Budget Accommodation

If you are on a tight budget there are alternatives to hotel accommodation as shown in the notes below, but we are unable to help with planning or specific advice using this type of accommodation, with one notable exception. The notes below should help you make your own arrangements though, which may be useful for a short stay in combination with a self-catering week or for a brief visit to a particular area. You might also like to refer to the Camping Cabins section on the Self-Catering page for further information.

Pensjonats

A pensjonat is the equivalent of a UK guesthouse, and so is essentially a small hotel of fairly modest standard. Typically very few if any of the rooms have an en-suite shower and WC, though some have self-contained apartments with basic self-catering facilities which can be a good option for a family. At present there is only one pensjonat that we recommend and can include in our itineraries, which is Skansen Pensjonat in Bergen. You will need to book early to get rooms here in the busy summer months.

Youth Hostels

There is a well-organised system of ‘youth’ hostels in Norway, which are used by many families as well as young people, and they may be worth considering if you are on a tight budget. Many are the same standard as guesthouses, and most have private rooms as well as dormitory accommodation, though very few have ensuite facilities. You will have to make your own beds however and if you hire linen it can add considerably to the cost, especially for a short stay. Communal self-catering facilities are often available, though evening meals are often served at reasonable prices.  We are not able to include this type of accommodation in our itineraries, but there is lots of information and online booking at www.vandrerhjem.no. Make sure you check the opening dates of the hostels as they are often only open in the summer months.

Rom / B+B

‘Bed and Breakfast’ accommodation in Norway is not very common but the nearest equivalent is usually a room in a private house with self-catering facilities. They are normally advertised as ‘Rom’ on roadside signs. It is quite unusual for meals to be provided. Standards vary widely and many cannot reliably offer advance bookings, so we are not able to offer B+Bs or ‘Rom’ in our itineraries.

If you want to use this type of accommodation there is a book available ('Rom i Norge') with full details of a good selection for you to make your own bookings (see the Maps and Guides page). See also www.bbnorway.com.  You can normally find them as you go by asking at local tourist information offices or by looking for signs.

Skansen Pensjonat in Bergen is highly recommended.