OK, so you’ve seen photos of campervans parked next to magnificent fjords and thought: ‘I need to do that!’ Good thinking! Norway is arguably the best country in the world for a road trip. However, for a first-timer, the logistics can seem overwhelming.
From deciding where to head first to understanding the ‘Right to Roam’ rules and navigating the maze of automated ferries, we’ve broken down the essentials to help you transition from tourist to pro campervan lifer the moment you land.
Getting to Norway
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) is our main airport and the second largest in Scandinavia. This is where you’ll likely start your holiday, as plenty of major and minor airlines offer flights to and from OSL. You can also arrive in Oslo by train from anywhere in Europe.
Another possibility is Stavanger Airport. This one offers flights to and from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark and Great Britain.
Bergen Airport is another good alternative. Arrive or depart to and from Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Poland and Switzerland, among others.
Trondheim Airport has a few flights to and from European cities, but far fewer than the airports mentioned above.
If you’re planning to explore Northern Norway, including the Lofoten Islands, Senja and the North Cape, the most convenient airports would be Bodø, Harstad/Narvik or Tromsø. However, international flights are relatively rare outside the main tourist season. The most likely and convenient route would be to fly to Oslo first. From Oslo there’s plenty daily flights to your preferred northern Norwegian airport.
Where should you start your campervan journey?
Depending on what you want to experience, here are some basic tips on where to start your camper van holiday.
Lofoten Islands
The best starting point for anyone going to the Lofoten Islands is Harstad/Narvik airport. This famous archipelago is a must for anyone wanting to experience authentic northern Norwegian fishing villages and magnificent mountains crashing into fjords with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Harstad/Narvik Airport is also home to our main office and over 40 of our campervans.
Vesterålen – Senja – The northern part of Helgelandskysten
The same applies here – head for Harstad/Narvik Airport and pick up your camper van from Wecamp. You’re almost there! These areas are less popular with travellers and tourists than Lofoten, but they have mountains, fjords and villages that are just as charming and beautiful.
Finnmark – the North Cape – Norwegian Sápmi
If you want to explore the northernmost parts of Norway, Tromsø is a good bet (it’s a 4+ hour drive further north from Evenes). From Tromsø, you have a fantastic journey ahead of you through Finnmark County and up to the North Cape.
This region is larger than the Netherlands and Belgium combined, with a population of only around 75,000. Here you’ll find plenty of peace and quiet, wild rivers teeming with salmon, trout and Arctic char, as well as marshes offering rare cloudberries, which we call ‘Arctic Gold’ – they’re that lovely! You’ll also encounter what we believe to be the world’s largest mosquitoes (I swear they’re double-deckers – make sure you bring repellent).
WeCamp offers pick-ups and drop-offs in Tromsø, just a ten-minute taxi or bus ride from the airport.
The south of Norway
Depending on what and where you want to explore, Oslo is probably your best bet. The city itself is definitely worth a visit, with plenty to keep anyone busy.
Oslo is also a great place to start and end a round trip through southern Norway, as Charlotte did. Go here to get inspired by Charlotte’s comprehensive itinerary from Oslo to the west coast. Click here to see more exciting itineraries.
The west coast
Both Bergen and Stavanger are great starting points for exploring Norway’s impressive west coast. Unfortunately, Wecamp doesn’t offer pick-ups and drop-offs here yet.
Where can you park for the night? Understanding Allemannsretten
Although Norway is famous for the ‘Right to Roam’, there is a big difference between pitching a tent and parking a camper van. To stay on the right side of the law and the locals, bear in mind these three rules:
The 150-metre privacy gap: this isn’t just a polite suggestion — it is a legal requirement. You must park at least 150 metres away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. A good rule of thumb is that: If you can clearly see into someone’s living room, you are definitely too close.
Park only on ‘uncultivated’ land: While you are generally allowed to park on road shoulders or gravel pull-offs, you must avoid cultivated land. This includes farmers’ fields, hay meadows and young forest plantations. Stick to rocky plateaus, established gravel areas or designated rest stops.
Stay on the road: It is illegal to drive off-road in Norway in search of a ‘better view’. This is especially true in the fragile Arctic tundra of the north, where tyre tracks can scar the landscape for decades. Always keep all four wheels on hardened, established surfaces.
Driving in Norway: narrow roads and Arctic hazards
Norwegian roads are renowned for their beauty, but they may necessitate a different driving approach to what you’re accustomed to on the motorways back home.
Mastering the ‘M’ (passing bays): On narrow, winding fjord roads, you’ll see signs with a large ‘M’. These are ‘Møteplass’ (meeting points). If you see a vehicle approaching and the ‘M’ is on your side, pull in and stop to let them pass.
