🌊 From Lofoten to Bergen: 10 useful tips for budget travel in Norway

Norway is a magical place, with stunning natural beauty, enchanting fjords and charming towns. I know lots of tourists think this country is expensive, but I'm here to tell you that with a few handy life hacks, you can make your trip both budget-friendly and comfortable. In this article, you'll discover all the tips and tricks to visiting the stunning Lofoten Islands without breaking the bank. We'll share the secrets of finding the cheapest grocery stores, how to use night trains to get around, the best campsites to pitch your tent, and how to score sweet discounts at museums. We've got some great tips to help you see the best of Norway without spending too much, so you can get the most out of your trip.

🚤 How to get to the Lofoten Islands on a budget and what is important to know?

Hey, I totally get it, we all need to keep the budget in check sometimes, right? So, if you're looking to save a few pennies, the best way to get to Lofoten is by ferry or bus. And the ferry from Bodo to Moskenes is a really affordable 250 NOK, which is much cheaper than flying. And the best thing is, Vy buses offer some of the cheapest tickets around, especially if you book in advance! You can find budget accommodation at campsites or pitch your tent for free at specially equipped sites, just follow the local rules. I really recommend cooking your own food using ingredients bought at local Kiwi or Rema 1000 supermarkets. We really want to make your visit to one of Norway's most picturesque places as easy and affordable as possible. We've found a way to keep things comfortable and enjoyable for you, while also making it cheaper for you to come and explore our beautiful nature.

🍔 Which grocery stores in Norway are the cheapest and most convenient for tourists?

I totally get it, finding the right supermarket can be a bit of a challenge when you're on a budget, but don't worry, there are several supermarket chains in Norway that are just perfect for you! We've got Kiwi, Rema 1000, Coop Prix and Extra for you! These shops are super popular with the locals because they offer regular discounts and promotions on all sorts of basic products, like bread, dairy, cheese, veg and fruit. You'll find our shops all over the country, and we're always really close to where you are, even in little villages and towns. Hey, why not try buying your food here and cooking for yourself? It's a great way to save money and have more fun! You can avoid expensive restaurants and cafes, and enjoy spending time with your family or friends in the comfort of your own home. I really think this is such a great way to travel around Norway! It's so affordable and comfortable, too!

🚆 I was wondering if it's really true that night trains in Norway can save you money?

Hey, have you ever thought about travelling by night train in Norway? It's such a great way to save money and it's really easy to get around! They make it so easy to combine an overnight stay with travel between cities, which can really help to reduce the cost of hotels or hostels. We totally get it – the Oslo-Bergen and Oslo-Trondheim routes are the real deal! We really love the Oslo-Stavanger and Oslo-Trondheim routes – they're just so convenient! If you purchase your tickets in advance on the Vy.no website, you'll usually find them to be much cheaper than tickets bought on the day. So, it's no wonder that night trains are such a hit with budget-conscious tourists, backpackers and anyone who wants to make the most of their travel time while enjoying comfort and saving money on accommodation.

🏕️ What are the most budget-friendly and comfortable campsites in Norway?

If you're looking for a cosy and affordable camping experience in Norway, then look no further than the Pluscamp and NAF Camp chains! We know how important it is to have a comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank, and these campsites are the perfect place to do just that! You'll be delighted with the great prices starting from just 150 NOK per night. They've thoughtfully equipped the kitchens, kept the showers spotless, and made sure the tent sites are super convenient. Plus, there are parking areas to make things even easier. And if you're looking for something a bit more secluded, there are lots of lovely private campsites tucked away near national parks and tourist routes. They're a great option if you're on a budget. If you're a tourist who wants to save as much as possible without sacrificing comfort and the opportunity to enjoy Norway's magnificent nature in a pleasant environment, then accommodation in such campsites is the perfect choice for you!

📅 How many days do you reckon you need for a budget trip to Norway?

