cost of travel to norway

The Cost of Travel in Norway: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Is Norway expensive? This Scandinavian country has a reputation for being one of the most expensive countries on the planet, but how accurate are the rumours?

Well, I hate to break it to you, but, uh, yeah, they’re pretty accurate.

Personally, I’ve travelled to a hundred countries over the past decade and Norway? It easily makes the top three when it comes to expensive countries.

It’s not all bad news, however, as I found tons of way to cut costs and find great value for money. Whether it’s taking the bus over the train, seeking out street food instead of eating in restaurants, or opting for comfortable guesthouses over high-end hotels, there are plenty of ways to keep on budget.

I’ve been keeping track of every single dollar I’ve spent over my past 11 years of travel, and I love distilling that information into detailed budget breakdowns. In these articles, I aim to share exactly how much I spent while travelling, covering budgets for all different kind of travellers, and ways in which you can lower your costs.

Today it’s Norway’s turn, so let’s get started.

The Cost of Accommodation in Norway

You can visit Norway on a whole range of budgets, from a €27 a night dorm bed in a hostel to an absolutely incredible €400-a-night snow hotel , the latter of which is a dream hotel of mine. One day I’ll get to stay there!

In this blog post, I’m going to be focusing on value . Because whether you’re travelling as a solo backpacker on a shoestring, as part of a couple on a mid-range budget, or as a family looking for a little luxury, value is the one thing you’re going to be looking for. That doesn’t mean cheap — it means offering up more than similarly-priced options.

There’s some seriously expensive accommodation up for grabs in Norway, so to start with, I’m going to cover the cheapest way to travel the country.

If you’re on the tightest of tight budgets, there are several options that’ll land you with free accommodation  while you’re in the country. Courchsurfing allows you to connect with locals by sleeping on spare sofas in their homes. It doesn’t cost a penny to do so and is a fantastic way to gain an insight into Norweigan daily life away from the tourists. There are 350,000 hosts in Norway, so there’s sure to be someone who’s right for you.

Housesitting is a more upmarket way to avoid paying for accommodation, as it’s aimed at the mid-range and luxury travellers. You’ll be looking after homes and pets while their owners are on holiday, and the houses can be extremely luxurious. This option works best if you don’t have fixed travel dates, as you’ll be agreeing to dates that the owners set.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could take a look at WorldPackers in Norway , where you’ll be able to volunteer for locals in exchange for food and board. There are some seriously cool options available on the site, from helping to form a hiking trail in the wildness to lending a hand at building an eco-sanctuary in a forest. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for WorldPackers with the promo code neverendingfootsteps .

If you’re not looking to travel for free and just want a clean and comfortable room to sleep in, there are plenty of great options, too.

One of the most affordable ways to explore Norway is by staying in a hostel. I stayed in several over my first visit to the country and was impressed by the quality of the hostels, although there unfortunately isn’t much to choose from. Let’s look at the best-reviewed hostels in the country.

• The best hostel in Oslo is easily Cochs Pensjonat , where budget single rooms are priced at just €55 per person , and private doubles come in at €70 per night . As an added bonus, you’re not staying in a hostel! This is a clean and simple budget hotel that’s located in the heart of Oslo.
• In Bergen , you can’t get better than City Hostel Bergen , where the dorms are €27 per night and the private double rooms are €62 a night . In a town where most hostels are rated poorly, this well-reviewed spot is a no-brainer.
• You’ll likely be heading to Trondheim while you’re in Norway, and if so, I recommend City Living Sentrum Hotel , which has double rooms for €81 a night . It’s in a great location for sightseeing and spotlessly clean.
• Tromsø is home to Tromso CoCo Apartments , where dorms are priced at €25 a night . No wonder it’s the best-rated budget accommodation in town, with its great location, friendly staff, and access to an extremely well-equipped kitchen.
• What about Stavanger ? Cozee Central Apartments is the only place I’d consider staying. Not only is it inexpensive at €65 a night for a studio with double bed, but the beds are comfortable, the location perfect, and the surroundings peaceful.
• And finally, Ålesund , where you have to stay at Ålesund downtown loft room (double rooms are €61 a night ). It’s a cosy property, right in the heart of town, with a well-equipped kitchenette, which helps to save money on meals.

Overall, then, you can see that you can expect to spend around €30 a night  for dorms in Norway — but that they’re pretty hard to find in this country, and around €60-80 a night  for the cheapest double rooms in each destination.

Okay, but what if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head? I’ve got you! For around €120-200 a night , you’ll be able to stay in an excellently-reviewed hotel, in a central location, with friendly staff.

My 2023 Accommodation Recommendations for Norway

When I’m travelling, I’m always conscious to book the absolute best accommodation out there — well, as long as it doesn’t amount to hundreds of dollars a night. I can easily spend several hours researching accommodation for every stop along my way, ensuring I’ve chosen the place in the best location with the friendliest staff, and the greatest value for money.

My biggest tip? When you head to Booking to find a hotel, ignore the results that are sorted under “Our Top Picks” — that’s a list of all of the hotels that pay Booking the highest commission, some of which have some pretty poor write-ups. Instead, opt to sort the properties by “Top Reviewed”. That way, you’ll be able to see which options genuinely have the best reviews.

But all that to say, when I was planning my trip to Norway, I put in the hard work so you don’t have to. Here’s where I recommend staying:

Oslo: Camillas Hus ( €252 a night for a double room) — Kick-off your Norway adventures with the best-rated hotel in town! Camillas Hus is an exceptional property, in the perfect location for getting your tourist on in Oslo. Staff are welcoming and eager to share how to make the most of your time in the city, and the designs of the room so tasteful. I love this place and can’t recommend it highly enough.

Bergen: Opus 16 ( €176 a night for a double room) — I’d never recommend that you stay in a place just to experience the breakfast, but I will say that the breakfast offerings at Opus 16 are gorgeous. It’s in a great location for exploring Bergen, close to the action but away from the noise, and there’s even a well-equipped gym, for those of you who try to keep up with the workouts while you’re away. Definitely consider this property if you’re going to be heading to Bergen.

Trondheim : Thon Hotel Nidaros ( €181 a night for a Queen room) — Excellent breakfast, excellent location, and excellent staff make this a, um, excellent place to stay! What I love most about this hotel is the fact that not only is breakfast complementary, but there’s also a complementary buffet in the evening — both delicious! What this means is that you can completely slash — if not eliminate — your food costs in Norway. That can easily save you €50+ a day! All in all, this is a great place in Trondheim for everyone.

Tromsø : BraMy Apartments ( €183 a night for a studio apartment) — The best part of this apartment? The fact that you can sit in your apartment and see the Northern Lights through the window! The apartment is clean and cosy, there’s a washer-dryer to use (always useful on holiday!), and a well-equipped kitchen. Throw in some extremely comfortable beds and you’ve got yourself a perfect stay in Tromsø!

Stavanger : Darby’s Inn ( €152 a night for a double room) — This wonderful B&B is the highest-rated property in town, and it’s easy to see why. It’s beautifully-decorated inside, the breakfast is tasty and filling, the location places you minutes from the centre of town, but on a quiet road, and, quite frankly: being there feels like being at home. When you take into account the relatively low price, there’s no reason to even look at staying anywhere else.

Ålesund : Hotel 1904 ( €183 a night for a double room) — Hotel 1904 is a boutique hotel that, as the name suggests, has been standing since 1904. You wouldn’t know it from the interior, however, as the clean, modern furnishings give off such a calming, contemporary vibe. The rooms, themselves, are enormous, the restaurant offers a great breakfast, and the staff are very accommodating. I wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else in Ålesund.

The Cost of Transportation in Norway

When it comes to transportation in Norway, prepare for plenty of trains. Unusually, trains are more affordable (and more comfortable!) than buses in this country, so I’d always recommend riding the rails over anything else.

Norway is home to the famous Flåm railway, which is known as the most beautiful train ride in the world. The views are absolutely stunning on this route, as you’d expect, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The train runs between Flåm and Myrdal — a distance of 20 kilometres — and it takes around two hours to complete the full round-trip. It costs €50 per person , which isn’t too bad for Norway.

But what about the non-scenic railway routes? Well, first of all, all train journeys in this country are picturesque, but the route between Oslo and Bergen is a particular favourite of mine. You can book train tickets through Vy in Norway — I paid €30 for the seven-hour train between Oslo and Bergen.

You can utilise the railways all over Norway, but if you’re planning on venturing north to see the Northern Lights, it would be worth checking out the cost of domestic flights. I use Skyscanner to compare the cost of airlines. An an example, to travel from Oslo to Tromsø, you can expect to pay around €40 for a direct flight. To travel overland, you’d either need to drive for 24 hours, or take the train to Bodø for 18 hours, then tackle eight hours by bus or 24 hours by ferry to get to Tromsø — you’d be looking at €100 for the pleasure, too. No question: you’d definitely want to fly.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you love a road trip. Having your own set of wheels can significantly enhance your travel experience. You’ll be able to stop off at beautiful viewpoints, take your time with getting from one destination to the next, and transport your belongings more easily from A to B. Driving in Norway is a pleasure, so if you do feel, uh, driven to hire a car, I definitely recommend going for it. Norwegians are safe and respectful drivers, so you won’t have to worry about safety and it’s all very easy. The only downside is that it can be tough to find a hotel with free parking and you could find yourself paying €25 a day to park elsewhere.

Every city in Norway is very walkable, so within the stops on your trip, you won’t need to worry about transportation costs. I walked absolutely everywhere — even in Oslo — and never once found it difficult or tiring to do so.

The Cost of Food in Norway

Norwegian food isn’t widely known or revered, which I believe is a huge oversight. Norway has tons of delicious dishes for travellers to sample, and not all of them will hurt your bank balance. I found myself eating a lot of street food while I was in Norway, actually, and could regularly snap up a meal for as little as €7 . Kebab shops and pizzerias offered meals for €10-12 per person.

With such an extensive coastline, you won’t be surprised to hear that Norwegian dishes are concentrated around the abundance of the country’s sea-life. The cold, long winters inspired locals to preserve their foods, to ensure the summer’s produce could sustain them year-round. What that means is that you should prepare yourself some of the best, and freshest, seafood on the planet. If you eat meat, you’ll be able to sample some truly unusual game, such as reindeer, moose, elk, and grouse. That’s not all: you’ll also find sweet berries, fluffy waffled, and crisp ciders, and some of the best cheeses in the world.

If you like a drink when you travel, can I suggest switching to water instead? Haha. Prices of beer, wine, and cocktails are high — think €10 for a pint of beer. Don’t expect to find a bottle of wine in a restaurant for less than €50 . Instead of drinking with your meal, head to the local supermarkets or off-licenses instead. There, you’ll find a half-litre bottle of beer for a much more reasonable €3.50 .

Vegetarians and vegans are going to struggle in Norway, although that probably isn’t a surprise for you to hear. This country is very focused on its seafood and meats, and if Norwegians aren’t eating meat, they’re opting for dairy instead. You’ll be totally fine in Oslo, and mostly fine in Bergen, as there are enough restaurants that cater to vegetarians and vegans in both towns. Be prepared for slim-pickings as you travel to small towns, expect to eat plenty of salads, and plan to regularly visit supermarkets to ensure you’re getting all your nutrients. The good news is that everybody in Norway speaks English, so you won’t have to worry about communication issues landing you with an unexpected slice of fish in your salads.

If you don’t have a vast budget to allocate to food in Norway, I recommend taking full advantage of the hotel breakfast. The vast majority of hotels and hostels in this country include breakfast in the price, and so you can use this to save on food. I’d usually eat as much as I could at the breakfast buffet, skip lunch, and then either head to a fast food restaurant for dinner, or venture to a supermarket to make my own mini-picnic with the local produce.

Breakfasts are large in Norway, offering up bread, yoghurt, cheeses, eggs, fresh and pickled fish, meats, and honey, all washed down with a cup of coffee or tea.

One of my favourite Norwegian lunch options is smørbrød, which is an open-top sandwich, with an enormous amount of fun toppings. You’ll see them all over the countries, in the windows of the local cafes and delis, usually priced at around €12 . Take a look out for the meal of the day in local restaurants. As in many European countries, you’ll be able to grab yourself a fish or meat dish, with fries, a drink, and a salad for as little as €16 .

I managed to average just €22 a day for food in Norway, simply by filling up with the hotel breakfasts, then opting for a cheaper meal for dinner (pizzas, stews, burgers, and fresh Atlantic cod.)

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Norway

Next, let’s take a look at how much you can expect to spend on activities in Norway.

If you’re going to be spending a few days in Oslo, I recommend picking up an Oslo Pass for €42 . As long as you’re planning on visiting a couple of attractions in the city, it will save you money. The pass gives you access to over 30 museums (most of which are around €10-15 to enter), as well as unlimited free travel on public transport within the city, whether it’s by metro, bus, tram, local trains, or even the ferry. You gain access to several walking tours across the city and entrance to the open-air public baths.

Most people opt to explore the fjords of Norway from the west coast of the country, but you can actually take a fantastic fjord tour from Oslo. This two-hour sightseeing cruise costs just €36 and takes you out to see the many islands and colourful houses that line the Oslo Fjord.

If you don’t decide to opt for the Oslo Pass, there are several museums and attractions that I highly recommend visiting:

• Holmenkollen ski jump: €15
• Oslo Viking Ship Museum: €10
• Akershus Fortress: free
• Munch Museum: €17
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History: €17

As you travel to Bergen, you’ll find yourself in the perfect location for exploring Norway’s fjords. Dozens of tours leave from the town every single day, so you’ll be able to shop around and find a tour that’s right for you. If you want to book in advance, you’ll be looking at €97 for a three-hour cruise from Bergen to the picturesque Alversund Streams .

Moving further north, you’ll have a whole wealth of exciting activities to check out while you’re in Tromsø. This is Northern Lights country, with reindeers and dog sledding and ice domes galore. You’ll be up for €120 for an Aurora Borealis small-group tour , can try your hands at reindeer-sledding and feeding for €137 , and €189 for the extremely-popular self-drive husky dog-sledding adventure .

The Cost of Travel Insurance in Norway

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to the Norway. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Norway?

With all of that being said, it’s time to tally up all of my travel expenses in Norway, in order to give you an idea of how much you can expect to spend while travelling in this wonderful country:

Accommodation:  €110 per day Transportation:  €9 per day Food:  €22 per day Activities:  €30 per day Total amount spent per day: €171

Are you planning a trip to Norway? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Further Reading on Norway 🇳🇴 27 Things To Do In Oslo, Norway ❄️ 25 Things To Do In Bergen, Norway

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Norway Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 13, 2023

To top it all off, Norwegians are wonderful people, almost everyone speaks fluent English so it’s easy to navigate, and the scenic fjords are never far from sight.

