How expensive is Norway?
Norway is consistently one of the most expensive countries in Europe for travel. Eating out, accommodation, and alcohol are all significantly higher than the EU average. A glass of beer in a bar costs €9–12. A mid-range restaurant meal runs €25–40 per person. Hotel rooms in Bergen or Lofoten in summer rarely go below €120.
That said, Norway is very manageable on a considered budget. The country has excellent supermarkets with good food at reasonable prices, free camping is legal, and most of the best scenery — fjords, viewpoints, mountains, beaches — costs nothing. The trips that get expensive are the ones where no planning went in upfront.
Norway travel prices by category
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €50–80 / night | €100–160 / night | €180–300+ / night |
| Food & drink | €25–35 / day | €50–80 / day | €100–150+ / day |
| Transport (car rental) | €40–60 / day | €60–90 / day | €90–150+ / day |
| Activities | €0–15 / day | €20–40 / day | €50–120+ / day |
| Ferries | €10–20 / crossing | €25–50 / crossing | €60–100+ / crossing |
Accommodation
Budget: hostels, guesthouses, camping. Mid: 3-star hotels, airbnb. High: fjord-view hotels, boutique stays. Lofoten and Bergen run 20–30% higher in summer.
Food & drink
Budget: supermarkets (Kiwi, Rema 1000), packed lunches. Mid: one restaurant meal per day. High: dining out for every meal, alcohol included.
Transport (car rental)
Prices vary by season and vehicle size. Add fuel (~€2/litre), ferry costs (€20–80 per crossing), and toll roads. Campervans cost more upfront but save on accommodation.
Activities
Most viewpoints, hiking, and beaches are free. Guided kayaking, glacier walks, whale safaris, and boat tours cost €60–150+ per person. Northern lights tours average €80–120.
Ferries
Short fjord crossings (car + 2 passengers): €10–25. Bodø–Moskenes (Lofoten): ~€60–100. Hurtigruten coastal voyage: significantly higher. Budget these separately — they add up.
Example trip budgets
Budget solo, 7 days
Per day
€80–100
Total est.
€560–700
Hostel/camping, supermarket meals, car-share or bus, free attractions only.
Couple, 10 days, mid-range
Per day
€200–280 combined
Total est.
€2,000–2,800
3-star hotels, one restaurant meal daily, rental car, 2–3 paid activities.
Family of 4, 12 days
Per day
€350–450 combined
Total est.
€4,200–5,400
Apartments/cabins, mix of self-catering and eating out, SUV rental, family activities.
Couple, 7 days, comfort
Per day
€300–420 combined
Total est.
€2,100–2,940
Fjord-view hotels, dining out most nights, guided day trips, premium rental car.
All figures are estimates based on 2024–2025 prices. Lofoten, Bergen, and major fjord areas run higher. Prices do not include flights.
How to save money in Norway
Shop at Kiwi or Rema 1000
Norway's budget supermarkets are excellent. A full day of food — including a decent packed lunch — costs €10–15 per person.
Camp wherever you want
Norway's allemansretten (right to roam) allows free camping on uncultivated land, more than 150m from the nearest house. Use it.
Travel shoulder season
May and September offer almost all summer attractions at 20–40% lower accommodation prices and no queues at popular viewpoints.
Book ferries early
The Bodø–Moskenes crossing (for Lofoten) costs less when booked ahead and sells out in summer. Book the moment your dates are confirmed.
Stay in cabins
Norwegian mountain and coast cabins (hytter) often sleep 4–6 people for the price of one hotel room. Better value for groups.
Drive, don't fly domestically
Internal flights in Norway are expensive and skip the scenery. If time allows, drive — the route between cities is usually the point.
Plan your Norway trip budget
The Gowme planner builds your route first, then estimates the cost based on your actual stops, driving distances, and trip length. No guesswork — just a budget that fits the trip you're actually planning.
Plan your own Norway route
Turn this inspiration into a route that fits your time and interests.