Preparing your road trip in Norway: the complete guide

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In this article, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your road trip to Norway.

TRAVEL PERIOD, CLIMATE AND DURATION

1 | When is the best time to visit Norway?

It obviously depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to enjoy the long summer days and go hiking in the mountains, summer (June to August) is the best time. However, Norway is best visited in winter if you want to see the Northern Lights.

In winter, the days are very short. Conversely, in summer, there are virtually no nights. During our trip in June, we were a little disturbed by the lack of nights, and if you’re a light sleeper, make sure you bring a mask, as most of the accommodation has no shutters!

2 | What’s the climate like in Norway?

The climate in Norway varies greatly from region to region. Thanks to the influence of the warm ocean current circulating in the North Atlantic Ocean, winters are fairly mild along the Norwegian coast. However, inland, in the mountains to the east of Norway and in the far north, winters are harsh, with subarctic temperatures down to -20/-30 degrees Celsius, and lots of snow. In summer, the fjord region in the west and the south of the country enjoy a temperate climate.

However, even in summer, temperatures can be quite chilly. Whenever you decide to visit Norway, make sure you’re well prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.

3 | What clothes should I bring?

As mentioned above, Norway has a variable climate. It is therefore advisable to pack clothing for all weather conditions. Bring warm clothing, even in summer, as temperatures can drop rapidly. You should also bring a waterproof jacket or coat to protect you from rain and wind. And of course, if you’re planning to go hiking, don’t forget to pack comfortable, waterproof hiking boots.

4 | Which road trip should I take on my first trip to Norway?

Norway covers an area of 385,203 km and is 25,000 km long. I’d therefore advise you to concentrate on one area of the country and start your trip with the fjords in the south-western region of the country. With its towering cliffs plunging into the deep blue water and its numerous waterfalls, this is certainly one of the most beautiful regions of this Nordic country. For a second trip, plan 3-4 weeks to explore the Lofoten Islands and the Far North.

5 | How much time should I allow for my trip?

The length of your road trip in Norway will depend on your interests and the pace at which you wish to travel. Some travelers choose to spend a week exploring the fjords, while others can spend up to three months traversing the country.

If you want to discover a maximum of two regions of Norway, 3 weeks is a minimum. It’s really the length of time I’d recommend, and one that I’ve found necessary to enjoy the discovery of Norway’s fjords and glaciers.

TRAVEL

6 | How do I get to Norway from France?

There are several ways to get to Norway from France. The quickest option is to fly. Several airlines offer direct or stopover flights from major French cities to Oslo, the Norwegian capital.

If you prefer to travel by road, you can take the ferry from Germany or Denmark. Many ferry routes are available: from Germany, for example, the Rostock-Trelleborg route costs around €70 (fares excluding July/August).

7 | Getting around Norway ?

There are many options, from car to plane to boat. A network of airports, large and small, allows you to get anywhere in the country. In fact, there are over 50 airports in Norway. Even remote destinations like the Lofoten Islands, North Cape and Svalbard are easily accessible by plane. On the other hand, public transport is virtually non-existent outside the cities. There are a few buses, but they’re not ideal for traveling in Norway. Still, it’s best to have your own vehicle (car, van, motorcycle or camper) to discover this country at your own pace.

8 | What are the speed limits?

The Norwegian road network is atypical. Driving is not dangerous and people are friendly behind the wheel. However, be prepared to drive at 60 km/h on average, with peaks of 80 km/h. There are a lot of speed cameras, and a fine in Norway can be very expensive. So watch your speed!

9 | How do tolls and ferries work?

As far as payment of ferries and tolls (including bridges and tunnels) is concerned, the system is almost entirely automated, and works mainly by license plate reading. On the freeway, tolls vary between €1 and €8, depending on the stretch of road (but chances are you won’t stay on the freeway too long). Bridges can cost up to €10. Tunnels can be relatively expensive too (we paid up to twenty euros).

La majorité des ferries fonctionnent aussi avec ce système automatisé. Pour les autres il faudra payer sur place. Un employé vient au véhicule avec son boitier pour payer directement. Les cartes sont toujours acceptées.

