You Won’t Believe These Budgeting Hacks in Norway
Reinebringen hike on the Lofoten islands, Norway
Norway is known as one of the most expensive travel destinations. But these tips will help you be a little less financially ruined after traveling to Norway.
From food to tours and to free activities and even free ferries for all sizes of cars, this video will give you all the information you’d need to travel Norway mindfully.
NB! All the information provided below are from September 2023
Free ferries in Norway
Norway has been implementing free ferry system on routes with less than 100 000 passengers per year from 2022 (added routes in 2023). It gives you a possibility to visit the Lofoten islands, see puffins on Lovund, Røst (or Runde which is connected with bridges) and take the more scenic route near the sea.
The full interactive map here, based on this source.
Check the ferry prices here (as information might change).
Free ferries on the Lofoten (free routes marked with red), highlighting Bodø - Værøy - Røst - Moskenes route (NB! Bodø - Moskenes route not free as illustrated on the map missing a red line between these ports)
Find the cheapest flights to the Lofoten islands in Norway! Bodø is just a (free) ferry ride away from the most beautiful part of Norway!
Kayaking Adventure + Environmental Clean-up
Green Kayak rents out Kayaks free of charge for 2 hours in 3 different cities in Norway (Oslo, Bergen and Ålesund) and also Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Germany and Japan. In exchange for the Kayak, you are expected to clean up as much trash as you can find on the shores and floating in the ocean and share it on your social media so others would also be aware of this amazing experience to have fun and help clean the nature at the same time!
Transportation in Norway
If you're a nature enthusiast looking to explore Norway's stunning wilderness and fjords, consider bringing your own car or renting one (compare different car rental company prices with Discover Cars to choose your best option). While public transport is efficient, it can be costly and often takes you to crowded tourist spots. Having your own vehicle allows you to reach less-visited, breathtaking locations. Diesel might seem pricey, but so are bus and train tickets. For an even better experience, consider traveling in a camper van, as wild camping is permitted in Norway, allowing you to spend nights in some of the most picturesque settings.
Rent a car in Norway:
Hiking cabins (without charge or affordable prices)
As Norwegians are a huge hiking country, there are cabins in the woods and mountains which you can use as a stops on your route. They are very affordable and some are even free.
Information about it on their websites (even though mostly Norwegian) DNT and Statskog.
