Cost to travel to Norway

Last Updated on March 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When you say Norway, the thought takes you to the landscapes of spectacular fjords that take your breath away. The most beautiful of these is, without a doubt, Geirangerfjord, the place where the high mountains covered with vegetation are mirrored in the clear and cold waters of the fjord. One of the richest countries in the world, Norway is a place full of magic. It is the land of contrasts and the place where you can find some of the most famous tourist attractions in Europe. The Cradle of the Viking civilization, Norway is rated today as the most pacifist country in the world.

Norway is an expensive country and it is very difficult to travel low budget if you are not a backpacker. A more affordable option is to probably go with an agency or a group of friends.

How much does it cost to travel to Norway?

According to previous travelers, if you are planning to travel to Norway, you should expect to spend around $110 per day. Local transportation would cost you around $18 per day and for food, you will have to budget almost $30 per day. Also, the cost of a hotel room for a couple in Norway is $105 per night. So, you will need around $1,420 for a one-week vacation to Norway for two people, while one person will spend around $620.

Your costs per day for a vacation to Norway will be lower if you are going to travel for a longer period of time or as a family of three to four members.

In the following lines, we are going to talk about each cost category such as accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and others, so you can plan your budget for your next trip to Norway.

1. Accommodation Costs in Norway

Expect to pay around $110 per night for a double-occupancy hotel room in Norway, while the cost of a hostel room for one person is almost $55 per night. Of course, the cost of a hotel room in Norway will be affected by the level of luxury, location, season, and date.

2. Transportation Costs

As in most cities, the cost of a taxi ride in Norway is more expensive than public transportation. According to past travelers, you will spend around $18 per day on local transportation. For instance, a tram ticket costs almost $8.

You might also like our articles about the cost of visiting Switzerland, Aspen, or Ireland.

If you are planning to travel between cities in Norway, you will have to budget around $35 per day. The prices may vary depending on the date, the type of transportation used, and the length of the route.

The cost of a flight ticket to Norway depends on the date, season, airport, and airline company. For example, the cost of a round-trip flight ticket from New York to Oslo is around $650.

3. Food Costs

The cost of meals in Norway is variable depending on your eating habits and the type of the restaurant you choose. Though, expect to spend an average of $30 per day for meals in Norway.

4. Alcohol Costs

It’s up to you how much you will spend on alcohol in Norway, but you will usually need at least $9 per day for drinks.

5. Water Costs

It is considered safe to drink public water in Norway. However, if you want bottled water, you will have to get around $5 per day out of your pocket.

6. Entertainment Costs in Norway

Plan on spending around $15 per day for fun activities and entertainment in Norway. This would include the cost of the tickets to museums, various sightseeing costs, day tours and attractions.

7. Mishaps, Robberies, and Scams Costs in Norway

Other expenses to consider are related to mishaps, robberies, and other similar issues. If you have to deal with such a situation, you may spend around $5.

About Norway

Spectacular scenery can be found throughout Norway. Norway’s Southwest and North coasts feature some of the most impressive coastal scenery in the world. National Geographic has listed the Norwegian fjords as the world’s top tourist attraction. Here you can see the phenomenon of white nights (summer around the solstice), as well as the northern lights.

With its extensive forests, Norway has long had a tradition of wooden construction. Many of the most exciting new buildings are made of wood, reflecting the strong appeal this material has on Norwegian designers and builders.

Norwegian culinary traditions show the influence of maritime and agrarian traditions, with salmon (fresh and preserved), herring⁠ (pickled or marinated), trout⁠, cod, and other seafood being balanced with cheeses, dairy products, and baked goods (predominantly black).

The Norwegian, North Germanic language, has two official written forms, Bokmal and Nynorsk. Both are recognized as official languages and are used in public administration, schools, churches, and the media. Bokmal is the written language used by the vast majority of the population, about 80-85%.

Places to visit in Norway

All year round, Gaustatoppen, Besseggen, and Preikestolen are among Norway’s most famous hiking mountains. Their majestic climbs and magnificent beauty offer an unforgettable hiking experience.

The North Cape and Geiranger Fjord are among the country’s most visited tourist attractions. Norway is also highly valued for the possibility of practicing winter sports at impressive heights, as well as for the west coast, Hurtigruten, and the numerous cruises being organized in this area.

Norway is also called the Land of Fjords because some of the most spectacular and beautiful fjords in the world meet here, and cruises on these fjords are highly appreciated by tourists. Among the most famous Norwegian fjords are Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, and Stavangerfjord.

Oslo, the great capital of Norway, is a top destination to visit, especially for a city break or to get a taste of Norwegian culture. Apart from its rich heritage and attractions, it offers a ‘small town’ feel with its picturesque harbor and natural surroundings.

Pulpit Rock, or “Preikestolen” in Norwegian, is another must-see destination in Norway if you want to admire the country’s beauty. The name comes from its shape, a steep, flat-topped rock that resembles a preacher’s pulpit.

In the west, you must visit Bergen to get a taste of the Norwegian culture, history, and scenery. Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and is known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”. Bergen is also home to another Norwegian World Heritage Site, the Bryggen.

When should you go to Norway?

It really depends on what you want to do and see in Norway. If you want to see the northern lights, it is best to go North, between September and April. The best months are late September, October, February, and March. However, the aurora borealis is quite unpredictable and depends a lot on the weather and luck).

If you want to see the midnight sun, then you have to go further North, in the months of June-July.

If you want to see landscapes, go hiking and not suffer too much from the cold, then the best months are July and August. Most mountain roads are also open during this period.

Even if you go in summer, don’t forget to pack thick clothes. In addition to a wind stopper jacket that protects you from the wind, take something rainproof and at least a sweater. Even though the day can be quite warm, the mornings and evenings are cold, especially in mountainous areas. And if it rains, the temperatures drop quite a bit.