Norway has a reputation for high prices, but that doesn't mean you need a luxury budget to visit. A little knowledge and planning go a long way in stretching your kroner.
Norway is often ranked among the most expensive countries in the world, but that doesn鈥檛 mean a visit has to break the bank.
Thanks to stunning natural scenery, a culture that values the outdoors, and a few smart planning strategies, it鈥檚 perfectly possible to explore Norway without spending a fortune.
Whether you're planning a city break in Oslo or a road trip through the fjords, here鈥檚 how to keep costs down while still enjoying the very best of what Norway has to offer.
Plan in Advance
This tip applies almost everywhere, but it鈥檚 especially important in Norway. Booking transport and accommodation well in advance is the single best way to save money.
Airfares and domestic flights are often cheapest 4鈥�6 weeks ahead. Norwegian and Wider酶e both offer sales several times a year, with some domestic flights available for as low as NOK 299.
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馃殬 Book Car Rental in Norway
馃懀&苍产蝉辫;叠辞辞办 Tours & Experiences throughout Norway
馃殺 Book along the coastline
馃毃 Make sure you're covered with travel insurance
It鈥檚 worth signing up to their mailing lists (even if they鈥檙e in Norwegian) to get early access to these deals.
Norway's train operators sell discounted advance fares, which can be as low as NOK 299. These tickets are limited in number and only available online at central ticketing service , or via the app, so book early for the best prices.
If you're booking on the day, a one-way train fare between Oslo and Bergen could be well in excess of NOK 1,000. So, booking an advance ticket, if you can, is usually well worth it. Even booking just a few days in advance will see a saving.
Accommodation is also much cheaper when booked ahead. Budget hotels like Citybox or Comfort Hotel Xpress offer simple, modern rooms at affordable rates. For a more local experience, check out rental cabins or apartments through sites like or Airbnb.
But don鈥檛 expect last-minute bargains. Unlike in some countries, prices in Norway often increase closer to the date.
Use Supermarkets
Food is one of the biggest expenses for travellers in Norway, but there are ways to keep it under control.
American-style convenience stores are everywhere, from Norway鈥檚 major shopping streets to petrol stations in the remote countryside. The most common are Narvesen, 7-Eleven and Deli de Luca.
However, prices of any off-the-shelf item are inflated in most of these stores. For example, a simple bottle of water priced at NOK 20 in a supermarket could be NOK 30 or even more in a convenience store.
In addition, the fast-food options available are of variable quality. So, despite the convenience, it's almost always best to skip these stores.
Instead, head to Norwegian supermarkets such as Kiwi, Rema 1000, Coop Extra, or Bunnpris. These stores offer the best prices on everything from snacks and drinks to full meals and self-catering ingredients.
Many also have ready-made sandwiches, salad bars, or hot food counters, which can make for an affordable lunch. If you鈥檙e self-catering, getting to know your nearest supermarkets are essential.
Supermarkets offer by far the best price on snacks, bottled water and other drinks, so even if you鈥檙e staying in a hotel, it鈥檚 worth stocking up on snacks and drinks at a nearby supermarket.
Note that most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. Smaller convenience stores will be open, as will certain supermarkets such as Bunnpris, which sometimes operate an annex that's small enough to be able to open on Sundays.
Make the Most of Breakfast
If you're staying in a hotel, the breakfast buffet is one of the best-value meals you鈥檒l find in Norway. Often included in the room rate, it often includes bread, cereals, eggs, cold cuts, fruit, and more.
Some higher-end hotels offer hot options like bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, bakes beans, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Take a late breakfast and you might find you can skip lunch altogether, or get by with a light snack.
Many hotels won't appreciate you stocking up on food to enjoy later in the day, but I've seen many people make a sandwich and sneak it into their bag along with a banana or apple.
Some hotels offer you the chance to make up a packed lunch (matpakke) from the budget options at a fee.
If you do eat out for lunch, avoid sit-down restaurants where prices can rival dinner. Look for dagens lunsj (lunch of the day) specials, especially in Asian restaurants and cafes, where prices are best value.
Consider Avoiding Alcohol
Alcohol in Norway is notoriously expensive, thanks to high taxes and strict regulations. A pint of beer in a bar will usually cost at least NOK 100, while wine and spirits are even pricier.
The simplest way to avoid expensive alcohol is to skip alcohol altogether. If you鈥檙e making the most of your time in Norway by exploring the great outdoors, you won鈥檛 feel like a drink anyway.
If you want to drink, the most cost-effective option is to buy alcohol at the when you arrive in Norway. You鈥檒l find significant savings here compared to state-run Vinmonopolet shops or bars.
There鈥檚 usually a bottle of vodka on offer at around NOK 150, for example, along with good quality bottles of wine in the NOK 130-250 range. A six-pack of beer is available at around NOK 89, approximately half the price of exactly the same product in a supermarket.
