Painless savings: 10 proven ways to spend less in Norway

Don't worry if you've heard people say 'Norway is expensive' – that's easily proven wrong if you know about the local discounts and rules! So, to help you out, here are ten awesome ways to save some cash. We've got everything from free camping to a sweet 20% discount on AutoPASS fares.

How much can you really save with the Oslo Pass in one day?

The 24-hour Oslo Pass is just NOK 550, and with this, you can get to and from the city as much as you like, as well as going into more than 30 museums. The classic route, which we all love, costs 628 NOK. This includes the National Museum (200 NOK), Fram (180 NOK), the Nobel Peace Centre (160 NOK) and two Ruter at 44 NOK each. And for those of you who are interested in saving, we've got some great tips for you too! You can get an amazing deal on entry to three museums for just 78 NOK! And if you add a fourth (Kon-Tiki, which is 120 NOK), you can save even more, up to 198 NOK. Hey, just so you know, the more intense your day, the more cashback you'll get! 😊 Around 230 NOK, which is pretty awesome!

Hey, I was just wondering if you know what student discounts are available with Ruter? I'd love to know how much less I'd have to pay.

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that the 30-day travel pass for zone 1 for adults is currently available for 985 NOK. Hey students under 30! 👋 You can get an amazing 40% discount on Student Tickets, bringing the cost of your travel down to just 19 NOK from 32 NOK. 🚃💰 Hey, just a friendly reminder that you can only purchase this in the Ruter App. All you need is your digital ISIC or Feide student ID, and you're good to go! Hey, just a friendly reminder that if you take a break for up to 14 days, it won't use up your balance.

Hey, I totally get it – I'm here to help you save money on your car rental. How can I help you reduce the price by 30%?

Hey, just so you know, if you book with Auto Europe or one of the Avis/Budget brokers, you could get up to 30% off if you pay in advance or book more than 30 days early! Hey, just wanted to let you know about this awesome algorithm I've come across. It's pretty cool — it keeps an eye on the price and rebooks for you at no extra cost when it drops. I read about it on MoneySavingExpert, and it said it can save you £300, which is pretty impressive! And don't worry about picking up the car in the city instead of at the airport, because the airport fee is ≈ 70 NOK/day.

What free entertainment in Oslo should not be missed?

You'll be pleased to know that Vigeland Sculpture Park, Ekebergparken, the waterfront near the Opera House and Bygdøy beaches are all free of charge! Hey, why not check out some of the awesome free things Norway has to offer? There are some super cool open-air art quests, the Slottsparken Royal Park, and the Holmenkollen panorama with fjords – what a treat! And when the summer comes around, you can add free city festivals to the mix. That way, you can have a budget-friendly day out.

What does the Too Good To Go app offer and how much does a ‘magic bag’ cost?

The app sells 'surprise bags' containing breakfast items, baked goods and ready meals at 25-50% off the regular price. In Lofoten, you can get a bag for just 39 NOK instead of 117 NOK, and in Oslo, it's about 49 NOK on average. Hey, just a heads-up: it's often better to buy in the evening, like 7:00–9:00 p.m. That's when the set feeds two people, so it's a great time to come by and grab some delicious food! Hey, just a friendly reminder to check the rating of the place you're thinking of going to in the app before you head out. That way, you can avoid ending up with two loaves of bread instead of dinner, right?

Hey, do you know how to stay for free under the 'allemannsretten' right?

The law on free access is really helpful, and it allows you to pitch a tent on 'uncultivated' land ≥ 150 m from a dwelling for 1–2 nights. And the best part is that it won't cost a penny! Please, my dear friends, remember the following rules when you're in the forest: from 15 April to 15 September, we all love to enjoy a nice campfire, but please don't light one in the forest. And when you go, please take your rubbish with you and respect private property. The romance of the stars and the view of the fjord are the best savings on accommodation.

What does an AutoPASS tag offer and how much can you save on toll roads?

All you need to do is sign an online agreement with us, and we'll send you a transponder in the post. I'm delighted to tell you that it offers a 20% discount on each trip and automatic recording of EV/Euro6 emissions. Hey, just so you know, if you're travelling on the Oslo–Bergen route, there are about 13 toll gates, and you can save 60–70 NOK one way. The tag is totally free, there is no deposit required, and payment is taken once a month.

I'd love to know how I can get my tax-free refund as quickly as possible and minimise the commission, if that's not too much trouble for you?

All you need to do is get a Global Blue/Planet receipt at the checkout and select 'card refund'. The money will be credited to your Visa/MC card within 5-10 days. Just so you know, the service charges a fixed fee of 10–35 NOK (Planet) or ≈ 3–6% of VAT (Global Blue). Hey, just so you know, there might be a little bit of a difference – up to 70 NOK, actually – between the cash and card amounts for a receipt of 5,000 NOK. Hey, why not book an inspection slot at Oslo OSL online? You'll be amazed at how quickly you can skip the queue - in just 5 minutes!

How does the family ticket for the Flåm–Gudvangen fjord cruise work?

Lustrabaatane's 'Family Ticket' is the perfect choice for families looking to save some money. For just 1,300 NOK, you can enjoy entry for two adults and two children aged 4–15. That's around 500 NOK less than buying four single tickets! Hey, just so you know, little ones under 3 go free, but it's still a good idea to book a seat for them. We're delighted to tell you that when you book an autumn cruise, you'll get an extra 15% off the price – that's an amazing 'shoulder season' discount! And the best news is that you can combine this with our fantastic family fare.

How to get from the airport cheaper than Flytoget?

The Flytoget express is only 252 NOK, but if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the regional trains Vy R12/RE10/RE11 are a great choice. They take just 4 minutes longer (around 23 minutes) and cost only 124 NOK. You can buy your tickets on the Ruter App or from a ticket machine, and children aged 6-17 can travel for half price. Hey, just so you know, if you're a family of four, you'll need around 512 NOK to cover the return trip. Here's a little life hack for you: why not activate your ticket as soon as you get on the platform? The ticket inspectors will be able to scan the QR code there.

Oh, absolutely! Norway can be quite pricey at times, especially if you're paying full price. But don't worry, with just a few clicks in the Ruter app, an AutoPASS transponder and a 'magic package' from Too Good To Go, you can make your holiday hundreds of kroner cheaper without skimping on comfort. And when the seasons change, you can enjoy even more amazing discounts. Plus, the 'allemannsretten' right gives you the chance to experience the most stylish hotel of all – your very own tent under a million stars! We know you'll have a ball, and you'll be able to save money too! You could invest your savings in a cruise on the Nærøyfjord or a night-time hunt for the Northern Lights. Hey, why not let your budget work for you and your experiences?