Budget travel

Travel off-season for cheaper hotels and accommodation and far less crowded attractions.

If you book early, getting around in Norway by bus, train or plane can be quite reasonable. There are only a few tickets available at the lowest price for each departure, however, so make sure you start looking well in advance.

The cheapest way to get around is on foot or by bike. A hiking or biking holiday also gives you the added bonus of getting closer to nature.

In Norway, there is no entry fee to areas with natural attractions like fjords, waterfalls and natural parks. Make the most of it and enjoy the fresh air.

Camping in the wild is also free, as long as you are considerate and follow the rules of the right of access. Other budget options for a place to stay are campsites, hostels, or one of the many non-service mountain cabins around the country.

Buying your food in supermarkets instead of eating out can save you lots of money. Also, remember that the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in the whole country, so fill up from the tap instead of buying bottled water.

For an affordable night on the town, find out where the local students eat and drink – they often know where to get a good deal. Bring a student ID-card if you have one.

In many of the big cities, you find small restaurants serving tasty Thai or other Asian dishes for a reasonable price. 

It definitely pays to do your research and plan ahead: Some tourist attractions are free all year round, and many museums that normally charge for entry are free certain days of the week.

Local tourist offices are happy to help, and often have lists of free things to do.

Norway is considered very safe, and whilst hitchhiking is not very common, it is usually quite safe and you get to meet the locals, too. It can be a bit unpredictable, though. Your chances of getting a lift are greater in rural areas, where people are more familiar with the challenges of getting around. And of course, remember to take your precautions: wear visible clothes and talk to the driver before deciding whether to enter the car or not.