Budget & Costs
Let's be direct: Norway is one of the most expensive travel destinations in the world. The Norwegian krone (NOK) and the high wage level ensure that even a simple lunch, a beer, or a bus ride costs significantly more than in Germany. But: With the right strategy, Norway can also be experienced on a smaller budget.
Exchange Rate (Guide Value)
1 EUR ≈ 11–12 NOK (as of 2026). Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere — even at kiosks and farmers' markets. Cash is rarely needed.
Daily Budget per Person
| Style | NOK/Day | €/Day | Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | 600–900 | 55–80 € | Camping / Hostel | Self-catering + Supermarket | Bus / Hitchhiking |
| Budget | 900–1,400 | 80–125 € | Airbnb / Cabin | Mix: cook for yourself + 1× eat out | Bus / Fjord ferry |
| Mid-range | 1,400–2,500 | 125–220 € | 3★-Hotel / Hytte (140–250 €) | 2× Restaurant | Rental car |
| Comfort | 2,500–4,500 | 220–400 € | 4★-Hotel / Design Hotel | Upscale restaurants | Rental car + Domestic flights |
| Luxury | 4,500+ | 400 €+ | Boutique Hotel / Historic Hotel | Fine Dining | Private tours |
Price Examples (2025/2026, in NOK and EUR)
| What | NOK | EUR |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee (Café) | 45–65 | 4–6 € |
| Beer (0.5 l, Restaurant) | 90–120 | 8–11 € |
| Beer (Supermarket, 0.5 l) | 35–50 | 3–4.50 € |
| Lunch (simple) | 150–250 | 13–22 € |
| Dinner (Restaurant, main course) | 250–400 | 22–35 € |
| Hotdog (Pølse, Kiosk) | 40–70 | 3.50–6 € |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 200–350 | 18–30 € |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 20–23 | 1.80–2.10 € |
| Rental car (per day, small car) | 600–1,200 | 55–110 € |
| Camping (pitch) | 200–350 | 18–30 € |
| Hytte / Cabin (simple, per night) | 600–1,200 | 55–110 € |
| Hotel (double room, mid-range) | 1,200–2,500 | 110–220 € |
| Fjord cruise (Geirangerfjord, 1 hr) | 300–500 | 27–45 € |
| Ferry (car + 2 people, short distance) | 150–350 | 13–30 € |
💡 Tipp
The best savings tips for Norway: 1) Cook for yourself — campsites and cabins have kitchens. 2) Tap water is excellent. 3) Buy alcohol in the supermarket (maximum 4.7%), wine/spirits only at Vinmonopolet. 4) Use the right of public access (Allemannsretten): wild camping is legal! 5) Rema 1000 and Kiwi are the cheapest supermarkets.
Achtung
Norwegian restaurants often charge 250–400 NOK (22–35 €) for a simple main course. A family with two children easily pays 1,500–2,500 NOK (130–220 €) for a dinner in a restaurant. Self-catering in Norway is not a sign of frugality but of common sense.
