--- title: "Motorhome Trip in Norway: An Italian Family's Story" description: How an Italian family rented a motorhome through Campr and drove 1,693 km through Norway in 11 nights – fjords, northern lights and practical tips. image: https://stories.campr.no/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_eae43125de0e4e6fa3d2665f532db1f8~mv2-2.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/italian-family-discover-norway-s-natural-beauty-in-a-motorhome#main-content) [![Campr](https://stories.campr.no/hubfs/images/logo-green.svg)](https://stories.campr.no/?hsLang=en) - Home - Download - Help - Contact - Protection - [Campr Stories](https://stories.campr.no/en) EN [English](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/italian-family-discover-norway-s-natural-beauty-in-a-motorhome) [Norwegian](https://stories.campr.no/) Become a host Login Login - Home - Download - Help - Contact - Protection - [Campr Stories](https://stories.campr.no/en) Become a host EN [English](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/italian-family-discover-norway-s-natural-beauty-in-a-motorhome) [Norwegian](https://stories.campr.no/) Travel Inspiration # Motorhome Trip in Norway: An Italian Family's Story An Italian family of three rented a motorhome through Campr and drove 1,693 km through southern and western Norway over 11 nights, from Asker near Oslo via Hardanger, the Sognefjord area and Geiranger to Trollstigen and the Atlantic Ocean Road. They spent seven nights wild camping and four at campsites, and saw the northern lights on several nights. Here is their day-by-day story, full of... ![](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Forfatteravatar%20K%C3%A5re%20Johan%20-%20HubSpot.png?width=36&height=36&name=Forfatteravatar%20K%C3%A5re%20Johan%20-%20HubSpot.png) Author [Kåre Johan Røinås](https://stories.campr.no/en/author/k%C3%A5re-johan-r%C3%B8in%C3%A5s) January 01, 1970 Calculating... Updated for Autumn 2026 ![Italian family renting a motorhome from Campr to explore Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_eae43125de0e4e6fa3d2665f532db1f8~mv2-2.jpg?width=1200&height=675&name=f42809_eae43125de0e4e6fa3d2665f532db1f8~mv2-2.jpg) An Italian family of three rented a motorhome through Campr and drove 1,693 km through southern and western Norway over 11 nights, from Asker near Oslo via Hardanger, the Sognefjord area and Geiranger to Trollstigen and the Atlantic Ocean Road. They spent seven nights wild camping and four at campsites, and saw the northern lights on several nights. Here is their day-by-day story, full of practical lessons for anyone planning a motorhome trip in Norway. Join us on this exciting journey through Norway! ## Quick overview - **Travellers:** Mum, dad and their son Thiago (5), who live on La Palma in the Canary Islands - **Vehicle:** A motorhome under 6 metres, rented from a private owner through Campr - **Duration:** 11 nights, from late August to early September - **Distance:** 1,693 km by motorhome, about 160 litres of diesel - **Overnight stays:** 7 nights wild camping, 4 nights at campsites - **Highlights:** Folgefonna, Nærøyfjord, the Snow Road, Briksdal Glacier, Geiranger, Trollstigen, the Atlantic Ocean Road and the northern lights ![Italian family renting a motorhome from Campr to explore Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_eae43125de0e4e6fa3d2665f532db1f8~mv2-1.jpg?width=980&height=653&name=f42809_eae43125de0e4e6fa3d2665f532db1f8~mv2-1.jpg) ## Why did the family choose a motorhome in Norway? We are a family that loves to travel. From New Zealand to southern Patagonia, Canada to Switzerland, Polynesia to the Canary Islands, we always look for peace in nature. Nothing beats breathing fresh forest air, watching rivers run at the foot of the mountains and sitting quietly on the shore of a calm lake. A road trip through Norway had been a dream for a long time, but the pandemic and other events forced us to postpone it several times. Now we have finally done it! In January 2021 we made up our minds and bought plane tickets to Oslo, even though we did not know whether pandemic restrictions would stop us from travelling to northern Europe. Simply arriving in Scandinavia was not enough. We wanted a flexible trip without a fixed plan, where we could follow spontaneity and discovery. That is why we decided to travel by motorhome. ## How did they find the motorhome? We searched for a long time for a suitable motorhome for our family of three: mum, dad and our five-year-old son, Thiago. The prices we found were often too high, but then we discovered Campr.no, a kind of Airbnb for motorhomes, through a Facebook ad. On Campr.no we found a motorhome that suited our needs and contacted the owner. After agreeing on the rental terms, we booked it. The