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Ein Pärchen frühstückt vor einem Off Ocean Camper
Ein Pärchen frühstückt vor einem Off Ocean Camper

Camping in Norway - Tips for your road trip

Autorin Chrissi
Article from Chrissi

Your dream is to drive all the way to the North Cape? Or to see the Northern Lights? Then it's time for you to rent a camper and head off to Norway.


Wonderful Norway is the perfect camping paradise for motorhomes and campers. Why? Well, Norway offers breathtaking nature, fjords and glaciers. All friends of outdoor activities will get their money's worth here. Especially because you can set up camp anywhere with your motorhome. Wild camping is allowed in Norway thanks to the right of public access. There's also no shortage of campsites. We clarify important questions about what you should pay attention to on your road trip through Norway.

Going to Norway by camper

You can either take the ferry or use overland route via Denmark and Sweden. We tell you which one is the fastest and cheapest option.
Felsenlandschaft in den Fjorden Norwegens

By ferry from Germany

If you start your road trip from Germany your first destination should be Kiel. There's a daily ferry to Norway. The crossing takes about twenty hours and unfortunately isn't that cheap. You have to pay about 484 € for a one-way trip. The price includes an inside cabin for an overnight stay on board. The ferry trip is comparable to a small cruise. There are several restaurants and even a spa area on board.
The advantage of this is that you'll arrive in Oslo well rested and can start your road trip to Norway. You also save on fuel costs and possibly accommodation costs.

By ferry from Denmark

Not in the mood for a cruise? The faster and significantly cheaper option is the ferry connection from Denmark. Prices for a one-way trip are around €134 (depending on season and vehicle size). The journey time varies between 2 and 10 hours depending on where in Norway you want to arrive.
Blick von einer Bergspitze auf einen Fluss und einem Dorf
Alternatively, you could also travel to southern Sweden by ferry, both from Germany and Denmark. It's only a 5-hour drive from Sweden to the Norwegian border.

Via Denmark by overland route

If you have a lot of time, we definitely recommend the overland route via Denmark and Sweden. But even if you start from Hamburg you still have about 950 kilometres ahead of you to drive to Oslo. But you can explore the other Scandinavian countries and their landscapes. You can also read some recommendations on our website: Camping in Denmark and Round Trip Sweden.
Attention: There'll be toll costs. You'll have to cross two bridges for which you'll have to pay on the way to Norway.

In search of the Northern Lights

For many, the Northern Lights are at the top of the bucket list. If you go to Norway in the autumn and winter months you have the best chance of seeing the shimmering green lights. Norway's many islands, deep fjords and steep mountains provide the perfect backdrop. Top spots for the Northern Lights are Alta, Tromsø, the Lyngenfjord region, Nordkapp, Varanger and Bodø.
Here you can even find a Northern Lights forecast.
Nächtlicher Blick auf einen mit Schnee bedeckten Berg und Nordlichter am Himmel
Is it worth taking on the long journey to the North Cape? A much-discussed question. Europe's almost northernmost point attracts around 200,000 visitors a year. This is where the Atlantic meets the Arctic. In summer, during the midnight sun, the trip is well worth it. However, it's not particularly spectacular to stand at the world's most famous globe. But what camping is often also about journey! And the route with its beautiful nature is definitely worth it!

Our most popular campsite

Scandinavia offers perfect conditions for travelling by motorhome. Apart from the fact that wild camping is allowed, you're spoilt for choice as to which of the almost 1000 pitches you would like to set up camp on. Even in the peak season (June-August), you don't usually have to book in advance. If in doubt, simply drive to the nearest campsite. In winter, however, you should check in advance which facilities are still open. We have an overview of the most popular campsites for your camping holiday.

Lillehammer Camping - Eastern Norway

At the largest lake in Norway, Lake Mjøsa, lies the campsite Lillehammer. There are many things to do in the region around the campsite such as mountain biking in Hafjell, fishing by the lake or rafting in the river Sjoa. The place is a winter sports paradise. No wonder the Winter Olympics were held here. The city centre of Lillehammer also impresses with its art history, architecture and museums.
Schneebedeckter Waldweg

Sandvika Fjord & Sjøhus Camping - Northern Norway

Near Kabelvåg on the Lofoten Islands you'll find the campsite Sjøhus Camping. The campsite is located near a beautiful bay. You can explore the area by camper, including charming fishing villages such as Henningsvaer and Nusfjord. If you want to get off the tourist track, head north to Vesterålen.

Moysand Family Camping - Southern Norway

Camping in Norway with the whole family in Grimstad. This is one of many places where you can stay right next to the beach with your camper van. The coastline is perfect for walking or cycling. You can also explore the charming town of Grimstad or the region full of beautiful islands and islets.
Blick auf einen Fluss umgeben von Bergen

Conclusion

There's so much to see in Norway and no matter how much time you have, don't take on too much but focus on one region or area. Depending on where you start your journey to Norway, we recommend the south of the country. If you have more than two weeks, it's worth travelling up north. The country has so many possibilities and the list of great places is long. For nature lovers, Norway is definitely a must-see!

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