Explore Norway by Campervan - Routes, Camping Tips, Costs

Norway is one of the world’s most breathtaking roadtrip destinations. Towering fjords, thunderous waterfalls, jagged mountain peaks, wild reindeer plains, glaciers, deep forests, the midnight sun, and the northern lights — few places on earth offer this kind of raw, untouched nature.

For campervan travelers, Norway is a dream: safe roads, good infrastructure, endless space, and a culture deeply rooted in outdoor life. At the same time, it’s not the cheapest country — fuel, groceries, and alcohol are expensive — but the true beauty of Norway is free. You spend your money on fuel and food, while the landscapes, hikes, viewpoints, and fjords are endlessly accessible at no extra cost.

Whether you explore the fjords of the south, the Arctic wilderness in the north, the iconic Lofoten islands, or tiny fishing villages at the edge of the world — Norway rewards slow travel like no other place in Europe.

2.1 Arriving with Your Own Camper or Motorhome

Most travelers reach Norway via Denmark, Sweden, or by ferry.
The smoothest and most affordable route is usually through Sweden — the highways are excellent, and there are no tolls.

Popular approaches:

• Germany → Denmark → Sweden → Oslo (fast, toll-free in Sweden)

• Germany → Hirtshals (Denmark) → Ferry to Norway

• Kiel → Oslo night ferry

2.2 Ferries to Norway

Norway is exceptionally well connected by sea. All ferries accommodate campervans and motorhomes, and most offer cabins, restaurants, and lounges.

Kiel → Oslo (Color Line)

• Duration: ~20 hours (overnight)

• A floating mini-cruise with shows, spa, restaurants, panoramic decks.

• You board in the afternoon, and wake up sailing the Oslofjord — incredibly scenic.

Hirtshals (Denmark) → Norway

The main gateway for roadtrippers:

• Hirtshals → Kristiansand (Color Line / Fjord Line)
  2 h 15 min – fastest route, ideal for southern Norway

• Hirtshals → Larvik (Color Line)
  3 h 45 min – good if your trip starts around Oslo

• Hirtshals → Stavanger (Fjord Line)
  10–12 h overnight – perfect for fjord country

• Hirtshals → Bergen (Fjord Line)
  16–18 h – scenic arrival right into Norway’s fjord region

Strömstad (Sweden) → Sandefjord (Norway)

• Duration: ~2 h 30 min

• Budget-friendly and great if arriving via Sweden.

3.1 Documents

If you’re an EU citizen, you can enter Norway with your ID card or passport.
Pets can enter too — but Norway has strict rules if you’re traveling with a dog.

Traveling to Norway with a Dog

Norway is one of the strictest countries in Europe regarding dog entry. You will need:

• EU Pet Passport

• Microchip identification

• Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)

• Mandatory tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment

  • Must be administered by a vet 24–120 hours before entry

  • Must be officially documented in the pet passport

  • Alternatively: a “28-day rule” if entering from another EU country (treatment every 28 days, documented)

Checks at the border are common, so make sure the paperwork is correct.

3.2 Driving & Vehicle Regulations

You must have:

• Warning triangle (required)

• Reflective vest (recommended)

• Lights always on

• Alcohol limit: 0.2 ‰ (one of the strictest in the world)

• Winter tires: mandatory in winter; spikes allowed

3.3 Alcohol Import Limits

Norway strictly limits private alcohol imports.
You may bring (per adult):

• 1 liter spirits + 1.5 liters wine + 2 liters beer
  or

• 3 liters wine + 2 liters beer

Alcohol is very expensive in Norway — many travelers stock up before crossing the border.

Driving in Norway is peaceful, safe, and almost meditative — but also demanding depending on the region.

What to expect:

• Roads are narrow, winding, and sometimes steep

• Weather changes rapidly

• Many mountain roads have no guardrails

• Speed limits are low but enforced strictly

Speed limits:

• 50 km/h in towns

• 80 km/h rural roads

• 90–110 km/h on a few motorways

Toll Roads

Norway has an automatic toll system called AutoPASS. You can register your camper beforehand, but even if you don’t, you’ll simply receive an invoice by mail after your trip.

