Ever tried to watch a Norwegian TV channel from abroad? If you’re reading this, chances are that you have. However, with licensing agreements being what they are, you must have hit a roadblock when an error message popped on your screen instead.
The content on channels like NRK TV, TV Norge, and TV 2 is locked to a country or region. Unfortunately, that means taking a vacation or relocating abroad reduces your chances of catching up on local news and entertainment to zero.
Well, not quite. Geo-blocked websites and online services tell viewer locations by IP addresses. Good thing a VPN can mask your actual IP and assign you another. This article provides an easy step-by-step guide on how to watch Norwegian TV channels outside Norway in 2024.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Norwegian TV From Abroad
Say you’re subscribed to a TV channel or streaming platform in Norway. Most of the time, that subscription will only work as long as you stay within the country or region. It continues counting when you take a trip abroad, but you lose access to the platform’s content.
This happens because of geo-blocking, the practice of restricting access to content or services based on the user’s geographic location.
For instance, a news or movie studio may enter into an agreement with a TV channel like NRK that gives the channel the right to distribute the content. But only within a country or region. That means that the content cannot be streamed outside that region, even if there’s a demand for it.
Geo-blocks identify your geographic location and then block access to content or services that are not available in that region. It uses your device’s IP address to do this.
That’s where a VPN comes in. In a nutshell, a VPN disguises your true location by channeling your connection through a server in a different location. It assigns an IP address linked to that server, effectively fooling the websites and services into granting you access as if you were physically there.
That way, you could be in a cafe in Paris or a hotel in New York, and NRK would take you to be present in Oslo.
Unfortunately, not all VPNs are on the same level. TV and streaming platforms have gotten better at recognizing and blocking IP addresses associated with VPN services. The best VPN providers maintain a vast pool and constantly refresh their IP addresses, making it harder for websites to identify and block them.
How to Watch Norwegian TV Outside Norway With a VPN
Here’s how to get back to watching your favorite local content outside Norway in 5 simple steps. We’re demonstrating using the best VPN for Norway, ExpressVPN. However, you can follow the steps with other providers if they have servers in Norway.
- Choose a reputable VPN. Select a VPN service with a reputable history, robust security features, stable performance, and a wide network infrastructure. Make sure it lists Norway as a server location. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Sign up for the VPN service. Visit the ExpressVPN website to purchase a subscription. Once you’ve created an account and paid for a plan, download and install the app on your device.
- Select a Norwegian server. Launch the installed app and navigate to the server selection menu. Pick a server located in Norway. This will ensure that you get a Norwegian IP address.
- Connect. Click the home screen’s connect button to connect to the Norwegian server. The VPN app will complete the process in moments.
- Visit the Norwegian TV channel. Head to the website of the TV channel. Some may only require you to register or log in to an account. Others are paid. After following the instructions on the website, clear your browser’s cookies and refresh.
If you used a VPN with Norwegian servers and excellent unblocking abilities, you should now be able to watch Norwegian TV channels from abroad.
4 Best VPNs to Watch Norwegian TV From Abroad
Here are the VPNs you can trust to unblock Norwegian TV channels from anywhere. We’re focusing on premium providers, as most free VPNs have crippling limitations.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the top choice for Norwegians hoping to watch local TV from abroad.
The British Virgin Islands-based VPN offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, Norway included. They’re pretty fast servers, too. In fact, ExpressVPN is consistently the fastest provider on the market. It’s a great quality for a streaming VPN, as it means you can enjoy Norwegian TV channels in the highest resolutions available without frustrating buffering.
There are no dedicated streaming servers, but that’s no issue. ExpressVPN bypasses geo-blocks with ease, whether on local Norwegian or international platforms. You can binge-watch Trygdekontoret on NRK1 while holidaying in Bali and switch to Ripper Street on Netflix US without hassles.
You’ll watch Norwegian TV while staying private and secure. ExpressVPN implements bank-level encryption to prevent cyber criminals from snooping on your private data. RAM-only TrustedServer technology and a strict logless policy means there’s no chance your personal information gets handed over to third parties.
ExpressVPN has apps for all the major platforms and devices. You can keep up to 8 devices connected to your account simultaneously. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free to unblock and watch Norwegian TV abroad.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is reputed to be privacy-focused, so its excellent streaming-friendly features often fall under the radar.
