12 tips for a budget holiday in Norway

1. Book as early as possible

That way you have a far better chance of securing the most affordable tickets for public transportation such as flights, trains and busses – and also the cheapest accommodation.

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2. Travel in the off-season

This is a clever way to get cheaper accommodation and transportation, and you won’t have to share the popular attractions with quite as many others. You can also save money if you travel like a local, with public transport.

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4. Travel together

Plan your trip to Norway together with your extended family or a group of good friends. That way, you can rent a large cabin, flat, or house and use this a base. This is a solution that can cut costs significantly.

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5. Buy food locally

Having the opportunity to cook for yourself, at least for parts of your trip, will work wonders on your budget. You can make yourself an unforgettable picnic or dinner from local delicacies without breaking the bank. Drop by a farm sale or delicatessen, or simply a regular grocery shop. Especially in the districts, they tend to have specific shelves with local food. Buy cheeses from the area – several of them are amongst the best in the world – rich butter, meat toppings, sausages, and freshly baked bread. In Oslo, you can get trendy street food at an affordable price at Vippa or Oslo Street Food in Torggata.

6. Fresh drinks

A proper water bottle that keeps its contents cold is a good investment, and you can fill it with crystal clear, free water straight from the tap. Consider treating yourself to an amazingly fresh Eplemost (norwegian apple juice) for breakfast, though. And yes, we do love a pint in the sun, but not necessarily in the most expensive bar in town. In most places in Norway, you can get beer from local manufacturers and microbreweries at farmers’ markets or in the grocery shop. You can also drop by Vinmonopolet for some trendy fresh Norwegian cider.

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9. Natural playground

Norway is a natural playground where you can go hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and climbing, or just enjoy scenic nature and lovely towns and cities. It might be a good investment to join one of the many guided activities offered all over the country, however. A guide can often add an extra dimension to the experience. Many places rent out equipment such as bikes, skis, canoes, kayaks, climbing harnesses, and more.

10. Explore the national parks

The many Norwegian national parks are our most beautiful and important natural areas. You’re more than welcome to explore them, as long as you do so in a respectful manner. That means don’t leave anything but footprints and stick to the marked footpaths. Always take your rubbish with you and use the toilets where you can. If nature calls along the way, go far from the path and cover up your business properly when you’re done.

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12. Go on a cycling holiday

A cheap way to experience Norway up close is cycling. The period between April and October is the best time to go, but in very popular areas, like the Lofoten Islands, it is better to avoid the high season from mid-June to mid-August. If you go in the off-season, there will also be less traffic and you will find affordable accommodation more easily. Check out Norway’s cycling-friendly destinations, where you can rent road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes, and even find bike-friendly housing. You can also buy pre-planned cycling trips, and some even offer to transport your luggage for you.

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17 kid-friendly camping sites

In Norway, you can combine camping with numerous family-friendly activities. Camping expert Jan-Henrik Larsen points out some of the many sites that will keep the children happy.

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Camping and caravanning

In Norway, there are around 1000 campgrounds to choose from. Most sites offer a spot for your tent, caravan, or motorhome, as well as camping cabins of varying standard. The Norwegian right to roam also allows camping in the wild.

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Free things to do in Oslo

Travelling on a budget? A stay in the Norwegian capital can be quite cheap. In fact, many activities and attractions in Oslo are totally free! Check out how you can save money on your trip to Norway.

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Hiking with the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT)

An extensive network of hiking cabins allows you to discover more of Norway on your holiday. Hike from cabin to cabin along the coast, in the forests and in the mountains.

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Hostels

There are more than 300 youth and family hostels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses in Norway that offer cheap accommodation to travellers of all kinds. And if you don’t like the idea of sleeping in a dormitory full of strangers, many hostels offer single, double, and family rooms.

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Top 10: camping sites for caravans and motorhomes

Numerous camping grounds all over Norway are specially suited for motorhomes and caravans. Here, German travel journalist and camping guide author dr. Thomas Kliem shares his top locations.

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Travel like the locals

In Norway, nature is never far away. It’s actually so close that even public transport is a great starting point for exploring it.

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Plan your trip

1. Book as early as possible

2. Travel in the off-season

4. Travel together

5. Buy food locally

6. Fresh drinks

9. Natural playground

10. Explore the national parks

12. Go on a cycling holiday

Affordable travel tips

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