I can only really speak from my own experience as a Master's student in Norway, but here goes:
- There is generally no tuition fee at state universities and university colleges, though students do have to pay a small semester fee (about 180$ per annum in my case).
- I can't really help you with reviews/details/comparisons, but a few schools off the top of my head are:
University of Oslo [1],
Norwegian University of Science and Technology [2],
Østfold University College [3].
However, there are a few differences from US programs.
For instance, there are no "master's en route" programs. Master's programs last for two years (concluded with a dissertation), and are a prerequisite for Ph.D. programs (which last for 3-4 years, depending on how you finance your research).
As for applying, I'm not entirely sure how you would go about doing this, as the process is streamlined through a special website for citizens. I would suggest checking the websites of the schools that most pique your interest, as the process may vary from institution to institution.
Good luck!
[1]: http://www.uio.no/english/
[2]: http://www.ntnu.edu
[3]: http://www.hiof.no/eng/frontpage?lang=eng