And, since Norwegians love nature, there are a lot of free outdoor activities that can fill your days without emptying your wallet. Wild camping is also free here as well, making it the perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers.

I’ve loved all my visits to Norway. I am always blown away by the landscape, architecture, and friendly people. It’s definitely not a country to be missed, even if you are on a budget.

Use this travel guide to Norway to plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful nation!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Norway

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in norway.

1. Check out the fjords

Surrounded by high cliffs, the fjords of Norway are world renowned and breathtakingly beautiful. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord near Bergen are two of the most popular. Other fjords worth seeing include Aurlandsfjord (near Flåm), Lysefjord (near Stavanger), and Trollfjord (near Tromsø). There are tons of ways to experience Norway’s natural beauty whatever your style is, from doing a fjord cruise , a kayaking tour, or going on a scenic hike to fully take in the unique landscapes.

2. Explore Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful small city of just under 700,000 people. Here you can browse the National Gallery, explore the Akerhus fortress, check out the Viking Ship Museum, see the Royal Palace, spend an afternoon strolling the Aker Brygge wharf, or sail around the city on a boat tour . Don’t miss Vigeland Sculpture Park either, with its 200 unique statues. The city is also surrounded by wilderness, offering plenty of places to hike, bike, swim, and camp (and, of course, cross-country ski in the winter).

3. Visit Bergen

Bergen is home to tons of hiking trails as well as some of the most scenic fjords in the country. Check out the fish market, stroll through the historic Gamle Bergen, climb the medieval Rosenkrantz Tower, or hike up Mount Fløyen to get a picturesque view of the city below. Just two hours outside Bergen, you can enjoy the guided walks (suitable for all levels) on the Folgefonna Glaciers and marvel at the colors of the spectacular “blue-ice” hike. Folgefonna National Park, home to the massive golden eagle, is accessible by public transportation too.

4. See Lofoten

Lofoten is a picturesque scenic area in the far north well worth the effort (and cost) to get to. There are beautiful fjords to cruise , mountains, wildlife, and a slower pace of life that makes this place seem magical. Plus, there’s no shortage of activities to take advantage of, from excellent fishing and plenty of opportunities for kayaking, photo tours, sailing trips, horseback riding, and more. This is also one of several spots to see the Northern Lights mirrored in the water of this unique archipelago. It’s one of the most sought-after photography destinations in the world.

5. Tour Trondheim

Known for its bright and colorful buildings, Trondheim is a laid-back city filled with students. Located in the middle of the country, it’s a fun destination to party and enjoy late nights out. Be sure to take a stroll through the Bakklandet neighborhood, see the Old Town Bridge, and visit the spectacular medieval Nidaros cathedral that has attracted pilgrims from Oslo for the last 400 years. The Rockheim culture center is a tribute to the history of Nordic rock music from 1950 to the present with interesting interactive exhibits and displays. If you visit in winter, don’t miss the Ice Domes (an ice hotel that you can visit on a tour or stay at overnight — for a hefty price!).

Other Things to See and Do in Norway

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best things you can do when you arrive in a new city is to take a walking tour. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land and learn about the culture, people, and history of the destination. You can find free walking tours in Oslo and Bergen — tours that give you much more insight than any guidebook. Just be sure to tip your guides at the end!

2. Hike to the Preacher’s Pulpit

Preikestolen (Preacher’s Pulpit or Preacher’s Chair) is one of the most famous landmarks in Norway (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram). An unusually flat and wide surface located atop a cliff, the iconic Preikestolen is only reachable by hiking a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) trail. With around 200,000 visitors per year, you’ll want to make sure you arrive early in order to take some photos without all the crowds. The hike is free and relatively easy though you’ll need to pay 250 NOK to park your car. June-September is the best time to go. Guided hikes of Preacher’s Pulpit (with transportation) start at 990 NOK.

3. See the stunning national parks

Norway is host to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world. With 47 national parks (and over 3,000 protected areas), Norway offers everything from waterfalls and glaciers to reindeer, lynx, and wolves — and much more! You can also enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, from caving and canyoning to rafting and ziplining. Consider a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in continental Europe; Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park, which has tons of hiking and also lots of wild reindeer; or Jotunheimen National Park, which is home to over 200 mountains you can hike and climb. The national parks are all free to enter (though there are fees for parking).

4. Journey to the North Cape

The northernmost tip of Europe, Norway’s North Cape is great for hiking, trekking, road trips, and more. Located almost 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) from Oslo, here you can explore the jagged coastline of Finnmark county, which includes six national parks. In the summer, the midnight sun shines for 2-3 months straight (May-July), while in the winter there are 2-3 months of complete darkness (November-January). You don’t get more remote than this!

5. Explore Tromsø

Perfect for a 24-hour party, Tromsø in the summer is a city that doesn’t sleep because the sun is up 24/7! Located in the Arctic Circle over 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) north of Olso, tourists come here to experience unbroken sunlight amidst the city’s many pubs. Or, if you happen to visit in the dark and cold of winter, you can catch the vibrant northern lights . It’s also a world-famous fishing destination and home to incredible, postcard-perfect fjords. Like Lofoten, this is one of the best destinations in the country for photography.

6. Enjoy some winter sports

Norway is one of the top ski destinations in the world. Rauland, Geilo, Skeikampen, and Hemsedal are all great options for snowboarding, telemark skiing (which mixes Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing), and 2,600 kilometers (1,615 miles) of cross-country skiing paths — and they’re all just a few hours from Oslo. Lift tickets range from 300-450 NOK per adult. Expect to pay more on the weekends (the slopes are busier on the weekends too).

7. Eat at the Bergen Fish Market

Open daily, this market offers more than just fish. Come here for a glimpse into the local culture and history of the city (this market dates all the way back to 1200 CE). Explore the many stalls, snap some pictures, and check out the waterfront. It’s just a short walking distance from many museums and galleries too (the Art Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and the Leprosy Museum are all nearby). If you have access to a kitchen, grab some fish to take back for dinner. It’s one of the more affordable places to buy fresh fish in the city.

8. See the Vigeland Sculptures

If you are in Oslo, don’t miss these sculptures. Located in Frogner Park, this unique collection is the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland created all 212 statues in this 80-acre open-air “gallery.” It’s one of the most popular places in the summer to have a picnic, relax, people-watch, and enjoy the fleeting summer sun. It’s free too.

9. Stroll around Gamle Stavanger

One of the oldest parts of Stavanger, this area is composed of narrow cobblestone streets lined with old wooden homes built during the 18th century. Taking a walk down here is like stepping back in time. After World War II, all of the city’s wooden buildings were replaced with concrete and stone buildings — except for this section. Be sure to check out the various paintings, pottery, and other artisanal works by local artists in the area.

10. Check out the Royal Palace

Built during the first half of the 19th century, the Royal Palace in Oslo was the creation of King Charles III who ruled both Norway and Sweden at that time. Today, it’s the official residence of the monarch (Norway is one of a dozen countries in Europe that still has a monarch). Be sure to see the changing of the guards at 1:30pm each day (it lasts around 40 minutes) and spend some time relaxing in the 54-acre park that surrounds the palace. The palace is open during the summer for guided tours (self-guided tours are not permitted) which cost 175 NOK. (Currently closed for guided tours until June 2023).

11. Wander the Ringve Music Museum & Botanical Garden

Located in Trondheim, this unassuming museum has an awesome collection of unique musical instruments from all around the world (there are over 2,000 in the collection). The museum is in the botanical gardens so there are 32 acres of plants and trees to see as you stroll around. The museum also has rotating exhibits from time to time so check the website to see if anything is on during your visit. Admission is 140 NOK and children under 15 enter free. Closed Mondays.

12. Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum

There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is the most interesting. Home to over 150 buildings, this open-air museum lets you immerse yourself in the history of the country. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, which dates to 1200 CE. Other incredible sights to see are the 14th-century farmhouses and the 18th-century tenement buildings. This is a fun activity that blends entertainment and education, so it’s a great choice for anyone traveling with children. Admission is 180 NOK in summer and 140 NOK in winter.

13. Attend Stavanger’s jazz festival

Held every May, MaiJazz is a weekend-long festival featuring some of the most well-known jazz artists in the world. The city gets bustling and crowded so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. The weather might be balmy as well so make sure you bring a coat too. Ticket prices vary for each performance (you pay per performance, not for a festival ticket). Most are between 450-750 NOK.

14. Hike Trolltunga

Located 4 hours from Bergen, this is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. Trolltunga (which means “troll’s tongue” in Norwegian) is a 12-hour hike that takes you to a long outcropping of narrow stone that towers over the landscape (the rock looks like an outstretched tongue, hence the name). The journey is challenging but the reward is one of the most scenic views in the entire country. You can only access the hike from June-September without a guide (you need a guide for the other times of the year). Parking is 600 NOK per vehicle but be aware there are also toll roads en route.

  For more information on specific cities in Norway, check out these guides:

• Bergen Travel Guide
• Oslo Travel Guide

Norway Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation (much like everything in Norway) is not cheap. Hostels start around 300 NOK per night for an 8-person dorm. Private rooms start at 700 NOK. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have lockers and self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food.

Most hostels charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens, as is the custom in Scandinavia. You can bring your own but you cannot use a sleeping bag instead.

Budget hotels begin at around 700-900 NOK for a basic double room, however, budget hotels are also rare. Mid-range hotels (think 3-star hotels) are much more common, with prices starting around 800 NOK. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 1,200 NOK per night.

Private rooms on Airbnb can be found around 500 NOK per night while a whole apartment or house costs at least 750 NOK per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise prices can double (or even triple).

Wild camping is a budget-friendly option as it is legal (and free) to camp almost anywhere in the country. Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for up to two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated land. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common though many require a Camping Key Europe card. You can purchase it for around 200 NOK. Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect most plots for two people without electricity to cost 150-350 NOK per night.

Food – Norwegian cuisine focuses heavily on seafood. Smoked salmon is a local favorite and one of the country’s staples. Cod is also super popular, as are prawns and crab (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetable topping).

Overall, the food is expensive here. A lot of food has to be imported so anything that isn’t grown here is going to be pricey. Street food like hot dogs cost 45 NOK and you can usually find “cheap” meals for under 200 NOK at inexpensive restaurants. For a multi-course meal with table service, expect to pay double that.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal while Chinese food starts at 150 NOK per main dish. A basic large pizza starts at 110 NOK (140 NOK for one with more toppings).

Beer at the bar costs around 95 NOK though you can get it for less than half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 30 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to get by on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 725 NOK. This includes basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Norway Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 50-150 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,500 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a couple of drinks, and do paid activities like museum visits or opera performances.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,600 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Norway Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Norway is expensive. There’s no two ways about it. It’s one of the most expensive countries in the world and you will be hard pressed to save money if you aren’t cooking all your meals or camping. Ultra-budget is not impossible, just difficult. Here are some tips to help you save money in Norway:

• Cook your own food – Food is very expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. Go grocery shopping and stick to cheap local staples. Avoid eating out!
• Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza. They can be found all around the country.
• Couchsurf – Use Couchsurfing to connect with locals and get free accommodation. It’s the best way to save money and make new friends who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp – Free public camping laws allow you to wild camp in the parks and public lands for free. You can generally stay 1-2 nights in an area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it!
• Get a tourism card – The best way to afford all the attractions in a city is to get a city tourism card. Oslo and Bergen both have tourism cards that can save you money if you plan on seeing a lot (they include free public transportation too).
• Book in advance – If you can plan your transportation in advance, you can save up to 50% off the cost of your train or bus tickets. Buying last-minute tickets means it’s going to be more than any budget traveler can afford, especially if you want to visit a number of destinations in Norway. Book in advance and save money!
• Stay sober – At 100 NOK per drink (or more!), going out for drinks destroys your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the booze!
• Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buy your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
• Travel with friends – If you rent a car (which is the best way to get around) try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing platform or just ask around in hostels to find people. This will help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Norway is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Norway

Hostels are not all that plentiful across Norway (they’re usually just in the larger cities) so be sure to plan accordingly. Here are my suggested places to stay while you’re in Norway:

• Anker Hostel (Oslo)
• Cochs Pensjonat (Oslo)
• HI Bergen Hostel Montana (Bergen)
• Lillehammer Hostell (Lillehammer)
• Tromsø Activities Hostel (Tromsø)

How to Get Around Norway

Public transportation – Public transportation in Norway is modern, clean, and reliable. Buses and trams are common in each city; only Oslo has a metro system. Single tickets cost around 39 NOK and are usually valid for one hour. You can get a 24-hour pass in Oslo for 117 NOK and a 7-day pass for 323 NOK.

You are able to get on most buses and trams without showing a ticket, however, patrols are common and the fines are heavy if you get caught without a ticket. Don’t risk it — always buy a ticket!

Bus – Buses are a cheap way to get around the country, though they are slow and rather limited since the distances between cities can be large. For example, the 8-hour journey from Oslo to Stavanger costs around 115-450 NOK each way while the bus from Oslo to Trondheim takes around 9 hours and costs around 780 NOK. Prices can double when not booked in advance.

Vy Buss is the most common bus company, though you can also find deals with Nor-Way Bussekspress and Flixbus .

Train – Trains are the best way to get around Norway (unless you’re on a road trip). They are often faster than buses without costing much more — and they are much more comfortable. The 7-hour trip from Oslo to Trondheim costs as little as 360 NOK while the 6.5-hour trip to Bergen from Oslo can cost as little as 290 NOK. The trip from Oslo to Gothenburg, Sweden takes under 4 hours and can be done for less than 250 NOK.

Reservations should be made in advance as you can often find great deals that way. Last-minute tickets can be double what I quoted above!

Flying – Flying around Norway isn’t super cheap, but it’s also not that expensive. From Oslo, you can reach most destinations in the country (as well as destinations in Sweden) for as little as 500 NOK (one way) if you book early and are flexible. Norwegian Air is the main domestic carrier, though SAS also flies several major routes.

Car Rental – Renting a car is the best way to explore the country, however, it’s not cheap if you’re a solo traveler. Expect to pay 470-900 NOK per day for a vehicle if you rent for at least a week. Most rental vehicles are manuals as well, so keep that in mind when renting (you usually have to pay more for an automatic). If you don’t have someone to travel with to keep costs low, check at the local hostels or on Couchsurfing to find people to travel with so you can split costs.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Norway

The ideal time to visit Norway is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are usually fun events happening on the weekends. Temperatures are often in the 20s°C (60s and 70s°F) during the summer. Not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Norway has a very short summer, the cities can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Norway is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris or London.

