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Road Trip Norway Itinerary – Your No.1 Norwegian Road Trip Guide [2023 Edition]
The world today seems much less happy than it did many years ago. With each passing generation, there is more responsibility and demands on time leading people to be generally less happy than they used to be.
There is however one place that boasts the happiest people on the planet. With this Road Trip Norway Itinerary – Your No.1 Norwegian Road Trip Guide [2023 Edition] you are ready to go and experience a wonderfull one of the best driving holidays in Norway!
Norway is consistently ranked as the number one country with the happiest people and if you need a bit of happiness put back into your routine, a holiday with a campervan through Norway might be just the ticket. And guess what, it is ranked number 9 in the top 10 most environmental friendly countries of the world. Perfect if you decide to do this road trip with an electric vehicle.
There is a lot to see and do, but here is your complete road trip guide for this jovial country.
Camper and Car Rental & Routes in Norway – Where to go?
If you look online you will see dozens of companies promoting campervan, motorhome or caravan rentals. I will describe for you the best rental companies, traffic rules, toll roads and other useful tips and tricks!
Hiring a car in Norway is pretty easy. All the international car rental companies are present at the international airports. Therefore, you can easily visit the Oslo airport website and select a suitable car.
Click on the city you wish to start your road trip from and get the best car rental deals and prices:
Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim or Stavanger
Please keep in mind that the gas prices are very high in Norway. Make sure you choose a car that is very efficient and drives a lot of miles to the gallon. Trust me, it will make your holiday a lot more pleasant!
Rental Prices in Norway
Rental prices per day are on average 900 NOK (Low season) to 1300 NOK (High Season) for campers and 1500 NOK (Low season) to 2000 NOK (High Season) for motorhomes.
This does not include insurance or other extra options.
Car Insurance for Norway
You are always covered with a basic insurance, but if you plan to go into the mountains an additional insurance for your tires and emergency response are recommended. Paying for a new tyre won’t break the bank, but an evacuation with a helicopter will.
Therefore, double-check your travel insurance as these events happen a lot in Norway due to the unpredictable weather conditions.
A must-have! Bring an updating GPS Navigator from home or else rent one from your rental company. Norway is famous for having regions where no internet connection is available. A good GPS navigator can save your life!
Routes in Norway – What Are The Best Roads?
Driving in Norway is a wonderful experience, but what route offer the best road trip in Norway? Time to find out!
Atlantic Road in Norway
The “Atlantic Ocean Road Norway” (route 64) might be one of the most popular roads in Scandinavia. This road takes you over the Atlantic ocean with a huge bridge connecting the island of Averøy with the mainland.
The road is toll free and is 8,2 Km. long. The road offers several viewing points where you can take amazing pictures for your Instagram account and has even been featured in several National Geographic magazines and Hollywood movies.
I’m sure you are interested to know how to take the best photos whilst driving this fantastic road? Check out this blog post on driving and photographing the Atlantic Road in Norway! It offers great value for beginner- and experienced photographers who want to score that perfect picture.
Oslo to Bergen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ne_QC8DJqQ&t=148s
Taking the E16 from Oslo to Bergen is one of the most beautiful routes I have ever seen. It is a 525 Km. drive and it will take you about 12 hours. Along the way you will see some of the most amazing landmarks of Norway, including the Tyrifjorden, Aurlandsfjorden & Stave Churches. For maps and more information, please click the link below.
(Related: Driving from Oslo to Bergen – A Complete Guide)
After spending a few lovely days in Bergen, you can travel north towards the Atlantic ocean road. On you way there I recommend you make a stop at Runde Island to see Puffins in the wild!
Toll roads, parking, traffic rules & gas prices in Norway
Driving in Norway – Traffic rules
Driving in Norway is an interesting experience. First of all, the roads are not the best quality and second you can only go 80 km/h in most of the country.
Of course, you are not interested in speeding through such a beautiful sight anyway, but it does take a significant longer time to travel from A to B with this speed restriction. Trying to read the road signs in Norway is also a very intersting experience!
Toll Road Norway
Norway is a country that is full of toll roads. Toll prices range from 18 NOK to 26 NOK, which is around $2 to $4.
The beauty of the toll road system however is that, although all who pass through must pay, you can register your motorhome before embarking on the road trip to save some time.
(Related: Register here – Toll Road Norway)
By registering, you connect your credit card with the toll and pay the money as you drive through a special registered only lane.
For those who do not pay the toll and choose to attempt to get through without registration, the many cameras will tag your license plate and ticket you accordingly through the mail along with a picture of your offense. Therefore, it is best to always pay the tolls.
Rental cars with a Norwegian license plate are already covered, therefore you do not have to register your RV. You will receive your bill when you return the vehicle.
Car Parking in Norway
When taking a road trip through Norway, you will want to abide by all rules. Strict speed limits of around 50mph is enforced by police on every road. Violating the limits can and will result in high fines, but where you will most want to watch your vehicle is where it is parked.
Most attractions have plenty of parking, but there will be occasions where you will have to park in parking decks in the larger cities. The costs for parking in the decks range from 12NOK ($1.50) per hour all the way to 200NOK ($25).