Watch out for moose (the ‘king of the forest’): While reindeer travel in herds, moose are solitary and massive. They are most active at dawn and dusk, often darting out unexpectedly from dense forests. Because they are so tall, hitting one would be extremely dangerous. If you see a ‘moose warning’ sign, take it seriously — keep your eyes on the tree line and reduce your speed during twilight hours.
The ‘Reindeer Warning’ in the North: In regions such as Finnmark, reindeer are the true kings of the road. They often wander onto the asphalt and ignore your horn. If you see one, slow down immediately — where there is one, there are usually twenty more just around the bend.
Expect livestock traffic jams: In rural Norway, sheep and cows are often given “free range” grazing rights. It’s not unusual to find a flock of sheep huddled in the middle of the road (or even in tunnels, to escape the heat). They aren’t easily spooked, so you’ll need to slow down and gently make your way through. Be patient — it’s all part of the authentic Norwegian experience!
Headlights are mandatory: Even in the middle of the ‘Midnight Sun’, when it never gets dark, you must keep your headlights on 24/7. It’s the law, and it helps other drivers spot you in the deep shadows of the fjords.
The final point is straightforward: all Wecamp campervans are equipped with automatic headlights that switch on the moment you start the engine.
How do tolls and ferries work? (No cash or stress required!)
Norway has one of the most advanced automated transit systems in the world. You rarely need to stop to pay for anything and traditional toll booths with barriers are almost unheard of.
The Digital Toll System: Every Wecamp camper van is equipped with a built-in digital AutoPASS system. As you drive through toll stations or cross bridges, a scanner automatically reads the tag behind your rear-view mirror. There is no need to register your credit card or worry about ‘paying as you go’. We digitally track all your crossings, and you will simply be charged the total amount at the end of your journey. This means you can focus on the scenery rather than the logistics.
Many ferries are completely free: in an effort to support local island communities and remote regions, the Norwegian government has made many smaller ferry routes free of charge. This includes dozens of routes across the country, especially in the north and on the west coast. So, if you board a ferry and nobody asks to see your ticket or scans your vehicle, don’t worry — you’ve probably found a free crossing! For a full breakdown of all you need to know, check out our complete guide to ferries in Norway.
Seamless paid ferries: For the ferries that still require payment, the process is similar to road tolls. The crew will scan your licence plate or read your AutoPASS tag as you board. Just like tolls, these costs are collected via our digital system and settled when you return the van.
Express Ferry Queues: For some major crossings there are often separate lanes for AutoPASS users. Using a Wecamp van usually means you can drive straight into the correct lane without having to pay a ticket collector at the dock.
Live road updates: Before heading over a mountain pass or through a long tunnel, check the ‘Vegvesen Trafikk’ app. The weather can change quickly, and even in June, some high-altitude roads can close temporarily due to snow or high winds. Having this app on your phone is the best way to stay informed.
Where can I get water and empty the toilet?
Living in a van requires some resource management, particularly in remote areas of Northern Norway.
Finding ‘tømmestasjon’ (dump stations): You should never dispose of grey or black water anywhere except at a designated dump station. These are clearly marked at most petrol stations (such as Circle K) and campsites. Download the ‘Bobilplassen’ app to find the nearest one.
Free, high-quality water: Norwegian tap water is among the cleanest in the world. You can refill your fresh water tank at almost any petrol station or harbour. Look for taps labelled ‘Drikkevann’ (drinking water).
Fuel up early: In the far north, petrol stations can be 100 km apart. Make it a habit to refill your diesel tank once it reaches half capacity – you don’t want to be searching for a station in the middle of a mountain plateau.
What should I pack for a day with all four seasons?
The weather in Norway is notoriously unpredictable. As the locals say, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.’ Having said that, you can also experience hot summer days and almost tropical summer nights. In most parts of the country, you can also go for a swim in the fjords and lakes. The water might very well be chilly, but that’s part of the charm!
The three-layer system: Even in summer, you should pack a moisture-wicking base layer (wool is best), a warm fleece, and a high-quality waterproof shell. You might start your day in a T-shirt and end it in a rainstorm.
Sleep masks are useful for the midnight sun: If you’re travelling between May and August, the sun never truly sets as you travel further north in Norway. While our vans have great curtains, a high-quality eye mask is essential for getting a good night’s sleep in 24-hour daylight.
Digital Essentials: Download Google Maps for offline use. Although the mobile signal is surprisingly good, even in the mountains, it is still advisable to have a backup if you are navigating through deep valleys or remote tunnels where the signal might drop. Also, bookmark Yr.no to check the local weather forecast.