Most ferries also use this automated system. For others, you’ll have to pay on the spot. An employee comes to the vehicle with his or her terminal to pay directly. Cards are always accepted.

If you’ve come with your own vehicle, I recommend that you register your license plate on the epass24 website. Direct debits are made to your account, usually at the end of the following month.

Don’t panic, there are ways to estimate the cost of tolls and ferries!

• Autopassferje : this site provides information on ferry fares. It gives details of ferry ticket prices with and without the AutoPASS prepayment agreement. The site also offers information on payment methods for AutoPASS prepaid ferries.

• Fremtindservice :  this site offers a toll calculator that lets you see how much your road-trip will cost.

ACTIVITIES

10 | What activities can I do on my road trip?

Norway offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes and levels of adventure. Here are a few activities you might consider on your road trip:

• Hiking: Norway is a hiker’s paradise, with thousands of kilometers of marked trails through spectacular scenery. Popular hikes include the Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten and Trolltunga.

• Northern lights viewing: If you visit Norway in winter, don’t miss the chance to see the northern lights. Tromsø is an excellent starting point for aurora viewing excursions.

• Fjord cruise: A fjord cruise is a great way to see some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. There are many cruise options available, ranging from a few hours to several days.

• Bike : Norway offers many opportunities for cycling, whether on the road or in the mountains. Many Norwegian cities also have bike-sharing systems.

• Fishing: Norway is renowned for its fishing opportunities, whether in the sea, river or lake. You can fish for salmon, trout, cod and many other species.

• Skiing: In winter, Norway offers excellent conditions for downhill and cross-country skiing. There are numerous ski resorts throughout the country.

• Museum visits: Norway has a rich history and culture, and visiting its museums is a great way to learn more. Popular museums include the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, the Edvard Munch Museum and the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Museum.

• Wildlife watching: Norway is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including reindeer, elk, eagles, whales and more.

• Snowshoe trekking or dog sledding: in winter, these are 2 activities you can enjoy with a change of scenery!

• City sightseeing: Finally, don’t forget to spend some time in Norwegian cities like Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø. Each city has its own unique identity and atmosphere, and much to offer in terms of sights, culture and cuisine.

ACCOMMODATION

11 | Where can I find accommodation during my trip?

You can find accommodation on various online booking sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. It was with these 2 platforms that we made all our bookings over the 3-week road-trip.

Accommodation options are varied and include hotels, hostels, rental apartments, chalets and even unique cabins (Hyttes). These cabins may seem rustic to some, but they’re where we had our best views of nature.

I recommend that you book your accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance, especially during the high tourist season (June-September), for maximum choice and the best prices.

BUDGET & INSURANCE

12 | What is the Norwegian currency?

Not being part of the Euro zone, Norway has its own currency: the Norwegian krone or NOK. Generally speaking: 10NOK = €1. Be careful, as additional charges may apply, depending on your bank card…
In addition to any charges linked to your bank card, local banks almost systematically deduct a fee of several euros per ATM withdrawal. For our part, we have a no-fee card for payments in foreign currencies (a few examples: Boursorama, Revolut, N26). And we didn’t have to withdraw any cash for 3 weeks, as the vast majority of shops use payment by card.

BOURSORAMA CARD

I’ve had the Boursorama Ultim card for 2 years now. It’s free as long as I use it at least once a month. It allows me to pay anywhere, in any currency and without any fees. And I’m entitled to 3 free withdrawals abroad. If you’re interested, here’s my referral code: MYCA0838. This code entitles you to a bonus when you open your account, sometimes between €100 and €150 depending on the current offer.

13 | What budget do I need?

Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Except when it comes to petrol, where the price is the same as in France. But if you’re smart, you can get by with prices similar to ours.

FERRIES AND TOLLS

It’s impossible to avoid them, but prices remain reasonable (we got ~€200 for 3 weeks).

