There is a wide range of high-quality accommodation in Norway, from first-class hotels to rooms in private houses. Tourist offices can help you to make reservations in all categories. Otherwise, there are usually signs indicating accommodation along the highways. If you are going to be travelling in Norway during the high season and plan to visit the largest cities or very popular tourist areas, you should book accommodation ahead of time.But if you plan to travel along back roads it is usually easy to find a room at short notice.
Hotels
Norway offers accommodation to fit any budget. There is everything from luxury hotels to small, family-operated hotels. Especially popular are the many fine old wood-built hotels that have a unique atmosphere.
The hotel chains often have various types of holiday passes and discount schemes that are valid for their hotels only. Most hotels also offer special weekend and summer prices. The service and facilities at Norwegian hotels are of an international standard. Full board is available for guests staying in the same hotel for at least 3 to 5 days, and there are reductions for children. There is usually only a nominal extra fee for children who sleep in their parents' room.
Camping
Norway has more than 1000 camping sites that are classified by 1 to 5 stars depending on their standard and the facilities they offer. Many camping sites have cabins that can be booked in advance.
If you plan to sleep in a tent, you may do so for up to 48 hours anywhere in the forests or mountains except in cultivated fields, as long as your tent is no closer than 150 metres from the nearest house. It is also prohibited to park your camper overnight closer than 150 metres from the nearest house or cabin. Remember that open fires are prohibited in forests and fields from 15 April to 15 September.
Rental Accommodation
Houses, apartments and cabins can be rented for shorter or longer periods of time. These rentals are arranged through rental firms or advertisements in local newspapers. Private accommodation can be arranged through tourist information offices. This is a simple but often pleasant way to stay in a country, and it gives you a better chance to make contact with people. Along the road you will also see signs advertising rooms for rent. They will say "rom" or "husrom". Cabins can mainly be rented for a minimum of one week through cabin rental agencies.
Other Accommodation
Mountain cabins are popular places for overnight stays for climbers and hikers in the mountains. Most of them belong to the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association's network. There are three different categories: attended, self-service and unattended.
Another place to stay in the mountains is at a mountain farm, where you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere. Along the coast, particularly in the north, there are both old and newly built fishermen's shacks for rent. Some of these were the original shacks where the fishermen slept when they spent long periods away from their homes for the fishing.
Farm stays are an excellent alternative for families with children, and there are many farms to choose from. You can also stay in a boarding house, which will have a simpler standard than hotels. Another unique experience is staying at an old, restored lighthouse.
By Innovation Norway