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How Much is a Trip to Norway? [Full Trip Cost Guide]

Planning a trip to Europe? While the continent offers many beautiful destinations, there’s one spectacular spot that many overlook: Norway.

This Nordic European country is situated on the northern and westernmost reaches of the Scandinavian Peninsula. With a remote location, breathtaking scenery, magical fjords, wonderful cathedrals, historic sites, and lively culture, the Kingdom of Norway may be chilly.

Still, with friendly people and endless activities, it’s one of the warmest and welcoming countries in all of Europe. With so much to offer, if you’re looking for a real adventure and memories that will last a lifetime, Norway should be on your bucket list of places to visit. 

While there’s no denying that Norwegians are vibrant and the scenery is among the most beautiful in the world, there is one downside that prevents many people from skipping a trip to Norway: the expense.

We’d be remiss if we tried to tell you that Norway is a budget-friendly travel destination because the truth is, it isn’t; however, don’t let that scare you away.

With some handy tips and proper planning, you can plan a trip to this incredible Scandinavian country without draining your bank account.

With the information presented below, a thrilling, memorable, cost-effective trip that you will be sure to remember forever is possible. 

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Norway? 

Counting Paper Bills

First, before we offer some sample budget ideas, it’s important to note that Norway has its currency.

It does not operate on the American dollar, nor does it operate on the Euro; instead, the national currency of Norway is called the Norwegian Krone (NOK for short). As with any other type of currency, conversion rates change regularly.

There are tons of currency converters that you can use; just do a quick search online to find the latest conversion rates and locations where you can convert your cash. 

With the above information in mind, calculating how much a trip to Norway will cost varies and really depends on how you plan on traveling.

If you’re adventurous and don’t mind “roughing it,” you can successfully take a trip to Norway for less than 700 NOK per day, or if you like to travel in style and you have the budget to support it.

For a few thousand NOK each day, you can have a high-end, luxurious vacation.

The following is a basic overview of what type of trip to Norway you would take on three different budgets.

Of course, this is just a sample, and you can completely customize your trip according to your specific budgetary needs and unique interests. 

  • Less than 700 NOK/day. With this budget, you can take a “frugal” trip to Norway.

This would include staying in a hostel, preparing your meals, using public transport, and engaging in no-cost activities.

Believe it or not, this type of trip can be quite incredible; in fact, it will offer more of a “real” experience, as you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Norwegian culture.

There are a lot of quaint, clean hostels throughout the country. And you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals as well as travelers from around the globe.

By preparing your meals, you’ll be able to learn how to prep and cook truly authentic Nordic dishes.

When you take public transportation, you’ll learn your way around the country, and there are so many free and incredible activities to enjoy in Norway.

Like swimming, hiking, and taking in the breathtaking views of the fjords and the Arctic Ocean. 

  • Less than 1,500 NOK/day. If your budget is in the mid-range, you can plan a trip to Norway for roughly 1,400 NOK per day.

This would include staying in an Air BNB or a private room in a higher-end hostel (there are some nice options for both).

Eat most of your meals at mom-and-pop restaurants, food trucks, or fast food spots, and hire a cab or car service to get around to a few places.

You can also add a few paid excursions to your list of things to do.

Like guided tours and museums (the Norsk Folkmuseum, Fram Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum are amazing!).

  • 2,500+/day. If your budget affords you 2,500 or more per day, you can plan a lavish trip to Norway.

You can stay at a budget or high-end hotel, eat all of your meals at casual or 5-star restaurants.

You can rent a car and enjoy a long list of paid excursions, such as taking a kayak tour or cruise on a fjord.

Traveling to the top of Mount Storsteinen abord the Fjellheisen Tromso, or riding aboard the Mount Floyen and the Funicular.

With this type of budget, the sky is the limit. 

To give you a rough idea of how much you’ll need to allow each day based on the budgets mentioned above, you can use the following chart. 

 AccommodationsFoodTransportActivitiesAverage Daily Cost
Backpacking300115120120655 NOK
Mid-range5504102002201380 NOK
High-end7508004304402.420 NOK

See Related: Best Travel Credit Cards to Use

When is the Best Time to Visit Norway? 

Trip to Norway

Whether you’re mindful of your budget or money isn’t an option, you’re going to want to choose the best time to visit Norway.

Because it’s a northern country that’s right next to the Arctic and surrounded by water, the weather changes dramatically with the seasons. With that said, if you’ve never been to Norway, you’re probably wondering when you should plan your trip. 

The majority of travelers agree that the best time to travel to the Nordic country is during the early summer, the months of June and July.

During this time of the year, not only is the weather pleasant, with mild temperatures and relatively clear skies, which is great for all of those outdoor activities.

Even better, during June and July, Norway experiences the famous midnight sun! Since it’s so close to the Arctic circle, the sun never sets during these months! Twilight is the darkest it gets. Talk about a super-cool experience! 

Norway Aerial View

While the summer is a great time of year to travel to Norway, it’s important to note that it also tends to be the busiest. Due to beautiful weather and 24-hour sunlight, June and July are the height of the tourist season in Norway.

