There is something magnetically attractive about far-north countries like Norway. And no, we don’t mean only the Aurora Borealis (which results from channeling the sun’s energy using the earth’s magnetic field), but the entire experience of traveling through this amazing country.
Norway is a large land that has a lot to offer tourists. In order to experience it fully, one visit will certainly not be enough. But even if you only plan to stay here for a few days, good organization will help you make this trip unforgettable.
Experienced travelers agree you’ll get the most out of your Norway trip if you travel in your own organization. Thus, you will be able to visit the popular destinations, but also to go inland and discover great sites that may not have been so popular.
So if you decide to explore Norway on your own, one of the first things you should do after landing is to rent a car. You can book a vehicle weeks before your trip and thus save some money, but even if you don’t, you can easily find car rental agencies.
Make sure to follow these guidelines when looking to rent a car in Norway:
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You Have the Freedom to Organize Your Trip
When the steering wheel is in your hands (both literally and figuratively), you have the freedom and flexibility to plan your trip through Norway just the way you want. Whether you have accommodation and need a rental car for day trips or have decided on a road trip without a predetermined itinerary, your journey will be carefree and comfortable if you have your own four-wheeler.
As said, renting a car in Norway gives you the opportunity to be maximally flexible when choosing a route. Whether it will be a tour of the fjords, heading north to catch the polar light, or enjoying the sights of cities like Oslo, Troms, or Kristiansand, the choice is all yours.
This picturesque country has so many lovely and exciting towns, as well as beautiful sites where you can stop whenever you want. You will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes, but also to take some fantastic photos.
Driving on Norway Roads is a Real Enjoyment
Many claim that driving relaxes them, especially if they get behind the wheel relaxed and unburdened. And when you drive on quality and well-maintained roads like those in Norway, you’ll feel like cruizing open seas with no obstacles.
As soon as you leave the cities, the traffic density decreases significantly. It will often happen that you won’t see a single car from the opposite direction for a long, long time. That means you can reach your destinations quickly, without pressing the gas too hard. And an economical ride is beneficial for the environment, too.
Car rental agencies in Norway have a very modern fleet, but you can find a vehicle for every need and budget. So, for example, you can choose between automatic and manual transmissions and different vehicle models. However, experienced travelers will advise you to always choose a more economical car (preferably a hybrid), considering the high mileage you’ll cover while touring this country.
If you follow the traffic rules and check out these tips for driving in Norway, you’ll have no problems down the road. However, don’t be surprised by things like sudden snow drifts or sheep herds on your way. Just follow the rules for a safe drive and always be well-informed about the weather conditions before setting off.
No Rush
When you have a four-wheeler and all the flexibility to plan your itinerary the way you want, time is on your side. You don’t have a strict schedule to follow or pre-set departure timings, so there’s no pressure you’ll be late or miss the train or bus.
For instance, you might want to catch a midnight sun on the fjord’s cliff or a magical blue hour, but there’s no bus departure that late. So you’d probably have to pay for a hotel to stay for the night, although you might already have booked accommodation. So it’s a cost for nothing.
But if you rent a car, you can find a perfect place to watch the midnight sun or enjoy blue hours. Plus, you’ll have a secured ride back to your hotel. So you don’t have to rush to catch the last bus and worry about what would happen if you miss it by any chance.
Comparing the comfort, flexibility, and freedom of public transportation is unnecessary because it’s clear that all the advantages are on the side of the four-wheelers. You can turn on/off the AC if you want, listen to any music you want, get as much luggage as needed, and drive any route. Just make sure you get a reliable vehicle and the necessary add-ons to make your trip safe and comfortable.
You Can Save Money
If it’s your first time in Norway, you might be tempted to book an organized trip because you think it’s the only way to see all the popular sites. Maybe that’s true, but it’s more fun and cheaper if you embark on the adventure of getting to know this Nordic country on your own. And if you do it with a rented car, it’s a win-win situation.
Of course, you can buy a bus or train ticket in advance and get by with just a few tens of dollars for transportation to a chosen destination. Add to that the cost of a return ticket, and that’s the price all other passengers will pay. But no matter how many people travel with you, your costs actually stay the same.
On the other hand, if you decide to rent a car, your costs will be shared. With a simple calculation, you get a figure showing that renting a Kristiansand leiebil is the same or cheaper than the price of a bus or train ticket.
To make this straight – public transport in Norway is well-organized but only in the cities. If you want to go somewhere outside, departures are less frequent, and you would have to plan very well to be able to visit everything you want in this way. However, it can take a lot of nerves, time, and finally, money.
Getting to any destination in Norway by car is much faster and more convenient than waiting for a bus, train, or ferry. Renting a vehicle is almost a no-brainer that brings many benefits. It allows you to enjoy your trip to the fullest and make the most of your time in this lovely country.