The shoulder season (May-June and August-September) makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (40-50°F). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September gives you cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around September/October (including some hiking trails). The days get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers (and rain gear) if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. Temperatures plummet below freezing. The plus side of traveling during the winter is that accommodation is cheaper and fees for certain attractions are lower. This is also the prime time to see the northern lights or go skiing, so there is still plenty to do if you plan on visiting during the winter.

How to Stay Safe in Norway

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 17th on the ranking of the world’s safest countries! However, in cities like Oslo, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train station and on public transportation. Incidents are very rare, but it never hurts to be aware of your surroundings.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) but it’s unlikely anything will occur. Check out one of the solo female travel blogs on the web for more specific information on safety.

If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Scams here are rare here but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

At the end of the day, always trust your gut instinct.Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID as well. It never hurts to be prepared!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Norway Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Norway Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Norway travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

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How much does a trip to Norway Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Norway?

• How much does a one-week trip to Norway cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Norway cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Norway cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Norway

Visitors to Norway usually spend between $51 and $261 per day on average for one person and $102 to $522 for two people. While this is a wide range, the average daily cost averages $117 (kr1,283) per person. This average includes sightseeing, hotel, food, and local transportation expenses from other travelers. Your individual travel expenses may vary based on travel style and the locations visited, but if you plan wisely while visiting the most popular destinations, such as Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso, then you'll likely spend somewhere in this price range while on your trip. Further down we have a breakdown of expenses by category, as well as a comparison of independent travel versus guided tour prices.

If you're considering an independent trip to Norway, it's helpful to have an idea of the amount of money you'll need. For budget travelers, planning to spend around $51 (kr555) per day should cover your essential expenses, including affordable accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, cost-effective meal options, local transportation, and affordable activities. For those with a mid-range budget, allocating around $117 (kr1,283) per day would allow for more comfortable hotels, dining at typical restaurants, and exploring a range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should anticipate a daily budget of $261 (kr2,852), which would encompass higher-end accommodations, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in private tour options. It's worth noting that these price ranges are based on extensive travel cost data for Norway from fellow travelers, as well as insights from travel companies regarding hotel and tour prices. For further details on travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Norway .

How much does a one week trip to Norway cost?

Most visitors spend between $355 and $1,826 for a one week trip to Norway, with the average being $821. This includes sightseeing, local transportation, food, and hotels. One week is enough time to visit one, two, or maybe three locations in Norway, depending on how in-depth you want to make your visit. Some of the most popular places to visit are Oslo , Bergen , and Tromso .

How much does a two week trip to Norway cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $711 and $3,652 for your trip to Norway. The average price for a two week trip is $1,642. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Lofoten Islands and Gjovik.

How much does a one month trip to Norway cost?

With a month-long trip to Norway, expenses can be anywhere from $1,523 to $7,825 with the average being $3,519. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Norway

With more than 10 hostels in Norway, the average price is $33 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Norway not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Norway here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Norway.

• $23 for a dorm bed at HI Bergen Hostel Montana in Bergen more details
• $29 for a dorm bed at Tromso Activities Hostel in Tromso more details

Hotel Prices in Norway

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Norway. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Norway .

Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo

Scandic flesland airport.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Norway?

Organized tours are an easy and convenient way to visit Norway. All of the details are handled by travel experts, and during the trip you'll benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide.

Traveling independently offers freedom and flexibility that is hard to find on an organized tour.

Many travelers appreciate the convenience and ease that an organized tour offers. Many tours provide transportation and expert guides that help you enjoy your trip.

Alternatively, you'll enjoy freedom and flexibility with independent travel that is difficult to find with an organized tour.

Comparing Trip Costs in Norway

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Norway?

Organized tours average $577 per day in Norway, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $117 (kr1,283) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Norway here .

Here are a few sample tours in Norway:

• Magical Fjord Adventure ($1,329) 7 days, 5 destinations more details
• Scenic Norway ($3,579) 10 days, 15 destinations more details
• Norwegian Fjords ($2,699) 11 days, 9 destinations more details
• Tailor-Made Private Norway Trip to Chase the Northern Lights ($4,329) 5 days, 3 destinations more details
• Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Small Groups, 10 Days) ($5,060) 10 days, 6 destinations more details

More for Norway

If you're planning a trip to Norway, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Is Norway Expensive? A Norway Trip Cost Guide

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The costs associated with travelling to a country are often one of the main factors that we take into consideration when planning a trip. If you’re looking into visiting Norway but don’t know much about it, you might be asking yourself ‘is Norway expensive to visit?’

Well, the short answer is yes, and more so than most destinations; however, there’s plenty you can do to keep your Norway trip cost as manageable as possible. 

In general, travel in Norway can be expensive with an average trip costing around €115-305 (1,315-3,488 NOK or $125-333 USD) per person per day. However, when planning a trip to Norway, there are definitely ways that you can save money, or spend more, should you wish.

So, if you’re trying to figure out a budget for your trip there, then keep reading! We’ll be breaking down how much it costs to travel to Norway, as well as giving you a number of tips if you’ll be on a tight budget. 

Table of Contents

Norway Trip Cost Guide

In this section, we’ll be covering the average travel costs in Norway across a number of goods and services in the country as well as discussing some ways you can bring your overall trip to Norway cost down. 

Accommodation Prices

The cost of accommodation in Norway is more or less consistent across the entire country. However, Oslo , being considerably larger than the other major Norwegian cities, has a larger market for rentals and hostels in particular; as such, you’ll find a wider range of options to choose from there, especially as far as budget accommodation is concerned. 

On average, you can expect to pay somewhere around €40 for a single bed in a standard, mixed-gender dormitory in a hostel .

For a double room in a decent hotel, rates typically fall somewhere between €120-150 per night. Rooms in luxury hotels in Norway will often cost around €150-250 per night depending on the season. 

If you’ll be needing to stick to an especially tight travel budget during your stay in and around Norway and you love spending time in the great outdoors, then you may want to consider spending part or all of your trip camping, which is certainly going to be the cheapest option.

The country is home to an astonishing number of campsites, which, on average, charge around €25 for an overnight stay (if they charge at all; some are free to use). 

And, if you’re the adventurous type, then you’ll likely be pretty pleased to hear that Norway has a law known as allemansretten , often translated as the ‘right to roam.’ The legislation that the law was passed under guarantees that everyone has the right to hike and camp unimpeded in ‘open country,’ which is any land that is unfenced and uncultivated. 

Naturally, there are some provisos you need to follow here, but, in short, you can just about camp anywhere you like in Norway, for free! According to the Norwegian government, most of the bogs, forests, mountains, and shoreline in the country are covered by the right to roam. 

If you do plan on wild camping during your trip, then we’d strongly recommend that you read up on the policy to make sure you follow it properly. And, make sure to be mindful of weather conditions in particular, especially if you’re travelling to Norway in the winter. 

Transportation Prices

In most Norwegian cities like Oslo or Bergen , prices for a 24-hour adult public transport ticket will start from around €8.

Taxis, on the other hand, cost quite the pretty penny. A single trip from downtown Oslo to Gardemoen Airport, which takes roughly 35 minutes, will typically be charged at a flat rate of €90! 

With all of this being said, Norway’s cities and towns are definitely on the smaller side, and many of them are fairly compact and walkable; the country isn’t home to any supercities, after all. And, for the most part, public transport will usually easily cover any trips you can’t make on foot.

So, on days that you’ve set aside for exploring more central parts of metropolitan areas of Norway, you may find that you can get away without renting a car or needing to take taxis at all. 

Meanwhile, the costs associated with travelling across the country vary drastically, depending on the mode of transport you use and how far in advance you book your tickets. For instance, a ticket for the Bergensbanen train from Oslo to Bergen costs around €120 if booked a few months before departure, but, if purchased at the last minute, might be twice as much.

In many instances, domestic flights with carriers like Norwegian can be cheaper than intercity travel via bus or train networks. 

If you want to get further off the beaten path and have a lot of flexibility, it can also be a good idea to consider renting a car in Norway and going on a bit of a road trip.

Expect the cost of a car hire to land at around €80 for the base price – not including the cost of petrol or any additional insurance. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices across many major companies.

Keep in mind that Norway does have high fuel prices so this is something that needs to be factored into your transportation in Norway costs.

Food Prices

The cost of food in Norway is often what visitors to the country find the hardest to adjust to. One kilogram of apples costs around €2.50 for instance, with your average loaf of bread coming at a similar price. 

With that being said, if you’re on an especially tight budget when visiting Norway, then you’ll likely want to self-cater where and whenever possible. While groceries at the supermarket there are definitely on the pricier side, they absolutely pale in comparison to the cost of paying for a meal out. 

However, one thing that’s worth noting is that, while eating out in general in Norway is expensive, there’s actually not much of a difference between the prices you’d pay for an average meal at lower-end and higher-end establishments. 

For instance, the cost of a Big Mac Meal or an equivalent meal deal in Norway is typically somewhere around €12-13. Meanwhile, the price of a burger, fries, and drink at an upmarket restaurant would typically fall somewhere between €16-18. So, while it might be tempting to stick to fast food chains if you’re visiting the country on a budget, you’ll likely find that any savings from doing so will be minimal at best. 

More broadly speaking, average prices for lunch and dinner in Norway generally range from €15-30 per person for a main. Expect soft drinks to be priced at somewhere between €3-8 per person, with alcoholic beverages costing considerably more. Lunch and dinner deals with set menus aren’t commonplace in Norway like they are in other parts of Europe. 

You might also notice while in Norway that the prices of confectionary or soft drinks at shops seem especially steep. This is because products containing refined sugar are actually subject to a number of hefty taxes in the country, and have been since way back in 1922.

So, if you want to sample the local chocolate or confectionary without paying an arm and a leg to do so, your best bet is actually purchasing goods like these at one of the duty-free outlets you’ll find at a number of Norwegian international airports.

And, on the off chance that you’ll be A. spending a decent amount of time in Norway, B. have access to a rental car, and C. are somewhere in the south-east of the country, then you may want to head across the border into Sweden to do a big grocery shop, like many of the locals do. When in Rome!

While Sweden is definitely an expensive country in its own right, the average price of groceries there is still considerably cheaper than they are in Norway – this is especially true of alcohol. 

Activities Prices

Norway is a country with plenty to offer visitors in terms of attractions and activities. Your average guided walking tour will usually cost around €20-30, depending on how long it lasts, as well as how much ground it covers. Note that some companies do offer free guided tours! 

Indeed, one of the great things about visiting Norway is how many options for free activities and attractions are available. Perhaps one of the country’s absolute greatest draws is its natural beauty, for example, and you can generally visit even its best-known sites and landmarks without paying a single cent. 

For instance, many of the country’s historic festninger or fortresses, like Akershus Festning in Oslo and Bergenshus Festning in Bergen , are free to enter. This is also true of many of the country’s churches, too – the iconic stave churches are especially worth checking out, though some of them do charge a small fee if you want to enter them. 

Some of the larger museums in Norway are free, too. This is perhaps especially true of Oslo, though note that most of the more ‘niche’ museums do charge for admission. The price of admission for adults to Norway’s bigger museums usually ranges from €13-18. An Osl o Pass can save you money if you visit a lot of attractions in Norway’s capital.

However, keep in mind that if you head north to places like Tromso or Lofoten Islands then you’ll need to budget higher for activities like northern lights tours.

Entertainment Prices

Grabbing a drink or a coffee while out and about in Norway can end up being far costlier than you might expect. Typically, a cup of coffee at a cafe in one of the larger cities will cost somewhere around €4.50, while prices for a half-litre of beer at a restaurant or bar will usually start at €8 or so. 

Note that the high cost of alcoholic beverages in Norway, like in the other Nordic states, is due to heavy government taxes imposed on the sale of products with a concentration of alcohol higher than 0.7% ABV; this is true of both locally-produced and imported goods.

The same is true for a surprisingly wide range of consumables, and hefty taxes are also levied on products containing sugar, as previously discussed. 

So, if you’re planning on drinking while you visit Norway on a budget, you might want to consider purchasing your alcohol at the airport, either before departure or upon arrival in Norway.

Even in Norway, alcohol is much more affordable when purchased at the airport (especially spirits) as it is duty-free and not subject to the same level of taxation that it is in shops and restaurants around the country. 

Otherwise, concert tickets for events held at small, local venues in the bigger Norwegian cities will usually cost anywhere from €13-18 and up. Cinema tickets, on average, cost €10.50 for adults. 

Is Norway Expensive? Average Prices in Norway 

Below, we’ve listed loose prices for a range of goods and services in Norway to help you come up with a daily budget for your trip. These are an average and assuming that some costs, such as the cost of accommodation or a car hire, are split between two people.

Accommodation : €40-125 / night

Transportation : €10-50 / day

Food : €20-40 / day

Activities : €30-50 / day

Entertainment : €15-40 / day

So, if you’re planning on travelling to Norway, staying in a decent hotel, and will be eating out for most of your meals, then you can probably expect to be spending a total of something like €305 per day. If you’ll be using budget-friendly options where possible, then you’ll want to have a budget of around €115 per day. 

Is Norway expensive for tourists? I think it’s safe to say that, compared to just about anywhere else in the world, it definitely is. However, there are plenty of tips and tricks that you can use to reduce your trip to Norway’s cost and leave without having burnt a giant hole in your bank account. 

Are you planning a trip to Norway? Have any questions about expenses? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Norway Itinerary

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bergen Itinerary

About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

Very informative guide to Norway. Will be going there mid August. Expecting lots of things to be expensive as you have mentioned in your blog. I might have a heart attack when I’m there after seeing the prices for food and other things. Will be traveling around Norway by car, sleeping in some cabins and budget hostels mostly. About 13 of us, my family members and myself will definitely enjoy the spectacular views around Norway. Traveling to Lillehammer, Alesund, Geiranger, Flam, Loen and Oslo of course. Lots of driving and stopping to take some pictures of fjords and the sceneries. Just to ask, do tourists need to bring plenty of cash, since Norway is mostly cashless, or having debit/credit cards will do just fine. I’m sure a bit of cash will come in handy when we touch down in Norway. Thanks for the information on your blog.

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Home » Europe » Norway » Is Norway Expensive? (Insider’s Guide for 2024)

Is Norway Expensive? (Insider’s Guide for 2024)

With its fjords and fishing villages, Norway is a legendary place to travel. It’s got it all: glaciers, mountains, epic hikes in national parks, midnight sun and the northern lights. Not to mention its environmental credentials and Viking heritage.

However, if you’re planning a trip to Norway you’ve probably been met with people saying “oohhh Norway is expensive. Better remortgage your house!” But is that really true? Is Norway expensive? or can you travel around the Scandinavian nation on a budget?

