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We recenty hiked 600km in Norway and camped almost every night for three weeks, both at campsites and wild camping. Before arriving in Norway we were not sure about the camping situation and what to expect, but honestly it was such a wonderful experience we would recommend to everyone. Here is a guide to camping in Norway whether at campsites or wild camping.
Can you wild camp in Norway?
It is legal to wild camp in Norway and the country has a long tradition of enjoying the great outdoors with its right to roam on public land. However there are some simple rules that should be followed if you do decide to wild camp.
- Position you tent at least 150 meters away from all dwellings on public land.
- Signs with ‘no camping’ do appear. They are usually there for good reason rather than just to keep you out.
- Norway can get dry during summer months and fires are not permitted near woods during this time of year.
Are campsites expensive in Norway?
Norway campsites while not dirt cheap compared to some of there European cousins could not be called expensive. Having stayed at around 10 campsites while staying in Norway, the average cost to pitch a tent for two people per night was around $20. On top of this it was normal to buy shower tokens which gave a hot shower for around 5 minutes, each token cost around $1. The facilities on nearly all sites were fantastic with well run, clean bathrooms and kitchens. The only area where you can get stung on price is in the camp shop selling food and drink. These prices tend to be double or triple what you would pay at the local supermarket. If you are on foot, make sure to bring your supplies with you.
(Norway has some amazing places to pitch a tent)
Can you cook at Norweigan camp sites?
Cooking facilities existed at around 60% of the campsites we stayed at. They were clean if a bit simple, with usually just a kettle and hob to boil water. Best to check in advance to see if there is access to a kitchen. This one of the most asked questions we had when writing a guide to camping in Norway.
Do you need to book campsites in Norway?
It is highly unlikely a campsite will be totally full and unable to take a single tent, so no need to book so far ahead. Campsites we stayed at during the month of June were sometimes totally empty and at the busier ones only at 40% capacity. Some campsites in Norway operate a self service model, whereby there will be no staff when you arrive. The staff will either arrive in the morning to ask for payment or sometimes a message at reception will ask you to leave money into a letterbox. Very trusting!
Should I take a tent to walk the St Olaves Way?
The St Olaves Ways are pilgrimages through Norway (and Sweden) ending in the wonderful city of Trondheim. We completed this pilgramage in the month of June and I would highly recommend taking a tent, even as a solo traveller. The flexibility it gave us to camp anywhere while reducing our costs was invaluable. The endless daylight in Norway over the summer meant that setting up and taking down the tent was effortless as we could always see clearly. See below for some tents we recommend on Amazon.
What tents and equipment are suitable for camping in Norway?
Some of the camping equipment we used. Find them on Amazon!
Night Cat Instant Popup Tents 2-3 Persons with Footprint Tarp Easy Setup Camping Tent – we love this tent as it takes no time to put up and down. We times ourselves, around 1 minute. It’s also super lightweight.
Hyke & Byke Eolus 15 F Hiking & Backpacking Sleeping Bag – 3 Season, 800FP Goose Down Sleeping Bag – Ultralight, you will most likely need a 3 season sleeping bag as it could get cold even in summer.
50L Hiking Backpack Men Camping Backpack with rain cover 45l+5l Lightweight Backpacking Backpack Travel Backpack
POWERLIX Ultralight Sleeping Pad for Camping with Inflating Bag, Carry Bag, Repair Kit – Compact Lightweight Camping Mat, Outdoor Backpacking Hiking Traveling Camping Air Mattress Airpad – essential for avoiding the cold floor.
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Hiking Work Boots Men’s Tactical Boots 6 Inches Lightweight Military Boots Breathable Desert Boots
Berghaus Men’s Rain Jacket Waterproof Hydroshell – best in class for waterproof jackets.
Does Norway have good camping weather?
Many will wonder whether Norway is warm enough for camping. While not bakingly hot like southern Europe, Norway summer weather is in the 20Cs, but the best thing is the amount of daylight hours. While camping in June, it was almost continual sunlight. This may sound like it was hard to sleep so make sure you take an eye mask with you.
Do Norway camp sites sell alcohol?
Typically not. In fact alcohol in Norway is not the easiest to purchase if you compare to to other European countries. If you want to buy low level alcohol (4.7% or less, beer, cider ect.) head to any supermarket before 8pm weekdays and 6pm weekends. Stronger spirits and wine will have to be purchased from specialist alcohol stores usally only located in large towns and cities.
What are Norway cabins? (If I don’t have a tent)
If you don’t have a tent and still want to stay at campsites then you could rent a cabin. These small red buildings have beds, plugs and sometimes a hob to cook on. They are however more expensive than tents costingusually around $60 a night. There is more information on this on our other guides of Norway and cacmping.
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Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find yours on here on Amazon and get the travelling started!
How to walk the Norwegian Camino: Oslo to Trondheim on St Olav’s Way
Norway Travel Guide by World Citizen
Lonely Planet Norway
Rick Steves Scandinavia
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