support from Campr.no was excellent, and the booking was confirmed quickly. We got a great motorhome under 6 metres, with everything we needed, at a price at least 40% lower than what we had seen elsewhere. A real bargain! ## What is it like to travel with a child in a motorhome? Thiago was very involved in the trip. He often decided where we would stop for the night, based on the landscape outside the window. He loved walking in the forest to find mushrooms and raspberries, hiking on trails and studying the stones by the rivers with his magnifying glass. When we rested, he kept busy with drawing, Lego, origami and schoolwork. We also used many playgrounds along the way. On the longer drives, he watched cartoons and played games on his tablet. ## Practical lessons from the trip Many friends had told us, and we can confirm, that Norway is very well set up for motorhome travellers. There are many free parking spots, public waste disposal stations and drinking water available everywhere. The ferries are easy to use: you simply join the queue and wait your turn, with no reservation needed. They ran every 20 to 40 minutes. Our motorhome had Norwegian number plates, so road tolls were registered automatically and billed to the owner after the trip. We were lucky with the weather: sunny days, mild temperatures, hardly any clouds, no rain and northern lights on 4 nights. To check the aurora forecast we used the official Norwegian website: [Aurora Forecast](https://site.uit.no/spaceweather/data-and-products/aurora/) Of our 11 nights in the motorhome, we spent 7 wild camping and 4 at campsites. At the campsites we emptied waste water, charged up with electricity, took hot showers and used the kitchen facilities. Wild camping in Norway felt very safe, and we were often alone on the shore of a quiet lake, eating wild raspberries and watching the stars reflected in the water at night. We limited driving to 2–3 hours a day, with many stops to enjoy nature and go for walks. In total we drove 1,693 km by motorhome, plus train and ferry journeys. We used about 160 litres of diesel. The Park4Night app was invaluable for finding overnight spots and waste disposal stations. ## The motorhome trip day by day Here is a short summary of our daily activities, which may be useful for other travellers: ### 26 August: From La Palma to Oslo We left La Palma in the Canary Islands, where we live, with a stopover on Gran Canaria before taking the direct flight to Oslo. We arrived after midnight and stayed at a hotel near the airport. Public transport in Norway is excellent and easy to use. ### 27 August: Pickup in Asker and a first night at Ståvatn After breakfast we took the train to Asker, where we met the motorhome owner. We bought groceries before setting off towards Langfoss waterfall (a five-hour drive). The scenery along the E134 was fantastic, so we stopped many times. We spent the night by Lake Ståvatn on the border between the Telemark and Vestland regions. In the evening we saw the northern lights and the Milky Way. A fantastic start to our adventure! ![Scene from the family's motorhome trip along the E134 in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_7610b2450b264b5b80ced7ffe93dbeb4~mv2.jpg?width=4480&height=6233&name=f42809_7610b2450b264b5b80ced7ffe93dbeb4~mv2.jpg) ![Mountains and lake on the first day of a motorhome trip in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_b96dd9b9579644bf8cf61a6b06b5851c~mv2.jpg?width=4032&height=2688&name=f42809_b96dd9b9579644bf8cf61a6b06b5851c~mv2.jpg) ### 28 August: Folgefonna, Latefossen and Steinsdalsfossen After dropping Langfoss from the route, we drove straight to the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall via Folgefonna National Park, taking in the Latefossen waterfall and the town of Odda on the way. The scenery was impressive, from high mountain plateaus surrounded by snowfields to green mountains and glittering lakes. We stopped for the night at Lake Oppheimsvatnet on the way to Gudvangen. At night we watched the Milky Way reflected beautifully in the lake. ![Motorhome by Lake Oppheimsvatnet on the way to Gudvangen](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_171ae62c5555492eb14c527bfd319121~mv2.