Norway is known for its stunning natural landscapes, making it a perfect destination for those who love outdoor adventures. The country offers a variety of sceneries that are best to explore, including fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and coastal …
Read more
backpacking Europe
Norway
Explore North Macedonia
Explore Poland
Backpacking Norway in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Norway with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Norway
Welcome to Norway, a captivating realm of fjords, mountains, and Nordic charm, making it a distinctive backpacker's paradise. Pros? Immerse in stunning natural beauty, efficient public transportation, and a well-established hiking culture. However, Norway is known for its higher cost of living, which may challenge budget-conscious travelers. For backpackers seeking a harmonious blend of outdoor adventures and cultural richness, Norway stands out with its unparalleled landscapes, friendly locals, and a sense of tranquility that sets it apart as a unique and unforgettable Nordic destination.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Norway
Scenery
Mountains
The mountains in Norway offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Two great mountains to explore are the Jotunheimen and the Lyngen Alps.
Jotunheimen, meaning "Home of the Giants," is Norway's highest mountain range. It is a …
Read more
Jotunheimen, meaning "Home of the Giants," is Norway's highest mountain range. It is a …
Read more
Wildlife
Norway is great for seeing wildlife because of its diverse and unspoiled natural landscapes. From the rugged coastline to the deep fjords, Norway’s habitats are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including moose, reindeer, lynx, wolves, and brown …
Read more
Read more
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Norway
- Visit the fjords: Norway is famous for its stunning fjords, such as the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Exploring these natural wonders allows you to witness breathtaking landscapes and experience the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
- Hike Trolltunga: Located in the Hardangerfjord region, Trolltunga is a spectacular rock formation that offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. The panoramic views from the cliff’s edge are truly unforgettable.
- See the Northern Lights: Norway is one of the best places to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. Head to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands during winter to increase your chances of catching this magical natural phenomenon.
- Explore the Lofoten Islands: This archipelago is a photographer’s paradise, with its picturesque fishing villages, dramatic mountains, and pristine beaches. Take a boat tour, go fishing, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the islands.
- Visit Bergen: Known as the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is a charming city with a rich history. Explore the colorful Bryggen Wharf, ride the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene.
But Norway offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Norway
The best time to visit Norway for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with longer daylight hours allowing for more exploration. The countryside is lush and green, and hiking trails are accessible. However, it is important to note that Norway can experience unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sudden changes and pack appropriate gear.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Norway
- Norway's current terrorist threat level is 3-Moderate. Terrorists have attacked cities in Europe, and targets have included public places that foreigners visit.
- Norway has a low level of crime. However, sexual assaults against foreigners and violent, gang-related crimes have occurred.
- There's a risk of petty crime, particularly in and around Oslo. The risk rises during the peak tourist season from May to September. Thieves often work together and use tricks to distract travellers. Be careful in airports, train stations, Oslo's main shopping streets, hotel lobbies and restaurants.
- Avalanches and rockslides can happen in some mountain areas. Extreme weather, floods and landslides can also occur. Check advice on weather and safety conditions before skiing or mountaineering.
- The northernmost parts of Norway are in the Arctic Circle. Be careful in these areas. Polar bears have killed travellers in Svalbard. Follow instructions from local authorities. If you're travelling by ship, check the onboard medical care.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
NorwayMy tips to get you on the way!Does Norway sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Norway. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Norway may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Norway. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Norway may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Norway, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Norway, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
.jpg)
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024