🚐 Motorhome (bobil): parking, waste disposal and electricity
In Norwegian, a motorhome is called a bobil, and a compact van is called a campervan. Travelling in a motorhome gives you freedom of choice when it comes to your route, but requires an understanding of local rules: where to stay overnight, how to use 230V/16A electricity, and where to dispose of grey/black water (tømmestasjon). Below are visual blocks and interactive tips for quick planning.
🧭 Where to stay overnight in a motorhome
Norway has a "civilised" approach: overnight stays are allowed where it is expressly permitted. The best options are campsites, special bobilplass/stellplatz sites and authorised parking areas with overnight stays. "Wild" overnight stays in a motorhome off roads and parking areas are prohibited: a motorhome is not a tent.
🏕️ Campsite (campingplass)
electricityshowers/laundrykids area- Pitches for motorhomes, kitchens, showers, laundry, often BBQ zones.
- Perfect for families and longer stays.
Price: pitch + people + electricity (metered or fixed).
🅿️ Bobilplass / Stellplatz
city/harborelectric pointsdump station- Dedicated motorhome stops, often near waterfronts/attractions.
- Minimal service but close to city centers.
Price: fixed per pitch; showers/laundry not always available.
✅ Approved parking with overnight stay
sign “overnatting tillatt”no service- Car parks where overnight stay is allowed by sign.
- No furniture/awnings, no generators or “camping” setup around.
Price: regular parking fee. Watch time restrictions.
⚡ Electricity: 230V and CEE 16A sockets
At bobil sites and campsites, CEE 16A (blue three-pin) or domestic sockets (less common) are usually used. Sometimes 10A is supplied — it is important not to overload the line with heaters/kettles. You will need: a 20–25 m extension cord, adapters (CEE↔Schuko), and a differential circuit breaker/RCD in the motorhome's standard electrical system. Always keep the cable dry, avoid puddles and "ladders" of connectors in the rain.
🔌 Amps & Power — Load Calculator
💧 Water and drainage: tømmestasjon without errors
Bobil has three "liquid" tasks: collect clean water, drain grey water (gråvann) and black water (svartvann/WC). Only do this at equipped service points — there are hatches/grates for grey water and separate stations for cassette toilets. Be sure to use gloves, keep "drinking water" hoses separate from "dirty" ones, and wash the station after you use it.
🕑 Seasonality and service schedule
In winter, some of the taps are shut off to prevent the pipes from freezing; grey water drains may be available, but drinking water stations are closed. Plan your water/gas/fuel supplies, keep warm gloves and a torch for late drains. In summer, demand is higher and sites fill up in the evening: arrive early, especially in popular bays and ports.
🪧 Parking signs and rules
Read the signs. "Parkering forbudt" means no parking at all. "Overnatting forbudt" means no overnight stays, even if parking is allowed during the day. In permitted parking areas, you cannot "set up camp": put up a tent, set up tables/chairs, drain water on the ground, or run generators. Observe quiet hours and do not occupy several spaces with ramps/bicycles.
🚦 Understanding the signs — quick guide
🚫 Parkering forbudt
No parking allowed at any time.
🌙 Overnatting forbudt
Overnight stay not allowed, daytime parking is fine.
🅿️ 24h / 12h
Time-limited parking — check your arrival time.
⚡ 10A / 16A
Available amperage at the outlet — don’t overload.
💸 How much does it cost: what determines the price
Prices consist of: the tariff for the spot, fees for people, electricity (fixed/metered), showers/laundry, and sometimes drainage/water at third-party posts. It is more expensive on city embankments and during "high" weeks; it is more profitable in the off-season and at sites without a "postcard" view.
🧮 Overnight Budget — Calculator
🧼 Etiquette on the site
Keep your distance from your neighbours, use wheel chocks, turn off your engine without warming it up on the spot, do not start generators, do not take furniture/tents where it is prohibited, and do not pour water on the ground. Sort waste and vacate the space on time — popular sites operate on a "rotation" basis.
🧰 Checklist before departure and on site
● Cables/adapters: CEE 16A ↔ Schuko, 20–25 m extension cord, voltage tester.
● Water: separate hose "for drinking only", set of adapters, funnel.
● Sanitation: gloves, tablets/liquids for the cassette, rubbish bags.
● Safety: fire extinguisher/blanket, jack, first aid kit, torch, reflective vest.
● Winter: shovel, anti-slip mats, antifreeze, winter gas, hatch insulation.
🔌 Electricity & Cables
💧 Water & Hoses
🚽 Sanitation
🧯 Safety
❄️ Winter Extras
📨 Message to the Administrator
Hello! We plan to stay at the bobil/stellplatz from __ to __, we are __ people. 1) Are there free spots with electricity (10A/16A) and how is it paid? 2) Are grey/black water dump and fresh water available? 3) Are awnings/tables allowed and are there quiet hours? 4) Is late arrival possible and how do we get code/instructions? 5) In winter: is the access/parking cleared after snowfall? Thank you!
FAQ
No. Look for a sign that allows overnight stays. If it says "overnatting forbudt", you cannot sleep in your car, even without furniture. Use campsites or bobilplass.
Often, 10A is supplied, and the line is of the old type. A heater + kettle/induction easily overload the network. Summarise the load and keep a reserve of 10-15%.
Only at tømmestasjon: grates/hatches for gråvann and a separate station for WC cassettes. Do not drain onto the ground or into storm drains — this is punishable by a fine and is harmful to the environment.
Most often, there is a fixed fee for a place for the night; electricity is charged separately (fixed or metered). Campsites may add a fee "per person", showers and laundry — paid by coins/cards.
Yes, but be mindful of noise and exhaust; do not park close to neighbours and do not direct exhaust towards windows. Generators are prohibited at many sites.
Check the surface and signs. Some sites only allow hard surfaces (asphalt/slabs). Use wheel chocks on soft ground.
Some do, but the water may be shut off. Keep a supply, plan to drain during the day, and bring gloves/a torch. Check that the hatch is not frozen shut.
The main one is CEE 16A "blue plug" + 20–25 m extension cord. A Schuko adapter is useful. Keep cables dry and connections protected from precipitation.
There are containers for different types of waste (plastic, paper, metal, glass, mixed waste) at the sites. Follow the sorting instructions and do not leave bags by the car.
Remain calm and polite. If you have indeed violated a sign/rule, move to a permitted site or campground. No one wants fines and towing.
