Active holidays without breaking the bank: how much does hiking, kayaking and skiing cost in Norway (updated 2025)

'Norway is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts… and a bit of a shock to the system for your wallet,' joke newcomers when they first see the price of a ski pass. But don't worry - most of the amazing natural beauty of the North is totally free! And you can save on travel and accommodation by up to two or three times, if you know how. We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions we've received about the cost of hiking, kayaking, skiing and camping, and we've added up-to-date figures and some useful tips for 2025.

How much does it cost to visit the national parks and do I need a ticket?

We are delighted to tell you that you can enter all 47 Norwegian national parks for free! The only things that may charge a fee are parking and shuttles. The lovely Besseggen trail is completely free, and the bus from Gjendesheim to Bessheim is just 99 kr. The ferry back is 290 kr, but you'll have to book online to avoid disappointment, as it tends to sell out. You don't need a licence to wild camp in the parks, which is great news! According to the Danish tradition of "allemannsretten", you are welcome to pitch your tent up to 200 metres from a dwelling for two nights without having to pay anything. The only costs you need to think about are parking (80–150 kr/day) and a rubbish collection fee (40 kr) on popular trails. Here's a great eco-friendly tip for you: when you visit Jotunheimen, just carry your rubbish with you and you'll get a 50% discount on parking!

If you're interested in renting a kayak, you'll be pleased to know that there are some great deals to be had! Here's a little guide to help you save some money.

We know how much your time is worth, so we've put together some seasonal prices for our fjord centres that we're sure you'll love:

- Single kayak: 350 kr/2 hours, 550 kr/day

- Tandem kayak: + 120 kr Don't worry about life jackets, we have you covered! Here's a little life hack with a fun twist: 'Frivillig-rabatt'! We're delighted to let you know that FjordClean volunteers will receive a 30% discount coupon! In Oslo, the friendly folks at the OSI Kajak student club offer rentals for 150 kr/day, but they do ask that you complete a free EPP2 course first. Hey, if you're travelling with family, you should definitely check out the FjordTaxi package! You'll get a boat to take you 8 km upstream, and then you can row back with the wind. It's a great way to save time and energy, and you'll only pay 490 kr instead of 700 kr for a guide.

Skipass: where is the cheapest place to ski and when should you buy a night ticket?

The largest Oslo Vinterpark is a great place to stay! Prices start from just 589 kr per day (09-16), and if you're there at night (18-22), it's only 359 kr. Hey, just wanted to let you know that in Hemsedal it's 730 kr, but if you book online you can get an awesome 15% off for 30 days! Hey, I just wanted to let you know about a super deal I found for Trysil! For just 2,690 kr, you can get the amazing 'SkiStar ALL' package for seven whole days! It even includes night skiing and a ski bus from the car park, which is a bonus. And if you don't want to take advantage of that, no worries, it's just 99 kr without the package. Hey students, we've got some great news for you! You can now enjoy the 'Torsdag Deal' for just 299 kr with your ISIC card. Hey, local residents! 🌟 We've got some great news for you: you can now purchase the 'Sesongkort Pre-Season' for a whopping 40% off! 😎 But hurry – this amazing deal is only available until 1st November!

Ski and equipment rental: buy or rent?

Hey, if you're thinking of hitting the slopes, you can rent a set of mountain skis and boots in Hemsedal for just 390 kr per day. And if you're planning on staying for a few days, you can get a bargain at 5 days for 1,450 kr. Hey, just wanted to let you know that you can find a used set on Finn.no for 2,000 kr (condition 8/10). If you love skiing and you're planning on hitting the slopes six or more days each season, then it's definitely worth buying! If you're planning a touring trip, you'll be glad to hear that DNT huts offer a 'Ski Bank' where you can rent skis (Metall or Foka) for 120 kr per day.

DNT membership: what does it offer and is it worth it?

For just 760 kr for adults and 400 kr for students, you can enjoy access to 550 self-service huts (normally 520 kr/night) and a 15% discount at Sport 1! You'll be delighted to know that the card pays for itself after just two nights in Jotunheimen! We're so excited to tell you that, as a special treat, you'll also get to enjoy free group hikes, informative avalanche lectures, and your very own first avalanche kit rental!

