Above all, camping in the far north of Europe means: endless freedom and unbelievable nature experiences at your fingertips.
Norway has more than 1000 camping sites, often with breath-taking views of fjords, lakes and mountains. You can choose between everything from minimalist and functional campsites for your tent, motorhome or camper van to fully equipped camping sites with sanitary facilities, electricity and excellent playgrounds.
5 tips for a great camping vacation in Norway
Camping in Norway is a wonderful experience for both young and old, but to ensure you get a smooth trip, keep these five things in mind:
1. First of all, if you are going on a camping vacation in a motorhome or with a camper van, make sure that both are suited to driving on the narrow and sometimes steep roads in Norway.
2. Norway is a rugged country with lots of mountains, fjords, bridges and coastal highways. Some roads may be closed for motorhome or camper van traffic, either permanently or during high winds, so always pay attention to road signs and weather warnings.
3. If you wish to stay at specific campsites, or if you are going on your camping trip during peak season, make sure to reserve a spot at your preferred camping site in advance. The sites are very busy and may run out of vacant spots for your type of vehicle.
4. When camping in Norway, considering ‘wild camping’, at least for a night. In Norway, you may set up your tent or park your motorhome and camper van in nature as long as you follow certain rules of behaviour (see more below).
5. Bring clothes for many different kinds of weather. Norway’s weather is subject to the whims of the Atlantic, and the mighty mountain ranges and fjords means the weather can change quickly if you are camping in these areas.
‘Wild camping’ in Norway
‘Wild camping’ where you set up your tent, motorhome or camper van in nature, is immensely popular in Norway, because the Allemandsretten – ‘The right to roam’ – means that everyone has the right to enjoy the unspoiled nature and camp anywhere in the open, as long as you respect the environment and do not cause any damage.
Set up camp in the quiet of a spectacular mountain scenery, at the bank of a deep blue fjord or along the coast where the rushing of the waves will lull you to sleep – or why not do all three on the road trip of your dreams?
Be aware that in peak season, some areas close to highly popular tourist attractions may be closed to camping in the wild, so always familiarize yourself with the current conditions of the areas you wish to visit before you set out on your trip.
Camping in Norway with children
If you are considering a family camping trip to Norway, rest assured that your children will never be bored! In addition to having Norway’s beautiful nature right at your feet at most of Norway’s camping sites, many places also offer a number of child-friendly activities – from excellent playgrounds to action-packed fun like zip-lines, waterparks, climbing parks and kayaking or SUP boarding.
And best of all: with the number of families camping in Norway every year, your children will be sure to make new friends along the way!
Planning a camping/fishing trip?
If you are planning a camping trip that includes fishing, Norway is one of the best places in the world to go! Many of the country’s camping sites are situated near rivers or lakes teeming with the catch of the season, and often the sites can help you get your necessary fishing permits if you haven’t already taken care of that.
You can of course also pitch your tent or park your motorhome in nature close to the fishing spot of your choice, as long as you adhere to the ‘right to roam’ guidelines and, of course, the local fishing regulations. Is there anything better than catching the day’s dinner right outside your tent – and then cooking it over a fire in the company of your friends?
Camping in Western Norway
The stunning nature of Western Norway is, with good reason, a popular choice for many campers who visit Norway. The spectacular combination of mountains, fjords, glaciers and rugged coastline makes for the perfect setting for a camping trip to remember!
And if you wish, your camping trip can include visits to some of the area’s world-famous highlights – from hikes to Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten to visits to Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord and Nærøyfjord.
Find current offers on car packages to Stavanger and Bergen in Western Norway here.
Find current offers on camper van/motorhome packages to Stavanger and Bergen in Western Norway here.
Camping in Southern Norway
Southern Norway is a popular choice for campers who wish for a relaxing experience, especially because of its beautiful nature areas, such as the Telemark region, but also for its charming coastal scenery and excellent fishing waters.
When you camp in Southern Norway, you will also be close to the incredible Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park and the lovely city of Kristiansand, as well as southern Norway’s characteristic villages of white wooden buildings that offer a special charm found nowhere else in the world.
Find current offers on car packages to Kristiansand in Southern Norway here.
Find current offers on camper van/motorhome packages to Kristiansand in Southern Norway here.
