Breathtaking fjords, pristine beaches, expansive highlands, sparkling waterfalls, ultimate tranquility, and charming cities — Norway offers it all. With its diverse landscapes and the freedom to wild camp, it’s the ultimate destination for a campervan road trip. After spending over 8 weeks traveling through this magnificent country, we’re sharing our must-see attractions, top hiking spots, money-saving tips, our itinerary, and travel advice for anyone planning their camper journey in Norway.
Why Choose Norway for Your Camper Trip?
Norway is often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful countries — and we couldn’t agree more. It’s one of our favorite camper destinations, The country is famous for its dramatic nature, particularly its fjords, but it also boasts stunning beaches, vast glaciers, and powerful waterfalls. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, surfing, biking, or scenic boat tours, Norway offers endless outdoor activities.
In addition to its natural wonders, Norway also has vibrant cities like Ålesund, Bergen, Stavanger, and Kristiansand, where you can enjoy rich culture and history. With a camper, you can explore at your own pace, stopping wherever you like to enjoy the serenity of nature under the stars.
Must-See: Lovatnet – A Gem in Norway
There’s no shortage of stunning landscapes in Norway, and Lovatnet is a prime example. Whether you’re on the scenic E134 route or exploring hidden gems, you’ll find beauty around every corner. Plus, with the freedom to wild camp, you can sleep in the most incredible spots.
How to Get to Norway with Your Camper
There are a few options for getting to Norway with your camper. You can drive the entire way, or take a ferry from Denmark, Germany, or Sweden. Your choice will depend on your preferences, budget, available time, and where you plan to visit in Norway. Here are your options:
Option 1: Drive the Entire Way
If you're up for a road trip, you can drive directly to Norway. The advantage is that you won’t be dependent on ferry schedules or waiting times at ports. The downside is that it’s a long drive — from Utrecht to Oslo, for example, it’s about 1,524 kilometers. While this means higher fuel costs and longer travel time, it’s a great option if you have plenty of time. We recommend stopping along Sweden’s beautiful west coast to break up the journey.
Route: Netherlands to Norway
- Start in Utrecht, head to Hamburg (Germany), then Kolding (Denmark), and cross the Great Belt Bridge and Øresund Bridge into Malmö, Sweden.
- Tolls are required for both bridges, and you can pay for the Øresund Bridge online. If you plan to cross it frequently, consider getting the BroPas for a 50% discount.
Option 2: Drive + Ferry
Alternatively, you can drive part of the way and take a ferry from Denmark, Germany, or Sweden to Norway. This option is ideal if you want to reduce driving time and travel more leisurely. Here are some popular ferry routes:
- Hirtshals (Denmark) to Norway: Multiple ferries depart to various destinations like Larvik (4 hours), Kristiansand (3+ hours), Stavanger (10.5 hours), and Bergen (16 hours).
- Fredrikshaven (Denmark) to Oslo: A 9.5-hour ferry ride.
- Kiel (Germany) to Oslo: This ferry takes about 20 hours.
- Strömstad (Sweden) to Sandefjord: A 2.5-hour ferry ride.
Best Time to Visit Norway for Your Camper Trip
The ideal time to visit Norway in a camper is from May to September. Temperatures gradually rise, and daylight lasts longer. May is especially great, as it’s the driest month and the snowmelt creates stunning waterfalls. June is perfect for seeing flowers in bloom, while September offers fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colors. If you want to spot the Northern Lights, September is your best bet.
We visited in early summer, and while popular spots can get crowded, we found plenty of peace in less-traveled areas. The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, a raincoat, and sturdy shoes for hiking.
How Many Days to Spend in Norway?
Norway is vast, and the average driving speed is about 70 km/h, so be prepared for longer travel times. We recommend setting aside at least 2 weeks for your trip, but 3 weeks is ideal. With this much time, you can enjoy the fjords, try various activities, and still have time to relax.
Top Things to Do in Norway
No matter where you go, Norway is incredibly scenic. However, there are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss on your camper trip:
Fjords
The iconic Norwegian fjords are a major draw for visitors, and you’ll find over 1,000 of them, mostly in the south. Some of the most spectacular include:
- Geirangerfjord: A UNESCO World Heritage site, often considered the most beautiful fjord.
- Lysefjord: Home to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
- Hardangerfjord: Famous for its stunning scenery and the dramatic Trolltunga rock formation.
- Sognefjord & Fjærlandsfjord: Peaceful and beautiful, Fjærlandsfjord is a personal favorite.
Jostedalsbreen National Park
This park is home to Norway’s largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen. Hiking trails lead you to the glacier, or you can explore by kayak or take a guided glacier walk. A popular spot is Briksdalsbreen, where you can take a short but stunning hike to see the glacier up close.
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Norway has 18 “Scenic Routes,” panoramic drives offering stunning views of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and more. Routes like Geiranger-Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road are must-dos for scenic driving.
Runde Island
A hidden gem, Runde is a small bird island near Ålesund. Home to hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including puffins and sea eagles, the island is perfect for nature lovers. A hike to the top offers incredible views of the surrounding coastline.
Hiking
Norway’s diverse landscapes make it a hiker’s paradise. Popular trails like Preikestolen, Trolltunga, and Besseggen attract many visitors, but there are also quieter alternatives like:
- Vøringsfossen Waterfall: A challenging hike to see one of Europe’s tallest waterfalls up close.
- Prest: A hike offering panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord.
- Kjeåsen Mountain Farm: A tough but rewarding hike to a historic farm with breathtaking views.
Camper Rental in Norway
If you don’t own a camper, don’t worry! There are plenty of rental options. Travelhome offers everything from ready-made trips to custom camper experiences. Alternatively, for a more personal touch, Goboony lets you rent campers directly from private owners.
Tips for Traveling with a Camper in Norway
Wild Camping
Thanks to the “allemannsretten” (right to roam), wild camping is allowed in Norway. You can camp in rural areas, forests, and mountains, as long as you stay at least 150 meters from the nearest house. Be respectful of nature by disposing of waste properly and avoiding campfires between April 15 and September 15.
Campsites
There are numerous campsites throughout Norway. They’re often simple but clean and well-maintained. Expect to pay around €30 per night for a campervan pitch, with extra charges for showers and other amenities.
Toll Roads and Ferries
Norway has many toll roads and ferries. You can pay tolls automatically via license plate recognition or with a toll tag (EasyGo). For ferries, plan and compare prices online.
Traffic and Driving
Norwegian roads are in excellent condition, but they can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Always drive with your headlights on, and be mindful of speed limits, which average 70 km/h.
Money
Norway is a cashless society. Most payments are done via credit or debit card, so you won’t need much local currency, except for small purchases like camping facilities.
Food and Costs
Norway can be expensive, especially for dining and alcohol. We recommend bringing as many supplies as you can from home, especially for essentials. For groceries, REMA 1000 and KIWI offer the best prices.
A camper trip through Norway is an adventure you won’t forget. From the magnificent fjords and dramatic landscapes to the freedom of wild camping, Norway offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re hiking, exploring cities, or just soaking in the views, this stunning country is sure to leave you in
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