Visiting Norway by Motorhome

January 3, 2022 in Destinations, Tips for Travellers & Norway

When looking at photos of Norway, it’s easy to feel like this magnificent country is ripped right out of the pages of a fairytale. With glittering fjords, dramatic coastlines, soaring mountain ranges and more, Norway is filled with incredible natural beauty. The only way to believe it exists is to see it for yourself. So for your next holiday, consider visiting Norway by motorhome! This will give you the freedom to plan your own route and take in as many sights as possible. Norway is best explored behind the wheel of a vehicle rather than public transport, and a motorhome means you’ll always have a place to rest your head.

Goboony Visit Norway Motorhome h2 Campervan Camping Nature

Getting to Norway

It used to be far easier to drive from the UK to Norway, as until 2008 there was a direct ferry from Newcastle to Bergen. Instead, you now can take one of the other routes into Europe from the UK. You could take the Eurotunnel to Calais from Folkstone, which takes about 35 minutes. You could take the ferry from Dover to Calais, which takes about 90 minutes. Or you can take the ferry to the Netherlands, either Harwich to Hoek van Holland, Hull to Rotterdam or Newcastle to Amsterdam. 

From the north of France, your easiest route is crossing through Belgium via Antwerp and then driving through northern Germany. You can easily stop in Hamburg for the night. Then you can continue your drive north through Denmark and take the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand, which only take two hours and fifteen minutes. 

From the north of the Netherlands, you’ll drive east until you cross the border to Germany by Hengelo. You can either stop at Hamburg for the night or continue to the Danish border and rest there. You can take the same ferry to Norway.

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Camping in Norway

Unlike many other European countries, wild camping is permitted in Norway. This comes under the law of allemannsretten, also known as the ‘right to roam’. You can wild camp next to fjords, lakes and in the open country. You cannot camp on farmland or cultivated land. You can stay somewhere for a maximum of two nights.

If you’d prefer to stay at a campsite, here are the best options for camping in Norway with a motorhome!

1. Adventure Camp Mehamn - Finnmark

Looking for a peaceful retreat for the evening? This campsite is situated by the harbour of Mehamn, the most northern fishing village in Europe. You’re within walking distance of all local facilities, including a supermarket, restaurant and bakery. On-site you’ll find an incredible seafood restaurant -featuring only local produce- and opportunities to go deep-sea fishing and on a jet ski safari.

Price: £33 per night for an electric pitch, four adults, one night.

Location: Vidar Karlstad, 9770 Mehamn, Norway

71.037992, 27.835307

2. Neset Camping - Byglandsfjord

This peaceful, 4-star campsite offers an unfiltered view of Byglandsfjorden. It offers spacious pitches right next to the water, allowing you to start your day with a swim! There are three modern amenity blocks spread across the campsite, and over 200 power supply points.

Price: £11 per night for the low season, £35 NOK per night for the high season

Location: Setesdalsvegen 2033, 4741 Byglandsfjord, Norway

58.688126, 7.802515

3. Landa Park - Forsand

Landa Park differs from other campsites in Norway due to the unique atmosphere, as you’re given the chance to stay in a real prehistoric village. It’s a great base for many great hikes in the area, such as Preikstolen and Kjerag. You can rent a bike or kayak from the campsite, or go on one of their organised fishing trips.

Price: £20 per night for one person, £4 per extra person

Location: Haukalivegen 24, 4110 Forsand, Norway

58.897582, 6.134995

4. Ringøy Camping - Kinsarvik

Situated by a fjord, this campsite offers spacious grassy pitches, where you can choose your own spot. There is a rowing boat available on-site, which guests can use to explore the fjord for themselves. You can also end your day around a cosy campfire using the wood provided.

Price: £13 per night, £3 per person, £4 for electricity

Location: Kinsarvikvegen 1001, 5780 Kinsarvik, Norway

60.441166, 6.777950

5. Kjørnes Camping & Cabins - Sogndal

You’ll find this campsite only 3km from the centre of Sogndal, making it a prime location to explore this incredible area. Most attractions are within an hour drive of the site. Dogs are permitted on site as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Price: £30 per night for two adults, £4 for electrical hookup

Location: Kjørnes, 6856 Sogndal, Norway

61.211422, 7.120314

Instead of choosing just one of these great campsites in Norway, plan a road trip along the fjords to stay at all of them!

Goboony Visit Norway Motorhome h2 Campervan Camping Nature

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway isn’t too different to other European countries. You also drive on the right there, unlike in the UK. It’s compulsory to have third party insurance, and to carry a red warning triangle and at least one fluorescent yellow vest in your car. 

Norway is home to harsh winters, so make sure to do your research on winter driving before you come. Your winter tyres must have a minimum of 3mm tread. From the 1st of November until the second Monday after Easter Sunday, you’re permitted to use studded tyres or snow chains. In northern Norway (Nordland, Troms and Finnmark), this period lasts from the 16th of October to the 30th of April. 

