Hints, ideas and routes through Norway for novices and experienced camper van tourists
Norway is a popular destination for campers with its picturesque landscape of deep blue fjords, impressive mountain peaks, and rustic forests. If you love nature, you will love Norway. And how can you discover the landscape better than in your own camper van? It is a good thing that the infrastructure for campers is particularly well developed in Norway. Many campsites and parking spaces help to make your camper van tour truly pleasant. Whether you remain in the south of the country or travel all the way north to the Lofoten Islands, camper vans are perfect for a round trip around Norway. And as the country is so diverse, camping novices and experienced campers are guaranteed to find the right mix of relaxation and adventure.
Perfectly prepared: what you need to know before your trip to Norway
Park up anywhere with a camper van in Norway?
You have probably heard about the “Everyman’s Right” that applies in Norway. However, it is aimed more at campers planning to camp in a tent. But normally camper vans are permitted to park in a car park for one night. That is unless you see a sign that prohibits it. There are also lovely places to park in the middle of the countryside in Norway. However, always make sure that you stay a minimum of 150 metres away from buildings to preserve residents’ privacy.
But, if you want to play it safe, use one of the many parking spaces or campsites in Norway. A charge is made to use them but you can then stay for as long as you want to.
Tolls for camper vans in Norway
In Norway, a toll is charged on most roads, bridges, tunnels and in towns. The cost varies according to the location. However, the price is calculated everywhere based on the weight and, sometimes also, based on the emissions of your vehicle. However, you can conveniently pay when you receive an invoice, as your licence plate is recorded. You simply and easily then pay for tolls online to EPC (Euro Parking Collection). Just register and enter your credit card details. What is especially cool is that EPC sometimes offers discounts and so you pay lower toll charges.
Alternatively, you can get a chip sent to you by the AutoPASS Norwegian toll system for a deposit of NOK 200. You will need to attach it to your windscreen, as the chip is linked to the registration number of your vehicle.
The best time to travel in Norway
Norway is a great destination when travelling in a camper van all year round. It all depends on what you want to see on your holiday and what kind of weather you prefer.
Spring (April and May) is wonderful with its mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. But some roads and campsites may still be closed. It is best to check before your departure.
Summer in Norway (June to August) is the warmest time with the longest daylight hours – the ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, such as hiking and biking.
In autumn (September and October) the days get shorter and it gets cooler. But there are also benefits to this: fewer tourists and colourful landscapes are a big bonus.
And you can only see one of Norway’s absolute highlights in winter (November to March): the Northern Lights. But winter sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed in winter either: but bear in mind that road conditions can be challenging.
How to reach Norway from Germany
Ferries are the easiest way to travel from Germany to Norway. For instance, the Color Line runs directly from Kiel to Oslo. Allow around 20 hours for the crossing. However, if you do not want to be on the water for as long, you can drive your camper van a little further overland. Combine your camper van adventure in Norway with a trip to Denmark and take one of the many ferry connections between Denmark and Norway.
Routes for novices
Route 1: Round trip through southern Norway
Starting point: Oslo
Start your journey in Norway’s capital. Visit sights, including the Royal Castle, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Opera House.
From Oslo, continue on to Kristiansand. The city offers a colourful mix of urban atmosphere and fine sandy beaches. From sightseeing directly to the beach – a perfect combination. But, if you would like to experience more, you can also visit the famous Dyreparken Zoo.
Mandal is known for its white wooden houses and beautiful beach. Lindesnes Fyr is the most southerly point of Norway and its lighthouse is a must-see on this tour.
Stavanger is known for its old town with its well-preserved wooden houses and the impressive Preikestolen plateau.
Odda lies on the Sørfjord and is an ideal starting point for visiting the Låtefossen waterfall, and hiking in the Hardangervidda National Park.
Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, is famous for its historic Hanseatic district of Bryggen and its lively fish market.
Gol is located in the Hallingdal Valley and provides an impressive natural backdrop. Ideal for hiking and relaxing days in nature.
Route 2: Round trip through Norway’s fjords
Starting point: Oslo
Start your journey in Norway’s capital. Explore the modern opera house on the harbour, walk through the lively Karl Johans Gate, and enjoy the view from the Holmenkollen ski museum and ski jump.
Lillehammer is known as the venue for the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Maihaugen Open-air Museum and the Olympic sites here.
Geiranger is famous for its picturesque fjord, which is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cruise along the fjord and enjoy the view from the Ørnesvingen and Flydalsjuvet viewpoints.
The Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the largest glacier on the European mainland. Hike along well-marked trails and prepare to be amazed by the impressive ice formations.
Odda lies on the Sørfjord and is an ideal starting point for visiting the Låtefossen waterfall and hiking in the Hardangervidda National Park.
Odda lies on the Sørfjord and is an ideal starting point for visiting the Låtefossen waterfall and hiking in the Hardangervidda National Park.
Route 3: through the middle
Starting point: Trondheim
Start your journey in Trondheim, a historic city with its impressive Nidaros Cathedral, old city bridge and lively city centre.
Continue on to Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage town with traditional wooden houses and copper mines. An ideal place to get to know the history and culture of Norway better.
Oppdal is known for its impressive mountain landscapes and its proximity to the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, where you can hike and enjoy being outside in wild nature.
Åndalsnes is best known for its spectacular Trollstigen pass road and breathtaking mountain landscapes. An absolute must for nature-lovers and adventurers.
Geiranger is famous for its picturesque fjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cruise along the fjord and enjoy the spectacular view from the Ørnesvingen and Flydalsjuvet viewpoints.