So if you plan on traveling at this time of year, you want to make sure that you start planning early; otherwise, you might have a hard time finding a place to stay and experience long lines.

If you prefer a more laid-back experience, consider traveling to Norway in the early fall, when most tourists have gone home.

October is the quietest time to travel, the weather is chillier but still pleasant, and the changing foliage adds to the beauty of the scenery.

It’s also a lot easier to find hostel/hotel rooms, and the rates on accommodations and airfare tend to be lower. Even better, during this time of the year, you may have the chance to see an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon: the Northern Lights. 

As for the late winter, if you don’t mind the cold weather, have at it! Norway gets downright frigid during the winter months, and it’s dark, as the sun is only up for a brief period.

Also, keep in mind that due to significant amounts of snow and the freezing temps, many outdoor activities that Norway is famous for are closed. However, flights and accommodations are the most affordable during this season. 

See Related: Best Party Cities in Europe

How Much is a Trip to Norway? Money-Saving Tips

Wallet and Paper Bills

Norway is quite pricy, and while it may not be the most budget-friendly place to visit.

With some careful planning and travel safety measures there are ways that you can travel without draining your pockets.

Here are a few money-saving tips to keep in mind: 

  • Prepare your own food. In Norway, food is one of the biggest expenses.

Eating out every day – even at hole-in-the-wall restaurants, fast food joints, or food trucks – will eat into your budget.

To save some money, try preparing your own meals. Print out recipes for traditional Norwegian dishes hit the grocery store, and cook your own food.

Not only will you save money, but you may even have a more authentic dining experience; plus, you’ll be able to eat healthier meals, too!

  • Secure a tourism card. To see the sites and attractions that Norway’s cities have to offer without spending a fortune, get yourself a tourism card.

Both Bergen and Oslo (two of the biggest cities in the country) offer tourism cards, and they can really help you save a great deal of money on major destinations.

These cards offer free public transport, too!

  • Book ahead of time. Don’t delay; start planning your trip to Norway way ahead of your trip.

 By reserving your transportation – airfare, car services, etc., and accommodations – well in advance; in some cases, up to 50 percent!

  • Limit adult libations. A beer here or a glass of wine there probably won’t put a big dent in your pocket, but if you knock back the alcoholic drinks, your wallet is going to get really light, really fast.

On average, it costs about 90 NOK per beverage, so as you can imagine, so by having a night on the town with lots of liquid refreshments, you’ll literally pour your money down the drain.

You don’t have to imbibe to have a great time!

Plus, skipping the drinks will keep your head clearer, and you won’t have to miss any time sleeping off a hangover. 

  • Purchase drinks at the store. If you do want to imbibe, instead of purchasing your drinks at the bars and cafes, buy them ahead of time and pre-game at your hostel, BNB, hotel, campsite, or wherever you’re staying.

By shopping at the Vinmonopolet (state-run stores that sell alcoholic beverages), you’ll save 50 percent or more on your drinks. 

  • Share the expense. If possible, plan your trip to Norway with a group of friends.

By getting a few girlfriends, buddies, or couples together.

Not only will you have an amazing experience with the people you love, but you’ll also be able to split the cost of things like car rentals, hotels, hostels, etc. 

See Related: Fun & Best Things To Do In Tromso, Norway

Where Should You Stay in Norway? 

Oslo, Norway

There are lots of great places to stay in Norway.

Below, you’ll find a list of some beautiful spots that offer amazing sites and attractions and showcase the vibrant Norwegian culture: 

Buildings in Oslo
  • Oslo. The capital and the most populous city of Norway, Oslo, offers an assortment of accommodations.

There are so many incredible things to do and see, like museums, walking tours, gardens, and cruises. The architecture is breathtaking, and the nightlight is amazing, too! Check out these historical landmarks to visit in and around Oslo, Norway.

Colorful Houses in Bergen, Norway
  • Bergen. If the fjords are high on your list of things to see, then Bergen is the spot you’re going to want to stay for at least part of your trip.

It’s one of the most vibrant cities in all of Europa, and it’s the stage of some of the most breathtaking landscapes. As the gateway to the fjords, you’ll be able to easily access these majestic geological wonders, which will truly make your jaw-drop. 

Houses in Svalbard, Norway
  • Svalbard. The most northern point in all of Europe, Svalbard may be a remote location, but it offers plenty of things to do.

It’s not only one of the prime spots to see wildlife in its natural setting (like seals sunbathing on rocky beaches), but it also offers great views of glaciers.

Since it’s so far north, this spot offers prime views of the Northern Lights and the summer’s 24-hour sun.

Northern Lights in Trondheim, Norway

 

  • Trondheim. Situated in the center of Norway, Trondheim is most famous for its vibrantly colored buildings, and incredible music scene.

The pedestrian center is a great spot to meander and meet locals, as well as fellow travelers. There’s a Gothic Cathedral you’ll want to check out too, as well as ample natural sites and attractions, like the Trondheim fjord. 

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