Quote by baguette
Nordcap is on my bucket list. I've heard that Norway is a very expensive place. How do prices of fuel, groceries, and dining out compare with for example Italy/France?
Are there Aree Di Sosta or must you use formal camping sites?
We have been to the North Cape twice, in 2013 and this year.
Both times we were very lucky, beautiful days with clear skies.
But to tell the truth we were not very impressed, those who like us have seen the cliffs of your fantastic island have admired much more beautiful views.
Of course, the idea of being on top of the world ...
That said, let's get to your questions.
As a currency I will use the local one, NOK. It is up to you to convert it into euros or pounds.
- Overnight:
Quite common the formal campsites with prices (vehicle + two people) from 260 to 400NOK, the latter in Molde and Kristiansand.
Note on Denmark and Sweden, they always ask for Camping Key Europe but almost always let in even if you don't have it.
However, some want it as it includes a form of insurance. It can be bought on the spot for around 15 euros and is valid until December 31st.
But in Norway it is not absolutely necessary to use campsites, after all the
friluftsliv (open air living) is one of the characteristics of all Scandinavian peoples.
In Norway there is the Allemanretten law (everyman's right, see
https://www.tromsooutdoor.no/a…-in-norway ) allowing free or wildcamp).
Which, even with due respect, allows you to stop and stay even in private areas. Just don't take advantage of it.
Even if I had the impression that something is changing and, for example on the Lofoten islands, I noted the beginning of a form of resentment towards itinerant tourism.
In August they have now become an unlivable and crowdy place.
Even in Norway, motorhomes have now replaced caravans, the ratio is a Norwegian for every foreigner motorhome.
Too many campers on the roads, the Norwegians were added to the hundreds of foreigners.
However everywhere in the country you will find quiet spots where you can stay overnight.
But those where you have to pay are increasing, almost never for fractions of the day.
Minimum price for a 24 hour stopover in Steinkier, 31NOK. Average 150, maximum in Svolvaer (Lofoten), 300NOK.
- Emptying points:
Once almost absent, cassette toilet and gray water discharge points are now widespread.
Many fuel stations make them available for free.
- Restaurants:
from 180 to 500NOK per person.
Enjoy salmon and codfish but please avoid asking for whale meat which is a protected species in the civilized world.
- Food:
The only supermarkets of a certain size are Rema1000, Coop and Kiwi.
Much higher prices than in France, Spain and Italy.
Especially for fruit which is sold by piece and not by weight, e.g. 10NOK a quite small apple.
Once upon a time, farmers put a table with boxes of excellent fruit, especially apples, cherries and plums, and a box in which to put the amount to be paid, usually little more than symbolic.
This year we have not seen them again, not even in the Songefjord area with its typical and widespread crops.
- Fuel:
Prices are extremely variable, for a liter of diesel you can pay 13.2NOK but also 16.9.
More expensive brands are Best and K-Circle, strange but cheaper are international brands Esso and Shell.
Even strange but we found the lowest as well as the highest price in the Best sales points.
In fact, some distributors offer significant discounts during the weekend or on Monday morning.
Note on AD Blue: Not all but many Esso points and some K-Circles have pump with nozzle for cars and vans and not just for HGV.
