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There may be exceptions to this rule, but Europe is not a cheap destination for American travelers generally.
Whether it’s the stronger euro, which has outpaced the dollar in recovery in recent months, or the elevated cost of flights and accommodation, setting aside some extra cash ahead of that long-anticipated ‘Eurotrip’, irrespective of the destination, is now a general requirement.
There has always been one country, however, ill-reputed for being shockingly expensive – more so than average – and almost impossible to visit for those on a stricter budget, though it may finally be getting cheaper and thus more accessible to all.
Prices Drop Across Norway For Foreigners
Located in Scandinavia, a historical region in Northern Europe, Norway has historically been considered a ‘high cost’ destination.
Interestingly, it has been getting progressively cheaper in recent months, as reported by the country’s own leading tourism organization, Visit Norway. Due to the lower inflation rates and a weaker currency, prices in Norway have dropped considerably.
As Visit Norway notes, it has become ‘far more affordable’ for most visitors, particularly those traveling with dollars, euros, or British pounds, as the Norwegian Krone has significantly lost value in 2023.
At the time of writing, on July 24, 2023, the exchange rate was US$1.00 to NOK 10.10. For comparison, in early 2022, one dollar equaled roughly NOK 8, proving the American currency has continued to gain ground against Norway’s national Krone.
For every US$100, you now get around NOK 1,009. Visit Norway notes that an ‘average’ hotel room for two people with a ‘good’ breakfast included will typically cost NOK 1350, or around US$133.72, a more reasonable price that brings Norway in line with its European counterparts.
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Norway Is Now Cheaper Than Iceland Or Switzerland
Tourists are still expected to pay ‘a bit more’ in big cities and/or popular places during peak seasons, but there’s no denying prices in Norway are beginning to reflect those in the rest of Europe. It once was, after all, one of the continent’s most expensive destinations.
For comparison, tourists should still expect to pay over US$241, and at times up to US$315 for a mid-range hotel in Iceland this summer, as seen on Booking.com. Iceland continues to be Europe’s priciest destination, alongside Switzerland.
Though it is by no means a budget destination – you won’t find Albania’s or Bulgaria’s irresistible deals here – its absence from the Eurozone, which does not bind Norway to Brussels’ monetary policies, and the global economic downturn have contributed to Norway’s new ‘affordability’ and popularity among travelers.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Norway Nowadays?
A liter of petrol can cost as little as US$1.88 in certain stations. The same applies to a liter of milk purchased from markets, while a cappuccino at a coffee bar will cost you between US$3.47 and US$6.44. As for budget restaurant meals, US$16.83 or up to US$34.64 on average.
If you want to treat yourself to three courses in a mid-range eatery, be prepared to spend a minimum of US$64.34, or as much as US$148.47 in the local currency. Norway also has some incredible locally-brewed beer, and it will cost you between US$1.88 and US$2.47, depending on the brand.
As you can see, it is no Western Balkans, but prices are fairly decent. In fact, Americans now get around 36 percent more value for every dollar spent in Norway than five years ago, and ‘close to double’ compared to rates for the last ten years.
Last year alone, the dollar gained 18% more value over the Norwegian krone. Americans are not the only ones benefitting from Norway’s price drop, as their neighboring Swedes are now taking cross-border trips for cheaper groceries when it was the other way around previously.
According to the annual Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey, Oslo is nowhere to be found on the top 20 list of most expensive cities in the world, and as long as you don’t drink heavily in bars and restaurants and you’re not a smoker, prices are not drastically different from many Western European countries’.
How To Save Money On A Norway Trip
Buying tickets ahead of time and traveling outside the main tourist season may also contribute to a cheaper Norway experience, as well as traveling slowly and staying in a single area longer in order to benefit from long-stay discounts.
Traveling in a large group can reduce costs, too, as the price of accommodation can be shared, and cooking at home most days, or even catching your own food, such as fishing – yes, you are allowed to fish in Norway – you will be saving on restaurant expenses.
Norway is a beautiful country with an inestimable cultural wealth and an abundance of nature. Famous for its picturesque fjords, stave churches, and Viking heritage, it is a bucket list destination for millions of American travelers.
Luckily, it is no longer an unattainable dream, especially now that more affordable flights have launched, bridging the Transatlantic gap between both continents.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com