July 13, 2026, 3:13 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Three weeks in Norway, seven locations. During a trip through the south of the Scandinavian country in July, my family and I tried almost every type of accommodation. We set off in our minivan and slept at campsites as well as wild camping in nature. We rented a central apartment and a townhouse on the outskirts of Oslo. On the island of Askøy near Bergen, we stayed in a fisherman’s cabin overlooking the fjord. The experiences varied, but all were good. So, which accommodation in Norway is the most worthwhile?

Accommodations at a Glance

Fisherman’s Cabin with Water View

The first accommodation we booked was a charming little fisherman’s cabin with a view of the water. This was how I imagined Norway and how I wanted to experience it. The cabin was quaint and small–an attic for sleeping, a living room, a kitchen with a dining table, a bathroom, and a passage room with a washing machine. It was on a larger property that provided endless inspiration for our future home. Most notably, there was a huge window facing the fjord, where I sat day in and day out, drinking coffee, reading, writing, and playing with my child. I couldn’t get enough of the view. In short, it was a dream come true in my quest for a bit more inner and outer peace.

Also interesting: This might be the most relaxing family travel destination

Wild Camping in Norway–A Revived Dream

Before my husband and child came into my life, van life was an important part of it. Even since they’ve been with me, we’ve taken a few trips in small and large vans. However, over the years, we’ve encountered difficulties. Restrictions in places like New Zealand (as reported by TRAVELBOOK) made spontaneous wild camping difficult or outright banned it. With this in mind, I arrived in Norway and found myself almost reliving my 2008 van trip: The Scandinavian country still allows what was once possible in camper paradise New Zealand. We could park almost anywhere. Not only in the van, but tents were also allowed. Many places had (clean) toilets and washing facilities, disposal stations, etc. It was suddenly easy again–and almost just as beautiful.

Also interesting: 9 tips for traveling in a camper with a toddler

Campsites

As much as I love free camping somewhere in the most beautiful nature (in the van), I generally don’t like campsites. Too crowded, too loud, too cramped, sometimes dirty. There are several reasons. So, I was pleasantly surprised by Norway in this regard as well. We stayed at two campsites, both directly by the water. One was less crowded, the other very full, yet both were surprisingly quiet. Instead of booming bass, drunk guests, or other types of noise, the entire camping community adhered to the Norwegian quiet customs. People kept to themselves and did their own thing. Even the children playing around seemed to be influenced by this general calmness.

Also interesting: Camping in the car–how to make the road trip a success

City Life in Apartment and House

In Oslo, we had already rented the lovely apartment of a Norwegian author in advance–and I felt right at home, as if I had decorated it myself. There were high ceilings and a view of the sky; in short, I loved this accommodation too. My daughter was equally thrilled: Not only was there a huge box of toys, but the highlight (perhaps of the entire vacation) for her was the three-story loft bed that reached up to the meter-high ceiling. The house itself was in St. Hanshaugen, a central district of Oslo, allowing us to explore the beautiful Norwegian capital on foot.

Our second Oslo accommodation was a house in the south of Nordstrand–an experiment in what life in Oslo might feel like. Like the previous one, it wasn’t a typical vacation rental but one usually inhabited by a Norwegian family. Decorated in an understated, classic Scandinavian style, it felt a bit like living in a chic furniture store. However, looking behind the scenes or kitchen cabinet doors, it revealed a normal family life.

Conclusion: Which Accommodation is Particularly Worthwhile in Norway?

After this more or less brief overview of the types of accommodations, back to the question of which form of lodging is most worthwhile in Norway–camping, cabin, or vacation apartment.

In short: None is more worthwhile than the others. It simply depends on what kind of vacation you want. Personally, I can recommend to anyone traveling the country to do as we did: with a mix of accommodations. We loved having a classic city apartment in Oslo, loved spending hours in the tranquility of the fjord and our fisherman’s cabin near Bergen, and also waking up in the middle of nature with a view of the water in the van. Since we wanted a mix of nature’s peace and city life, it was just right. The fisherman’s cabin was perhaps my favorite accommodation in Norway, but I wouldn’t want to miss the Oslo apartment and wild camping either.

For those primarily seeking a nature vacation, wild camping in Norway is a great option. Those who prefer campsites will find not only a wide selection but also many beautiful spots where, in addition to regular pitches, there are often cabins available. If you want a bit more, yet minimalist comfort, renting a cabin by the fjord is a good option, as there are plenty. And for those coming to Oslo for a city trip, a centrally located apartment is a good choice. But even a bit outside, nothing in Oslo is far away. A tip: Norway is still relatively expensive compared to Germany, especially when it comes to groceries and dining out. So, if you need to watch your travel budget, it’s wise to choose accommodations with cooking facilities.