How can you travel around Norway on a budget?
Free camping, cheaper transport and food that costs less.
Short answer
You can travel Norway cheaply by camping under the right to roam, cooking your own food, drinking tap water and booking trains and buses early. Camping is free at least 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. Vy sells Bergen Line train tickets from NOK 359.
Why
- Visit Norway explains that you may camp at least 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house or cabin, and need the landowner's permission to stay more than two nights in one place, except in the mountains or very remote areas.
- Norway has around 1,000 campsites, and Visit Norway lists basic cabins at campsites from around NOK 700 per night.
- Vy's website lists trips on the Bergen Line from NOK 359 and buses from Stavanger to Bergen from NOK 249.
Details
Visit Norway recommends the Entur app or website for planning trains, buses and boats. Nature, national parks and the scenic routes are free and open around the clock. Grocery shops save money: a meal in a budget restaurant costs NOK 190–350, and beer costs NOK 35–50 in a shop against NOK 100–140 in a bar.
Tip
Travel in May, early June, late August or September, which Visit Norway describes as less expensive and less crowded than the peak from mid-June to mid-August.
What may differ
Camping rules are stricter in some popular areas, particularly Lofoten and parts of Fjord Norway, and other rules may apply in nature reserves and national parks.
Common misconception
You can camp anywhere in Norway for as long as you like.
What actually happens
The right to roam lets you camp at least 150 metres from inhabited houses and cabins, but staying more than two nights in one place needs the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or very remote areas.
People also ask
- How can I visit Norway on a budget?
- How do you backpack in Norway on a budget?
Sources
- Visit Norway: The right to roamChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Budget travelChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Is Norway expensive to visit?Checked at:
- Vy: Train and bus ticketsChecked at:
Prices change, so check Visit Norway and Vy before you go.
How to travel Norway on a budgetRelated questions
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How much does a theatre ticket cost in Oslo?
A ticket at the Norwegian Opera or Oslo Nye Teater costs between NOK 195 and NOK 995 in autumn 2026, depending on the production, seat and discount.
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What can you do for free in Tromsø?
Free things to do in Tromsø include climbing the Sherpa steps, walking around Prestvannet and visiting Telegrafbukta beach, where the northern lights can be seen on clear winter days.
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Why is food so expensive in Norway?
Food in Norway costs 33 per cent more than the EU average, partly because import tariffs protect Norwegian farming and three grocery groups dominate the market.
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Is skiing in Norway expensive?
Downhill skiing in Norway costs several hundred kroner a day: an adult day pass is NOK 540 at Skimore Oslo and from NOK 529 at Hafjell.