Saving Money in Norway as a Tourist
A Budget Traveler’s Survival Guide
Let’s be real—Norway is expensive. Like, “How did I just spend $10 on a coffee?” expensive. But don’t let that scare you away! The land of fjords, Northern Lights, and jaw-dropping landscapes is absolutely worth the trip, even if you’re traveling on a budget.
The good news? With a little planning, some local know-how, and a few clever hacks, you can explore Norway without emptying your bank account. Here’s how to experience the magic of Norway without spending a small fortune.
Yen H.
Love to explore the world!
Hi there! I’m a 20-something girl from Germany with Vietnamese roots, balancing my ordinary office job with an extraordinary love for travel! I’ve visited 10 countries (and counting!) and share tips here on my blog for finding stunning, crowd-free, Instagrammable spots. Ready to make your travel dreams a reality? Let’s go! ✈️📸
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1. Accommodation: Sleep Smart, Save Big
Hotels in Norway? Pricey. But don’t worry—you’ve got options.
🏕️ Embrace the outdoors. Norway has a law called “allemannsretten” (the right to roam), which means you can camp for free in nature, as long as you stay 150 meters from private property. Bring a good sleeping bag, and you’ll have million-dollar views for free.
🏠 Book an Airbnb or hostel. Hostels aren’t just for backpackers—they’re one of the best ways to save money, especially in cities like Oslo and Bergen. Some even have free breakfast! Airbnb can also be cheaper than hotels, especially if you book a room instead of an entire apartment.
🛖 Try a camping cabin. Many campgrounds have small hytter (cabins) that are way cheaper than hotels. They’re basic but cozy, and you won’t have to sleep in a tent in the freezing cold.
🚨 Pro tip: If you must book a hotel, do it early—Norwegian hotels are expensive, but prices tend to be lower if you book well in advance.
An Airbnb that we stayed in
2. Food: How to Eat Well Without Going Broke
Eating out in Norway can destroy your budget. A simple restaurant meal costs around 200–300 NOK ($20–30) per person—without drinks. So how do you eat without spending a fortune?
🥪 Supermarkets are your best friend. Grocery stores like Rema 1000, Kiwi, and Coop sell fresh bread, cold cuts, cheese, and yogurt—perfect for cheap DIY meals. Some even have discounted “hot food” sections with warm, ready-to-eat meals.
🌭 Try “pølse” (Norwegian hot dogs). Found at gas stations and convenience stores, these cost about 30–40 NOK ($3–4) and are surprisingly good.
🛒 Look for yellow stickers. These mark discounted food that’s close to its expiration date—great for budget travelers.
🍽️ Eat lunch instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer a “dagens rett” (daily special) at lunchtime for a fraction of the dinner price.
🚨 Pro tip: Drinking alcohol at bars? Forget it. A beer in Norway costs around $10–12. If you must, buy alcohol at Vinmonopolet (the government-run liquor store) or duty-free at the airport.
 Tip! |
If you're from a European country, you're in luck: with the TooGoodToGo app, you can get surprise bags for little money (around 3€). They could include: Vegetables, bread, frozen food, pastries...Otherwise, it's also worth checking out Foodsharing. |
3. Transportation: Get Around Without Overspending
Norway’s landscapes are incredible, but getting from point A to B can be pricey. Here’s how to get around on a budget:
🚆 Take the train—cheaply. The Norwegian railway system is amazing, and if you book tickets in advance on Vy.no, you can get a “Minipris” ticket for as low as 199 NOK ($20) for long-distance routes like Oslo–Bergen (one of the world’s most scenic train rides!).
🚌 Use buses for budget travel. Long-distance buses like Nor-Way Bus Express and FlixBus are cheaper than trains and go to places where trains don’t.
🚗 Renting a car? Do it wisely. Renting a car in Norway is expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re traveling in a group. To save money:
- Book early for lower rates.
- Rent from city locations instead of airports (cheaper).
- Use fuel discount apps like Circle K Extra.
🚶 Walk or use public transport in cities. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have great public transport systems. A 24-hour transport pass (about 120 NOK / $12) is way cheaper than taxis.
🚨 Pro tip: If you’re under 30, check for youth discounts on trains, buses, and ferries!
3. Transportation: Get Around Without Overspending
Norway’s landscapes are incredible, but getting from point A to B can be pricey. Here’s how to get around on a budget:
🚆 Take the train—cheaply. The Norwegian railway system is amazing, and if you book tickets in advance on Vy.no, you can get a “Minipris” ticket for as low as 199 NOK ($20) for long-distance routes like Oslo–Bergen (one of the world’s most scenic train rides!).
🚌 Use buses for budget travel. Long-distance buses like Nor-Way Bus Express and FlixBus are cheaper than trains and go to places where trains don’t.
🚗 Renting a car? Do it wisely. Renting a car in Norway is expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re traveling in a group. To save money:
- Book early for lower rates.
- Rent from city locations instead of airports (cheaper).
- Use fuel discount apps like Circle K Extra.
🚶 Walk or use public transport in cities. Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim have great public transport systems. A 24-hour transport pass (about 120 NOK / $12) is way cheaper than taxis.
🚨 Pro tip: If you’re under 30, check for youth discounts on trains, buses, and ferries!
4. Activities & Attractions: See Norway for Free (or Cheaply)
Norway’s best attractions are nature, and guess what? Nature is free. Here’s how to experience Norway’s beauty without spending big:
🏔️ Hiking is 100% free. Some of the most stunning places—Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Lofoten’s beaches—cost nothing to visit. Just dress warmly and bring snacks.
🎟️ Get a city pass. In cities like Oslo and Bergen, a tourist pass gives you free public transport and entry to museums for one price. Oslo’s pass is around 495 NOK ($50) for 24 hours, but if you plan on seeing multiple sights, it’s worth it.
⛵ Fjord cruises? DIY it. Organized fjord tours can be pricey, but you can take public ferries instead. The ferry from Gudvangen to Flåm is just as stunning as the expensive tours!
🗿 Check for free museums and events. Some museums have free entry on certain days (like the National Museum in Oslo on Thursdays). Bergen even has free concerts and events if you check local listings.
🚨 Pro tip: Want to see the Northern Lights? Don’t book a tour. Just go outside the city and wait—it’s free!
5. Money-Saving Hacks Every Tourist Should Know
💳 Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Norway is almost cashless, so you’ll rarely need physical money.
📶 Skip expensive roaming charges. Free Wi-Fi is everywhere in Norway—cafés, airports, and even buses. You can also get a cheap prepaid SIM card at Telia or Telenor.
💡 Tap water is free (and delicious). Never buy bottled water in Norway—just bring a refillable bottle.
🚨 Pro tip: If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, cook your own meals! Even basic pasta with sauce from a supermarket will save you hundreds of dollars over a week.
Final Thoughts: Can You Visit Norway on a Budget?
Yes! Norway might be expensive, but with some smart planning, you can experience its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and outdoor adventures without breaking the bank.
So, are you ready to take on Norway while keeping your wallet happy? Let me know in the comments—what’s your best money-saving travel tip? 💸✈️🇳🇴