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Module 10: How expensive is it in Norway?

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Nature and the right to roam

Module summary

Priceless experiences

Here are our best tips on how to make a trip to Norway worth every penny.

Let's start with a few facts:

  • The average price for accommodation is competitive compared to the rest of western Europe.
  • There are plenty of budget accommodation options available, usually of a good standard.
  • The best things in Norway – nature attractions and many outdoors activities – can be enjoyed for free!
  • Entry fees to museums and other attractions are comparable to other places in the world.
  • Food and wine in restaurants may be more expensive than you are used to. One of the reasons for this is that alcohol is heavily taxed in Norway. However, many hotels outside the main cities offer half board, which gives great value for money.

Nature and the right to roam

In Norway, access to nature is a legal right. As long as you follow the few simple guidelines set out in the so-called “Right to roam”, you are free to spend time in Norwegian nature. The most important rules are:

  • Be considerate and leave the landscape in the same condition as you found it.
  • If you want to pitch a tent in the countryside, you can do so as long as you keep at least 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house. If you want to stay for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner’s permission.
  • Campfires are only allowed in certain places, so be sure to check the local regulations.

Fees to enter the national parks and other natural attractions are unheard of in Norway – not even the most beautiful fjords will charge you a penny!

Culture and cities

If you have clients who plan a city break in Oslo or Bergen, be sure to recommend the Oslo Pass and the Bergen Card. These cards grant free public transport, free entry to lots of museums, and discounts throughout the cities.

Local food

Thanks to a new-found pride in culinary traditions, an ever-increasing number of restaurants and hotels in Norway serve locally produced, freshly cooked food – including many affordable places of good quality.

Smart shopping

Most visitors want to take home a little bit of Norway – here are a few suggestions for smart shopping:

  • Norwegian design – go for small objects if budget (and suitcase space) is limited
  • Wool and knitwear of supreme quality, including sportswear
  • Souvenirs: Trolls, jewellery, glass
  • Norwegian delicacies: Brown cheese, fenalår (dried and salted leg of lamb), sausages, salted liquorice, Freia chocolate, local brews

VAT refunds

More than 4,000 shops across Norway offer VAT refunds for visitors who live outside the Nordic countries when they leave the country.

See more of Oslo with the Oslo Pass >

Explore Bergen with the Bergen Pass >

Wrap-up with Isabel

Test your knowledge

Finished the module? Check your knowledge by taking the test below.

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A client asks you about entering the national parks: “What does it cost to get in, is it expensive?” What is the correct response?
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