HOUSING

If you’ve been able to book in advance, you can find nice, well-placed places for €90 to €100/night on average (for 2 people).

POWER SUPPLY

For our part, we opted not to eat out to keep our budget under control. It’s easily 50-60€/person to eat in a restaurant, with 2 courses and a drink. To eat as healthily as possible, we booked self-catering accommodation. In the evenings we cooked, and at lunchtime we picnicked and ate the previous evening’s preparations. We managed to get by with slightly more expensive groceries than in France, while adapting to certain products (good example of an extremely expensive product in Norway: peppers, €10 each!). We shopped at REMA1000 and Kiwi – they’re everywhere!

CAR RENTAL

If you’re not coming with your own vehicle, I really recommend booking your rental car early, and using a car rental comparison service to find the best deals. This is one of the biggest budgets of your trip. Don’t hesitate to check prices regularly. Most car rentals can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the start of your trip. You can cancel a reservation and get a huge discount on the same vehicle with the same rental company. Some rental companies offer discounts if you have a specific credit card such as American Express (example: CDP 511000 at Hertz with Amex Gold Flying Blue).

14 | Do I need insurance for a trip to Norway?

CAR

Having additional insurance on your rental car is a must for any trip abroad. But the deductibles and excesses offered by rental companies are often exorbitant. If you have a Gold credit card (or higher), now is the time to use it. We advise you to refuse any additional insurance offered by the rental company, and to rely instead on the insurance provided by your card. Some cards, such as American Express, offer very good coverage with an acceptable deductible. Be sure to check the card’s terms and conditions (for example, that the type of vehicle you’re renting is covered), and if possible, try to pay for your plane tickets and your car on the same card.
Please note that motorhomes, caravans and converted vans are never covered by card insurance. Check with your rental company.

TRAVEL

For other travel insurance (trip cancellation, travel incidents – such as delayed or lost luggage, medical assistance abroad, etc.), your credit card insurance can also be a lifesaver. And you’ll understand why it’s worth paying for a Gold or higher card. So remember to use them, and if possible to pay for everything with the same card.

15 | What documents do I need to travel to Norway?

If you are European or Swiss, a valid national identity card or passport is required. If you are traveling with children, they must also have an individual identity card or passport.

COMMUNICATION AND APPLICATIONS

16 | How easy is it to network?

We’ve had no trouble getting network coverage with our data plans (Free and Bouygues). Network coverage is really good, even in the most remote areas. In the evenings, we also had access to a Wi-Fi network in our accommodation.

Just make sure that Norway is well covered by your phone/data package, as it’s not part of the European Union.

17 | Are there any mobile applications that can make my trip easier?

To make your trip to Norway as easy as possible, there are several useful applications to download.

• Portefeuille Trail : will help you draw up a budget for your trip.

•  XE : helps you convert currencies with little formality and real-time exchange rates.

• Yr : is the Norwegian weather app. The app is free and gives you a very precise weather report, hour by hour.

• Tripso : gives you advice on the best places to visit, stay or see.

• RuterBillett : is one of the best navigation apps to use in Norway. It helps you find your way around the huge transport system in and around Oslo.

• Reissøk Nordland and THM : These two applications provide you with ferry departure times.

• UT.no : is an application for planning hikes in Norway. It lets you view updated maps with marked routes for summer and winter. You can use your phone’s GPS location to find walking opportunities near you. What’s more, you can download offline maps for use when traveling without mobile data.

• Maps.me : free GPS mapping and navigation application that lets you easily download maps for offline use. It’s particularly useful in areas with poor network coverage, or when traveling abroad to save on your cell phone bill.

18 | Finally, let’s talk environment!

Finally, Norway is known for its impressive natural landscapes and unspoilt nature. So it’s important to respect the environment during your road trip. Try to minimize your impact on the environment by not leaving litter behind, respecting hiking trails and not disturbing local wildlife. Nature will thank you!

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Thanks for reading!

Mylène

This article includes affiliate links. If my tips have helped you plan your trip, or if you’d just like to support me, please feel free to book using my links. This will allow me to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your support!