Norwegian Gas Prices
The cost of fuel is forever rising and in Norway, you can expect to pay over $6 per gallon of gasoline. That might sting a bit when filling up a very large vehicle, but with the help of technology, you can better manage your fuel budget. Click here for an excellent tool to help you along the way.
(Related: Driving in Norway)
Finding the right accommodations
Paid & Wild Camping in Norway
The true road tripper understands that there is nothing more satisfying than a night out under the stars. Camping is available throughout Norway and guests can expect to pay between 242NOK ($35) and 436NOK ($60) at most campsites.
Norway is also one of the most liberal countries when it comes to wild camping. They allow for camping throughout the year on uncultivated land. The only limit is that the land cannot be cultivated and used in any other way.
The user is also only limited to 2 nights at any campsite, but the time restrictions are taken away when you venture into the mountains of the country.
When choosing to camp, always take into account to elevation as well as the temperatures as it does get quite cold in Norway and higher elevations can make it difficult to breathe for even a healthy person.
(Related: Finding Cheap Accommodations)
Hotel & Hostels in Norway
The beauty of Norway however is that the accommodation choices come available for any budget. Those that choose to travel on the cheap can trust in the many hostels and dorm style accommodations.
On average a bed will cost you 340NOK ($41) per night. Cabins and B&Bs will run between 535NOK ($65) and 775NOK ($95). For those with a midrange budget a hotel room will range in price from 775NOK ($80) – 1,500NOK ($170) on weekends and during the high season of travel which is the end of June through middle of August.
Other hotels in the country that cater to the wealthier traveler sect, will cost over €150. Airbnb is another good resource for the road tripper as there are a number of different styles of accommodations for Norway on the site ranging from 340NOK to well over 2,000NOK.
Click Here To Find The Best Hotel & Hostel Deals in Norway!
Where to Eat
A road trip is not complete without food along the way. One of your largest expenses while traveling through Norway will be food. It is a remarkably expensive city and therefore it might be to your benefit to seek out the free wild camping sites along the way.
The average hostel and hotel in Norway will offer you a breakfast, but the rest of the meals for the day will be on you. The breakfast costs that you can expect per person on your road trip is between $5 and $9, lunch will run you between $6 and $13 and dinner is on average $13 – $25.
That is certainly the lower end prices, as Norway is home to some amazing fine dining options that are famous throughout the world. Some of the best fish and game is found within the country and many local eateries have these traditional items on the menu.
Money Saving Tips
In a country that is as famously expensive as Norway, you might wonder how is it possible to save money. The truth is that most people taking a trip to the country can afford the finer things in life, but there are a range of ways to allow your budget to stretch a bit further.
Tipping
One way that many people blow their budget is by over tipping. Where it is a good idea to tip people for performing their job optimally in the case of servers and housekeepers, Norwegians tend to put the tip into the original price. It is not always necessary to tip everyone and even the tipping rate is much lower than other countries.
For very good service, a 5% tip is fine and if you receive excellent service, 10% is perfect, so do not feel as though you have to break the bank in order to show your appreciation as the case is with some countries.
Finding Cheap Meals
The best way to save money while out on the road is to opt for snacks that will fill you up for long periods of time. Gas stations are perfect for these types of snacks, but if you want to maximize your budget, try purchasing them in a supermarket. Coop Mega is one of those supermarkets.
The choices tend to be more available and the products are not priced quite so high. Other alternatives are to stick with ordering food from local restaurants to share with the rest of your crew.
Avoid Drinking
I know.. I know, but please hear me out! There are many countries throughout the world that offer exceptional alcoholic options, but keep in mind that the expense of Norway also seeps into drinking within the country.
The average drink will cost around $8 each, so if you do not have the budget to hang with the high taste of native Norwegians, stay out of drinking establishments altogether.
Tourism Card – Oslo Pass
Your road trip will take you to many places throughout Norway and you will be tempted by a myriad of attractions, but it is always best to look into the possibility of tourism cards. These are available in Norway, but tend to only be useful in the high traffic tourist areas.
It never hurts to ask because these cards can save you a lot of money on entrance fees and get you discounts at a number of different places within the country.
Overview of cards: Oslo – Bergen – Fjord Pass
Things to do in Norway
The sovereign nation of Norway is home to some beautiful scenery as well as some amazing museums. All may not be on your road trip list, but there are a few that you should definitely make time to see.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are the most well-known tourist destination in Northern Norway. This beautiful group of mystical islands has stunning nature, beautiful hikes and a lot of traditional Norwegian restaurants that serve amazing local dishes. From here you can drive straight to the North Cape, relax in Tromsø and enjoy same whale watching in Tromsø along the way. Another great activity is dog sledding. At Dog Sledding in Tromsø you can be in charge of a pack of huskies as you explore the beautiful region of Northern Norway.
Visiting during the winter? You might want to book a great tour watching the Northern Lights in Tromsø. It is an adventure you will never forget! You can even stay at a real igloo hotel during night!