Well, the truth is that yes, Norway does often come with a hefty price tag attached. Alcohol, food and accommodation doesn’t come cheap. But that’s not to say you cannot travel on a budget.

That’s what this guide is here to help. If you’re visiting Norway but don’t want to pay a fortune for it, this guide covers all the finer details you need to make a budget for travelling to Norway a breeze.

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So, How Much Does a Trip to Norway Cost on Average?

Cost of flights to norway , price of accommodation in norway , cost of transport in norway , cost of food in norway , price of alcohol in norway , cost of attractions in norway , additional costs of travel in norway , some final tips for saving money in norway , so, is norway expensive, in fact.

The budget you have in mind for your Norway adventure will largely depend on different factors. First of all, there’s the obvious stuff – namely, the accommodation and flights – then there’s everything else: food, drink, souvenirs, sightseeing.

In this guide, I will be covering the following:

• How much it costs to get there
• Food prices
• Norway travel cost
• Prices of things to do and see
• Cost of sleeping arrangements

Note that the travel costs listed are estimates, and are subject to change. Prices are listed in US Dollars.

Norway uses the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). As of June 2022, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 9.81 NOK.

The general cost of a two-week trip to Norway has been summarised in the table below:

2 Weeks in Norway Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $338 – $789 USD for a roundtrip ticket.

How much you pay for your flight to Norway essentially depends on where you are in the world. If you’re flying from somewhere in Europe, you’ll be paying short-haul prices (i.e. not loads ). On the other hand, if you’re flying from North America, or Australia, getting to Norway is expensive indeed. 

It is possible to get cheaper flights to Norway if you change when you decide to travel. High season (June) generally sees prices peak, while low season (the winter months) can be more affordable for flights. The cheapest month to travel to Norway is January.

The busiest airport in Norway is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL). It’s pretty far from the Norwegian capital though, being around 47 kilometres (29 miles) away. That’s a 23-minute train ride; you might want to factor this additional cost into your travel budget.

Wondering about the average cost of getting to Norway by plane? Here are some flight prices from several international air travel hubs:

• New York to Oslo Gardermoen Airport – 338 – 789 USD
• London to Oslo Gardermoen Airport: 10 – 99 GBP
• Sydney to Oslo Gardermoen Airport: 667 – 2024 AUD
• Vancouver to Oslo Gardermoen Airport: 685 – 1504 CAD

If you’re in London, you’ve lucked out on plane tickets to Norway. They can be super cheap . If you’re in Sydney though, these prices fluctuate pretty wildly, but generally, they’re hella expensive. It is possible to make it cheaper by option for a flight with multiple connections. It may take a lot longer, but it could also save you a good chunk of cash.

Sites like Skyscanner are a good place to start if you want to save money. Having the cheapest possible flights to a destination lined up in front of you definitely helps make an informed decision that’s best for your travel budget .

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $30 – $150 per night

When it comes to working out the answer to the question, is Norway expensive, one of the main things to look at is the price of accommodation. The Scandinavian nation has an image of being a modern country with a high cost of living, but that doesn’t mean your trip needs to break the bank – far from it.

There’s a wide selection of affordable accommodation that can be easily booked. From trendy budget-friendly city-centre hotels to tiny houses in rural mountains and affordable hostels, there’s something for everyone. 

Let’s take a look at some of the accommodation options on offer in Norway that will help you keep well within your travel budget. 

Hostels in Norway 

For those of you looking to travel to Norway on a shoestring budget, hostels in Norway are definitely the way to go. There’s a decent backpacking scene across the country with a good choice of modern hostels to choose from. Staying in a hostel can make a budget-friendly trip to Norway totally doable. 

The cheapest hostels in Norway start at around $30 per night.

Norway’s hostels aren’t always the trendiest in the world, but they are usually professionally run, clean and situated in convenient locations for sightseeing and epic outdoors adventures. Opting for a bunk in a dorm also means you get to use the hostel’s kitchen facilities, hang out in the hostel lounge and make a few friends along the way. 

If that seems like the kind of place you want to stay, here are a few of Norway’s top hostels for you to check out:

• HI Bergen Hostel Montana – Located surrounded by the mountains in Bergen, this affordable hostel (part of the Hostelling International chain) offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet included in the price. Organising excursions through the hostel helps you explore further.
• Voss Vandrarheim – This awesome hostel is situated right on the shores of Lake Voss. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to get stuck into outdoor activities during their Norway trip. Public transport is walkable from the hostel, making it extra convenient for independent travellers.
• Tromsø Activities Hostel – Situated in the historic centre of the northern city of Tromsø, this is an affordable accommodation option complete with kitchens, guest lounges and activities on offer throughout the year (think budget-friendly northern lights tours).

Airbnbs in Norway 

Another one of the best ways to travel to Norway cheaply is to book yourself into an Airbnb. There’s a huge choice of properties to select from, so it’s easier to find the ideal base to suit your budget (and style, let’s be honest).

In cities, you can expect contemporary apartments in cool local neighbourhoods, while in rural areas it’s all about cosy huts and cottages close to skiing and hiking on beautiful mountainsides.

The cheapest can be priced as low as $65-100.

Choosing to stay in an Airbnb in Norway is usually cheaper than booking into a hotel. Even if it’s not cheaper, having your own place also comes with the added bonus of self-catering amenities.

A kitchen means you can make your own meals which can save some serious dollars for you to spend elsewhere on your trip; you might even get your very own washing machine, too.  

Here’s just a small selection of the top Airbnbs in Norway to get you started…

• Charming Small House Holmenkollen – Everyone’s into tiny houses nowadays, but this tiny house is a historic cabin in the woods just outside Oslo. Surrounded by nature (literally: the roof has grass on it), it’s only a five-minute walk from here to the metro. The best of both worlds.
• Oslo Seafront Apartment – Also situated in the Norwegian capital, this Airbnb is a modern property on the fifth floor of an apartment block. It’s beautifully decorated, you get a sweeping harbour view from the balcony, and the central location is fantastic for exploring.
• Sjusjön Alpine Hill Apartment – If you like skiing, you’ll love this place. It’s a three-bedroom apartment set in an Alpine-style lodge. This well-equipped Airbnb is the perfect place to return for a chill after a day on the slopes or hiking the trails here in summer.

Hotels in Norway 

You’re probably trying to work out: is Norway expensive for hotels? Well, the thing is that hotels in Norway can be pretty expensive, but don’t worry. Yes, it’s true that there are some seriously stylish and pricey hotels in Norway, but there’s a decent choice of affordable hotels, too. 

Budget-friendly hotels in Norway start at around $70 per night. Not too bad.

Staying in a hotel definitely isn’t the cheapest way to travel in Norway, but with the cost also comes convenience . Hotels are usually found in the best locations, close to public transport and near to top tourist sights, especially if you want to stay near attractions in Oslo .

You also get to have hotel amenities at your disposal such as fitness centres, restaurants, bars and – of course – housekeeping. 

Thankfully, Norway has a few good-budget hotel chains that mean you can stay in a hotel even if your budget is modest.

These are the best options if you’re only going to be spending a few nights in one place, most likely a city, and want to make the most of your time. They’re compact, modern and in easy-to-reach locations. 

So, let’s take a look at some of the best cheap hotels in Norway:

• Citybox Bergen Danmarksplass – Part of a nationwide chain, the Bergen Citybox offers funky interiors, cool, clean bedrooms, and onsite amenities all at reasonable prices. It’s like a boutique hotel, but affordable for backpackers and budget travellers.
• Scandic Stavanger City – In the southwestern city of Stavanger you’ll find this cheap-and-cheerful hotel. Its list of amenities include a gym, an on-site shop and a bar, while the location – just a five-min walk from the centre of town – is ideal.
• The Verdandi Hotel – The Verdandi Hotel may be small, but the location couldn’t be better for exploring Oslo. Rooms are fresh and clean, and the staff are friendly. There’s also a good bar downstairs for drinks.

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $60.00 USD per day

It’s not exactly cheap to travel around Norway, but it can be done affordably. For the most part, it all depends on what mode of transport you go for. Specifically, your options will be trains and buses, with a few ferries, too. 

Public transport services are very good quality across the country, even if the distances can be super long. After all, from north to south, Norway measures up at a rather large 1,770 kilometres (1,100). Getting from A to B can be time-consuming, as you’d imagine.

But it’s all very modern. You can buy your train tickets online, or book buses through apps. The national government runs a lot of services, while local governments look after local/regional transport systems. There are a few private companies operating buses and ferries, too. 

To help you figure it all out, read on for more detail on how to get around once you’ve touched down in Norway.

Train Travel in Norway

The rail network in Norway is run by the government organisation, Vy . This railway system connects the main cities (including Oslo, Bodo, Bergen and Trondheim), and is efficient and well run.

You won’t run into too many problems while using it, and even if you do have to travel long distances, the Vy trains are comfortable. The carriages are spacious, and there’s enough room to stash your luggage.

On longer routes, you may even get to use sleeper trains. These are clean and a good alternative to flying; in some ways, since you save on the cost of accommodation for a night, sleeper trains can be a budget-friendly option.

However, train travel in Norway is expensive, and it can quickly eat up a sizeable chunk of your budget. Thankfully, there are ways around having to pay full price for tickets.

First of all, book in advance. The earlier you book, the cheaper the fare (tickets can be bought up to 90 in advance of your trip). 

While there’s no government-run train pass you can get in Norway, what you can do is opt for the Norway Pass that’s offered by Interrail. The pass doesn’t have to be used on consecutive days (good deal), but must be used within one month.

Interrail Norway Pass prices for two different age groups are as follows:

• 3 days – $155 (12-27); $178 (28+)
• 4 days – $179 (12-27); $207 (28+)
• 5 days – $200 (12-27); $232 (28+)
• 6 days – $220 (12-27); $254 (28+)
• 8 days – $255 (12-27); $295 (28+)

If you know where you want to go, train travel can be pretty cost-effective in Norway – particularly if you do opt for the Interrail pass. Otherwise, you might be better off standing in line for the bus…

Bus Travel in Norway 

Buses are cheaper than trains in Norway. If you’re on a tight budget, and you plan on travelling around this Scandinavian nation, buses will be your principal mode of transport. In some places, buses will be the only public transport you can rely on, serving smaller towns, villages and remote areas of the country.

Like trains, long-distance public buses are also run by Vy, the government-owned transport company. There are a few private organisations that whisk people around Norway by bus, too. 

In high season, it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance, but it’s normal to turn up and buy your ticket as you board the bus you want to travel on.

Buses are also more budget-friendly than trains because of the series of discounts that may apply to you. For example, there are cheaper fares for students, senior citizens, children and families.

A good example of long-distance travel by bus in Norway is the Lavprisekspressen service that takes you from Oslo to Stavanger. It’s a long journey, around eight hours forty-five minutes, and costs either $10 for a night bus, or $62 for daytime service.

As well as (sometimes) being pricey, buses also have limitations. Even though the network is efficient, there are a few inconveniences that you may come up against using buses in Norway, e.g. notably reduced services outside of high season, on weekends and public holidays.

Ferry travel in Norway

Norway has an uber-long coastline, and as such there’s a whole load of ferry services that run from place to place across the nation. Not only that, but there are also numerous connections by sea to a selection of European destinations, including daily ferries to Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark.

Travellers most often use Norway’s selection of boats and ferries to explore the epic fjords. Sometimes even getting a public, run-of-the-mill ferry (as opposed to a tour), can offer up stunning vistas in addition to getting you where you want to be.

In fact, in the fjords and the far north of the country, ferry services are the way to get around. Boat services in these more rugged parts of Norway are the quickest way to get around, given the roundabout routes the roads take.

One particularly famous (but very expensive) ferry route you should know about is the Hurtigruten. This travels from Kirkenes to Bergen, calling at 34 ports along the way. You can book individual or multiple legs, depending on where you want to go.

Prices for ferry travel and express boats vary, depending on the route and time of year. Norway can be expensive for boat journeys in high season, plus it can be busy. The key thing is to balance out convenience with experience; I figured that if I can get essentially a fjord tour while also getting from A to B, then ferries win every time.

Getting Around Cities in Norway

Norway’s cities are well connected by public transport. Each municipality controls its own public transport. Each location tends to have its own specific app, website, and ticketing prices.

In the capital, for example, Oslo’s public transport is run by Ruter. The network includes a metro (T-bane), tram, bus and ferries. You can download an app to help you plan your journey and buy tickets.

But is Norway expensive for city explorations? Not really. For example, in Oslo you can buy a 24-hour, two-zone ticket for $11 (that covers all modes of transport on the network). 

An extra money-saving tip for travelling around the capital is to snap up an Oslo Pass . Not only does this give you free access to many of the city’s museums, it also gives you free transport on zones 1 and 2. Basic costs for the Oslo Pass are as follows:

• 24 hours – $45
• 48 hours – $67
• 72 hours – $83

In other cities and towns in Norway, public buses make up a large portion of the public transport. In Trondheim, the public transport network is called AtB, while in Bergen it’s Skyss.

Most places have a main bus station with tourist information offices nearby. Tickets can be bought on board, or from kiosks. Like Oslo, other municipalities also offer travel cards and passes to make the most of your trip.

One bonus of travelling in Norway’s towns is that bus routes usually connect with other modes of transport; e.g. you can get off a ferry and straight onto a bus that’s been scheduled especially.

Renting a Car in Norway 

Is Norway an expensive place to rent a car and drive around? Well, like its public transport and accommodation, yes it is. It won’t exactly break the bank if you’re only doing a small stint of driving, but prices can mount up over time. 

However, hiring a car in Norway is pretty much the only way to explore the country’s most remote locations. The other alternative would be to hire a driver, which makes renting a car look positively budget-friendly.

Having your own wheels also means you have freedom and flexibility to have one epic road trip in Norway . But there are definitely a few things to consider before you get behind the wheel. 

Firstly, there’s time: tackling the nation’s fjords and car ferries can take a lot longer than you think. Then there are the winter conditions. These can be challenging for those who aren’t used to driving on roads with ice and snow. Roads can often be completely closed altogether.

When it comes to cost, the price of car hire is relatively expensive in Norway. Those aged under 25 will usually have to pay more to hire a car, too. There’s also the cost of tolls (there are a whole bunch of toll stations) and ferries to factor in to your budget.

Finally, the cost of fuel in Norway is high. There’s no getting around that. The more remote the area, the more expensive it gets.

In short, unless you really want to drive, renting a car in Norway is not budget-friendly. You can make it cheaper if you’re renting for a long period of time, as the car hire rate usually drops. The average cost per day of hiring a car in Norway is around $97.

