When and where to go to spend less: how seasons and regions affect prices in Norway

In Norway, the price of a hotel room can vary quite a lot depending on the time of year. In July, it might cost you a third more than in October, and there are times when a litre of petrol can be a couple of kroner more just for crossing the Arctic Circle. Hey, I totally get it, it's all about finding that sweet spot where you can enjoy all the best parts of each season without spending too much. Geographical differences can be a bit tricky, but if you're careful and pay attention, you can make sure you're getting the most out of every experience without breaking the bank.

How much does a hotel in Lofoten cost in peak July and October?

Hey, so I was looking at Booking.com, and it looks like the average price of a 3★ room in Svolvær in summer is around 2,750 NOK. But, in the shoulder season (late October), it drops to 1,700-1,900 NOK, which is 35-40% cheaper! When you're planning your trip, the lovely people at VisitNorway suggest that you 'travel outside the high season to get the best prices'. You'll find that this is especially noticeable on the coastal islands, where lots of people want to visit for the cruises under the midnight sun in summer.

I've heard that hotels in Oslo are cheaper at the weekend – is that true?

Absolutely! When business travel takes a hit, city hotels are usually quick to lower their rates, which is great news for us travellers. Hey, just so you know, VisitNorway says that Sunday-Monday is actually 15-20% cheaper than Friday. The average ADR for the country is NOK 1,725, but in the capital you can find rates of NOK 1,350-1,450 per night for Sunday check-ins.

I was wondering if you could tell me how much more expensive petrol is in Finnmark than in Oslo?

The average price of 95 E10 in Norway is 20.7 NOK/litre, but as the VisitNorway road trip report says, 'prices may vary, especially in Northern Norway and mountainous areas' – so you might pay a bit more, maybe 1-1.5 NOK more per litre, which is about 22 kroner.

How much does a weekday ski pass save in Trøsil?

Hey, just so you know, SkiStar's got this awesome deal going on where you can get a Short Week pass (Sunday to Thursday) for about 10-12% less than a regular weekly pass. Hey, just so you know, in spring 2025, the short week package was €161, while the weekend package was just €187. When there are fewer people around, you won't have to wait in long queues for your lift and you'll find it easier to find affordable accommodation near the slopes.

We would absolutely love for you to join us on one of our Northern Lights tours! March vs. December — is there a difference?

Hey, just so you know, the packages for the Northern Lights Express offered by Nordic Visitor come in at €2,829 in December and €2,624 in the second half of March (that's a sweet €705 less than the previous month!). Tour operators explain the discount by the long daylight hours (fewer nights spent hunting) and the end of the high Christmas demand. Hey, just so you know, this'll save you around 1,100 NOK per person, and you'll still have just as good a shot at seeing the aurora borealis!

How does the price of cod fillets vary on the Bergen market depending on the season?

Hey guys, just so you know, we've been doing some field observations with our lovely bloggers, and it looks like the price is somewhere between 100 and 200 NOK per kilogram. When the weather is cold and there are fewer tourists, you're more likely to get a better deal in winter (100–120 NOK). When the weather starts to cool down and the tourists start to flock in, the price goes up to between NOK 150 and 170. This is because there are fewer fish to be had in the Barents Sea at that time of year. Intrafish analysts have confirmed this upward trend, reporting 'soaring prices against the backdrop of the lowest quota in 30 years'.

I was wondering if you could tell me how much the shoulder season would save on a fjord cruise?

Hey, if you're looking to explore the beauty of the Nærøyfjord in a comfortable and convenient way, then Fjord Tours is the perfect choice! From 1st April to 31st October, you can enjoy an electric cruise for just 1,060 NOK. Dates in the summer and for family slots are a little bit more expensive, at around 1,250 NOK. But don't worry - if you book in the first weeks of April or the last weeks of October, you'll get an automatic discount of 15-20%! Also, tickets are a breeze to get your hands on.

And when's the best time to buy outdoor equipment at a discount?

The wonderful online store XXL is having a huge 'Sommersalg' sale at the end of July, and I just know you're not going to want to miss out on this one! We are delighted to announce a wonderful sale with prices up to 50% off a wide range of products, including last year's collections. And if you're looking for more great deals, there's a similar 'Høstsalg' sale in September, with amazing discounts of 30-40%! I really think now is the perfect time for you to get yourself a membrane jacket before winter comes.

How much does a mug of gløgg cost at the Christmas market in Oslo?

The WorkOnMondayTravels guide lists the prices for 2024: non-alcoholic gløgg — approx. 55 NOK, classic 'with mulled wine' — approx. 109 NOK. The range will stay the same in 2025, but check if there are shots of aquavit — these cost an extra 15-20 kroner.

Can you save money on toll roads in winter?

Some mountain passes and bridges are closed in winter (Vegvesen's decision). If you use a barrier or convoy mode, you won't have to pay the toll, and the route will be shorter. VisitNorway warns: 'Passes may be closed during snowstorms.' This means that in winter, by choosing open E-roads, you can save 30-60 NOK for each closed toll gate and save fuel.

If you know the right time of year to visit, you can make Norway a budget-friendly place to go. Summer is the most expensive time in Lofoten, but by October, prices go down by 40%. It is more profitable to ski on weekdays, and plan your trip to see the northern lights for March. Keep an eye on XXL promotions, book a cruise in the shoulder season and remember: in the land of fjords, even prices can change the landscape, but the memories will stay with you. Have a great trip!