(Related: Ultimate XL Lofoten Travel Guide)
Geiranger Fjord
You cannot make a trip to Norway without visiting one of the fjords the country is famous for. The most beautiful and famous of them all is Geiranger Fjord.
https://youtu.be/OkFrIyWwcyQ
The location has been featured in films such as the Lord of the Rings and attracts people from all countries for its sheer beauty. Viewing the area is free, but will require some hiking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMTcFVdPCyc&t=2s
It is always crowded most of the time, so it is recommended that you arrive early in the morning for the best opportunity to see all you want to see.
Kon-Tiki Museum
If you want to learn some Norwegian history, the Kon-Tiki Museum is the place to do it.
This museum contains relics of the past including artifacts from Norwegian travelers visiting Easter Island and the Galapagos. The most legendary explorers are all on exhibit and the cost for a ticket is only $11.33 per person, so it is a budget friendly option as well.
Oslo Tour
Tours are the perfect way to get to know a country and Oslo offers plenty of them. The typical tour will take on average 2 to 3 hours. You pay on average only $6 per person. It is a great way to meet other tourists and learn important points about the country you are visiting.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVMHWcnlw2c/?taken-by=theroadtripguy
Alta
Alta, located in the northern reaches of Norway, offers a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed rock carvings at Alta Museum, which provide a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. Outdoor enthusiasts can marvel at the Northern Lights in winter or enjoy the midnight sun during summer. The nearby Sautso Canyon, one of Europe’s largest, offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities. For wildlife lovers, whale watching tours in the surrounding Arctic waters provide an unforgettable chance to see majestic whales up close. Additionally, stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, an ice hotel sculpted anew each winter, for a unique experience. Alta’s rich Sami culture can be experienced through traditional reindeer sledding and Sami storytelling, providing a deep connection to the region’s indigenous heritage
Final Words
Norway is a growing country and full of excellent road trips for any type of budget. Just always remember to be respectful to other motorists and obey all traffic laws. If you enjoyed this Road Trip Norway Itinerary – 2024 Edition please leave a comment below and sign up to our newsletter.
Happy Driving!
The cost of driving in Norway is certainly steep! But what an amazing way to see a country. I can’t think of any better way to experience a country beyond it’s cities (which don’t give you a true perspective of the life for every day people in a country) than to drive through-stopping in small towns, exploring nature and figuring things out along the way
I always knew Norway is expensive but the figures you mention through the post puts it in perspective. Why is fuel so costly there? Are the cities and small towns equally expensive or are small town better off? BTW, lovely virtual tour of road tripping in Norway.
This post would’ve come really in handy if I had come across it 2 years ago, before our trip to Norway. We did a road trip as well and we wanted to rent a camper van but the prices were really high so we ended up renting a small car instead. Picking up a snack from the gas station is definitely a good idea for saving money on meals, considering how expensive Norway is for sit down meals. We visited Geiranger and it was gorgeous!
You have me craving an amazing Norwegian road trip now. We don’t usually drink much when we travel because it truly does eat up your budget. Great tip about tipping. I think people from the US definitely tend to overtip because we’re used to our crazy tipping culture.
Wow, I didn’t know that Norway is ranked as the number one country with the happiest people. Maybe I should pack my bags and move to Norway forever! 🙂 Kidding. But, moving there or not, I need to visit it first and your lovely post gave me many reasons to do it. Great post!
I dont mind spending more if it was Norway! Such a beautiful country!!! I heard they have the happiest people too! Cant wait to visit this country!
This is a really comprehensive guide. Well done! It certainly covers all the salient points. I would love to go to Norway, but I am always in that part f the world in December, so a road trip doesn’t appeal to me too much 🙂 The price of the OSLO tours sounds very reasonable compared to many other city tours in Europe. City tours are always a useful way of getting the see the highlights.
Norwegian road trip is awesome! Beautiful country and lots of amazing views. Lofoten Islands’ stunning nature, beautiful hiking spot, and a lot of traditional Norwegian restaurants that serves amazing local dishes. That’s very very interesting! I hope someday I could go there and experience all those wonderful places and tasty local dishes in Norway.
Gosh , its expensive. We do have a little plan of going on a road trip to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Don’t know when but your post is sort of helpful. Since we will probably driving a small car , we may be able to reduce some costs there. Let’s see! In the meanwhile Ctrl D. 🙂 🙂
Although the price of Norway is on the very expensive side, it sounds like a great place to visit. I especially like the idea of touring around in a caravan. Your tips for saving money are great. I will definitely pass on drinks at $8 a drink.
A road trip sounds like an amazing way to take in Norway! I’m a huge fan of LOTR and the Hobbit, so I would love to check out Geiranger Fjord. Even though the drinks are expensive, the area looks well worth the cost!
Though going to Norway is pricey, I guess I should really try it someday thanks for the money saving tips! Thanks for sharing this post! I would really love to try the food and go to Lofoten Island and enjoy every breathtaking view there.
Thank you for sharing such great content with us, It will surely be of great help to me as even I am planning a road trip to Norway, and the tips that you have shared will surely create an impact on my planning as well, would also love to share this with my friends and family as well for their reference.
Thank you! 🙂