Norway features approximately 50 toll road sections, with fares typically ranging from 2.5-3 euros. However, charges can reach 11-12 euros in some cases. Additionally, entering certain Norwegian cities incurs a fee of 3 to 5 euros. Toll roads in Norway are indicated by a 'Kr' sign and are preceded by billboards displaying the fare. Rental cars in the country come equipped with an Auto Pass device, which automatically deducts toll charges from the linked account.
At Norwegian gas stations, you can purchase 95 and 98 unleaded petrol, as well as diesel fuel. Leaded gasoline is not sold in Norway, but you are permitted to transport it in cans. Be aware that gas stations may be spaced far apart in mountainous or remote areas. Ensure that your rental car in Norway includes essential safety equipment such as a warning triangle, a reflective vest, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
Traffic violations in Norway are met with strict penalties. Running a red light incurs a fine of 350 euros, using a phone while driving costs 140 euros, and even minimal speeding can result in a 185 euro fine. The maximum speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h.
The Ministry of Transport in Norway mandates that small children cannot sit in the front seat. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited. Additionally, headlights must be on at all times, even in sunny weather, as per Norwegian road rules. Fines can be paid directly to a Norwegian police officer, who will provide an official receipt.
In Norway, traffic flows on the right-hand side, and it is customary to yield to public transport. If another driver is overtaking you, slow down and move to the right side of the road.
Parking in Norway varies in cost from 1 euro per hour in suburban areas to 3-4 euros in cities. Note that some automatic parking machines only accept cash in local currency.
Express gas stations in Norway offer self-service with payment made by bank card at the pump, potentially offering lower prices than full-service stations with attendants.
Norway boasts a comprehensive service system, ensuring driver comfort in both urban and mountainous regions. Roadside cafes and motels are abundant, though some may close during winter due to weather conditions.
Norway, the land of Viking history, is brimming with attractions that captivate even the most seasoned travelers. Upon arriving in a rented car in Bergen, make sure to visit the city's main attraction, the old Hanseatic Wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prominent feature in the harbor, where the city's very first houses were built.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Hardanger Fjord, Norway's enchanting orchard. In spring, the area is a spectacle of blooming trees, while in summer, apples and pears dangle from branches lining the streets. It's also home to what is said to be the country's most delicious cherries.
In Bergen, the home of composer Edvard Grieg has been transformed into the Troldhaugen museum complex. It features a manor, a composer's hut, and Grieg's family vault carved into the rock. Grieg himself played a significant role in the construction of this house.
Another must-see is Lysefjord, stretching 42 km with depths ranging from 13 to 422 meters. Notable landmarks include the sheer Preikestolen cliff, the wedged Kjoragbolten stone in the Kjerag plateau, and the Henyanefossen waterfall.
For nature enthusiasts, Jotunheimen National Park is a treasure located on a central plateau. It's home to reindeer, elks, wolverines, and lynxes, with trout populating its lakes and rivers. While in the area, drive to Sogndal commune to visit the Interactive Glacier Museum within Jostedalsbreen National Park, where visitors of all ages can learn about global warming, rock formation, and fjord landscapes.
If skiing is your passion, head to Oslo and the renowned Holmenkollen ski resort, open all year round. It boasts a 115-meter ski jump for professionals, while beginners and amateurs can enjoy the scenic trails on the mountain slopes.
While in Oslo, be sure to visit Oslo Cathedral, the city's main temple, designed in 1697. It's one of the city's hidden gems, alongside attractions like the Opera and the Nobel Peace Center.
In the vicinity of Oslo, the unique Ethnographic Museum showcases a well-maintained park with 140 buildings from various parts of Norway, including 17th-century houses, old barns, log churches, and forges.
For breathtaking views, visit the observation deck on Mount Aksla in Alesund. At 145 meters high, it offers panoramic vistas of the archipelago, the city center, and the Sunnmøre Alps. A quaint café at the summit ensures visitors won't leave hungry.
In the western Vestland region, the Troll ladder road is a marvel of engineering, featuring 11 sharp turns and a bridge over a waterfall at the midpoint of the ascent.
Renting a car in Norway typically involves blocking a sum on the driver's bank card as a deposit, which is not covered by insurance. This amount varies based on the type of insurance selected at the time of booking. In Norway, the standard deposit is approximately 1,000 euros. The rental price generally includes the following types of insurance:
Insurance for damage and theft with a deductible is included in the rental cost. Additional items such as child seats or special trunks for sports equipment can be rented for an extra charge. A bank card is necessary to reserve funds for potential toll road fees and to cover fuel costs if the car is returned with an empty tank.
To rent a car in Norway without a deposit, travelers must purchase full insurance from the rental company. Reputable international rental firms like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt offer this option and have offices throughout Norway and other European countries.
Norway has become a leader in electric vehicle adoption, with electric cars surpassing all other types of vehicles in sales. This surge in popularity is largely due to the government's heavy taxation on traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. When you rent an electric car in Norway, you'll experience a futuristic mode of transportation amidst the country's largely traditional backdrop, with its scenic terrain and minimal traffic.
Driving an electric car changes the pace of your journey. Many hotels offer charging stations, though they may be low-powered. You can trust the car's charge level indicator; if it says you'll reach the next Supercharger, you can count on it. Supercharger stations can deliver up to 120 kilowatts of power, allowing you to fully recharge in under an hour.
Finding a charging card online is straightforward. The highest density of charging stations is found within the triangle formed by Trondheim to the north, Oslo to the southeast, and Bergen to the west. The northernmost Supercharger is in Sørhusen, which is 400 kilometers from the North Cape. You can also use standard chargers or even a regular 220-volt outlet with a cable, although this slower method takes five to seven hours to charge.
Electric cars offer the convenience of not needing fuel, and in Norway, charging is often free. Renting an electric vehicle also entitles you to complimentary parking in certain areas. These cars are not only more environmentally friendly, but they also provide a smoother ride and come with a more intuitive navigation system. Depending on the model and the season, the cost of renting an electric car from local rental agencies like Hertz and Avis ranges from 30 to 80 euros per day.