How to Travel Norway on a Budget

Posted on 29-09-2023 07:49 PM

Norway is known for being an expensive travel destination. However, with some planning and savvy budgeting, you can explore the majestic fjords, enchanting northern lights, and charming cities of Norway without breaking the bank. Here are tips for traveling Norway on a budget.

Transportation

Taking public transportation is one of the best ways to save money getting around Norway.

Trains are an affordable and scenic way to travel between cities. Book in advance for the lowest fares. Opt for second class seats over first class. Consider a rail pass if taking multiple long train trips.
Buses are cheaper than trains. Companies like Nettbuss offer budget tickets between destinations.
Ride sharing through services like Nabobil connects you with locals driving your route for a small fee.
Consider biking or walking between close destinations to save on transport costs. This allows you to explore at your own pace.

Lodging

Lodging is often one of the biggest expenses. Choose wisely to keep costs down.

Hostels offer cheap dormitory style and private rooms. Hostelling International Norway has many locations with rates starting around $30 USD per night.
Camping can be very affordable at around $15 USD per night for a tent site. Look for camping cards that provide discounts at sites across Norway.
Airbnb has budget options outside main cities, with private rooms from $40 USD or less per night.
Couchsurfing connects you with locals who provide free accommodation.
Overnight ferries on Norway's coast double as transport and lodging in one.

Food

Food costs can add up quickly in Norway. Use these tips to eat well on a budget:

Purchase groceries at low cost chains like Rema 1000 and cook your own meals. Supermarkets have ready-made affordable sandwiches, salads and meals.
Look for lunch specials at restaurants that can include a main dish, salad and drink for 100-150 NOK.
Eat the dagens rett (daily special) which is usually the most economical menu item.
Choose cafe meals like soup or open-faced sandwiches which are filling but cheaper than restaurant meals.
Pack a picnic lunch when heading on hikes, road trips or day trips.
Use grocery delivery apps like Oda or Kolonial to find the lowest prices on food items.

Activities

Norway offers breathtaking natural scenery and cultural attractions. Enjoy these on a budget with these tips:

Hike in national parks and forests for free. Pack your own food and gear.
Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the fjords on your own terms for around $30 USD per day.
Take free walking tours in cities like Oslo and Bergen for insider knowledge.
Visit museums and galleries on days with discounted or free admission. Many have student discounts.
Attend a concert at the Oslo Opera House, which offers cheap standing room tickets.
Join a guided northern lights tour for around $100 USD to maximize sightings.
Watch the midnight sun from a scenic public viewpoint rather than a pricey boat tour.

Save on Extras

A few small tweaks can lead to big savings:

Purchase an Entrance Pass to save on attractions like the Bergen Aquarium.
Avoid expensive currency exchange fees by using debit cards and withdrawing cash from ATMs.
Install apps like Too Good To Go to score discounted leftover food from restaurants.
Take advantage of student discounts on transportation, tours and more with an International Student Identity Card.
Sign up for memberships and loyalty programs with youth hostels, activity providers and more.

When to Visit

Carefully timing your trip can help you save substantially:

Travel in the shoulder season - April to May and September to October - for fewer crowds and lower prices.
Book last minute deals on activities, tours and some lodging during the low season from November to March.
Avoid visiting in the peak summer months of June through August when prices surge.
Time your trip to coincide with festivals and events for an authentic cultural experience.
For northern lights viewing, target winter months when skies are darkest.

Budget Itinerary

With some planning, you can craft an affordable one week itinerary to experience Norway's natural wonders and charming coastal towns:

Oslo

Walk along the harbor and visit the Viking Ship Museum
Explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Oslo Opera House
Sample inexpensive Norwegian fare like hot dogs and fish soup

Bergen

Hike the trails surrounding the city including Mount Fløyen
Check out the Bryggen waterfront district and Fish Market
See the Hanseatic Museum and Rosenkrantz Tower for city views

Sognefjord Area

Take the scenic Flåm Railway through mountains and waterfalls
Kayak the Nærøyfjord, an arm of the Sognefjord and UNESCO site
Stay in idyllic fjord-side towns like Balestrand

Tromsø

Go dog sledding or snowshoeing under the aurora borealis
Visit the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria for arctic insights
Take a hike in the winter wonderland of Lyngen Alps

With smart planning using these budget tips, you can experience Norway's natural beauty and fascinating culture on even the tightest budget. Just pack your spirit of adventure!