Winter Driving

Norwegian winter is magical - but only if your camper is prepared.

You will need:

• Excellent insulation

• Strong heating system

• Winter tires (spikes highly recommended)

• Full water tanks inside the vehicle to prevent freezing

• Extra clothes, diesel, and food

Mountain passes may close quickly due to weather.

5.1 Campgrounds

Norwegian campgrounds are generally excellent: clean, spacious, often family-run, and usually located in spectacular nature.

Expect:

• Modern sanitary buildings

• Kitchens and lounges

• Laundry facilities

• Many sites right by fjords, lakes, or forests

• Cabins for rent (“hytter”)

Prices:

• 25–45 € per night

• Cabins start at 60–100 €

5.2 Wild Camping in Norway

Norway is famous for its outdoor freedom — but there is a misunderstanding here: The “Right to Roam” DOES NOT apply to motorhomes. It applies only to:

• Tent campers

• Hikers

• Cyclists

Motorhomes are not allowed to park freely on private land or off-road.

So what IS allowed?

You can stay overnight when:

• You are parked on a legal, public parking area

• No signs prohibit overnight stays

• You behave discreetly (no chairs, awnings, grills)

• You stay only 1 night

• You leave no trace

In practice, Norway is full of beautiful legal overnight spots:

• Lay-bys along fjords

• Scenic gravel bays

• Mountain car parks

• Marina and harbor lots

• Rest areas with toilets

In the south, restrictions are increasing due to overcrowding — but Norway is huge. Outside of hotspots, there is rarely a problem.

Water & Dump Stations

Freshwater quality is excellent everywhere - often even better than bottled water. Norway has one of the best motorhome infrastructures in Europe. You cna fill and empty your tanks at:

• Campgrounds

• Marinas

• Many petrol stations

• Public dump points

Gas

Norway uses its own gas bottle system.
You may need:

• adapters

• or you can buy a Norwegian bottle and swap it countrywide

Groceries

Supermarket chains:

• Rema 1000 (budget-friendly)

• Kiwi

• Coop

• Spar

Everything is more expensive than in continental Europe, especially alcohol.

Food You Should Try

Norwegian cuisine is simple, fresh, and local:

• Fresh salmon

• Fish soups

• Skrei (Arctic cod)

• Brunost (brown cheese)

• Waffles with sour cream

• “Skillingsboller” (cinnamon buns)

Norway’s currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). Prices are usually written as kr.
For a rough conversion, many travelers use: 10 NOK ≈ 1 € (varies slightly with exchange rates)

Paying in Norway: Cards Everywhere

Norway is one of the most cashless countries in the world. You can pay literally everything with a bank card or phone:

Norway is expensive — but worth it.

• Camping: 25–45 €

• Diesel: higher than EU average

• Alcohol: very expensive (a beer might cost event up to 15€)

• Eating out: expensive

• Groceries: moderate to high

Many Norwegians don’t carry cash at all — and as a traveler, you won’t need it either. If you bring cash, don’t convert much. Some shops and cafés do not accept cash at all. Parking (including remote trailheads or fjord viewpoints) is also mostly digital:
You pay via card, QR code, or apps such as EasyPark, Vipps (Norway’s favorite), or local systems

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world.

Tips:

• Avoid sleeping on motorway rest stops (risk of theft)

• In fjords, sudden winds can be strong

• Weather shifts can be extreme in mountains

• Road closures are common in winter

• Moose are common and dangerous in traffic – drive especially carefully at dusk

Emergency numbers:
• General emergency: 112
• Police: 112
• Ambulance: 113
• Fire department: 110
• Mountain rescue: 112 (specify mountain emergency)

Roadtripping through Norway with a campervan or motorhome is one of the most unforgettable travel experiences you can have in Europe. The landscapes are epic, the roads quiet, and the sense of freedom enormous. Yes, Norway is expensive — and the rules about free camping require attention - but the natural beauty more than compensates.

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If you travel slowly, respectfully, and with curiosity, Norway will reward you with midnight sun, northern lights, dramatic landscapes, and memories that stay with you forever.