Any motorhome owner will tell you how magical it is to travel to beautiful places in the comfort of their own private retreat. The beauty of having this opportunity in Europe is that our continent affords so much opportunity for exploration by road. If you’re thinking about your next big adventure, you can do no better than a motorhome trip to Norway.
As a country with very liberal laws on wild camping and trekking and so much jaw-dropping scenery to appreciate, it’s the ideal destination for a motorhome holiday.
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Why Norway?
Norway is full of Scandinavian charm and history, including its famous fjords, Viking legends, cultural heritage and even quaint fishing villages. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply want to cuddle under a natural light show in a glass igloo, Norway won’t disappoint. In fact, touring the country in a motorhome is an ideal way to experience the country.
Norway was also voted the happiest country in the world in 2017, so expect a pleasant stay filled with welcoming smiles and a polite community.
Get started on planning your trip with our tips below.
Essentials before you go
Make sure you brush up on the country’s laws and customs before you go. Don’t assume anything. Norway isn’t an EU country and therefore does have some different laws when it comes to customs. As you’ll likely have food with you when entering the country, make sure everything you bring is legal and in the right quantities.
Make sure you place a UK sticker on your motorhome so that it is clearly visible to anyone following behind you. Likewise, as driving is essential to your trip, bring the documentation that proves your vehicle is fully licensed and road-worthy. It’s also important that you cover yourself with motorhome insurance for peace of mind and statutory compliance.
Plan your route
There aren’t any car ferries from Britain to Norway at this time, so you’ll need to travel to mainland Europe to access the Norwegian land mass. You can take the Eurotunnel or a ferry to the Netherlands, Belgium or France before continuing on. Clearly, you need to go for a substantial chunk of time to recover from some extensive driving to get there.
As wild camping is permitted, you can stay for free right next to the fjords and lakes. You mustn’t stay anywhere longer than two nights, however, so be sure to plan a route that fits this rule. If you prefer facilities, there are plenty of campsites all around the country, often at less than £30 per night. This makes it an affordable way to see the country in comfort.
Wherever you camp, make sure you’re a considerate traveller and respect the Norwegian countryside by employing a Leave No Trace policy, allowing others to equally enjoy its beauty.
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What to pack
You’ll need to pack according to the season, as with any holiday. If you go to Northern Norway during peak summer, you’ll experience what is known as the ‘midnight sun’, meaning the sun doesn’t set and it’s still bright at night. Prepare for this with adequate window coverings, as you may struggle to sleep.
Spring, summer and autumn are usually warm, so you should prepare for mild weather. Pack to explore the many sensational hikes and tails with hiking gear, trail guides and equipment.
Generally, the further north, the colder it is. This means if you plan to travel in winter then you’ll need to prepare for the cold weather and snow with appropriate clothing and winter tyres.