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=f42809_171ae62c5555492eb14c527bfd319121~mv2.jpg) ### 29 August: Nærøyfjord, Flåm and Aurland We relaxed by the Nærøyfjord, a narrow UNESCO-listed fjord, taking in the mountains and waterfalls around us. After lunch we visited Flåm, where two cruise ships were docked and a busy market sold crafts and local products. Thiago played at a playground there. Then we drove about 20 minutes to Aurland and took a sunset walk along the fjord. The riverside campsite had apple trees, and we tasted summer apples. ### 30 August: Stegastein and the Snow Road We made the obligatory stop at the Stegastein viewpoint, then drove the Snow Road (Snøvegen, also called Bjørgavegen and part of the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route). It is 47 km long and closed in winter at the Lærdal end. We stopped for walks many times. In Lærdal we bought groceries and parked by the fjord. Thiago coloured drawings until sunset, I took photos with him, and my wife enjoyed a drink while the mountains were mirrored in the water. Right after twilight ended, the northern lights exploded for the second time on our trip. ![The Aurlandsfjord on a motorhome trip in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_6dfc8e79eb3843a7b4f8499a8ce19ad8~mv2.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=f42809_6dfc8e79eb3843a7b4f8499a8ce19ad8~mv2.jpg) ### 31 August: Bøyabreen and Oldevatnet On a foggy, cold morning we drove along Route 5 and walked a short, muddy trail to the Bøyabreen glacier. We had lunch in the motorhome with a view of the waterfalls. In the afternoon we drove to Lake Oldevatnet, parked at a lakeside campsite and rented a boat for about an hour at sunset, with crisps and popcorn as a starter. ### 1 September: Briksdal Glacier and Lovatnet We visited the Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen). The walk up took 45–50 minutes and the way down 40 minutes. Small vehicles carry visitors who do not want to walk and stop 600 metres from the glacier lake. The last 600 metres are accessible with prams and wheelchairs. We passed a powerful waterfall that soaked us, and Thiago ate wild raspberries. After lunch by the river we drove slowly to Lake Lovatnet, parked at a lakeside campsite and photographed the sunset. ![The Briksdal Glacier seen from the river in Briksdalen](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_aea8fcd2f2214bddb8e4430164016e3e~mv2.jpg?width=1920&height=1440&name=f42809_aea8fcd2f2214bddb8e4430164016e3e~mv2.jpg) ![Motorhome parked by Lake Lovatnet with the mountains reflected in the water](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_6e6fa14902c648e4823f59f5a604f057~mv2.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=f42809_6e6fa14902c648e4823f59f5a604f057~mv2.jpg) ### 2 September: Towards Geiranger We drove towards Geiranger without a fixed plan. The road climbed steeply past Lake Oppstrynsvatnet and became narrow and exposed at the border between the Vestland and Møre og Romsdal regions, with tens of kilometres of panorama across the mountain plateau. We visited Geiranger Skysslag and built our own cairn. In the evening we drove down to Geiranger and found free parking by the fjord a couple of kilometres outside the village. Thiago sang happy birthday to my mother in Italy on a video call and blew out the candles with her. ### 3 September: Eagle Road, Trollstigen and the northern lights We visited Geiranger in the morning and stopped at the Eagle Road viewpoint (Ørnesvingen), then hiked about 30 minutes to a higher point and ate wild raspberries. Next we drove to Trollstigen, visited the viewpoint and walked a steep, rocky path towards Lake Bispevatnet. We parked with other motorhomes on a stony area near the visitor facilities. After dinner we went out to look for the northern lights. The forecast was promising, and within half an hour the storm passed right over us, with light green aurora dancing over the mountains to the sound of the river next to the motorhome. ![Green and purple northern lights over the mountains at Trollstigen](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_8f17cae97feb4aa580b6e4287ba7e343~mv2.jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=f42809_8f17cae97feb4aa580b6e4287ba7e343~mv2.jpg) ### 4 September: The Atlantic Ocean Road and the aurora of a lifetime We were unsure where to go next. On the way towards Åndalsnes we passed a campsite with giant troll figures and a big playground, and promised Thiago we would stay there. We chose to drive the Atlantic Ocean Road and back, which meant many hours at the wheel. Back at the campsite, which had few guests, Thiago played for a couple of hours. We ate dinner and checked the aurora forecast, which was uncertain. Around 10:30 pm we stepped outside and saw the most beautiful, powerful, colourful and spectacular northern lights I have ever seen. Thiago shouted with joy as he recognised the colours and waves circling the sky, while a light mist rose around us. ### 5 September: Åndalsnes to Jessheim In the morning we walked along the fjord in Åndalsnes. At midday we drove towards Oslo with just one lunch stop, to get close to the pickup point and have time to pack and clean the motorhome. In the evening we stayed by Lake Nordbytjernet in Jessheim, near Oslo Airport, where local families