Lom is known for its well-preserved stave church and is surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes. A perfect destination for hiking or cultural sights.
End your journey in Lillehammer.
Advanced routes
Even if you already have experience of camping, Norway still has great itineraries to offer. Adventurous routes to remote regions or pure relaxation in less well-known places: there is something for everyone in Norway.
Route 1: Round trip to the Lofoten Islands
Starting point: Bodø
Start your journey surrounded by picturesque fjords. It is also worth visiting the Polar Museum.
Even the ferry trip to Reine is an experience in itself. You will arrive at one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the Lofoten Islands, which is known for its Rorbuer houses. A photo you will most probably have seen on Instagram etc.
This little town on the Lofoten Islands is an ideal starting point for hiking or a trip to Haukland Beach.
The quiet village with its impressive mountain landscapes is ideal for fishing and boating.
Norway’s largest island is known for its wild nature, hiking trails, and the Møysalen National Park.
A historic village near Narvik, known for the Battle of Narvik in World War II and its War Museum.
This town with its rich war history also boasts a cable car up to Fagernesfjellet, offering breathtaking views of the Ofotfjord.
The small town with its beautiful backdrop is the perfect base for relaxing and immersing yourself in the local culture.
Route 2: Round trip via Bergen
Starting point: Oslo
The capital city offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities and great cafés where you can recharge your batteries in between sightseeing.
The coastal town is known for its well-preserved old town and the nearby Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock lookout.
The largest mountain plateau in Europe with extensive hiking trails, spectacular landscapes and the chance to see reindeer in the wild.
The historic harbour city with its Bryggen UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fløibanen cable car and legendary fish market is definitely worth a visit.
The gateway to the Romsdalen Valley. The perfect starting point for hikes, including the Romsdalseggen and over the Trollstigen Pass.
This coastal town is spread over several islands and is known for its preserved Klippfisk, dried and salted cod. From here, you can cruise along the picturesque Atlantic Road.
This region with the city of Trondheim, which is home to the Nidaros Cathedral, is an important historical centre of Norway.
Route 3: Norway’s national parks
Starting point: Lillehammer
Start your journey in Lillehammer. Visit the Maihaugen Open-air Museum and the Olympic Park sites here.
Nearest station: Rondane National Park, Norway’s oldest national park. Impressive mountain landscapes and countless hiking trails await you. The hike to the Rondeslottet peaks is very popular with visitors.
Continue your journey to the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. With a little luck, you might even see muskoxen here.
The next stop is the Jotunheimen National Park. Home to Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. The Besseggen hike is an absolute must, offering spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Visit the small village of Lom, known for its 12th-century stave church and the Norwegian Mountaineering Museum.
Take the Sognefjellet National Tourist Route, the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. This road offers breathtaking views of glaciers and high mountain landscapes.
End your journey at Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. From here, you can take a cruise along the fjord or visit the spectacular Nigardsbreen Glacier.
Norway with dog and camper van
If you want to take your pet with you, there are a few minor points to consider, as special rules apply in Norway to visitors touring in a camper van with a dog.
To enter the country you need a valid pet passport and your dog must also have been microchipped for identification. A rabies vaccination is also mandatory. Shortly before entry, your animal must also have received tapeworm treatment from a veterinarian, documented in the vaccination certificate. Then you can enter Norway 24 to 120 hours later. If you have previously travelled through Denmark or Sweden, you can also have the treatment done there.
Additional detailed information can be found on the official Norwegian website for the import of animals.
Packing list for a camper van holiday in Norway
If you would like to travel through Scandinavia with a camper van, there are a few items you simply need to take with you. We have put together a short list for you:
Weatherproof clothing:
The weather can change rapidly in Norway. Be sure to pack waterproof and windproof clothing. Also take a few pieces for layering, which you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. That way you are prepared for all temperatures. A good rain jacket and trousers, sturdy hiking shoes, and warm underwear are also essential.
Reliable accommodation:
Whether you have a camper van or a tent: well-equipped accommodation is the most important thing when you are travelling around. That way, you will stay dry even in the rain.
Cooking utensils and food:
Ideally, you will have a fully equipped kitchen in your California. Think about taking a gas stove and a camping barbecue if you want to enjoy even more of an outdoor camping vibe.
Non-perishable foods, such as noodles or rice, are absolute basics that you should always have with you. Water and a supply of snacks are also essential for on the road. A coolbox or mini-fridge ensures that your food stays fresh for longer.
Emergency equipment:
You will, of course, need a first aid kit with you should the worst come to the worst. But there are other useful aids you should take with you: an electric torch or headlamp with spare batteries, a utility knife and a lighter or matches.
Navigation systems:
Clearly, everyone now has a navigation app on their mobile phone. But you will find there is not reception everywhere in Norway. A GPS device or app on your smartphone will help you to drive the right way and plan alternative routes. In remote areas without cellular coverage, you can use offline maps that you have previously downloaded.
Camping apps:
You probably won’t have to book every parking space or campsite in advance and can look for accommodation on the go. There are various apps that will inform you about parking spaces nearby and also show you the reviews and photos from campers directly.
The California app makes it easy to find your perfect overnight spot. With intuitive free text search and filters, you can book your dream spot in no time at all. You will be best prepared, thanks to clear maps and direct navigation. And the best thing of all: you can even control your California remotely, and always have an eye on all the important data.
A weather app is also an absolute must to ensure that you are always well prepared.