If you're planning your first budget trip to see the main sights of Norway, I would say that 7–10 days is the perfect amount of time. You'll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful cities of Oslo and Bergen and to catch the famous fjords and popular routes such as Preikestolen and Trolltunga. Hey, if you're planning a longer trip, say more than two weeks, it's totally worth thinking about where you'll stay. You might want to think about going for longer-term options like campsites or hostels. That way, you can make the most of public transport or even rent a car with your friends. It'll save you a lot of money and let you see so many more of the beautiful places and natural wonders that Norway has to offer.

🍴 What is Too Good To Go in Norway and how does it help save money on food?

Hey, have you heard of the Too Good To Go app? It's this really cool mobile app that's super popular in Norway. Both locals and tourists love using it to save money on food, which is great! Don't worry if you're hungry after closing time, because cafes, restaurants and shops offer leftover food at very low prices through the app an hour before closing time. Hey, just so you know, you can buy full meals or food sets at a discount of 50 to 70%! Hey, I just wanted to let you know that this service is not only super affordable, but it's also kind to the environment. It's a great way to help reduce food waste, which is always a good thing! Hey, I totally get it – we all need to keep a tight budget these days, right? But don't worry, the Too Good To Go app is here! It's a great way to save on food costs in this expensive country, and you can still enjoy all the delicious food you love.

🚗 Hey, have you ever thought about whether it's better value to rent a car in Norway or to drive your own?

Hey, if you're travelling from any of those lovely European countries nearby (like Sweden, Denmark or Finland), it's actually way cheaper to drive your own car in Norway than to rent one. But if you're coming from far away by plane, it's a good idea to rent a car in advance through websites that compare prices (like AutoEurope or Rentalcars). You'll be happy to know that the prices there are usually lower than those charged by local rental companies. Hey, if you're heading to Norway with a bunch of pals, this is a great way to save some cash on your travel expenses. You'll be able to split the cost of renting a car, petrol, and toll roads, so your trip will be as comfortable, convenient, and affordable as possible.

💳 Hey, I was just wondering if you can pay by bank card pretty much anywhere in Norway and if it's worth it?

You can use your bank card pretty much everywhere in Norway – even in the smallest cafes, shops, markets and on public transport. And don't worry about the cost – paying by bank card is usually cheaper than exchanging cash, as the exchange rate is more favourable. It's always a good idea to have an International Visa or MasterCard with you when you travel. It's always a good idea to check with your bank in advance about fees for transactions in other currencies, or you could use cards without additional fees to save money. We totally get it: you want to make your trip as convenient and economical as possible. And the best way to pay is with your bank card!

📍 What free tourist attractions are there in Bergen?

Bergen is a really special place to visit, and the best part is that it's completely free! If you're on a budget, you'll be able to explore all the amazing attractions without spending a penny. If you're looking for something to do, there are so many amazing places to visit! The Bryggen district is a really special place with its colourful houses, and if you're there at the right time, you can even catch a show at the Bergenhus Fortress. The fish market is absolutely charming, and it's a must-see. If you want to get some fresh air, Nordnes Park is absolutely beautiful, and you can climb Mount Fløyen for free via a scenic trail. You can also enjoy free walks along the waterfront and visits to some of the city's museums on certain days of the week. These places will allow you to experience the atmosphere of old Bergen, take beautiful photos and have a wonderful time without spending a fortune.

🎫 Hey, I was just wondering if there are any discounts on museums and attractions in Norway for students and seniors?

Hey, I just thought I'd let you know that most museums and tourist attractions in Norway offer some pretty sweet discounts for students, seniors, and kids. Usually, you can get 30% to 50% off the ticket price – which is awesome! Hey, just a friendly reminder that you'll need to bring your ID with you to get that sweet discount! Whether it's your ISIC international student card, passport, or pension card, we just want to make sure you get your well-deserved treat! Hey, I totally get it – we all need to save a little money where we can. These discounts are just what you need to make your trip to Norway even more affordable and interesting. You'll be able to visit way more museums and attractions without spending a fortune.

Now you know all the secrets of how to travel around beautiful Norway on a budget and have a great time. So, why not try out some of our handy tips and explore the hidden gems of this beautiful northern country without breaking the bank?