Want to save some cash and explore Norway by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $30-$50 USD per day

People don’t tend to know much about the Norwegian food scene outside of gastronomic hotspots like Oslo. That’s not exactly an unfair assessment, though: Norway isn’t exactly famed for its cuisine. 

However, there’s a whole range of traditional treats on offer across the country, as well as more modern marvels to sample. It’s a nation of varied landscapes, with homegrown ingredients to match. Expect cheese, seafood and plenty of meat.

Here are some Norwegian delights that you should try on your travels here: 

• Kjøttkaker – This common dish is a winter warmer that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Kjøttkaker is meatballs swimming in gravy with a side of boiled potatoes and cabbage. A staple that you’ll find everywhere: cafes, restaurants, people’s houses. It costs around $15.
• Smørbrød – A Scandi classic. This is an open-faced sandwich: rye bread topped with a variety of ingredients, including cold cuts, fish and other tasty mixtures. Usually priced around $13-14.
• Raspeball – These epic potato dumplings are a cocktail of mashed spuds and flour. They’re a perfect stodgy accompaniment to the fatty cuts of mutton (or bacon) they usually get served with. A hearty dish for winter. It costs around $14.

Norway is famously not cheap, and as you can see, that includes food. But you can still keep costs low. Here are a few pointers to keep within your daily budget…

• Seek out a lunch deal – Most cities and towns feature kafeterias (cheap cafes, basically) where lunch deals are king. You can usually get a good-sized, hearty lunch for anywhere between $15-20. This often includes a drink, a main dish and a side.
• Pack a picnic – It might not be gourmet, but if you have your own kitchen to use, use it . Stock up on basics at the supermarket (more on these later), make sandwiches, take them with you when you’re out exploring. Not glamorous, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
• Opt for accommodation with breakfast – This is a much more affordable way to start the day than either having to stock your own cupboards or searching out a breakfast spot yourself. Hotels often feature buffet breakfasts, so I recommend stocking up!

Where to Eat Cheaply in Norway 

Norway is expensive for food – relatively, at least – but it’s all about being smart with your money. That means choosing where you eat, and what you eat, wisely. Here are some more ways that you can keep your stomach (and taste buds) happy while you’re in Norway without breaking the bank too much…

• Head to kiosks – In essence, kiosks are super handy fast-food joints. You can find these hole-in-the-wall options in most towns and cities. They serve takeaway snacks that include hot dogs and pizzas. A lunch costs around $10 from one of these.
• Shop at local markets – Even in the most remote villages, you’ll usually find a fish market where you can find not only fresh fish, but also freshly cooked fish. They’re deliciously grilled and served at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at a tourist joint. And it’s a local experience, too. That’s if you like fish, of course. 
• Kick back at cafes – Get a good cup of coffee and a pastry to go alongside (or a sandwich) for around $5-6. For some reason, Norwegian coffee is really good, so I recommend making the most of the country’s cafes where you can.

But there are always things you can do to make your gastronomic journey in Norway even cheaper . By that, I mean going to the supermarket. Here are two of the cheapest supermarkets in the land…

• Kiwi – Big supermarket chain with hundreds of discount stores; you’ll see it all over the place. It’s pretty much the place to go for cheap groceries in Norway. 
• REMA 1000 – Also with hundreds of stores across Norway, REMA 1000 is inspired by German supermarket chain Aldi (also cheap). There’s a wide product range and cheap prices.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0-$25 USD per day

Norway is notoriously expensive when it comes to alcohol. It’s very heavily taxed, thanks to (almost) all alcohol in the country being sold by the government monopoly, Vinmonopolet. Wines, strong beers and spirits – anything over 4.75% ABV – are controlled by this state-run entity.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find it anywhere. Quite the opposite: you can find all sorts of alcohol being sold at bars, restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars across the nation. And if you do want to drink, you’ll have to for it.

On the whole, 500ml of beer at one of these establishments costs upwards of $9; the cost of a glass of wine starts at around $8. Depending on where exactly you’re drinking (not just city, but type of establishment), prices can be even higher.

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for alcohol, with prices 120% above the average.

Even so, there are a few tipples worth trying if you’re into sampling local drinks…

• Aquavit  – This distilled vodka-like spirit is made from potatoes. It’s served ice cold in small glasses. Very bitter and strong (at least 37.5% ABV).
• Craft beer – Norway may be famous for Carlsberg and a selection of other lager-like beers, but in recent years modern craft breweries have been making waves. A notable example is Ægir microbrewery, one of the most popular in the country.

If you want to have a drink, but you don’t feel like coughing up for the sometimes outrageous prices charged at bars and restaurants, then you’ll be heading to the supermarket.

Weaker beers and other low-ABV alcohol can be brought here relatively cheaply. Otherwise, stronger alcohol can only be purchased from the state-run Vinmonopolet; here a bottle of wine costs around $8. Much cheaper. 

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0-$200 USD per day

Norway is a literal smorgasbord (or should I say smørbrød?) of nature, culture and history. In the cities, it’s all about wandering around checking out architecture and museums, centuries-old cathedrals and medieval backstreets. 

Most art galleries have free admission, as do museums, so you won’t have to worry too much about factoring the cost of attractions into your budget. Plus there are things like the Oslo Pass (which I mentioned earlier), which gives you free entry to a bunch of attractions.

While the attractions themselves aren’t too pricey, sometimes simply being in cities in Norway is expensive. That’s where the country’s breath-taking nature comes in.

From its fjords to the epic hiking in warmer weather, Norway has a whole lot going on for outdoorsy people who love to get out and explore countrysides and coastlines. The good thing about Norway is, pretty much no matter where you go, you’ll never be too far from some amazing hiking.

But if you’re here to ski or snowboard, prepare to fork out for the privilege. Per day, ski passes cost an average of approximately $52. They can be cheaper, but they’re very often more expensive. Usually, a week’s ski pass gives you a 10-20% discount.

Here are some extra tips to help you see attractions in Norway while safely saving those pennies…

• Get around by bike – In Oslo and other cities in Norway, the town centres are the domain of bicycles. There are plenty of bike lanes, bike-sharing schemes and bike rental places to use. This means getting around for a nominal fee, and getting to travel further around the city, and seeing more stuff as a result.
• Don’t spend money – That may sound obvious, but it really is that simple. Hiking is free, exploring historic neighbourhoods is free, and taking yourself on urban art walks is free. There are plenty of things to do in Norway that don’t involve spending cash. You’ve just got to do your research.

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So your budget for travelling around Norway is shaping up to be pretty comprehensive so far. You’ve got your flights sorted, accommodation booked, the cost of food and drink factored in, and you know all about how much it costs to get around the country.

One last thing to remember is unexpected costs . This can be anything from luggage storage to the cost of souvenirs, or even cleaning supplies for your Airbnb. The point is, it’s good to be prepared just in case you need to spend more money. Around 10% of your budget should do.

There’s also…

Tipping in Norway 

Tipping isn’t that much of a thing in Norway. It’s not like the US, where tipping up to 20% is expected of customers. Instead, tips are usually included in restaurant (and other) bills as gratuity charges.

If a service charge isn’t included in your restaurant bill, and you want to show your appreciation, then feel free to leave a tip; around 10-15% is acceptable.

In bars and pubs, however, tipping is not the done thing. If you really want to show thanks for good service, then simply round up to the nearest 10 kroner.

At hotels and other tourist accommodation options, tipping is also not expected. But you can offer hotel workers like porters and room service staff a tip. It’s discretionary and not expected.

For other services, like taxis, you can round up the fare, or give around 20 kroner ($2) for a particularly helpful or friendly driver. You can also give a discretionary tip to your tour guide if you feel like it.

In short, tipping in Norway depends on the customer, not the establishment. If you want to tip, go ahead, but it’s not something you desperately need to factor into your budget.

Get Travel Insurance for Norway 

Travel insurance isn’t exactly the most exciting thing in the world, but it sure can be useful. Nobody knows what’s around the corner (pandemic, anyone?), so it’s a sensible idea to be prepared for anything.

Now, travel insurance isn’t a cure-all, definitely not, but it is an extra cushion of cash for those just-in-case scenarios. Maybe you need another night at a hotel, maybe you lose your bank card – whatever. At the very least, it’s worth thinking about.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Need more tips? Why not. Here are yet more top ways to make travel to Norway less expensive…

• Visit in low season – Flights, transport and accommodation get pretty expensive in Norway when it’s high season (May to July). With that in mind, simply travel there in winter. It’s cheaper and popular attractions won’t be so busy. Spring or autumn also work for nicer weather.
• Keep an eye on how much spending money you use each day and set a daily budget for yourself:  If you blow the budget on a Full Moon party one day, try and do some activities in the following days that keep you under budget.
• Hit up the national parks – Norway’s national parks are incredibly beautiful. They’re free to enter and provide a stunning wilderness to explore or just soak up from some well-placed accommodation. Well worth your time.
• Try out camping – Not just in national parks, but near beaches (yes, they exist in Norway) and other natural spots, you’ll find campsites. Ranging from very basic to luxurious, the thousands of campsites are way cheaper than staying in a hotel or guesthouse.
• Go self-catering – Self-catering is a good option for two reasons. 1) It’s cheaper accommodation anyway. 2) You can make your own food. It’s not like being in the Mediterranean, where food is a definitive part of the culture, so buying your own groceries and cooking them up is the perfect way to travel to Norway on a budget.
• Earn money while you travel:  Teaching English while traveling  is a great way to make ends meet!
• Watch the locals when it comes to food and purchases:  Take a look and see what they are paying for certain items and then follow suit.
• Have a water bottle :   Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Well, yes: Norway is expensive. There’s no beating around the bush, really. But that doesn’t mean that your trip has to be super expensive. Don’t be put off by the expensive alcohol and the cost of renting a car – and all the rest.

There are plenty of ways to make a trip to Norway decently affordable. You may have to make some sacrifices (i.e. not eating out and definitely not drinking in cocktail bars), but in exchange you’ll get to see so much more of a country that’s got so much to offer. 

What we think the average daily budget for Norway should be:

If you keep things cheap, a good budget for Norway can range between $100 to $170 USD per day (give or take a big hit every now and then for train travel).

Christina Grayt

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Is Norway Expensive? Here’s How to Visit Norway on any Budget

Norway is known for vafler (heart-shaped waffles) and Vikings , but it’s also a popular destination thanks to the country’s striking natural beauty, rich culture and one-of-a-kind experiences. In a week in Norway, you can experience immersive cultural events, delicious traditional foods, alpine skiing, fjord cruises and much more! 

With the striking landscape, popular attractions, and many things to do in Norway, you might wonder, “Is Norway expensive to visit?”

In this article, I’m sharing insights into traveling costs in Norway. Plus, tips for budgeting and getting the most out of your spending on your trip so you enjoy a stress-free journey and bring home plenty of souvenirs!

Whether you’re curious about the average costs of public transportation, dining out, or popular activities in Norway, I’ve got you covered.

Join me on Patreon for more Norway travel tips and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, videos and more!

Let’s explore Norway together!

How expensive is Norway?

Norway is the perfect destination for both budget-friendly travelers and luxury experience seekers alike. The amount of money you can expect to budget for your trip to Norway depends on factors like…

Will you use public transportation or rent a car?

Will you stay at an upscale hotel or camp in the wilderness?

Will you eat at restaurants more often than make your meals?

Let’s look at the average traveling costs in Norway, no matter your budget!

Transportation costs in Norway

Public transportation in Oslo is a reliable and fun way to explore the city.

Many Norwegians rely on public transportation to get around—there are plenty of options, like buses, trams, trains and ferries. Depending on the length of your stay, you can buy a one-day ticket or a weekly travel card, which is the more cost-effective option. 

If you’re making your way around Oslo, you can expect fares to start at roughly 40 NOK (4 USD) for adults. Children up to six years of age ride free. There are discounted fares for children between the ages of 7 – 17 and seniors 67+. You can find the latest routes and ticket pricing on Ruter . 

If you need help navigating Oslo’s public transportation system, visit a local tourist information office or watch my video below!

For the best price, I recommend buying long-distance train and bus tickets a few months ahead of time! Tickets can sell out on popular train rides and fjord cruises, so booking early is best. You can easily book your train ticket online at VY . Traveling by bus? Book your bus tickets at NOR-WAY.no . 

If you’re traveling across Norway (and Scandinavia), check the current routes and fees at Entur .

Using a taxi service, Uber, or renting a car are pricier travel options. If you rent a car, remember that public parking fees apply most days and times of the week. 

Also, keep in mind that roads in Norway are commonly funded by road tolls, so expect to pay toll fees, especially in bigger cities. And if you’re driving on the west coast, you’ll pay a ferry fee when crossing fjords (you’ll get some pretty epic views!).

View from a fjord ferry in Norway.

Accommodation costs in Norway

Hotel Ullensvang in Lofthus, Norway.

From upscale hotels to laid-back vacation rentals, there are plenty of options for places to stay in Norway.

A hotel stay in Norway averages 1,500 – 1,700 NOK (143 – 162 USD) per night for a standard 3-star accommodation (note that, like other destinations, prices fluctuate a lot during peak season or for popular local events). Get the best deals by using travel rewards and points or booking through booking.com . Reserve your stay early, as hotels can book up quickly!

My go-to for a budget-friendly and comfortable hotel stay is CityBox Hotel , available in Oslo, Bergen and Kristiansand.

A standard room at CityBox Hotel in Oslo.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider a hostel stay or a vacation rental, which can be as low as 600 – 800 NOK (57 – 76 USD) per night. You can find great deals on hotels and vacation rentals at booking.com .

Or, if wild camping is more your thing, Norway offers plenty of beautiful campgrounds that are free or low-cost. Explore different campsites in Norway.

Camping in Norway comes with exceptional views!

Dining costs in Norway

Like anywhere, meal prices in Norway vary based on the type of restaurant you choose. From street food delicacies to upscale dining, there’s something for every budget (and appetite)!

According to Numbeo.com , you can expect to pay around 200 NOK (19 USD) for a meal at a budget-friendly restaurant. Or, around 1,000 NOK (94 USD) for a 3-course dinner for two at a higher-end restaurant. 

Keep in mind that alcohol prices are fairly high in Norway. For example, at a restaurant, a pint of beer costs about 110 NOK (10.50 USD), and a bottle of wine about 500 NOK (48 USD). But tap water is free and safe to drink!

You don’t have to eat at restaurants for every meal! Many grocery stores offer a wide variety of do-it-yourself meals.

Pick up a few fresh items and make a veggie pasta salad or sandwich, like a smoked salmon and snøfrisk (spreadable goat cheese) sandwich. Or, one of my favorites, Rekesmørbrød, an open-face shrimp sandwich ! 