In bars and restaurants, wine and spirits are the most expensive options. Draught lager, particularly the Norwegian brands such as Ringnes and Hansa, is usually the best value alcohol, but that is not the same thing as ‘good' value!
Self-catering? Bring a bottle or two from duty-free to enjoy with a home-cooked meal. If you鈥檙e staying in a hotel, you might consider skipping alcohol altogether and using the savings for an extra excursion.
If you are planning to bring alcohol in your luggage, or shop at the duty-free store, make sure you know the allowances.
For example, you can only bring one litre of spirits into the country, but the allowance is more generous for wine and beer. A recent rule change means if you forego tobacco, you receive a slightly higher allowance on alcohol.
Use Public Transport Smartly
Public transport in Norway's biggest cities is clean, efficient, and reliable in Norway, but it can be expensive if you don鈥檛 plan ahead.
In most cities, a single adult ticket costs around NOK 45 when bought on board, but advance tickets are cheaper. Use ticket machines or apps like Ruter (Oslo), Skyss (Bergen), or AtB (Trondheim) to buy tickets in advance.
If you鈥檙e staying for a few days, consider a daily or weekly pass. For example, a 7-day pass in Oslo costs around NOK 360. This gives unlimited access to buses, trams, trains, and even some ferries, and can provide value even if you're only staying for four or five days.
Some cities also offer tourist passes that include public transport and free entry to museums. The Oslo Pass and Bergen Card, for example, can be good value, especially if you're a culture vulture planning to go to many museums.
In all Norwegian cities, rental bikes or electric scooters are available and can be a cheaper option for short trips. Typically, these aren't available in the winter months.
Outside of the cities, it's a different story. Rural areas often lack frequent bus or train services, and rental cars can be expensive.
However, if you plan carefully, you can make use of regional buses or even bike routes to get around. Travelling outside peak tourist season and being flexible with your itinerary can also help lower transport costs in less-connected areas.
Choose Budget Accommodation
Norway doesn鈥檛 have a big hostel culture, but there are some good options if you know where to look. Hostelling International operates several budget hostels across the country, and many campsites offer small cabins at a fraction of hotel prices.
Citybox, Comfort Hotel Xpress, and Thon Budget are all reliable low-cost hotel chains. Booking early is key to getting the best deals, especially in high season.
Airbnb is widely used in Norway, and in many smaller towns and rural areas, it may be your only accommodation option. However, cleaning fees can add up, so check the total price before booking.
It's also well worth checking our partners at . Although most people associate them with hotels, the site also lists many apartments and cabins. These are ideal for families and other large groups.
Enjoy Norway's Free Nature
One of the biggest perks of travelling in Norway is that nature is free. The country鈥檚 famous Right to Roam (allemannsretten) allows you to hike, swim, camp, and explore most outdoor areas without charge.
Whether it鈥檚 hiking to a viewpoint above a fjord, taking a walk through Oslo鈥檚 forests, or picnicking by a mountain lake, there鈥檚 no need to spend big to enjoy the country鈥檚 best sights.
Outside the cities, opportunities for outdoor adventure expand dramatically. From coastal paths and island archipelagos to vast mountain plateaus and hidden waterfalls, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore without paying a krone.
Many rural areas feature marked trails, open cabins (DNT hytter), and scenic rest stops designed for hikers and cyclists. Check out our guide to hiking in Norway for more information on this.
is permitted with some basic rules: pitch your tent at least 150 metres from the nearest house, stay no more than two nights in one place, and leave no trace. These guidelines help preserve the pristine landscape while giving you freedom to roam.
Pack a pair of good walking shoes, layered clothing, and a reusable water bottle (tap water is safe and delicious everywhere) and you鈥檙e ready to go.
Visit Norway at the Right Time
When you choose to visit Norway can have a big impact on how much you spend. Not all seasons are the same!
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馃殬 Book聽Car Rental聽in Norway
馃懀听叠辞辞办 Tours & Experiences throughout Norway
馃殺 Book聽 along the coastline
馃毃 Make sure you're covered with travel insurance
Consider travelling in the shoulder seasons (May or September) for lower prices and fewer crowds. During these months, you鈥檒l find more affordable accommodation, better transport availability, and a more relaxed pace at major attractions.
Many hiking trails, ferries, and (some) scenic road routes are accessible, and while the weather can be changeable, it鈥檚 generally mild enough for outdoor activities.
Winter travel (especially January to March) can also be surprisingly budget-friendly, particularly in the north, where off-season deals are common and you can enjoy unique experiences like the northern lights.
Just be sure to check what鈥檚 open, as rural attractions and certain transport routes may operate on reduced schedules outside the summer high season.
