Traveling to Norway on a Budget? Here Are the Best Money-Saving Tips!

Want to see Norway’s fjords, landscapes, and cities without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Many travelers find Norway more budget-friendly, especially with certain currencies¹.

2023 is a great time to go because the Norwegian krone (NOK) is weak. This means your money goes further. For Americans, this is extra good news. You get 36% more for each dollar now than five years back¹. The euro and the dollar are also stronger against the NOK. This makes flights, trains, buses, and hotels cheaper¹. Plus, renting an electric car is a smart way to see Norway’s wonders without spending a lot¹.

Key Takeaways

• Norway has become more affordable for American travelers, with 36% more value per dollar spent compared to 5 years ago.
• The weak Norwegian krone offers opportunities to secure discounts on flights, trains, buses, and accommodations.
• Renting an electric car is a cost-effective way to explore Norway’s natural wonders.
• Take advantage of shoulder season travel (April-October) to find more affordable accommodation and fewer crowds.
• Opt for self-catering accommodations and public transportation to save on expenses during your trip.

Leverage Norway’s Weak Currency to Your Advantage

Norway can be costly, but its weak currency helps make it affordable². The Norwegian krone (NOK) is the 16th most used currency worldwide. This shows how important it is in the world². Fluctuations in oil prices greatly affect the NOK. This makes it clear how tied Norway’s currency is to the oil industry². So, even if the exchange rate shifts, you can still enjoy everything Norway offers on a budget.

The weak NOK lets you buy more for less, especially for places to stay, travel, and fun things to do². In 2019, the petroleum industry made up 14% of Norway’s economy. Meanwhile, technology and knowledge jobs made up 25% that year². This mix makes it easy to find deals. From cheap rides to budget meals, there are many ways to save.

There’s so much you can do in Norway with its fjords, forests, and culture. The low NOK can help you do it all without spending too much. Just be smart about saving. Your trip to Norway can be affordable, yet rich in experiences, thanks to the weak NOK³²⁴.

Embrace Norway’s Great Outdoors

Norway’s nature is amazing, with high mountains and deep fjords⁵. The Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord are special and not too crowded⁵. Be ready for any weather and the cold water for a swim⁵.

Love the outdoors? You can hike, bike, or kayak in Norway⁵. There’s so much to do for free in Norway’s nature⁵. Some hikes might need waterproof gear because of snow and melts⁵. A stay in the fjords lets you turn off your phone for three days⁵.

For kayaking, pack only what you need⁵. You get a dry bag for your stuff⁵. Stay a while in the fjords and visit places like Bergen and Voss⁵⁶.

Norway budget travel tips

Visiting Norway on a budget is doable with a little planning. Using the public transport saves money. Booking your tickets early online or with the app is cheaper than buying them at the station⁷. Staying in places where you can cook also helps save. Food in Norway is expensive, so eating out costs a lot⁷.

Carrying a reusable water bottle is smart. You can fill it up anywhere in Norway. Buying groceries and cooking for yourself is a good idea. This saves you from spending too much on food⁸.

Norway’s nature is beautiful and free to enjoy. There are many parks and trails for hiking. It’s fun and good for any fitness level⁹. You can also camp to save money. Just remember, you must camp at least 150 meters away from homes⁹.

Renting a campervan is a good idea for freedom and saving money. This way, you combine travel and sleeping costs⁹. By following these tips, you can see Norway affordably. Enjoy your trip without spending a lot⁷⁸⁹.

Utilize Public Transportation and Book in Advance

Traveling around Norway without spending too much is easy. You can use the great public transport there. Booking train and bus tickets early online or with the app is often cheaper than at the station¹⁰. For instance, getting a Minipris train ticket in Norway on vy.no app costs about 249 kr. That’s around 30 USD, which is a lot less¹⁰. But, if you don’t book early, you might pay a lot more. A long 19-hour train trip can jump from 299 kr to 1,458 kr if you don’t book ahead¹⁰.

If the trip is far, consider flying inside Norway. It can be both quick and not too pricey if you book early¹¹. You could save up to 30% flying to smaller regional airports in Norway. That’s compared to big airports¹¹. Also, taking public buses can be cheap for reaching remote places. You get discounts when you book them online early¹⁰.

Renting a car with friends might save you money on travel¹⁰. In Norway, you can start renting a car at about 550 kr each day. There are cheaper options too, like Rent-A-Wreck that starts at 400 kr¹⁰. For longer trips, renting by the month could save even more. This costs around 4,500 kr each month (that’s about 18 USD a day), and it includes a set number of kilometers¹⁰. Also, hitchhiking is another way to get around Norway. It might work better for visitors than for locals¹⁰.

When you plan your trip to Norway, book your transport ahead of time. This way, you’ll find the best prices for trains, buses, and ferries¹². For example, if you book the Norway In A Nutshell tour early, you can save about $60 USD per person. That’s off the usual $250 USD¹². Also, booking public transport for this tour early can bring even more savings¹²¹⁰¹¹.

Cook Your Own Meals and Carry a Reusable Water Bottle

Cooking for yourself can save a lot of money in Norway. You can enjoy tasty meals on a small budget. Visit farm sales or local grocery stores like Meny for fresh food.

Choose lodgings with a kitchen to save more. This lets you eat like a local for less money. You can find great ingredients at markets, which are fun and cheap.

Using a reusable bottle for water helps too. In Norway, bottled water is pricey. By drinking tap water, you save a lot. Plus, it’s better for the environment.

Making breakfast and lunch is easy. Try yogurt with fruit and sandwiches. Snacks such as eggs, veggies, and chocolate keep you going.

Cooking dinner with local products is fun. For example, try making pasta one night. You can use the leftovers for a picnic the next day.

Eating like locals and avoiding tourist spots is smart. It’s not only cheaper but also more authentic. This eating style is a real taste of Norway¹³.

Conclusion

By using Norway’s weak currency to your advantage¹⁴2>, and enjoying the outdoors¹⁵, you can have a great trip. Use public transportation and book early¹⁴2>, and cook your own meals¹⁴. This way, you can see Norway without spending too much¹⁴¹⁶.

Now is a good time to visit Norway because of the economy¹⁶. By seeing its natural beauty, you won’t spend a lot¹⁵. Use public transport, book ahead, and save money¹⁴¹⁶. Also, making your own food is a cheap and fun way to eat¹⁴.

These tips will help you have a great and affordable trip to Norway. Be careful with your money but enjoy what Norway has to offer. This way, you’ll see the lovely places in this Scandinavian jewel and keep your costs low¹⁴¹⁶¹⁵.