Norway: A Dream Destination for Budget Travelers

Visiting Norway is a dream for many, but the high cost of this Scandinavian country often makes it seem unattainable. As two adventurous families of four, we decided to embark on a journey to Norway to test if it’s possible to have an incredible experience in one of the world’s most expensive countries on a minimal budget. We didn’t spare any expenses and brought sufficient funds, but we wanted to prove that traveling to Norway doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re curious about how to enjoy a memorable road trip in Norway for under a thousand euros per couple, this story is for you.

Preparation

We began preparing for our trip months in advance. We purchased ferry tickets online (outbound: Riga – Stockholm, return: Nyneshamn – Ventspils) and planned our route, including the Norwegian leg of the journey (see map): Minsk – Vilnius – Riga – Stockholm – Norway – Stockholm – Nyneshamn – Ventspils – Vilnius – Minsk. With only 10 days at our disposal, we aimed to make the most of our time.

We decided to skip major cities like Oslo and architectural attractions. Our goal was to immerse ourselves in Norway’s breathtaking nature and landscapes, breathe in the crisp mountain air, marvel at the stunning blue fjords, experience the harsh Scandinavian summer, spend romantic nights camping, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a salmon.

We gathered the necessary gear for an active and self-sufficient trip: tents, air mattresses, warm sleeping bags, comfortable hiking shoes, insulated clothing, and raincoats. If you already own most of these items, you’ll save a considerable amount of money. A word of advice on footwear: if you don’t have hiking boots, make sure to invest in a pair, as they’re essential for mountain trails. We also stocked up on food, buying some in Belarus and the rest in Lithuania before our departure.

Hello, Norway!

The long-awaited day arrived, and we set off on our journey: from Minsk to Riga (with an overnight stay in Vilnius), and then from Riga on a large cargo-passenger ferry to Stockholm. After a 12-hour overnight crossing of the Baltic Sea, we found ourselves in Scandinavia. Sweden greeted us with rain, so we decided to explore its beauty on our return trip. Norway awaited us! Our first impression upon entering the country was mixed: barren rocks, stony soil, narrow roads, almost empty streets, and rainy, gray weather.

But soon, the landscapes began to change. Picturesque mountains with snow-capped peaks emerged before us, people and well-kept houses appeared, the rain stopped, and the weather cleared. On our first day in Norway, we decided not to experiment with camping and booked a cabin in one of the campsites. Norway is truly a paradise for tourists: everything is designed for maximum convenience. Finding a place to rest and spend the night is incredibly easy, with a vast selection of hotels and campsites to suit every taste and budget. Locals also rent out cabins. Moreover, Norway is a free zone, meaning you can pitch a tent almost anywhere and stay as long as you like, as long as you’re not on private property. During our trip, we camped several times in tents on campsite grounds (which offer all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay: kitchens, showers, toilets, and self-service laundries) and also stayed in cabins, or “hytter” (from the Norwegian word “hytte”). Renting a spot for a two-person tent costs 150-170 kroner per day, while a cabin ranges from 500 to 1000 kroner, depending on the location, conditions, and owners.

Must-See Attractions

Norway is one giant attraction, with countless places to visit. Here are just a few of the many sights we managed to see:

Jostedalsbreen National Park

Home to Europe’s largest mainland glacier, Jostedalsbreen, covering an area of approximately 480 square kilometers. At the park’s entrance, you’ll find the Glacier Museum, where you can learn interesting facts about glaciers and purchase tickets for a guided tour or hike on one of the glacier’s arms. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the proper equipment, so we admired the striking blue beauty of Jostedalsbreen from afar.

The Snow Road

You can see this unique road by taking a detour around the Lærdal Tunnel (the world’s longest road tunnel). The Snow Road stretches for 48 kilometers, reaching a maximum height of 1,306 meters above sea level. Even in the middle of summer, three-meter snowdrifts line the sides of the road. Before the construction of the Lærdal Tunnel, this mountain pass was the only road connecting Oslo and Bergen. Due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, the road was almost always closed in winter, and the only way to reach the cities was by ferry. Today, the Snow Road is a tourist attraction and a favorite spot for extreme cyclists. The road ends with the impressive Stegastein viewpoint, designed as a huge wooden bridge with a glass railing at the end. From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Aurlandsfjord. The Snow Road is open from June to September.

Route 55

This road is even more impressive than the Snow Road. It’s not just a tourist attraction (recognized as a National Tourist Route) but also a bustling highway connecting several cities and regions. Route 55 runs between Luster and Lom, leading to Jotunheimen National Park, and is the highest mountain road in Northern Europe, with a maximum height of 1,430 meters above sea level. As we drove, we witnessed three seasons change before our eyes: summer, spring, and winter. We also encountered a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from snow-covered mountains to barren tundra and lush gardens. The road is lined with multi-meter snowdrifts, steep hairpin turns, and slopes, as well as raging mountain rivers and countless waterfalls.

Geirangerfjord

Rightfully considered one of the most picturesque and frequently visited Norwegian fjords. On the outskirts of the Geirangerfjord, where the Geirangelva River flows into it, lies the village of Geiranger, from which the fjord gets its name. In 2005, the fjord and its surrounding areas were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. This status currently prevents the local authorities from implementing their plan to build power lines across the fjord.

This area offers a wide selection of campsites. We chose one of the most beautiful and affordable options. There are also campsites right on the fjord’s shore. At one of them, we rented a small motorboat for an hour and admired the famous waterfalls of the Geirangerfjord – the “Seven Sisters,” the “Suitor,” and the “Bridal Veil” – from up close. We also caught a wave from a passing cruise ship.