🏕️ Budget route with a tent: Oslo → Hardangervidda → Bergen → Nærøyfjord
The idea: maximum nature and Norwegian ‘classics’ with minimum expenses and reliance on the right of free movement Allemannsretten (wild camping outside cultivated land, no closer than ~150 m to dwellings, up to 2 nights in one place; in the mountains/wilderness, you can stay longer — while respecting nature and local rules).
- Oslo — start: first night in the forests of Oslomarka. Easy circles near Sognsvann/Maridalen, water and toilets — at city points and campsites. Wild camping is possible if you keep your distance from residential areas and restricted zones.
- Bergensbanen → Hardangervidda plateau: Oslo–Bergen train with stops at high-altitude stations (e.g. Finske). Here you will find short lake trails and ‘lunar’ views. Pitch your tent on ‘utmark’ (not on private lawns/fenced areas), as the wind is a frequent visitor: you will need guy ropes and storm pegs.
- Bergen — a fjord break: a day in the city with visits to viewpoints; budget — food from supermarkets + public transport.
- Nærøyfjord (Flåm/Gudvangen): by bus or combined logistics. Overnight stays — in campsites by the fjord or wild camping on ‘utmark’ if there are no signs prohibiting it. Sunrises/sunsets — fabulous, dew and fog — too: bring warm layers.
🧭 Route planner (without car / with car)
🚙 Top routes for car camping
- Lofoten along the E10: a string of beaches and fishing villages (Haukland, Utaklev, Ramberg, Henningsver). Campsites and parking areas for buses/vans are common; wild camping is often prohibited on popular beaches — use official campsites.
- Hardanger Fjord: Ulvik, Loftus, Eidfjord and scenic serpentine roads. Mild climate, orchards, many campsites by the water or at the foot of the mountains.
- Geiranger–Trollstigen National Tourist Route: dramatic views, viewing platforms and infrastructure. Stay overnight at campsites in the valleys and on the shores of the fjords; the temptation to ‘stay on the side of the road’ is only allowed where it is permitted and safe.
💰 Budget calculator (camping/food/transport)
🎒 Lofoten with a tent: Moskene → Reine/Sakrisøy/Hamnøy → Henningsver
Island route: arrive in Moskenes, travel in short distances along the E10. Plan photo stops and overnight stays at official campsites and on ‘utmark’ where there are no prohibition signs. Popular beaches sometimes have restrictions on overnight stays — respect the signs and choose the nearest campsite.
- Days 1–2: Reine/Sakrisøy/Hamnøy area — short trails and photo locations at sunrise/sunset, shops and water in the villages.
- Day 3–4: Ramberg/Skagsanden beaches; passes above the bays (for experienced hikers).
- Day 5: transfer to Henningsvær — an atmospheric fishing ‘capital’ and a convenient base for day trips.
- Logistics: the bus network is operational, but a car gives you flexibility depending on the weather. Get water at campsites/shops; toilets are available in settlements and equipped locations.
🧰 Camper checklist
🛡️ Camping rules and safety (brief and to the point)
- Allemannsretten: pitch your tent on ‘outmark’ (wild land), no closer than 150 metres to dwellings, for a maximum of 2 nights in one place (longer in the mountains/wilderness — if there are no local restrictions). Not allowed on ‘innmark’: fields, meadows, private yards, vegetable gardens, school lawns, etc.
- Fire: from 15 April to 15 September — there is a general ban on open fires in/near forests; use equipped fire pits/grill areas and gas burners with wind protection.
- Wind and weather: the wind picks up on the plateau and by the ocean; choose shelters near boulders/rocks, secure your tent properly, and keep an eye on the forecast.
- Water and sanitation: plan your water collection points (campsites/villages). In sensitive areas, use only public toilets; Leave No Trace — no compromises.
- Prohibitions and signs: in popular places (especially in Lofoten), there are local no camping signs — respect them and stay at campsites.
- Roads/parking: sleeping in your car is not allowed everywhere; pay attention to the signs. Do not stop on serpentine roads or narrow shoulders.
🗓️ Ready-made plans (3/5/7 days)
- 3 days — Budget without a car: D1 Oslo → D2 Finset/Hardangervidda → D3 Bergen/Nærøyfjord (campsite).
- 5 days — Car camping ‘Fjords’: Oslo → Hardanger (2 nights) → Nærøyfjord/Aurland (1–2 nights) → Bergen.
- 7 days — Lofoten with a tent: Moskene (1–2 nights) → Reine/Sakrisøy (2 nights) → Ramberg/Skagsanden (1–2 nights) → Henningsvær (1 night). 1 day buffer for weather.
Conclusion: for a budget trip, choose the route Oslo → Hardangervidda → Bergen → Nærøyfjord, for car camping — Lofoten, Hardanger and Geiranger–Trollstigen, and for ‘postcard’ parking spots with a tent — Lofoten with support from campsites and Allemannsretten. Plan for weather buffers, respect local signs and the 150 m rule — this will give you maximum freedom without unnecessary expenses and with care for nature.
❓FAQ
No. This right applies only to wild lands (utmark) and with restrictions: no closer than 150 m to houses/huts, not on fields or lawns, usually up to 2 nights in one place. Some municipalities and popular beaches have additional restrictions — follow the signs.
It is advisable. In July and August, popular campsites near the fjords and in Lofoten fill up. Wild camping is a good option, but always check local restrictions.
During the fire hazard period, there is a general ban on open fires near forests. On sandy beaches, fires are sometimes allowed below the vegetation line, but this depends on local regulations. A universal option is a gas burner with a windscreen.
Take storm pegs and long guy ropes, pitch your tent with its back to the wind, and use boulders for shelter. Do not pitch on ridges or flat, windy ledges — small terraces are better.
Water can be found at campsites, petrol stations, supermarkets and springs along the trails (a filter is essential). Many campsites offer showers for a separate fee, even to non-guests.
Yes. The route Oslo → Finså (train) → Bergen → Nærøyfjord (buses/boats) is convenient without a car. There are buses in Lofoten, but a car saves time and allows you to take advantage of good weather.
Either on ‘utmark’ without prohibition signs and far from residential areas, or in campsites near beaches/villages. The most popular beaches often have a ‘camping only’ policy — respect local rules so that these places remain accessible.
A tent, a warm sleeping bag and mat, a membrane and layers, a burner and pot, a headlamp, a water filter, a first aid kit, a power bank, an offline map and rubbish bags. In Lofoten and on the plateau, add gloves and a hat, even in summer.
Only where it is not prohibited and it is safe. Parking on narrow roads/serpentines is dangerous and prohibited. It is more convenient to use campsites, official parking areas, and designated rest areas.
Take all your rubbish with you. Use public toilets; in fragile landscapes, do not leave any traces — this is the basis of Leave No Trace and respect for Norway's nature.



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