RoadSurfing

Roadsurfing is about getting out into nature and spending the night outdoors—whether in a tent, hammock, caravan, campervan, or under the open sky. Many choose camping to unwind from the hustle of daily life and enjoy the tranquility of nature. You can camp at organized campsites with facilities or find wilderness areas (in line with Norway’s Right to Roam) where you can pitch a tent in quieter surroundings.

Benefits of camping:

- Closeness to nature

- Affordable accommodation

- Flexibility and freedom

- Perfect for family and friends

Road Surfing

Road surfing is about traveling by car, van, or campervan without a fixed plan—you follow the road wherever it takes you. Many combine this with camping, sleeping in the vehicle or a tent. It’s all about spontaneity and a thirst for discovery.

Typical for road surfing:

- Sleep in the car, van, or tent

- Use free parking spots or rest areas

- Visit small towns and hidden gems

- Live simply, have fun, and go with the flow

Tips for combining camping and road surfing:

- Plan a route but stay open to changes

- Pack smart—think light and practical

- Respect nature and locals

- Use apps to find overnight spots and facilities

### Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Oslo → Heddal → Rjukan

- Drive via Notodden and visit Heddal Stave Church

- Continue to Rjukan (UNESCO site)

- Overnight: Wild camping by Tinnsjøen or at a local campsite

Day 2: Rjukan → Gaustatoppen → Rauland

- Hike (or take the cable car) to Gaustatoppen—view over 1/6 of Norway

- Drive to Rauland and find a peaceful mountain overnight spot

Day 3: Rauland → Dalen → Lysebotn

- Drive the dramatic Suleskarvegen (open in summer)

- Stop in Dalen to see the historic Dalen Hotel

- Continue to Lysebotn—a stunning drive down hairpin turns

- Overnight by the fjord

Day 4: Lysebotn → Preikestolen

- Take a ferry or drive around to the Preikestolen area

- Hike to Preikestolen (about 2–3 hours one way)

- Overnight in the car or tent nearby

Day 5: Preikestolen → Odda → Låtefossen

- Drive north along the fjords via Haugesund/Hardanger

- Stop at Låtefossen, one of Norway’s most beautiful waterfalls

- Continue to Odda (starting point for Trolltunga)

- Overnight in the area

Day 6: Odda → Hardangervidda → Geilo

- Drive across Hardangervidda National Park

- Enjoy the scenery and stop for short hikes

- Overnight in the mountains or in Geilo

Day 7: Geilo → Hallingdal → Oslo

- Drive through Hallingdal

- Optional stops in Gol or Nesbyen

- Return to Oslo

Gear List – Minimalist and Practical

Sleeping

- Sleeping bag (season-appropriate)

- Sleeping pad or air mattress

- Pillow (or stuff clothes in a sweater)

- Tent, hammock, or mattress in the car

- Mosquito net (if sleeping with open doors/windows)

Food and Kitchen

- Gas burner/stove

- Gas canister

- Pot, frying pan, utensils

- Cup and plate (preferably plastic/metal)

- Water canister (at least 10 L)

- Cooler bag or box (12V if you have power)

- Heat-resistant food (dry goods, pasta, canned food)

- Dishwashing supplies (eco-friendly soap!)

Other Essentials

- Headlamp/flashlight

- Power bank(s)

- Toilet paper/wet wipes

- First aid kit

- Map or offline GPS

- Garbage bags (to clean up after yourself)

- Clothes for all weather (and extra socks!)

Preparing the Car for Road Surfing

- Mattress or foldable bed in the back

- Curtains or covers for windows (for blackout and privacy)

- Storage boxes under the bed or in the trunk

- USB charger for car outlet (12V)

- Solar panel (if you’re out for long and need power)

- Small foldable camping chair and table

- Insulation (for colder weather)

- Tip: Test sleeping in the car at home for one night to figure out what you’re missing.

Great Places to Camp and Road Surf in Norway

Free or Affordable:

- Park4Night app: Shows rest areas, free camping, water refill spots, etc.

- National Tourist Routes: Stunning routes with rest areas and views

- Right to Roam: Pitch a tent in the wilderness at least 150 meters from the nearest house for up to 2 nights (longer with landowner permission)

Popular Areas:

- Lofoten: Dramatic mountains, beaches, and epic camping opportunities

- Atlantic Ocean Road: Perfect for road trips with unique overnight spots

- Jotunheimen: Great for hiking and outdoor life

- Setesdal/Telemark: Quieter areas with beautiful nature and small roads

- Western Norway (Geiranger, Sognefjord): Spectacular landscapes!