Ever wanted to see the Northern Lights? If so, perhaps itās time to think about paying a visit to Norway, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Itās home to a unique mixture of history and culture, along with natural beauty and even a stunning cuisine and local creative scene.
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At the same time, some people think that traveling to Norway has to cost a small fortune, and thatās simply not true. Sure, you can bankrupt yourself pretty easily if you go all out and insist on living in luxury, but you can also see everything you could possibly want to see in the country while traveling on a budget.
The key is to make and stick to a budget and to know where you can save money or do things for free. Luckily for you, thatās where this article comes in. Here are just a few of my top tips for adventure travel in Norway in a budget.
Adventure Travel to Norway on a Budget
1. Cruise there
Norway is bordered by the sea, and so that means that thereās no shortage of different providers who run cruises to and from the country at varying rates and degrees of luxury. Even on a budget, you can take a cruise to Norway while keeping costs down and seeing the country from the sea.
2. Book in advance
One of the main things that you can do to save money on your visit to Iceland is to book as much in advance as you can. By doing this, youāre more likely to be able to get the lowest prices and even to take advantage of deals and special offers. You might even be able to pay up front or in a payment plan to make it more manageable.
3. Go hiking
Hiking is a great way to explore a country without having to spend loads of money while youāre doing it. Itās good for the body and good for the soul, and itās also a great way to see more of any country and to get more in touch with nature. Norway is more connected with its own land than most, and you really havenāt seen the country in all of its glory until youāve explored it on foot.
4. See the fjords
You canāt visit Norway without seeing the fjords, and the best part about taking in the countryās spectacular natural beauty is that you donāt have to pay for it. Nature is free, although you may want to hire a guide if you plan to get up close and personal. Theyāll know the best places to go and will be able to guide you along the safest routes.
5. Try to Catch the Northern Lights
The fjords arenāt the only thing of natural beauty available to you in Norway. If you time your visit just right and you get lucky with the conditions, you should be able to see the Northern Lights in all of their glory. Itās a humbling experience and because itās a natural phenomenon, itās available to you for free.
6. Go in the off season
Norwayās high season runs between June and August, and while the weather can be a little bit nicer during these months, youāll also have to pay more for accommodation and you can expect tourist attractions to be a lot busier too. By heading to Norway in the off season instead, you can save a lot of money and potentially even stay longer ā just make sure that you youāre wearing appropriate clothing.
7. Visit the national parks
Norwayās national parks are amongst the most beautiful in the world, so make sure you take your camera along with you. Be sure to clean up after yourself, too. Leaving no trace maintains the parks for all to enjoy. Many of them are easy to get to and if you want to spend a little extra then you can even hire a local tour guide to take you off the beaten path.
8. Go camping
Even in the high season, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable, which means that camping might not be as leisurely as youāre used to from the rest of the world. The weather alone makes camping a real adventure in Norway, but it can also be a cheap way to experience the country or to travel around it. Just make sure that you have the right equipment.
9. Go kayaking
If youāre feeling brave and youāre looking for a real adventure, Norway is known for its watersports, and kayaking and canoeing in particular can be a great way to see the country from the water. Better still, equipment hire costs are easily affordable and there are providers all over the country.
10. Go biking
Another affordable option for exploring the country is to hire a bike and go cycling. There are a bunch of different routes both in the major cities and throughout different rural areas, so you can go from village to village and even from campsite to campsite.
Conclusion
Now that you know just a few of the options that are available to you when it comes to adventure travel in Norway, the next step is for you to go ahead and to start booking your Norwegian adventure.
Bear in mind that as a general rule, the further ahead you book your trip, the better the savings youāll discover. You can also keep costs down by comparing prices from different providers to see which of them work out cheaper. You might even be able to book multiple trips through the same provider to save some more money.
Just whatever you do, donāt let money worries put you off visiting Norway, because the country is more accessible than you think. Itās the perfect place to make some memories. That goes for a student traveling on your own or a family with kids who are trying to see the world without breaking the bank. Just make sure you have a great time.