How to Camp through Southern Norway!

If there’s one way to soak in the untamed majesty of Norway, it’s behind the wheel of a campervan. In a country where you can camp anywhere you would like — where fjords become your front yard and waterfalls your morning soundtrack, I could not think of a more beautiful country to see by Camper. We had 4 adults, one miniature poodle, and ten days winding through southern Norway in an IndieCamper, trading clocks for cliffs, and schedules for sunsets. Here’s the journey.

Day 1–2: Copenhagen to Oslo — One Night Cruise

We technically started our trip in Copenhagen and took a one night cruise up to Oslo.

HIGHLY recommend doing this if time allows, we booked our cruise here. They even allow dogs! We all shared a tiny state room for a night and woke up to have breakfast overlooking the beautiful mountains we were about to explore.

Day 2-3: Oslo to Gol- Lets Escape the City

Once we landed in Oslo, we trekked up to the city from the port, had some lunch then headed to pick up our campervan! We chose to go with IndieCamper, which turned out to be every bit as amazing as we hoped. We saw they had some bad reviews but none were for this region. With little to no plan we decided to find the nearest grocery store and stocked our camper with groceries and gear, and left for the mountains! We used the app: park4night to find out where we would sleep that night. Its a great app that shows you every thing you need to know when it comes to camping somewhere for the night, with reviews! We ended staying our first night in Gol Campingsenter, right before you hit the city of Gol. It was the perfect start to our trip! There were all the amenities we needed for about $40USD. Wild, serene, and exactly what we needed.

Day 3: Hallingskarvet National Park — Into the Wild

Hallingskarvet is a dramatic mountain ridge and national park in central Norway, stretching across the counties of Buskerud and Vestland. Known for its steep cliffs, glacial valleys, and sweeping alpine plateaus, it’s a haven for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. The park spans 450 square kilometers and is home to wild reindeer, rare plant species, and breathtaking geological formations shaped by ancient ice ages. With trails like Prestholtstien and access points near Geilo and Finse, Hallingskarvet offers year-round adventure in one of Norway’s most iconic landscapes.

Unfortunately we didn't see any wild reindeer but we did come across a herd of sheep! They were calm and were used to people hiking around them all day. This was a tough hike straight up a mountain but definitely doable if you are determined enough, and the views were gorgeous, making the exhausting climb well worth it. Make sure to bring water and snacks with you!

Day 3-4: Flam Railway-Flåmsbana

One goal we had for the trip was to take the Flåm Railway. We left Hallingskarvet after we made some sandwiches and watched more sheep, and set off for Flam. Flam is a picturesque village tucked deep within Norway’s fjord country, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the mighty Sognefjord. Getting to Flam took a few hours which we split up by stopping at several beautiful locations for pictures. The scenery in Norway is unmatched and we have only been here a few days!

We stayed the night at Flam Camping og Vandrarheim, again about $38-40USD for the night. We opted for more campgrounds that charged a fee because there was four of us and the water replenishment and drainage of the grey water were included, as well as shower and bathroom facilities. We woke bright and early the next day to catch the Flam Railway! One of the village’s crown jewels is the Flåmsbana, a scenic train journey that descends nearly 867 meters from the mountain station at Myrdal to sea level in Flåm. It’s considered one of the steepest and most beautiful railway lines in the world, passing waterfalls, tunnels, and lush valleys. There is a show at the top by the waterfall that seems to run for a few minutes every time a train stops, it adds such culture to the nature that it makes you feel like you are in a fairytale book. They stop at the top and you can either continue on to Bergen or go back the way you came. we needed to go back to pick up our camper! Highly recommend this majestic train ride through the mountains of Flam!

Day 5-6: Bergen, Norway

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the country’s legendary fjords, as well as the first time we stayed in a parking lot! Right in the city center, we parked our camper and set out to see what the city to had to over us! Nestled between seven mountains and perched on the edge of the North Sea, Bergen blends dramatic natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and a cozy, coastal vibe.

We had dinner at the fish market and it was delicious and fresh.

Historic Charm

• Bryggen Wharf: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colorful row of Hanseatic-era buildings dates back to the 14th century and now houses museums, shops, and cafes.

• Fish Market: A lively spot for fresh seafood, local delicacies, and people-watching.

• Old Town Alleys: Wander cobbled streets lined with wooden houses and discover hidden courtyards.

• Bergen is famously rainy—locals joke that it has over 200 rainy days a year. But the mist and drizzle only add to its moody magic.

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

After dinner we went shopping for some souvenirs and hit the sack to be ready for our fun filled day 6! For day 6 we split up and took turns going to the sauna! We figured since we were in Scandinavia we had to get in a quick sauna sesh. We were able to find one that is positioned right on the water to get the full experience of jumping into some fjord glacier water then hop right back into the steaming hot sauna, and that sauna was HOT! They provided towels and a brisk shower after you were done with your session. We booked here!

While my cousins took their turn in the sauna we watched Laszlo and got ready for a day of exploring. Luckily we were parked right next to a great park that had trampolines, exercise equipment and some very friendly birds!

After a day of fun in Bergen, we set off to find our next camping spot for the night. We ended up needing to take a ferry to our next spot. If its one thing that the Norwegians are good at, is their ferry travel! It was incredibly efficient, beautiful, and there were hot dogs! We boarded with our campervan at the Halhjem station and were set for Stord. Here we found probably my favorite campsite, with the nicest hosts and unbeatable view. Here we made ourselves the traditional Norwegian dinner of tacos! 😉

Day 7-8: Stavanger to Feda

Driving south toward Stavanger, the terrain shifted — greener, lusher, with deep blue waters. We spent the day exploring the city and taking in the majestic views of the water. We didn’t have much time before we needed to make our way back to Oslo in a few days so we set off again to find our next campsite for the night.

We found where we would sleep for the night tucked away in some jaw dropping mountains right on the edge of a lake.  Though the lot we parked on had left much to be desired, the scenery was enough to overshadow every inch of asphalt.   

Day 9: Kristiansand — Ending on a Coastal Note

The final leg hugged the southern coastline to Kristiansand. This beachy town surprised me with pastel houses, sea breezes, and shrimp toast. We knew we needed to make it to Oslo that night, but we wanted to check out the coastal town of Kristiansand. I would love to live in this little marina town. We stopped to get a delicious pastry and some chai lattes. With not much time left we hit the road again and decided to stop for late lunch over in Stavern, and eventually made it to a parking lot near Oslo airport before nightfall. My husband and I had an early morning flight to Amsterdam, where we stayed for a day; since I was able to book Virgin Atlantic business class flights home from there!

What I Learned

• Campervan life in Norway is freeing, flexible, and surprisingly comfortable. Our IndieCamper had everything stocked and ready to go for us to enjoy most dinners together under the awning!  

• Every turn off the main road hides a lake, trail, or view worth discovering. Norway is known for its camping culture and I am so grateful that I was able to experience it this way.

• Travel slow — Norway reveals its magic to those who wander without rush.