The provider has a massive network of servers comprising 5,800 in 60 countries. More than 60 of those are in Oslo, which is a sizeable collection. This means you’ll never run out of options for watching Norwegian TV outside Norway.
Those are rare cases, anyway. NordVPN ranks near the top of the leaderboard of the fastest VPN services. Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, 10 Gbps servers, and extensive network, you can enjoy excellent experiences when browsing online, streaming, and downloading.
Enjoy marathon runs of The Girl from Oslo and other great content without being physically present in Norway. The anti-VPN technology on TV channels and streaming platforms are no match for NordVPN.
The feature-rich VPN offers a ton of functionality to keep your online activities and data away from prying eyes. They include AES 256-bit encryption, an audited no-logs policy, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.
Plus, its Threat Protection feature ensures pesky ads don’t plague you while it protects your device from malware.
A single NordVPN subscription covers up to six devices at the same time. Like ExpressVPN, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund on request if you’re unimpressed.
3. CyberGhost
Worried that a VPN may be too much tech for you? Don’t worry — CyberGhost’s intuitive interface and gentle learning curve make it ideal for newbies.
What’s more, it’s an affordable VPN service. Considering that, we’re impressed that its collection of servers dwarfs those of ExpressVPN and NordVPN. You can choose between 9,600+ in 91 countries, including 34 in Norway’s capital, Oslo.
CyberGhost has dedicated servers for torrenting and online gaming. More relevantly, there are also dedicated servers for streaming content optimized for the activity. You don’t need those to stream TV programs, however. Simply obtain a Norwegian IP address, and you’re good to go.
It’s not the fastest, but you can expect stable connections on CyberGhost. You’ll get the best results on WireGuard.
CyberGhost doesn’t store any identifiable logs, a claim that has been independently proven. Military-grade encryption will leave hackers and other cyber criminals stumped. Moreover, its automatic Wi-Fi protection is handy if you’re prone to hopping on public networks where malicious actors may lurk.
The VPN works with a wide array of operating systems and devices. You can watch local Norwegian TV content on up to seven devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost extends a 45-day money-back guarantee, providing ample time to make up your mind.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark hasn’t been around for too long. However, its top-notch service means many consider it among the best providers around.
The Netherlands-based VPN has a network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including Norway. With such a wide spread, we’re not surprised it has locations in all the Nordic countries. For a budget price, you get to watch not just Norwegian TV but also content from Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and more.
You never have to reduce the video quality to avoid buffering. More often than not, Surfshark provides stable, reliable connections for all your internet activities.
Connect to a server in Norway, and you’re ready to follow the news and entertainment on NRK, TV Norge, and other platforms from abroad. But the VPN is just as good at unblocking restrictions on popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Low pricing doesn’t mean Surfshark compromises where it matters most. The provider offers a solid arsenal, including high-level encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. Several advanced and extra features come along.
Surfshark is compatible with a wide array of devices. Which is great, as it places no limits on the number of simultaneous connections. On top of that, Smart DNS support means you can stream on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
Conclusion
There’s no reason you should wait until you’re back in Norway before watching the news, events, movies, and shows you’ve grown accustomed to. A VPN ensures that you carry a piece of the country along on your trips abroad, tuning in to Norwegian TV wherever you are.
This tutorial provided the simple steps to follow. Our #1 recommended VPN is ExpressVPN, with its excellent unblocking abilities, blazing-fast speeds, and robust privacy features. A whopping 49% discount on its annual plan means you get 3 months free.
FAQs on How to Watch Norwegian TV from Abroad
How can I watch Norwegian TV abroad?
You can do so by using a VPN. When you connect to a VPN server in Norway, the technology masks your IP address and assigns you another. That way, TV channels are fooled into believing you’re in Norway.
Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN and visit a Norwegian TV website like NRK TV or TV Norge.
What is the best VPN for Norwegian TV?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching Norwegian TV abroad. It comes with excellent unblocking abilities and the fastest connection speeds in the market. In addition, the VPN offers strong privacy and security features to protect your identity and data.
What VPN connects to Norway?
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark are examples of VPN providers with servers in Norway. So they’re all excellent choices for enjoying Norwegian TV channels abroad.