were spending the afternoon at the sports grounds. ![Quiet lake in Jessheim on the last day of the motorhome trip](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/f42809_7f4e52114d72456f9bf0bf7c671f9cb7~mv2.jpg?width=980&height=735&name=f42809_7f4e52114d72456f9bf0bf7c671f9cb7~mv2.jpg) ### 6 September: Oslo and the owner's farm in Asker We took public transport into Oslo for a short morning visit, mostly browsing souvenir shops. In the afternoon the motorhome owner offered to let us park at his farm near Asker overnight to make packing and cleaning easier. We could shower in his home, and Thiago could use the family's playground. The farm sat on a hilltop surrounded by fields and green meadows. ### 7 September: Heading home We got up at 6:30 am and had a quick breakfast. The owner drove us to Asker, where we took the train to the airport and flew home to the Canary Islands. This was a trip of a lifetime. We are already planning the next one and expect to rent from Campr again. ## What can you learn from this family's trip? - **Short stages mean more experiences:** the family drove 2–3 hours a day and spent the rest of the time walking and exploring. - **Let children help decide:** Thiago often chose where to stay, which kept him engaged. - **Mix wild camping and campsites:** free spots give peace and views, while campsites give you waste disposal, electricity and showers. - **Use apps and forecasts:** Park4Night for overnight spots and disposal stations, and an aurora forecast for the evenings. - **Check ferries and roads:** look up ferry routes and road status before setting off, especially for mountain passes. Want to drive some of the same roads? See our guide to [the best campervan routes in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/best-campervan-routes-in-norway?hsLang=en), or read [our tips for a first family motorhome trip](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/first-family-motorhome-trip-tips?hsLang=en). ## Frequently Asked Questions How far did the family drive on their Norway motorhome trip? The family drove 1,693 km by motorhome over 11 nights, plus train and ferry journeys. They used about 160 litres of diesel and kept to 2–3 hours of driving a day, with plenty of stops for walks and time to enjoy the scenery along the way. Can you see the northern lights from a motorhome in southern Norway? Yes. The family saw the northern lights on four nights between late August and early September, including at Ståvatn, in Lærdal, near Trollstigen and near Åndalsnes. The aurora is never guaranteed, but it pays to follow the forecast and look up on dark, clear nights. Is wild camping in a motorhome safe in Norway? The family found wild camping very safe and spent seven of their eleven nights at free spots, often alone by quiet lakes. Always follow parking signs, show consideration for neighbours and nature, and use disposal stations for grey water and toilet waste. How are road tolls paid in a rented motorhome? The family's motorhome had Norwegian number plates, so tolls were registered automatically and billed to the owner after the trip. When you rent, agree with the owner in advance how tolls and ferry fares will be settled. Ready for your own adventure? **[Rent a campervan in Norway on Campr and explore at your own pace](https://campr.no/camper-rental-norway)** Share blog on Copied! ## Table of content ## Related Blogs [![Campr Van langs norske innsjøer](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Featured%20image%20Campr%20blog%20(3).png?width=352&height=220&name=Featured%20image%20Campr%20blog%20(3).png) Best Campervan Routes in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/best-campervan-routes-in-norway?hsLang=en) [![Northern lights over northern Norway on a campervan trip](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/49d573_67ca0562324943c3b78e0384bc7c23ef~mv2-1.png?width=352&height=220&name=49d573_67ca0562324943c3b78e0384bc7c23ef~mv2-1.png) Northern Lights in Norway by Campervan: Best Places](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/best-places-to-see-northern-lights-in-norway-by-campervan?hsLang=en) [![Children enjoying a family motorhome holiday in Norway](https://stories.campr.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/9a05c8_5dca39dc1c224cd9b8f7f7fbeab3fc38~mv2-1.jpg?width=352&height=220&name=9a05c8_5dca39dc1c224cd9b8f7f7fbeab3fc38~mv2-1.jpg) First Family Motorhome Trip in Norway: 8 Tips](https://stories.campr.no/en/post/first-family-motorhome-trip-tips?hsLang=en) ## Comments [![LogoWhite-footer](https://stories.campr.no/hubfs/images/LogoWhite-footer.svg)](https://stories.campr.no/?hsLang=en) ### Newsletter Get travel inspiration and updates straight to your inbox. 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