Some roads in Norway will have toll costs. This is collected automatically through an auto PASS. You can order these by post, and you pay a NOK 200 deposit for one. Simply attach the tag to the inside of your front windscreen and it will automatically work.

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Best motorhome destinations in Norway

Now that you know where you’ll stay in Norway, and how you’ll get there, it’s time to consider the places to visit during your trip! It’s difficult to choose between all the great motorhome destinations in Norway, so a road trip is definitely in order to visit as many as possible. But take your time and be sure to rest enough, Norway is simply a country you might have to explore in several trips. 

Here are the top motorhome destinations in Norway:

  1. Oslo

On the southern coast, you’ll find Oslo, the capital of Norway. Oslo is renowned for its green spaces, museums, nautical history and delicious seafood. Travellers are often quick to dismiss Oslo, hurrying on to the natural sights of Norway, but we recommend taking at least two days in this bustling city. Visit The Viking Planet, a digital Viking museum, and then head to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships: Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune. Next, you can wander around the world’s largest sculpture park, Vigeland park, with a warm cup of coffee. 

Oslo is also recognised for its modern architecture, such as the modern quarter of the Bjørvika district. Twelve skyscrapers make up the Barcode, a stunning skyline along the water. Finally, head to Oslo’s pride and joy: the Nobel Peace Center. Every year, Oslo has the honour of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize. Learn about previous winners and their activities, as well as the history of Alfred Nobel.

  1. Bergen

Bergen is considered to be far more scenic than Oslo. It is surrounded by seven mountains and several fjords, including Sognefjord which is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Travellers often struggle to choose between visiting Oslo or Bergen, to which we say “Why not do both?”.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bergen is Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with restaurants, workshops, studios and boutique shops. It’s also home to the Bryggen Museum which houses displays and artefacts dating back to the city’s early settlers in the 14th century. Head down to the Bergenhus Fortress Museum

  1. Lofoten

When travelling to Lofoten in Norway, it’s important to pack for any occasion, as the weather is known to be highly unpredictable! So don’t fret if you wake up to a rainy day, as you might end your day in some glorious sunshine. 

The Lofoten islands are a popular destination, so make sure to book your campsites in advance! The islands don’t really have the capacity for wild camping, so it’s better to pitch at a designated site for your time here. Given their extremely western location, you might decide to plan the Lofoten islands for a later part of your trip, and we recommend taking at least two nights in this gorgeous area.

Lofoten is the ideal place to see the northern lights if you’re here during winter. You can even book a trip to go horseback riding under the northern lights, or take another designated tour. Don’t worry if you plan to visit in summer, you can still enjoy the midnight sun, which is also stunning!

Only go hiking in Lofoten if you’re highly experienced and ready for a challenge, as it’s known to be one of the most difficult areas. If you’re determined to hike in Lofoten, we recommend visiting in the summer, from June onwards. Alternatively, you could always hike elsewhere in Norway during your motorhome holiday. 

  1. Geiranger

The Geirangerfjord is another UNESCO World Heritage Site - Norway is simply filled with them! This fjord definitely deserves a spot on your Norway travel itinerary as experts aren’t sure how much longer you’ll be able to see it before it collapses.

You can see the fjord from various viewpoints, such as Ljeon, or go directly to the fjord itself. Viewing it from a viewpoint also allows you to see the waterfall powering down towards the fjord. You can also get great photos of the fjord from the Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba, where you’ll see it from 1,500 metres above sea level. This viewpoint is open between May and October, depending on road and weather conditions.

We recommend visiting the Geirangerfjord through a scenic cruise. A boat trip allows you to ride along the length of the fjord, witnessing the stunning scenery and landscape as you go. This will allow you to pass the two most famous waterfalls, known as the ‘Suitor’ and the ‘Seven Sisters Falls’.

Geiranger itself is a small village, with approximately 250 residents. It’s a lovely and serene place to rest after visiting the fjord, with great overnight parking spots. You can visit the Norwegian Fjord Center, which offers a multimedia presentation on the history of the region and its inhabitants. 

  1. Kristiansand

Deep in southern Norway, you’ll find Kristiansand. It’s particularly known for its old town, Posebyen, which is filled with traditional wooden houses. Be transported back to the old days of Norway as you stroll with a cup of coffee to keep you warm. 

In contrast, the centre is filled with striking architecture, such as the neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral, which opened in 1885. Follow a tour of this incredible building with a visit to the Sørlandets Museum, which is filled with Norwegian art spanning from the 1800s to today. 

You can spend your afternoon at the southeastern shoreline, by visiting the Bystranda city beach and the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress. If you’re a fan of seafood, head to the Fiskebrygga quay, where you’ll find fishmongers selling their catch of the day.

Goboony Visit Norway Motorhome H2 Campervan Camping Nature

Ready to visit Norway by motorhome? Be warned, you’ll be desperate to go back again! But as we said, you might need several trips to do this country justice. Or aim to travel for at least three weeks and immerse yourself in the stunning wonders of Norway. This country is a sight to behold and the perfect destination for your next motorhome holiday. So pack your bags, plan your route and let the Norwegian adventure begin!