Ingredients for Rekesmørbrød , a delicious open-face shrimp sandwich and Norwegian favorite!

Many Norwegians make matpakke, a packed lunch . Ask your hotel if they offer this—some do for an additional price. Cafés are another great lunch option and they’re where you’ll find vafler (you can also get them at waffle joints).

My favorite way to eat Vafer is with a few slices of brown cheese!

For grab-and-go options, there are many popular kiosks, like Narvesen, Deli de Luca and 7-11. They all offer budget-friendly options, from sandwiches to salads and pastries.

In the summer, many Norwegians enjoy an afternoon BBQ at a public park. Why not join the local summer tradition and do the same? You can pick up pølser (hot dogs) or lompe (potato tortillas), two favorite summer foods in Norway. And don’t worry, you don’t have to pack your BBQ in your luggage! Supermarkets in Norway sell disposable grills, called engangsgrill, which is a lightweight grill perfect for your sunny picnic!

Enjoying a pølser (hot dog) in Bergen!

What about tipping in Norway? Although tipping in restaurants is welcomed in Norway, it’s not necessary like in North America. 

However, it isn’t uncommon for both locals and tourists to leave a 5-10% tip according to how happy they are with the food and service (of course, no tip is okay if you’re not happy with the experience). There’s no need to tip in cafés unless table service is included.

Activity costs in Norway

From culture to adventure, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities across Norway.

Outdoor activities, like a multi-day hiking excursion, a family ski trip and a relaxing fjord cruise, can be budget-friendly options, depending on the length of the journey. For example, if you plan to hike over a week, you can camp and make your meals to keep costs low. 

There are also plenty of other things to do, like visiting museums, art galleries and landmarks. Two of my favorite museums in Oslo are Fram – The Polar Exploration Museum and the National Museum . Don’t forget to check for discounts or free admission days before booking your tickets!

Traditional souvenirs in Norway

Of course, you must bring a traditional Norwegian souvenir home to remember your time in Norway!

Popular and inexpensive items that don’t take up much luggage space are classic Christmas decorations, like Norwegian nisse (gnomes), trolls and tealight lanterns.

Other Nordic collectibles include licorice (love it or hate it!), brown cheese with a traditional cheese slicer , or chocolate— Freia and Nidar are two popular brands !

You can splurge on local art or handmade silver jewelry if your budget allows.

Tips for touring Norway on a budget

Whether your travel budget is big or small, you can do a few things to make sure you don’t overspend while traveling in Norway.

• Set a daily spending limit
• Track your expenses
• Take advantage of free or low-cost activities, events, and attractions
• Use discount cards or membership reward points for transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing
• Combine eating out with street food or do-it-yourself meals at supermarkets
• Pick up Rick Steves’ Scandinavia Guidebook , which includes helpful tips on getting around and making the most of your trip—plus, it features contributions from your trusty Norway expert, me!

Budget, but have fun too!

Thinking about your budget before you go will help you have a stress-free and fun trip to Norway!

Set a realistic budget to avoid unexpected expenses when planning your transportation options, dining experiences, and indoor/outdoor activities. Of course, if you can have a little wiggle room in your budget for a surprise or two, that helps, too.

If you need help planning your Norwegian adventure, I’m here to help! Book your tailor-made tour plan today so you enjoy the perfect trip to Norway—no matter your budget!

Your friend in Norway,

Pål of Norway With Pål

Norway native, veteran travel guide, sailor, filmmaker, and writer (you might have seen me in one of Rick Steves’ guidebooks!). I want to help you enjoy Norway the right way — like a local. Learn more about me.

DISCLAIMER: Products on this page may contain affiliate links, and I might make a small sum per purchase. For you this does not affect the product price, but supports me and my work, and makes me able to continue sharing my passion for Norway with you. Read the Disclaimer policy . Thank you, tusen takk!

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Thanks Pal for the great information and wonderful pictures in Oslo! Such terrific memories of our travel with you!!

Hi Beth and Tom! Nice to see your names in here. Glad you like the article, and TUSEN TAKK for the donation 😀

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Find cheap flights to Norway from $166

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to norway departing on 8/19. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to norway.

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Best Norway Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking norway flights, do airports in norway offer accessibility services to passengers with limited mobility.

Oslo Gardermoen, in Norway, is one of the best airports in Europe, offering care services to passengers with special needs. If you have limited mobility, the airport is configured to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility through facilities like accessible restrooms throughout the terminal. If you require a loaner wheelchair, ensure you request for same with your airline at least 48 hours before your travel date. You can take your wheelchair past security to the gates and aircraft doors. You can request accessibility assistance as well for ease of movement on your travel date.

Can I rent a car at Norway airports?

One of the ideal ways to get through the different parts of Norway is by renting a vehicle. When you fly into the country's airports, you can rent vehicles from the airports; there are on-site agencies that offer rental services to passengers needing the services. Most airport agencies are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and SIXT. To rent a vehicle in Norway, you must be above 21 years old and a valid driver's license holder for at least a year.

Do Norway airports allow travelers to carry pets?

If you plan on traveling with your pet to Norway, three significant airports allow pets on the property. You could fly from the US to Oslo Gardermoen, Trondheim Værnes, or Bergen Flesland (BGO). Norwegian Air, the leading airline serving Norway, allows guests to bring up to two or three small pets in the cabins. The pets must be at least eight weeks old, and their combined weight with the carrier, about 17 lbs. traveling with a pet will cost you some additional fee.

Which airport in Norway should I fly into to access the fjords?

When visiting Norway, you can take advantage of the fjords as the country has the highest concentration worldwide. You can visit any of the fjords in the country. To access them, fly into Bergen International Airport (BGO), the leading international airport closest to the fjords. You can drive to the fjords from the airport or, for a cheaper means, join the fjord cruise with eco-friendly travel packages by local transit. To appreciate the beauty of the fjords, take a Flam Railway and Bergen Line train to the fjords from the airport.

Do I need a visa to enter Norway?

Norway is part of the Schengen area of Europe, which means that US nationals can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. However, the 90 days apply to the entire Schengen area, which includes most of the countries in western Europe.

Are there nonstop flights to Norway?

Nonstop flights are frequent from the United States to two of the major international airports in Norway: Oslo Airport (OSL) in the east and Bergen Airport (BGO) in the west. These flights can be found from major US cities, including New York, Fort Lauderdale, Oakland, Orlando and Los Angeles.

Where should I fly to if I want to visit Sognefjord?

Sognefjord, one of the most popular natural attractions of Norway, is most popularly visited by boat. If you’ll be traveling exclusively throughout western Norway, you can simply fly into Bergen and take a fjord cruise directly from the port. Many of these cruises stop at small villages along the way, making them a handy way to see much of the western coast.

Which city should I fly to for the ferry to Denmark?

Traveling around Scandinavia by ferry is popular due to the number of islands, and Norway is no exception. If you’re traveling on to Denmark after your time in Norway, you can board ferries to one of three ports in Denmark from the ports in Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansand, Larvik, Langesund and Stavanger, Norway.

How long is the flight to Norway?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Norway takes 12h 27m, covering a distance of 4259 miles. The most popular route is Newark - Oslo with an average flight time of 7h 25m.

What is the cheapest flight to Norway?

The cheapest ticket to Norway from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $206 one-way, and $368 round-trip. The most popular route is Newark to Oslo Gardermoen and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $386.

Which airlines fly to Norway?

Scandinavian Airlines & Norse Atlantic Airways fly the most frequently from the United States to Norway. The most popular route is from New York to Oslo, and Scandinavian Airlines flies this route the most.

What are the most popular destinations in Norway?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Oslo (84% of total searches to Norway). The next most popular destinations are Bergen (8%) and Stavanger (2%). Searches for flights to Tromsø (2%), to Trondheim (1%) and to Ålesund (0.6%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Norway

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Norway flight deals.
• Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) is the leading international airport in Norway, serving the country's capital, Oslo, and most parts of eastern Norway. OSL is about 25 miles (40 km) from north Oslo. Torp Sandefjord Airport (TRF), about 68 miles (110 km) south of Oslo, is a good alternative for flying to Oslo.
• Norway is served by the Norwegian Air Shuttle. This low-cost airline has Oslo Lufthavn international airport as its hub. When flying Norwegian Air, consider landing in OSL.
• When traveling to Norway from any part of the US, consider flying into Oslo Gardermoen Airport compared to Torp Sandefjord Airport, as the former serves many international flights from the US compared to TRF.
• Norway holds several events throughout the year. If you are traveling around June, the country holds a four-day Norwegian Wood Festival, while January to February is the Northern Lights Festival. The country has otter events spread throughout the year. Beware of flying into country-specific cities during events, as airport traffic may be slower.
• Out of all Norway's airports, Oslo Airport is the largest airport and is the one that handles about half of the air traffic in the country. For convenience, you can land in OSL from the US.
• When booking your flight to Norway from the United States, you’ll have a few different airports to choose from. Oslo Airport (OSL) sees most of Norway’s international air traffic, but there are also flights from the US available to cities in northern and western Norway, including Trondheim and Bergen.
• The only accepted currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. While carrying a little bit of local currency is recommended, US debit and credit cards are widely accepted throughout Norway, even outside of the bigger cities like Oslo and Bergen. If you need cash, ATMs are available in both big cities and smaller towns.
• The entire country of Norway is only serviced by a few airports, which means that traveling throughout central Norway isn’t something that can be accomplished by plane. To explore this part of the country, or to transfer to and from the airport to your accommodation in central Norway, there is a dense network of regional and InterCity trains, as well as regional and long-distance buses with varied and frequent routes.
• Whether you’re flying into Oslo and later traveling to Bergen or the other way around, you’ll have several different regional flights to choose from. The route between these two cities is a popular one, and it’s served by three main regional airlines that feature flights several times per day: Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe and Norwegian.
• If you’re one of the travelers looking to hike the famous Trolltunga rock formation in Norway, your best bet is to fly into Bergen. After your flight lands, you’ll need to either drive or take a bus to the city of Odda. From Odda, you can catch a shuttle bus operated by either Odda Taxi or Taxi/Bus Odda to the trailheads leading up to Trolltunga.

Top 5 airlines flying to Norway

Delayed due to an ill passenger after loading. Not preventable on Delta's part. Was in first class. The seats are becoming worn and detaching from their velcro attachments. Only got snacks on flight. The attendant was not the friendliest.

I would fly again the whole experience was great. The only feed back I can give that they don't do that American Airlines does is the crew there is more humorous with boarding and thank their passengers. It makes it more fun to fly with them. I would however fly Delta again.

Big plane, long flight, absolutely no leg room and basically non existent air! I am 5”4’ and always travel Main Cabin, I was miserable on this plane and could barely move when we arrived in Cabo due to the cramped leg area!

From Atlanta to Cabo I would have hoped on a plane that size I would have been able to breathe and wiggle my feet a little! The leg room in that plane is non existent and I am only 5”4’. And the air vent either wasn’t working very well or just could not blow air from the ceiling to the seat area as I was suffocating through the entire flight! And please don’t say I would have been more comfortable in first class because I cannot afford those rates and have always travelled Main Cabin without issues !

The pilots were good. Disappointing when planes don't have electrical ports

I liked the piloting of the aircraft. Very disappointed about lack of electrical ports. Also, although a short flight. there was enough time to hand out snacks to comfort + seats as was done for first class.

I had a wonderful experience flying with delta. The gentleman taking care of us on our flight was so nice, accommodating, and attentive. He always was smiling and giving pins to the kids which made me smile. The flight was quick too and without turbulence. Thank you for the great flying experience.

Delta is one of the best airlines I have flown

Made the Atlanta to Pittsburgh trip many times, with Delta no issues

I always fly with Delta. My friends tell me their horror stories of flying with other airlines. I just smile and say, “You should fly Delta”

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

I travel frequently. The flight was late again... KLM should really try and be on time

The plane was clean and the staff was friendly. Food and drinks as expected on international flights. The entertainment system was old style, with a pullout controller, and selections not as extensive as on other flights.

One of their staff was so rude with discriminative. Such a reputed airline shouldn't hire such kind of arrogant attendants.

The boarding was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The fault lays on Ohare Airport and not so much the airline. The waiting area by the gate was the size to accommodate a regional flight for 20-30 people and right next to a busy walkway. When you cramped nearly 300 passengers into that space is was unbearable.

The seats are too cramped in that plane. If you’re above 1,80m consider alternatives or first class I guess… There were no emergency exits to seat somewhere with more legroom

TERRIBLE! Staff was unfriendly, rude, and demeaning. One flight attendant touched me to grab the complimentary blanket off my neck because I couldn't take it home, while a bunch of other people took theirs home. I have never been so ill treated. I am not happy at all. And flight was delayed, no information until short notice for everything. Lost an entire day at my destination. I expect a full refund for that experience. Never will fly with them EVER again

My return flight has been changed to JFK from EWR without any notice or reason

They lost my luggage. Tromso in winter without warm clothes is not fun.

The flight was on time and loading was fine. I really disliked that all drinks other than coffee or tea had a cost. Deplaning was also an issue as people did not wait for those in front of them to get out before they pushed forward

Flight was delayed 3 hours. Pilot cancelled flight under 4 people volunteered to change their seats to economy from business class.

Overall, this flight team did a fantastic job. They came often with the water, coffee and tea. There was no meal choice in coach, but the lasagna lunch was decent. The sandwich snack just before landing was tasty. The baggage bins were large, so no trouble holding carry on luggage.

My seat was not the one I paid for, the crew was very curt, and the cabin was extremely warm.

Old plane with terrible business class seats - good food and service. Boarding was a joke with business class boarding last.

Best airline to travel on a budget- really like their reasonably priced access to the SAS lounges where available.

The flight was cancelled early on and messed up the whole vacation and hard to get a refund from Kayak as they owned the ticket and of course they did not believe that SAS cancelled the ticket. Definite bad side to third party. SAS had rescheduled but overlapped the connecting flights. That did not work. Flight was cancelled long ago but Kayak still has it. Like it was taken? Bad IT ? Or all assumptions and no follow up which is the whole IT world. It needs to wake up and be more efficient. Especially as the world is going, there will be no freedom to do anything. And we will be living like the Middle Ages. Yeah, go read up on that while you still can.

Very nice flight, easy connections in Keflavík, and friendly crew.

I will never fly this airline again. Checking in was poor , we had to go back to the check in counter at Raleigh - Durham international airport three times because they didn’t issue my boarding pass but rather duplicated my husband’s twice which caused a big headache at the passport control at the airport which triggered security alert and wouldn’t let us pass through we we had to wait for long time to be able to explain and clear everything after talking to the supervisor.. No food on the plane , not even crackers. No food was offered to buy ether . No ear phone was provided . Very little time to make from one plane to another and nobody to assist with smooth transition. Flight itself , we felt safe so thank you to the pilots . But customer service was terrible . We spent $ 2500 on 2 tickets, so I cannot say that service was consistent with the price .