Avalanche courses and insurance: how much do they cost and how can you avoid overpaying?

We are delighted to offer you our two-day Skredkort course for just 1,850 kr! (And don't worry, all the equipment you need, including a transceiver, shovel and probe, is included in the price!) Hey, just so you know, the private insurance 'Friluft+' (If) only costs 8 kr per day, which is pretty great. It'll cover you for search and rescue up to 150,000 kr, which is a huge relief. If you have DNT + EHIC, you'll be glad to hear that rescue services are still paid. It's just a thought, but I'd recommend buying a one-day policy for freeriding.

Don't worry about bringing your own tent, sleeping bag and power bank, because you can rent all of these things on site!

If you're looking for a cosy place to stay, Oslo Friluftsenter rents two-person tents for 120 kr per day and sleeping bags for 45 kr. In Bergen, Bakkely offers a set (tent + mat + bag) for 200 kr/day, which is really reasonable! Hey, just so you know, there's another option for you. You could try Tise/Finn, where they rent out equipment to you directly for just 80 kr. Hey, just so you know, a 20,000 mAh power bank will set you back just 39 kr/day over at Narvesen. Hey, if you're planning to stay a bit longer, I've got good news for you! You can get a Decathlon tent for just 500 kr. That'll save you a few pennies compared to other options.

I was wondering if you could tell me how much it costs to transport equipment on the ski bus or in luggage on the train?

Don't worry about taking skis on the Vy Regiontog – they're free! Just make sure you register them as 'spesialbagasje' and book a ticket in advance for only 199 kr. We've got great deals on our Ski Bus to Trysil, with just 99 kr to spend on weekdays and 149 kr on weekends. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try our kayaking trip, which is just 50 kr extra. Hey, just so you know, if you're thinking of flying with SAS, they've got some great deals on ski equipment and bikes. You can get a set of skis or a bike up to 23 kg for just 399 kr if you book in advance, or 600 kr if you go at the last minute.

Prices for travel insurance within the country and abroad?

Hey, I just wanted to let you know about a great insurance option I found for you. Gjensidige 'FriTid Norge' is super affordable at only 490 kr a year and it covers evacuation and gear up to 15,000 kr, which is awesome! Hey, just so you know, it'll only cost 8 kr per day for your Europe travel. We're so excited to tell you that there are some amazing sports options available, including snowboarding and mountaineering! And the best part is that it only costs an extra £3 per day. Without insurance, the cost of a helicopter evacuation is 74,000 kr and unfortunately this is not covered by NAV outside the EEA.

I totally get it, you're looking to have a weekend of fun, right? Hiking, kayaking, sauna... sounds like just the ticket! Here's a budget you can realistically stick to.

Hey, I totally get it – you're looking to travel from Oslo to Flåm, and you're on a budget. Well, good news! Vy Minipris is offering a super affordable fare of just 199 kr.

Hey, I totally get it – kayaking for three and a half hours can be a bit pricey.

You'll be pleased to know that the tent rental is just 120 kr.

Hey, just so you know, Kiwi groceries are 190 kr.

Hey, I totally get it – the Fjord Sauna is going for 150 kr.

Hey, just a heads-up that the train back is costing 199 kr.

The grand total for your 48-hour adventure is 1,208 kr, which is about 103 € (all for the adrenaline and views of a lifetime!). Hey, just so you know, the package is available for 4,500 kr from the tour companies. Hey, I'm so excited to tell you about this! We've managed to save an amazing 73%!

We know how it is, you think active holidays in Norway are going to be expensive, but we're here to tell you that's not the case at all! You can get free trails, reasonable rental prices, night ski passes, DNT membership and volunteer discounts, so you can have an amazing adventure for the price of a weekend in Central Europe. Hey, why not plan ahead, use second-hand equipment, take advantage of student ID discounts and share the costs with friends? That way, your next fjord adventure will only cost a hundred euros, and you'll have memories worth a million kroner!