Explore Norway
Norway is the Scandinavia bucket-list trip: fjords, mountain passes, Atlantic Road, Lofoten. It is also not in the EU, which means customs checks at the border, its own toll system, and some of the strictest alcohol rules in Europe. Plan ahead for AutoPASS tolls, Vinmonopolet opening hours, and a customs allowance that is more generous than the EU on dairy but tight on spirits. This guide covers what you need to know.
Last verified: 21 April 2026
Got a specific question?
Got a question about driving, kit, or campsites in Norway? Ask here without going through the full trip planner.
Driving rules
Norway's drink-drive limit is one of the lowest in Europe. Random breath tests are common, and penalties start at fines plus a licence ban. A bottle of mid-strength beer can put you over. Plan to drive a full night after drinking.
Driving tips
- Speed limits are strictly enforced with speed cameras (fotoboks) and average-speed (streknings-ATK) systems. Fines are very high.
- Tunnels are everywhere, over 1000 of them. Switch to dipped headlights, keep distance, and never stop inside.
- Mountain passes close in winter. Check vegvesen.no before setting off between October and May.
- Ferries are a normal part of driving in the fjord regions. Many take AutoPASS payment automatically.
- Wild animals (elk, reindeer, sheep) on the road are routine in rural areas. Slow down in dawn and dusk, and pay attention to warning signs.
- Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes follow lorry speed limits.
Required kit
Vehicles over 3,500 kg
Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes follow lorry speed limits. Know your vehicle's MAM before you travel.
Towing a caravan
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
Norway uses the AutoPASS electronic toll system on ferries, bridges, tunnels, and many road sections. There are no booths, cameras read your number plate and bill you. Register your UK vehicle with EPC (Euro Parking Collection) at epcplc.com before you travel to get automated billing at the standard rate and ferry discounts. Without registration, you will be posted an invoice at a higher rate.
Oslo and Bergen have urban congestion rings with higher charges at rush hour, also collected via AutoPASS.
Vignette
Norway does not use a vignette. AutoPASS is the only system.
Low emission zones
Rather than a separate LEZ sticker scheme, Oslo and Bergen bake environmental differentiation into the AutoPASS toll itself. Older diesel vehicles simply pay more per passage during rush hour. No paperwork needed, but budget more if your motorhome is a pre-Euro-6 diesel.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
Sunday trading is restricted in Norway. Large supermarkets close, but small corner shops (brustad-buer), bakeries, and petrol stations stay open. Plan your big shop for Saturday.
Alcohol
Norway's alcohol rules are among the strictest in Europe. Expect to pay a lot, spirits are roughly three times UK prices. Use your customs allowance carefully at the border and keep receipts.
Local tips
- Card and mobile payment (Vipps) are universal. Cash is rarely needed.
- Petrol is expensive, plan fill-ups around major towns and fill before heading into the mountains.
- Pharmacies (Apotek) are the only source for paracetamol and similar medicines.
- Free motorhome overnight stops are common at rest areas (rasteplass) and lay-bys, but follow allemannsretten and move on after one night.
Motorhome LPG and gas in Norway
Norway uses the ACME and Dish fittings for Autogas refills. The LPG network is very limited, only around 20 stations across the country, concentrated along the southern motorway corridors and near the Swedish border. If you rely on a refillable Autogas tank, fill up before entering Norway.
For bottled gas, the main Norwegian brand is Propan (Primagaz). Bottles are available at fuel stations and camping shops but use different fittings to UK Calor.
UK Calor bottles cannot be swapped or exchanged anywhere in Europe. Either carry a 3-piece adapter kit or fit a refillable system before you leave. Read our complete guide to motorhome gas and LPG in Europe.
Motorhome electric hook-ups in Norway
Norwegian campsites typically offer 10A to 16A hook-ups, which is plenty for most motorhome needs. Standard CEE blue plugs are universal. Voltage is a stable 230V.
Reverse polarity is uncommon in Norway. Campsite bollards are often unlocked, so you can reset a tripped breaker yourself. Many rest areas and small motorhome aires have coin or card-operated power posts.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- Passport
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Insurance Certificate
- Travel Insurance Proof
Rental or hire vehicle
- VE103 Certificate
- Driving Licence Check Code
- International Driving Permit (if you still hold a paper licence)
Travelling with dogs
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
Norway is not in the EU, so customs is a separate step at the border. Allowances per adult: 1.5 litres wine plus 2 litres beer OR 1 litre spirits plus 1.5 litres wine plus 2 litres beer, plus 200 cigarettes, plus up to 10 kg of meat and dairy. The dairy allowance is notably more generous than EU rules. Above these thresholds, declare and pay duty. Keep receipts in case customs ask. Pet food in unopened original packaging is generally permitted.
Border and entry
Because Norway is not in the EU, customs officers will ask about meat, dairy, alcohol, and tobacco at the border. Be honest, allowances are reasonable but fines for exceeding them undeclared are steep.
Useful links
Common questions
How do I pay tolls in Norway as a UK motorhome driver?
Norway uses the AutoPASS electronic toll system. There are no booths, cameras read your number plate at each toll point. Register your vehicle with EPC (epcplc.com) before the trip for automated billing at the standard rate. Without pre-registration you will get a post-trip invoice from EPC at a higher rate. Expect around NOK 30 to NOK 70 (EUR 3 to EUR 6) per toll crossing, with higher rates in Oslo and Bergen rush hours.
Can I wild camp in a motorhome in Norway?
Yes, within limits. Norway's allemannsretten (right to roam) permits motorhomes to stay one night on uncultivated land at least 150 metres from inhabited buildings. Many lay-bys, rest areas, and fjordside pull-ins tolerate overnight stays. Leave no trace, avoid fires in summer, and move on after one night. Paid campsites are better for longer stays and have full facilities.
Is Norway part of the Schengen area for UK visitors?
Yes. Norway is not in the EU but it is in Schengen via the EEA. For UK visitors the same 90-in-180-day visa-free rule applies and the same EES biometric checks will apply once live. Customs is separate though, expect a check on food, alcohol, and tobacco allowances at the border since Norway is outside EU customs territory.
Can I take my dog to Norway in a motorhome?
Yes, but Norway's rules are slightly stricter than EU countries. Your dog needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (check with your vet whether a titer test is required), and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your UK vet within 10 days of travel. Tapeworm treatment is not required to enter Norway, but you still need one administered by a vet between 24 hours and 5 days before your return to the UK.