Seats are way too much now with these new airplanes especially long flights like we had. I was 7 month pregnant and in a lot of discomfort due to small seats.

Food was horrible. This wasn’t business class. No leg space, can’t sleep in row position, huge delay

I liked how easy my transfers between flights in Keflavik were. I would have appreciated more food options in Keflavik.

The plane was flaming hot! Could not breathe. Everyone coughing from heat. Awful.

My biggest problem was the flight from KEF to DUB was delayed, which caused me to miss my connecting flight in DUB and we were forced into an unplanned 10-hour layover in DUB. Crew and boarding staff were all very friendly but this was a real inconvenience and especially uncomfortable for my disabled wife.

Not much! This was my first flight with Iceland air and unfortunately it wasn’t what I have expected. My luggage is lost nothing as of yet where it was left. Not a good service at all!!

The seat size was more like a domestic than an international flight. In fact, i would compare the ammenities, quality and service to a short hall ryan air flight, which was unexpected for an international flight. The plane was extremely hot so sleeping was difficult. My biggest complaint was that they are very strict on carry on luggage only allowing it to weigh 10kg/22lb. I try to limit myself to a carryon so i don't have to mess with bagage claim, but the wieght restriction made it impossible. I have never had a carry on weight restriction (at least enforced) on an international flight. Will not be including them in future searches.

Not connecting flights. Missed my flight from Dublin to Liverpool because I arrived at Dublin one hour too late. For this mistake, they offered me a flight from Dublin to Manchester. Thats great and all, but I waste time and money to commute to Liverpool. Be sure to check the time of your connecting flights, because they sure don’t when they sell it to you

Excellent! Great flight attendants, good food (in business class, at least), very comfortable. Touchscreen and remote wasn’t great.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

Starting with the flight Cairo to London the plain was so poor no entertainment at all uncomfortable seats although it’s 5 hours long,then an American airline plain took me from London to Miami it was a bad experience the crew most of flight time not available and they asked us to help our selves for any snacks if we need. From Miami to London actually was perfect flight with a huge plain and perfect crew but from London to Cairo was horrible plain with stiff fixed seats not movable no entertainment or wi fi very poor Menu which is unacceptable for a business class

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Not sure if the crew were experiencing something unknown to me,but the service of passing water was non-existent.In addition,please take consideration when providing yogurt as alternative for breakfast as some of us, could be lactose intolerant.. thanks

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Traveling to Norway: What To Expect (Costs, Data, Attractions)

So you are considering a visit to Norway, or maybe you’re just curious about how expensive Norway is. Either way, here is a balanced and unbiased view of how Norway stacks up globally in travel categories such as accessibility, popularity, quality of life, travel costs, and attractions. For each category, I include reliable data points that will give you a good idea of what to expect if you visit the country of fjords.

• Visitor Accessibility - How Easy Is It to Travel To & Within Norway?​

Visitor Popularity, Demand, Total Area, and Global Reputation

Quality of life index – how does norway compare globally, quality of life surveys – what do actual expats and visitors think of norway, reported cost of food, drinks and shopping – how expensive is it to visit norway, attractions & travel community, capital city rating – is oslo a good travel destination.

I feel lucky to have been able to grow up in and travel around the Nordics throughout my life. Whether it has been historical and educational trips with family or adventurous and explorational trips with friends, I have never run out of new places to discover and new things to do in Scandinavia.

But just because I love the Scandinavian countries doesn’t mean everyone would, so I was curious to find how Norway is like for the average traveler .

To find out how Norway stacks up travel-wise, and in an attempt to give you an unbiased and balanced view of how the country rates as a travel destination , I have collected relevant data points from different reliable indexes and surveys where countries around the world are compared in ways that relate to traveling experience and satisfaction.

So let’s take a look at how Norway rates as a travel destination for the average tourist, based on relevant data points and survey results:

You can click on each category for a deeper look into the data and the sources, or simply keep scrolling to look at how we arrived at these ratings, one by one.

Visitor Accessibility – How Easy Is It to Travel To & Within Norway?​

For this category, we’re trying to establish how convenient it is to travel to Norway, and how easy it is to get around in the country when you’re visiting. If you’re visiting as part of a bigger trip we’ll look at distance in travel time from different European cities, and we’ll also try to gauge how the country’s infrastructure holds up compared to other countries in order to figure out if it’s easy to get around in Norway.

Looking at how popular Norway is for visitors, how long they stay, and how the country’s reputation ranks globally, we can get a good sense of how people in general rate Norway. I’ve also chosen to include total area to get a sense of how much there is to explore in the country as a whole.

To get a sense of how Norway ranks as a destination for expats and visitors, we’ve looked at a massive global index that ranks countries based on factors relating to quality of life.

We can definitely learn a lot from looking at the big data in the previous section, but I also wanted to include how actual visitors of the country rate Norway in different areas related to quality of life, which can give a good idea of how it is to visit the country. A great way to find out how good a country is for travelers is to ask the people who have actually visited the country.

I looked at three independent surveys which asked expats and visitors what their experience in Norway was:

We’ve touched on the cost of travel in Norway already, but I wanted to give an idea of actual costs travelers may be interested in, as reported by visitors (and verified by myself on my own visits).

Other important factors for travelers to consider before deciding on their travel plans are how many attractions there are, how excited other travelers seem to be about the country, how attractive the country’s natural assets are, and what the country’s main attraction categories are:

Finally, you get a pretty good sense of a country by looking at its capital city and how it stacks up against other capital cities, specifically when it comes to factors that are relevant for travelers.

Data sources: 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , 18

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By Karl Andersson

As a native Swede with a Finnish mother, Karl identifies as both Nordic and Scandinavian. He left Sweden at 19 to explore the world, and stayed abroad for almost 8 years—during which he backpacked, worked every job there was, earned a degree from UC Berkeley, and met the future mother of his children. He ultimately returned to his native Malmö with his love, where they now have 3 Swedish-American boys eager to explore the world.

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Popular categories, cost of travel in norway: one week budget breakdown.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 21. March 2024 · In: Norway , Travel

Are you wondering how much one week in Norway costs? While undeniably beautiful, Norway is notorious for being one of the most expensive countries in the world. So is it even possible to plan a budget-friendly trip to Norway?

My readers often ask me: “ How much money should I budget for 7 days in Norway? “. And I never know what to answer, because we probably have very different ideas of what a budget is.

What you end up spending during a week in Norway will, of course, depend on what kind of traveler you are and what you need to be comfortable. I can, however, give you an idea of how much I spent on an awesome 7-day road trip from Oslo to Lofoten.

Let’s dive into a breakdown of what 7 days of travel in Norway can cost.

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Article overview

Accommodation budget

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I was traveling with my friend but all the prices are per person and in Norwegian Kroner. We went on this trip in September and started out from our home in Larvik, a city 2 hours south of Oslo.

As of December 2023 1 USD = 11 NOK. The Norwegian Krone is currently weak against the Dollar and Euro, so this is a good time to experience Norway.

Total  3497 kr. / $366 for 7 nights – Average  500 kr . per night per person.

Bring a tent and accommodation will be totally free! Plus you’ll get even closer to our gorgeous nature. Norway’s “freedom to roam law” (allemannsretten) gives you the right to hike and camp on uncultivated land as long as you leave no trace. Your tent just has to be at least 150 meters from the landowner’s house or cabin.

If you want to camp in the same place for more than 2 days, you have to get permission from the landowner. This does, however, not apply when you camp in the mountains and remote areas.‍

If you want to be a little more comfortable, like having access to an indoor toilet and showers, then pitching your tent at a campsite might be your best option. You’ll have to pay a fee, but it will still be cheaper than a hotel room. And if you don’t have a tent then a lot of campgrounds have small cabins you can stay in.

Hotels are definitely not cheap but they aren’t as expensive as you might think. Nice hotels in Norway are about how much you would expect to pay for a nice hotel in a lot of places in Western Europe. They average around $150 a night.

During this trip, we mixed it up between hotels and campsite cabins. If we were to travel in Norway for a longer period of time we would definitely bring a tent.

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Total  1967 kr. / $206 for 7 days – Average  281 kr . per night per person.

As I mentioned earlier, dining out in Norway can be very expensive. So to save money I always try to buy ingredients from a grocery store and make our own food at least once a day. Generic store brands like “First Price” and “REMA 1000” are cheaper than name brands but often just as good.

We also used the free Too Good To Go app once to save on food. It allows you to purchase unsold food from restaurants and grocery stores at the end of the day, to prevent it from being thrown away. For only 49 kr. we got 10 chicken wings, one portion of lasagne, bread and assorted pastries. It’s not always the healthiest food but definitely cheap.

In Norway we also have these things called “rasteplass”, rest stops, often in scenic locations, where there are restrooms, tables, and grills to use. So buy some inexpensive charcoal at the store and bring it with you in your car. Upcoming rest stops are marked with blue and white signs with a tree and a table.

And remember to bring reusable water bottles as you can refill them everywhere, even from streams and lakes. Tapwater in Norway is just as good as bottled water so there’s no reason to waste money or plastic.

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Total  1770 kr. / $180 for 7 days – Average  253 kr . per night per person.

Norway is an incredibly beautiful country, so I bet there are many places on your Norway bucket list . But remember that some of the best things to do in Norway are free!

Okay, you could, of course, spend a lot of money on a fjord cruise or guided tour and it would definitely be worth it. A fun fact about Norway is that we have over 1100 fjords, so definitely enjoy and explore them.

But you can also go hiking from almost any city and see the most breathtaking views, waterfalls, mountains and beaches. All for free. So we only bought two tickets this time, one museum and the skylift in Loen which we just had to try.

Remember to book tickets for activities online in advance if possible, things often get booked in Norway, especially during the summer season.

Travel Norway by train

Norway is home to the famous Flåm railway, which is known as the most beautiful train ride in the world. And I couldn’t agree more. The train runs for 20 kilometers between Flåm and Myrdal, a roundtrip that takes around two hours to complete.

You can also take the train for longer distances, like from Oslo to Bergen or Oslo to Trondheim. I recommend planning and booking all train journeys in Norway through the  Vy app. You can often save money by booking your tickets at least a few days in advance.

It is easy to travel by train all over Norway, but if you’re planning on going from the south to the north to see the Northern Lights, I recommend checking the price for domestic flights. Especially if you’re limited on time.

Rental cars

Since we live in Norway we used our own car on this trip so you have to add car rental on top of the total I list below. You can rent a decent car for around 4000 kr. a week. I highly recommend renting a car to get the most out of our beautiful country. Pro tip: I always rent through Discover Cars , a comparison site that covers 10,000 destinations worldwide.

You’re going to stop everywhere to just marvel at the views and take hundreds of photos, trust me! No matter how many times I go on road trips in Norway I’m still amazed by the incredible scenery.

I have not included tollroad charges in the total either because I can’t remember exactly how much it was. I’m guessing somewhere around 400kr, we pay it once a month.

Most rental cars in Norway have an Autopass which means toll is automatically collected when you pass a toll station. Some car rentals have toll included in the price and some will charge your credit card after you return the car.

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Total  118 kr. / $12

I rarely go shopping when traveling in Norway as I try to spend money on experiences rather than things. This time I only got a toothbrush and some hairspray because I forgot mine as usual.

And then I bought a postcard in Geiranger as a souvenir. I collect postcards and always get at least one whenever I travel.

In total, I spent 7247 kr. / $759 on 7 days and 7 nights in Norway.

This was half of a 2-week trip but our way back home was much less interesting and we spent almost exactly the same so I didn’t want to bore you with too many details.

With a rental car , the total cost of travel in Norway for one week would be around 9247 kr. per person.

Daily Norway budget breakdown

Accommodation: Rondane Høyfjellshotell 450 kr. per person in a small double room

Food:  Too Good To Go 25 kr. per person (bought the day before, we got enough food for 2 meals for 2 people) – 0.5l Pepsi Max 27 kr. – Dinner with a soft drink at the hotel 349 kr.

Transport: Gas 320 kr. per person

Shopping: Toothbrush 29 kr. – Hairspray 69 kr.

Daily cost: 1217 kr.

Accommodation: Nesset Fjordcamping 400kr per person in basic double room

Food:  Breakfast included in the hotel price – For lunch we had the obligatory road trip cheese and bacon sausage from a gas station 49 kr. (trust me, it’s delicious) – Chicken salad and a diet coke for dinner in Geiranger 195kr.

Activities: Loen Skylift 440 kr.

Shopping : A postcard 20 kr.

Daily cost: 1104 kr.

Accommodation: Gjerdset Turistsenter 400 kr. per person in a cabin with private bathroom.

Food:  Bread, cheese, fruit and juice from the grocery store for breakfast and lunch 90 kr. – Dinner 139 kr. per person for a large pizza and soft drink.

Transport: Eidsdal-Linge ferry 87 kr.

Daily cost: 716 kr.

Accommodation: Quality Hotel Skifer in Oppdal 545 kr. per person in a double room

Food:  Smoothies and fruit from a grocery store for breakfast 37 kr. – Take out fried chicken in sweet and sour sauce from a Chinese restaurant 234 kr. – Pepsi Max and energy bar from a grocery store 60 kr .

Transport: Gas 360 kr. per person

Daily cost: 1236 kr.

Accommodation: Scandic Stiklestad 775 kr . per person in a double room.

Food:  Buffet breakfast included in the hotel price – Tomato and mozzarella sandwich and juice for lunch at a bakery 95kr. – Sushi buffet at Sabrura for dinner 199 kr.

Transport : Parking in Trondheim 60 kr.

Daily cost: 1129 kr.

Accommodation: Vestvatn Arctic Cabins 525 kr. per person in a private cabin

Food:  Buffet breakfast included in the hotel price – Gas station sausage with soft drink again for lunch 65 kr. (it’s a big thing in Norway) – Pasta for dinner made in the cabin, ingredients 75 kr. per person.

Transport: Gas 280 kr. per person

Daily cost: 945 kr.

Accommodation: Skårungen Hotel, Cabins & Camping 402 kr. per person in a double room

Food:  Smoothies and fruit from a grocery store for breakfast 40 kr. – Takeout spring rolls for lunch 65 kr. – Póke Bowl and soft drink for dinner at Du Verden in Lofoten 223 kr.

Activities: Lofotr Viking Museum 170 kr.

Daily cost: 900 kr.

