, Norway shares maritime boundaries with several countries separated by water. Across the North Sea and Skagerrak strait lies Denmark, a short ferry ride from southern Norway. To the west, across the North Sea, sits the United Kingdom, while Iceland lies far to the northwest across the Norwegian Sea. These maritime relationships are vital for shipping, North Sea oil and gas, and fisheries.
Norway's coastline is one of its defining features. Thanks to its thousands of fjords and offshore islands, the country has the second-longest coastline in the world — about 25,000 km when every inlet is measured, far longer than its land borders. This dramatic Atlantic frontage has shaped Norwegian identity, from Viking seafaring to today's fishing and offshore energy industries. You can learn much more in our norway country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries border Norway?
Norway borders three countries by land: Sweden, Finland, and Russia. It also has maritime boundaries with Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Iceland across the surrounding seas.
Which country shares the longest border with Norway?
Sweden shares the longest border with Norway at about 1,630 km, accounting for the majority of Norway's roughly 2,566 km of total land boundary. Finland is next at around 730 km, and Russia has the shortest at about 196 km.
Does Norway border Russia?
Yes. Norway and Russia share a short Arctic land border of roughly 196 km in the far north, with the only legal crossing at Storskog near the town of Kirkenes. Norway is the only Nordic nation with a land border to Russia.
Can you cross between Norway and Sweden freely?
Yes. Both countries belong to the Schengen Area and the Nordic Passport Union, so people travel across the Norway–Sweden border without passport checks, and many commute daily between the two nations.