But an unstable krone and increased airlift aren’t the only factors contributing to Norway’s newfound (and once unthinkable) status as an affordable destination. Now the stigma of perceived priciness has been removed, travellers are beginning to realise the Nordic country offers great value for many reasons.
Concepts like friluftsliv (enjoying the outdoors) and the right to roam (permitting people to hike, swim and camp almost anywhere) are cherished by Norwegians, making nature accessible to everyone. Along with the country’s 47 national parks, many islands, fjords and scenic driving routes are free to visit.
There are around 1,000 camping sites for motorhomes, tents and caravans, while self-catering stays can be booked through holiday homes like DanCenter or Norgesbooking. Making use of an efficient public transport network can cut costs – and carbon footprints – significantly too.
“Norway’s extensive rail network is both scenic and affordable, especially with the Norway Pass or Eurail pass, while boat voyage services like Havila offer affordable travel along the coastal areas,” says Slade, who also recommends the Arctic Bus service, which operates between Tromsø and Narvik as well as the Lofoten Islands during the summer season.
Avoiding peak travel periods (mid-June to mid-August) and choosing lesser-known destinations will ultimately bring costs down even further. “For those looking to have a more affordable experience, I would recommend seeking out areas of the country such as Vesterålen and Senja,” says Dan Björk, a product consultant for Discover The World based in Arctic Norway.
“By avoiding the larger tourist hubs and sticking to areas where you can buy local produce directly from producers and dining at family-owned restaurants, you will find much better value for money.”
While it will never be dirt cheap, Norway is no longer off-limits to smaller pockets. We’ve selected 10 of the best competitively priced breaks, leaving change for a Nordic pint or two.
The 10 best value holidays in Norway
Best for self-drive
Without the sticky crowds attracted to so many of Norway’s honeypot destinations, the Vesterålen archipelago is much cheaper and more enjoyable to explore. Unlike the neighbouring Lofoten Islands, trails are empty and villages are largely unexplored – yet the sky-scraping mountain scenery is the same. This new self-drive tour unearths several highlights: spotting humpback flukes on a boat trip from Andenes; admiring Anthony Gormley’s granite Man From The Sea sculpture at Klakksjorda; and visiting formerly abandoned fishing village Nyksund where gulls outnumber people 50 to one.