• Like with any other destination, you should travel during the off-peak season to find lower prices on accommodations and activities. June and September are my favorite months to travel in Norway.
• Consider staying at campgrounds instead of hotels. You can often rent a cabin for half the price of a hotel. Or even better, bring a tent.
• Take advantage of the extensive network of public transportation to save on rental car costs. You can easily travel most of the country by train, though you won’t have as much freedom to go off the beaten path. Download the Vy app to plan your rides. All major cities have their own apps for public transportation, where you can buy, 24-hour, 7-day, and 1-month passes.
• Opt for self-catering accommodations to prepare your own meals and save on dining expenses. Buy food from generic brands such as First Price, Eldorado and REMA 100.
• Take advantage of the incredible nature in Norway and go for low-cost activities such as hiking, visiting public parks, and our beautiful Norwegian beaches .
• Purchase a city pass or attraction pass to save on entrance fees to popular tourist sites. Most large cities have them, and some museums work together so always ask for combination tickets.
• Bring reusable water bottles to refill from tap water, which is safe to drink in Norway.
• Take advantage of free walking tours to learn about the city and its history without spending money on guided tours.
• Look for discount cards or coupons for restaurants, attractions, and transportation. And use apps like Too Good To Go.

FAQs about travel in Norway

The best time to travel in Norway is during the shoulder season of May/June and September. That’s when the weather is mostly sunny but with fewer crowds.

For those interested in witnessing the stunning Northern Lights, the best time to visit is during the winter months, from late September to late March.

Summer, particularly from June to August, is ideal for exploring the fjords, enjoying outdoor activities, and experiencing the midnight sun in the northern regions. Just keep in mind that this is also the high season when it gets crazily crowded in popular tourist destinations such as Geiranger and the Lofoten Islands.

Norway is known to be relatively expensive for tourists compared to many other destinations. The cost of accommodation, dining, and transportation can be higher than in most other countries.

As mentioned above, I spent just over 9000 kr. during one week traveling from Oslo to Lofoten. But if you follow the tips above, you can keep the travel costs down even more. I splurged on some hotels, so I could have saved more if I only stayed at campsites.

And if you come from the US, UK or EU, you should take advantage of the current weak Norwegian Krone and get that trip booked.

Norway is so worth it. It truly is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and traveling here is definitely an unforgettable experience .

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Norway. Most businesses, including restaurants, hotels, shops, and tourist attractions, readily accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. It is common for Norwegians to use cards for everyday transactions, and contactless payment methods are also prevalent.

However, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases, as well as for transactions in more remote areas. Like if you want to buy waffles during a hike or something to drink from a kiosk at the beach.

It’s relatively easy to travel around Norway without speaking Norwegian, as many Norwegians are fluent in English. Signs, menus, and transportation information are often available in English as well.

In larger cities and popular tourist destinations, you’ll find that most people working in the tourism industry speak English. However, in more remote or rural areas, you may encounter fewer English speakers among the older generation.

If you take the time to learn a few words and phrases in Norwegian , people really appreciate the effort. It’s a great icebreaker!

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About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

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21. November 2020 at 01:49

Lovely post! Very helpful – it looks like there are some very budget-friendly ways to travel in Norway, which I’m surprised by. I’m mostly Swedish but have never been, and always assumed that visiting Scandinavia would be a massively expensive trip. Great tips, seriously stuff I never would have though of. Thanks for sharing!

22. November 2020 at 00:04

I’m so happy you found it helpful! Hopefully, you get to visit one day soon. Thanks for stopping by, Carley 😀

21. November 2020 at 02:38

This is a really helpful guide. I’ve always wanted to go to Norway but the more I read about the things I want to see I also see the high costs of things there. Therefore other places always become higher on my list. One day I really just need to get myself to Norway, and this really helps set a budget

22. November 2020 at 00:50

Thanks, Emma! I’m happy to hear that 🙂 I hope you get to go one day. Norway is definitely expensive but also very worth it!

21. November 2020 at 19:22

Great breakdown, thanks for this, now I have an idea, how much money we’ll need. 🙂

22. November 2020 at 02:53

Thanks for stopping by, Simona 🙂

21. November 2020 at 19:31

What a great post! Costs look very reasonable there. I’d love to spend some time there one of these days. It looks like such a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing all these details.

22. November 2020 at 03:02

Thank you so much, Nancy! I hope you get to visit Norway one day soon, it’s absolutely beautiful here 🙂

21. November 2020 at 19:33

I have heard that Norway is an expensive country to travel to. It’s great that you are sharing more about the budget to wander around this country! Thanks for giving us all the info!

22. November 2020 at 03:04

Thanks, Ophelie 🙂 I’m happy you found it useful and I hope you get to visit Norway one day!

22. November 2020 at 02:45

Wow I had no idea Norway was such an expensive place for travelers. You have listed down every expense so accurately and practically, making this a very useful guide for anyone planning a trip to Norway.

22. November 2020 at 03:06

Thank you, Shalzmojo 🙂 Yes, Norway is expensive but with a little bit of effort, it’s definitely possible to plan a budget trip here!

4. April 2024 at 20:40

As someone who loves exploring new destinations on a budget, I found this breakdown of travel costs in Norway incredibly insightful. It’s always helpful to see real-life examples of how expenses can add up during a trip!

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How Much Does a Trip to Norway Cost?

Homepage Blog Travel Information

Posted Mar 22, 2023 in Travel Information

Posted Mar 22, 2023

Are you wondering ‘how much does a trip to Norway cost?’ when researching your dream trip to this beautiful Scandinavian nation? Well, your Norway vacation cost may actually be much less than you expect!

Whatever your budget, you can enjoy a fun and adventurous trip to Norway. With plenty of free attractions and natural scenery to explore, Norway has so much to offer for visitors on every kind of budget.

Discover the cost of accommodation, transport, admission to famous attractions. Likewise, all about food and other key expenses on your vacation with our ultimate Norway trip cost guide. Let’s dive right in!

Is Norway Expensive for Tourists?

You may have heard that Scandinavia is famously expensive for tourists. High Norwegian salaries mean both the standard and  cost of living in Norway is higher than many countries.

While Norway does live up to its reputation of being an expensive place to visit , you can definitely enjoy an affordable Norway vacation. The best places to see in Norway are actually free to access!

Most tourists travel to this beautiful Scandinavian country to see the stunning natural scenery. There are plenty of free and fun ways to experience Norway’s awe-inspiring natural spaces.

How Much is a Trip to Norway?

The cost of a trip to Norway can vary greatly, depending on the choices you make about where to stay and what to d o. For example, eating out for each meal will definitely increase your Norway vacation cost significantly. Whereas cooking for yourself can lower your budget dramatically.

For around 800 Krona ($75 USD) a day, you could stay in a hostel, prepare your own meals and enjoy free activities around Norway.

With around 1500 Krona ($140 USD) a day, you could stay in a private Airbnb room, enjoy some meals out and some paid activities. For a private hotel room, you’ll need to budget around 1200 Krona ($120 USD) a day.

Can you stretch your Norway vacation budget to around 2700 Krona ($250 USD) a day? Then you can stay at a high-end hotel or rent an apartment. Indulge in paid excursions (such as a beautiful fjord cruise or sunset cable car ride) and sample some of the best Norwegian restaurants.

Accommodation Costs in Norway

While hotels, guesthouses and hostels can all be expensive, there is a range of options to suit all Norway trip budgets . Renting an apartment can start from around 960 Krona ($90 USD) a night, but most will cost 1500 Krona ($140 USD) a night or more.

For around 540 Krona ($50 USD) a night, you can find a hostel or even a private room in Norway. You may be able to get special deals and discounts if you plan to stay for an extended period of time, which can keep your total Norway trip cost down.

The good news is that camping is either free or cheap , with plenty of wild camping spots and dedicated campgrounds to choose from. A very popular option for exploring Norway, camping lets you get up close and personal with the gorgeous nature.

Whether you choose camping in a tent or  renting a campervan in Norway , this option will save you a few bucks. And give you freedom to explore to your heart’s content.

Norway Food Prices

You may be surprised to learn that Norway food prices are actually affordable when shopping at the supermarket . If you’re on a budget, you can choose own-brand products and cook more meals for yourself. This is actually a great way to learn some traditional Norwegian recipes!

It’s a good idea to budget more for food than you likely would do at home because most goods in Norway do have higher costs. For example, a loaf of bread costs an average of 30 Krona (just under $3 USD) and a 1.5 liter bottle of water costs around 21 Krona ($2 USD).

If you’d like to experience some Norwegian cuisine, you can take a trip to some local food trucks, pop-up restaurants, street food vendors or fast food joints.

For a more lavish experience, you can enjoy a restaurant meal out. An average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs 200 Krona (around $18 USD). And a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant in Norway will set you back about 900 Krona ($85 USD) for two people.

Transport Costs in Norway

Public transport is a great and fairly inexpensive way to travel around Norway. Transport costs in Norway are around 40 Krona ($4 USD) for a one-way public transport ticket , and taxis cost 15 Krona ($1.50 USD) per kilometer.

A brilliant and cost-effective way to travel around Norway is by campervan. Combine the two costs by investing in a rental motorhome in Norway for your trip, allowing you to sort your accommodation and travel at the same time.

Traveling by campervan will allow you the flexibility and freedom to enjoy whichever parts of Norway call to you for a very reasonable cost.

Famous Norway Tourist Attraction Admission Prices

As we’ve mentioned, many of the most famous and beautiful tourist attractions in Norway are free to visit. If you fancy spending a bit on some paid attractions, here’s a guide to some of the main experiences to help you factor these into your Norway trip cost:

• The Fram Museum in Oslo for maritime and polar exploration - 145 Krona ($13.50 USD)
• The Viking Planet Museum in Oslo - 260 Krona ($24 USD)
• City sightseeing bus - 450 Krona ($42 USD)
• Fjord cruise - 450 Krona ($42 USD)
• Funicular in Bergen - 120 Krona ($11 USD)
• Guided three-hour walking tour, e.g. of Bergen - 1700 Krona ($160 USD)
• Pulpit Rock guided hike - 900 Krona ($85 USD)

Some of the best free attractions and places to visit in Norway are: Vigeland Park, the stunning fjords, Trolltunga and Oslo City Hall. Also, the Botanical Gardens in Oslo, Kjerag Mountain and Sognsvann Lake. We also recommend exploring the beautiful cities of Tromso and Bergen, as well as going on a Northern Lights hunt in Northern Norway.

Top Tips to Budget for Your Norway Trip

Make your Norway vacation the best it can be with our top tips for saving money during your time in this spectacular and unique country.

• Book ahead of time - Keep your Norway trip cost down by booking as much as possible beforehand. This includes accommodation, rental vehicle and ticket attractions. Norway is (unsurprisingly!) a popular tourist destination, so things tend to sell out quickly. Guarantee the best price by booking as early as possible.
• Book attractions online : Booking tickets for attractions can be cheaper online, so make the most of the discounts!
• Travel passes and city cards : There are travel passes available to help you save money when exploring a particular city, such as the  Bergen Card . These passes often include public transport travel and free admissions to major attractions, such as museums and more.
• Self-guided tours : A major way you can reduce your Norway trip cost is exploring the beauty of Norway for yourself, without a guide. This is perfectly possible for most attractions. Be aware that some more difficult hikes do require a guide.
• Travel in low season : If you’d really like to lower your Norway vacation cost, we recommend planning your Norway trip for during the low season. Experience Norway covered in a blanket of snow and beat the crowds. All while enjoying lower prices in general when visiting Norway during winter.

Make Your Dream Norway Vacation a Reality!

Convinced to make your dream Norway vacation a reality? Let’s start by planning your dream itinerary. Then, take a look at reserving your accommodation and transport online to work out your total Norway vacation cost.

Take a look through our range of affordable Norway campervan rentals to get an idea of the campervan and motorhomes we have available for you. Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful home country soon!

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About Flying to Norway

Pack your knapsack, arrange your Norway flights, and prepare for an excursion unlike any other. Whether you're looking for a thrill-filled getaway or a blissful retreat from your home life, you'll find innumerable ways to tailor your trip perfectly to your liking. Treat yourself to every facet of the nearby culture, from sampling the local fare to enjoying the after-hours scene in Norway. Visit the iconic landmarks on your trip and enjoy the views of the most scenic areas. It's no wonder why adventure seekers, amature historians, and inveterate travelers alike are attracted to this enticing destination.

At Expedia, we're devoted to assisting you in your hunt for cheap flights to Norway that won't break the bank. And That's the reason we offer you a sprawling selection of economical plane tickets, including both roundtrip and single-way reservations, to guarantee your Norway travel plans stay under budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on sightseeing.

When It's time to find flights to Norway that fit into your price range, we have the best options on the web. We offer a wealth of airlines, airports, and arrival times, making it easy for you to book your trip. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Reserve your flight to Norway right now and prepare for an unbelievable getaway tomorrow.

Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to Norway that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your Europe travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

When it comes to finding flights to Norway that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you’re looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you’ll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your airfare to Norway today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

Norway Flights Information

Frequently asked questions.

• SAS - 30 flights to or near Norway each month, including 30 flights to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) per month.
• Norse Atlantic Airways - 30 flights to or near Norway each month, including 30 flights to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) per month.
• Newark, NJ (EWR-Liberty Intl.) to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - 7 hours and 25 minutes
• New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - 7 hours and 5 minutes
• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL-Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Intl.) to Gardermoen Airport (OSL) - 9 hours

Explore Norway

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These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

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New airline launches Los Angeles to Paris flight

A low-cost, long-haul airline has launched a new LAX to Paris service.

Norse Atlantic Airways celebrated the inaugural flight of the new route on Wednesday.

Flights take off from LAX four times per week, departing around 9 p.m. and landing in Paris around 5 p.m. local time the following day. Flights to L.A. depart around 4:15 p.m. and land stateside around 7 p.m. the same day.

Economy fares start at $239 one-way, the airline says.

“The beautiful city of Paris is now even more accessible from Los Angeles thanks to the great value fares on Norse,” said Bjorn Tore Larsen, the company’s founder and CEO. “With up to six flights a week from the heart of Hollywood to the City of Love there has never been a better time to experience the magic of the French capital.”

The trip will be made aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which Norse says offers a relaxed and comfortable travel experience, with each seat including a “personal, state-of-the-art entertainment experience.”

The premium cabin offers a 43-inch seat pitch and 12-inch recline, which Norse says is an industry-leading feature.

The airline has been flying since June 2022 and runs a fleet of 15 planes, offering “affordable fares” primarily between Europe and the U.S.

Norse also offers flights from LAX to Oslo, Norway and Gatwick Airport in London.

For more information about Norse, including amenities and booking information, click here.

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