Quick overview
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Travel type: campervan road trip
- Budget: medium to high – but you save on hotels
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Top tip: shorter driving days, calm driving and a flexible plan
Which campervan should you choose?
Picking the right vehicle makes a big difference:
- Campervans (van-based) are best for couples. They are easier to drive and park on narrow roads.
- Motorhomes (larger, coach-built) suit families who need more beds, storage and a proper bathroom.
As a first-timer, choose the smallest vehicle that meets your needs. Also check which driving licence category the vehicle requires, as this depends on its weight. With a campervan rental in Norway through Campr, you rent directly from private owners across the country, so you can compare many different vehicles before you decide.
How should you plan your route?
Norway is long, and roads follow fjords and valleys. A stretch that looks short on the map can take much longer than you expect.
- Plan your daily distance – 150–250 km is often plenty in a campervan
- Allow time for breaks, viewpoints and ferry crossings
- Do not overpack your itinerary; the best stops are often the unplanned ones
Need inspiration? See the best campervan routes in Norway and our top 10 scenic drives in Norway.
What does a trip cost?
Norway is an expensive country, so budgeting matters:
- Fuel is expensive, and a campervan uses more than a car
- Restaurant meals are costly – cooking yourself saves a lot
- A campervan saves you hotel nights
- Budget for ferries, road tolls and some nights at campsites
Read our full breakdown: is campervan travel cheap in Norway?
Driving tips for beginners
Driving in Norway is safe, but a campervan needs a little more attention than a car:
- Drive calmly: the vehicle is taller, longer and heavier, and needs more distance to stop.
- Use passing places: many roads are narrow, with passing places (møteplasser) where you pull in to let oncoming traffic pass.
- Low gears downhill: save your brakes on long mountain descents.
- Know your height: check the vehicle height before driving under bridges or into car parks.
- Headlights on: dipped headlights are required at all times, also in daylight.
- Respect speed limits: most country roads are 80 km/h or lower, and fines are high.
- Watch the weather: mountain passes can close at short notice. Check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (vegvesen.no) before you set off.
Where can you stay overnight?
You can stay in:
- Campsites
- Designated motorhome parking areas
- Many places in the countryside, under the right to roam (allemannsretten)
Keep at least 150 metres from occupied houses and cabins, and always follow local signs. Read our guide to where you can stay overnight in a campervan in Norway.
What should you pack?
- Warm clothes, even in summer – evenings and mountains can be cold
- Rain gear and good shoes
- Food and basics for the first couple of days
- Navigation: a phone app and ideally a paper map as backup
- A payment card – card payment is accepted almost everywhere in Norway
Pack soft bags instead of hard suitcases; they are much easier to store in a campervan.
When is the best time to visit Norway?
- Summer (June–August): long, light evenings, open mountain passes and the most stable weather. Best for first-timers.
- May and September: fewer people, but some mountain roads may still be closed.
- Winter: challenging driving and short days. Wait until you have more experience.
Planning a summer trip? Read our guide to travelling Norway in summer by campervan.
Respect nature and local rules
- Take all rubbish with you
- Empty grey water and toilet waste only at disposal points
- Respect private property and signs
- Do not light fires in or near forests between 15 April and 15 September
Is campervan travel worth it for first-time visitors?
Yes. It offers freedom, flexibility and a unique way to experience the country. Most people find that driving gets easier after the first day or two.
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