It's now much cheaper to travel in Norway

Updated May 9th

Although it has long been perceived as a high cost country, the truth is that Norway has been quietly becoming more affordable for many travellers for years, even despite rising inflation.

Especially for Americans – who get 36 percent more value for every dollar they spend than just five years ago, and quite close to double if you compare the rates to the last ten years. 

Norway has also become more affordable for Scandinavian and British travellers in particular, and also for visitors from the Eurozone. In just the last year, the euro and the dollar have gained about 15% and 18% respectively on the Norwegian krone (NOK).

The Danish krone (DKK) is up 15%, while the Swedish krona (SEK) is up 10%, and the pound is worth about 8% more in Norway now than it was at around this time in 2022.

Scroll down for great budget holiday tips! 

NOK is historically weak

NOK hit a historical low against the dollar and the euro in 2023, as well as many other currencies, making the country a less expensive destination.

On March 8, 2023, the exchange rates were as (2018 and 2013 in parenthesis for comparison):

1 euro = NOK 11.26 (NOK 9.58/7.48, an increase of 17.5 % and 50.5 %)

1 USD = NOK 10.67 (NOK 7.82/5.77, an increase of 36.5 % and 89.9 %)

1 GBP = NOK 12.59 (NOK 10.84/8.69, an increase of 16.1 % and 44.9 %)

100 Danish krone (DKK) = NOK 151.34 (NOK128.62/100.37, an increase of 17.7 % and 50.8 %)

100 Swedish krona (SEK) = NOK 99.65 (NOK 94.37/89.67, an increase of 5.6 % and 11.1 %)

That means that for 100 euro, you will now get around NOK 1126 NOK, while $100 gives you NOK 1067. An average hotel room for two, with a good breakfast included, will typically cost around NOK 1350 (2022), though you can expect to pay a bit more in the big cities and in popular places during high season and holidays. 

Danes now get NOK 150 for every 100 Danish krone. That is quite a bargain!

Even lower exchange rates? 

Prominent Norwegian financial newspaper Dagens Næringsliv quotes economists as saying that with the current global financial situation, the Norwegian krone might weaken even more in spring 2023, and that the euro and dollar might see exchange rates of NOK 11.50  and NOK 11.15, respectively.

But Norway is so expensive anyway, you might say. Yes, Norway is still a high cost country, and has also been hit by soaring inflation, higher energy prices, and financial unrest, like many other Western countries, as a result of the war in Ukraine and other global challenges. But inflation has also been a bit lower than in many other countries, and energy remains quite inexpensive in several parts of the country. 

Not the most expensive anymore

Norway does not top the list of the most expensive countries in Europe (that dubious honour goes to Switzerland and Iceland in 2022, based on Mercer’s exhaustive 2022 cost of living index rankings). Moreover, Oslo is no longer on the top 20 list of the most expensive cities in the world, according to the annual Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey.

If you don't drink much in bars and restaurants, and don't smoke, consumer prices are not that different from what you find in many Western European countries and big cities these days. Meat and dairy products might be a bit more expensive, though, but if you look at animal welfare, and care about the environment, you may fell that the extra krone spent are worth it. 

And the most important reason for many travellers to visit Norway is totally free: nature! Learn the secret of Friluftsliv, enjoying the great outdoors, and why it is so good for your health, too!

Budget travel tips for Norway

Many of the best things in Norway can also be experienced for free or done cheaply:

1. Our beautiful nature is open 24/7 and is totally free, including the national parks and our famous scenic routes.
2. Many of our great sculpture parks are free.
3. Buy local food in the grocery stores or farm shops and picnic at one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Or go fishing and catch your own food!
4. Limit the amount you consume in bars, and buy wine, Norwegian cider and other drinks at Vinmonopolet, the government liquor store, or pick up some local craft beer at the grocery store.
5. Buy tickets for transport early for the best prices, and travel outside the main tourist season. Look for regional daily, weekly (or even monthly) travel passes that give you major discounts.
6. Stay longer in every place to reduce travel costs and get discounts for longer stays. We promise that you can find much more to do in the local region than just the iconic bucket list items!
7. Rent apartments or cosy cabins, and travel with a bigger group. This reduces costs per person, and you can cook meals at the place where you are staying.
8. Travel outside high season to get the best prices. Hotels in big cities can be expensive during holidays and in high season, but often offer cheaper deals during weekends. An average hotel stay in Norway is in fact often quite moderately priced compared to other Western European countries.
9. Most museums offer discounts for families and groups. Some are even free.
10. Read the article below for more tips on budget travel in Norway!