Directory A-Z - Norway - page 1044

rarely drop as a consequence. Some hotels and the overwhelming majority of campsites
close during the winter months, while that rare breed, ice hotels - there are examples in
Kirkenes and Alta - only open in winter.

Prices

Throughout this guidebook, the order of accommodation listings is by author preference,
and each place to stay is accompanied by one of the following symbols (the price relates to
a double room with private bathroom and, unless stated otherwise, includes breakfast):

€ <Nkr750 per double room

€€ Nkr750-1400 per double room

€€€ >Nkr1400 per double room
Prices at Norwegian hotels vary widely throughout the year and prices given throughout
thisbookareforthetouristhighseasonfrommid-Junetomid-August;inafewplaces,dis-
counted high-season prices apply in July only, while in others it can seem as if there are as
many different prices as there are days in the year. The sometime exception to this general
rule is the southern Norwegian coast, where beach resorts raise their prices to cash in on
the school-holiday influx.
During the rest of the year, the assumption seems to be that the only people travelling
are those doing so for business and on expense accounts, and prices can soar accordingly
(by as much as 40%). The exception is weekends (usually Friday and Saturday nights, but
sometimes also Sunday) when, year-round, prices can drop to their much more reasonable
summer rates. If you're travelling outside the summer months, ask the hotel about special
offers to see if discounts are available.
Pricesforsingleroomsaregenerallynotmuchlessthan(andcertainlysignificantlymore
than half of) the rates for double rooms. And remember that if you're making inquiries in
advance about prices, they're often quoted per person for double rooms, so always check.
Staying within a tight budget is difficult in Norway, and you'll either need to stay at
campsites (in a tent or a simple cabin), hostel or guesthouse; within the budget category,
it's rare that you'll have your own private bathroom. A handy source of information
(and discounts) for budget travellers is VIP Backpackers ( 90 62 16 44;

www.vipbackpackers.no ) .
In the midrange and top-end categories, rooms are usually very comfortable and almost
always have a private bathroom.