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From stunning fjords and lush forests to endless hiking trails and vibrant cities, visiting Norway truly is an adventurer’s paradise. When traveling by campervan, you’ll have the invaluable freedom to go wherever the road takes you, but you might be wondering how exactly you can stay fresh on the road.
The real question is: Where can you find cheap or free showers in Norway? Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stay fresh on a budget while road-tripping across Norway. You just need to know where to find the free and cheap showers on offer across the country, and you’ll be just as fresh as the mountain air around you!
Where to Find Cheap and Free Showers in Norway
Finding cheap or free showers in Norway while traveling by campervan takes a bit of creativity, but it’s absolutely doable. Whether you're relaxing at a harbor, rinsing off after a swim, or plugging into a campsite for a night, there are plenty of ways to stay clean without blowing your travel budget. Here are some places and ideas to keep in mind, plus handy travel tips.
1. Public Swimming Pools and Water Parks
One of the most reliable and enjoyable ways to get a hot shower in Norway is by visiting a local swimming pool or water park. Entry usually costs between 50–150 NOK (about $5–15 USD), and showers are included. These swimming pools are usually very clean, well-maintained, and equipped with hot water, lockers, and even saunas.
Visiting a swimming pool to take a shower means you get a proper wash, as well as a relaxing swim or sauna experience. Some pools even allow short-term parking for campervans, making it an even more convenient option for a quick stop during your road trip in Norway.
Top travel trips: Look for ‘Badeland’ (water park) or ‘Svømmehall’ (swimming pool) signs. Also keep in mind that municipal pools are cheaper than private ones.
2. Campsites (Even for Non-Overnight Guests)
While staying at a campsite guarantees access to showers, many campsites in Norway allow you to use their facilities for a small fee even if you don’t spend the night. It’ll typically cost you around 30–60 NOK ($3–6 USD) for a shower without booking a pitch.
To find campsites offering shower facilities, you can use apps like Campercontact and Norcamp. Just make sure to call ahead of time to confirm that the campsite allows shower access for non-guests.
Top travel trip: If you do stay overnight, choose campsites that don’t charge extra for hot water, as some include this in the nightly fee and some don’t.
3. Harbors and Marinas
In coastal areas, small harbors and marinas often provide shower and toilet facilities for boat travelers, especially in the summer months. Many welcome campervans as well, so it’s an option that’s definitely worth checking out during your Norway road trip.
Many harbors charge around 10–40 NOK ($1–4 USD) per shower. To gain access, you’ll usually need to use an app or get a code from a nearby kiosk. We recommend bringing coins in case you need to pay in cash or downloading the GoMarina app, which is a handy app to help you find marinas and it’s also used for access and payments.
Top travel tip: Look for ‘Gjestebrygge’ (guest pier) or ‘Havneomrade’ (port area) signs to find these cheap showers around Norway.
4. Public Rest Stops with Showers
Norway has some well-equipped rest areas (‘rasteplasser’), especially on the main E-roads and near tunnels or mountain passes. A handful of these include free or coin-operated showers, which are usually intended for truck drivers, but they're also available to the public.
Some popular ones include Dombas, Andalsnes and Hageseter on Norway’s E6 road. To find other public rest stops, you can use a truck stop app like Intruck for locating these.
Top travel tip: To find these cheap showers in Norway, you’ll need to look for signs along the road with symbols showing a shower or truck services.
5. Gyms and Fitness Centres
Going to the gym or fitness center can also be a great way to do some training after long stretches on the road and freshen up with a shower. National gym chains like SATS, EVO and Fresh Fitness often offer day passes (or short memberships) that include shower access. While not free, it’s a clean and private option if you're near a city.
For a day pass, the cost may be around 100–200 NOK ($10–20 USD). This option for a cheap-ish shower in Norway would be ideal for longer stays in urban areas or rainy days when you’re not out hiking.
Top travel tip: Ask about short-term access or trial days, as you may even be able to enter for free!
6. Free Natural Showers (With a View!)
If you're truly embracing the wild Norwegian spirit, nature offers some excellent (and free) alternatives to a traditional shower, especially in the summer months. If you’re a fan of coldwater dips, you can find a whole selection of lakes, rivers, waterfalls and fjords for a natural swim and cleanse. Just make sure it’s safe to enter the water wherever you choose.
Norway’s ‘allemannsretten’ (right to roam) gives everyone legal access to wild nature, which means you’re free to explore during your epic Norway road trip, as long as you act responsibly.
Important things to keep in mind when washing in natural water sources:
- Don’t use soap in or near natural water sources, as even biodegradable soap can harm ecosystems.
- Use a water bottle or camp shower bag to rinse off away from streams.
7. Portable Camping Showers
If you prefer full independence, you might like to consider a portable camping shower or solar shower bag, which are great if you’re staying off-grid in some of Norway’s more remote locations for a few days.
You could heat water in a solar shower bag during the day, install a small shower tent for privacy, and use an outdoor shower head plugged into your van. Although it will likely cost somewhere between 200–500 NOK ($20–50 USD) for a decent setup, a portable shower like this pays for itself quickly.
8. Fuel Stations
Another option to check for cheap showers in Norway is large fuel stations, especially near borders or along major transport routes. It’s more common for fuel stations to offer shower facilities in southern Norway and near ferry ports.
Not all fuel stations have showers, so make sure to ask inside or check the website first. If a fuel station does have a shower, it’ll likely cost between 30–50 NOK ($3–5 USD) per shower.
Top travel tip: Some brands to check are Shell TruckStops, Circle K and YX.
Top Tips for Staying Fresh on the Road
So there you have it! Our insider top tips for finding cheap and free showers in Norway will help you stay clean on the road throughout your road trip. Here are some last important points to be mindful of to make your trip in Norway as fresh as possible:
- Always carry a towel, flip-flops and toiletries in a go-bag for quick stops.
- Dry shampoo, wet wipes and no-rinse body wash can help between showers.
- Respect the space by always leaving shower areas clean, especially in shared or public facilities.
Live Your Own Dream Norway Vacation!
Ready to experience the wonder of Norway for yourself? Check out our entire fleet of affordable and reliable campervans to rent in Norway here to get your accommodation and transport sorted. Let us know if you have any questions by contacting us and we’ll be sure to help. Happy traveling!
