10 Norway travel tips – how to save money when you visit

Norway is a beautiful country and is certainly one that should be on your bucket list of places to visit.

However, it does have a well-deserved reputation as being a rather expensive destination. So it may not seem to be within easy reach for many travellers, at least, without having saved hard to get enough money together first, and, also investing plenty of time in researching beforehand on how to go out and about, without breaking the bank.

However, a holiday to Norway is certainly feasible. And the following suggestions are a few guiding principles to help you figure out how to embark upon the adventure of your dreams, no matter how modest your budget maybe.

1. Book flights early

One common mistake people make when travelling abroad is failing to book a flight early on. You should take your time to research the best offers from airlines and comparison flight sites well ahead of your planned trip.

Timings can vary but the longer you have to research and book the better, in some cases, even six months or more before you travel. This way you will have a better chance of securing the most affordable tickets. After all you will want to avoid flights with multiple stopovers – because who wants that?

2. Place your bets on the off-season

A lot of the time only fruit and vegetables are worth purchasing when in-season. Almost everything else – from clothes to holidays – are worth stocking up on or pursuing when in the off-season. Flights, hotels, and even some restaurants in Norway will be cheaper during the winter months.

However, you don’t have to freeze by going in February. If you play your cards right, you can find a decent flight in November or December, before the the temperatures really begin to drop.

3. Currency exchange rates

While Norway’s currency is very stable and one of the strongest in the world, it still pays to check the value of your country’s currency against the Norwegian Krone before travelling.

This is especially so during particular times of the year, as you may be paying extra for certain things without realising it. In all cases, the financial authorities over at valuta-kurser.no (official exchange rates) suggest checking official exchange rates before travelling in order to avoid costly surprises. This isn’t just good planning it also makes good financial sense.

4. Go camping

Norway has an abundance of beautiful and vibrant landscapes, and fancy hotels. But besides being very expensive, are not always worth the spend if you want to have a more rustic experience and really take in those landscapes.

There are many camping grounds in Norway fitted with motor homes, cabins, and tents – some offering a good standard of accommodation. These will enable you to sample and enjoy at an experiential level the country’s natural beauty. And if you book early enough you’re more likely to get a good deal.

5. Free activities

One of the best things about Norway is that it is a perfect place for those who enjoy the great outdoors and many activities are freely available too. Plus it’s a great way to explore the country’s wonderful towns and countryside.

You can go enjoy hiking, cycling, skiing, kayaking, and do many other outdoor activities without busting your holiday budget.

6. Go in a group

One of the easiest and best ways to save money when you travel to Norway is by gathering a group of family or friends together and jointly embarking upon the trip together. This way, you can easily save money on accommodation, food, activities, and even flights, as some airlines offer group rates.

It also means that since you are pooling some financial resources, you should be able to find plenty of scenic cabins you can book together at an affordable rate.

7. Buy local

For those that travel to try traditional and local foods there are quite a few Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway. However, you may fare better financially by exploring local haunts or shopping for local foods and cooking yourself.

There are plenty of Norwegian delicacies you can purchase from a regular grocery store or delicatessen. You will also find that shops have shelves stocked with specialised foods made by local artisans.

These are often quite affordable and the quality of the products is exceptionally high. You will be able to buy some of the best cheeses, bread, and sausages in the world, on your own terms. Also, food shopping and cooking for yourself will give you an opportunity to try plenty of Norwegian cuisine without spending too much money.

If you do decide to rent a cabin or stay in a place where you can cook most meals yourself, you will also be saving a great deal of money in the longer run.

8. Pack smart

There are two small things that you can do while packing that will seem fairly insignificant, but will save you a lot of money as you travel. It is as simple as travelling with a water bottle and a thermos for coffee or tea.

Have you ever tallied up how much you spend on bottled water or cups of coffee just on your way to work? Now imagine how much you are likely to spend while travelling. It can amount to a fair amount and you will be surprised by how much you’re actually spending, especially in Norway, where a small cappuccino can easily exceed £5 a time. It is also far more environmentally friendly to carry a refillable water bottle – so you will be saving money and the planet at the same time.

9. Don’t carry overweight luggage

This might seem like a fairly obvious point, but it’s one that people, unfortunately, miss with alarming regularity.

When travelling internationally you have to be extra careful not to carry too much with you since the fees for overweight luggage are shockingly steep. Pack smart and only take the essentials; you won’t need nearly as much as you think you do.

10. Rent a car

Renting a car to drive throughout Norway is not just a great way to see the sights and take in the countryside, but it can also be cheaper than taking a train. This is especially so if you are travelling in a group. Also, some companies will offer special rates to tourists, so it’s always good to shop around and take advantage of those deals.

Travelling to Norway doesn’t have to be the huge undertaking you may think, nor does it have to cost you a huge amount of money. There is so much to do in the country that is cost-free and can just be enjoyed without overthinking it. The key is to plan properly and create a reasonable budget which you can work from.