Norwegian farm campsite becomes finalist in best motorhome parking contest

Caravan Xpo will take place from 17 to 20 September 2026 at Hellerudsletta, 30 minutes from Oslo. Thousands of visitors are expected, with numerous motorhomes and caravans on display. Tickets: NOK 250 per day, NOK 800 for all four days; children under 15 free. On-site camping: NOK 300 per vehicle per night.

Norway's Allemannsretten, codified in the 1957 Outdoor Recreation Act, allows camping on uncultivated land (utmark) for free without permission, provided tents are at least 150 metres from houses and not on cultivated or private land (innmark). Stays are limited to two nights in lowlands, longer in remote areas, and local restrictions may apply. Violations typically result in a polite request to move, but fines can occur for littering or ignoring rules.

Norwegian motorhome dealer Fjordane Caravan, after moving to new premises in Førde, saw its turnover rise but recorded a loss of millions of kroner. CEO Grzegorz Jan Zablotny attributes the deficit to relocation costs and remains optimistic due to an influx of new customers.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has approved a new sign plan that introduces significant changes to parking regulations at Tangen and Aquarama in Kristiansand. Prohibitory signs are expected to be installed on a busy street in the city center.

A survey by Katar shows that the average motorhome tourist spends 1,000 Norwegian kroner per day at the destination. In Modum, authorities are discussing establishing a motorhome parking area at Vikland pier in Vikersund to attract such visitors.

Editor Knut Randem argues that campsite owners should focus on marketing their own advantages rather than complaining about unfair competition from municipal motorhome parking. He states that motorhome tourists spend money at local restaurants, shops, and attractions, generating income for the entire municipality. Randem notes that attempts to force all tourists to stay only at campsites are ineffective, as many travelers prefer independence and short stops.