Isolated lakes with clear water, numerous rivers and countless streams - Norway is a true paradise for fishermen. A suitable fishing spot can be found in the mountains, forests and national parks. Thanks to the fact that there is so much choice, you don't have to worry about overcrowding, and you can enjoy solitude even during the most popular times. The disadvantage of Norway is the country's high standard of living and therefore relatively expensive prices, but despite this, a fishing trip can be made more budget-friendly with simple tricks.
More chaotic and cheaper in society
Although fishing is seen as a lone wolf activity that doesn't tolerate company, company also has its advantages. Just because someone sits next to you in the car doesn't mean you have to stand next to them on the fishing grounds. No one is likely to mind a nice evening chat and travel companions. You can also invite friends who aren't fishing fans, but who might find hiking opportunities in the same area or just want to get away from home. You can split the costs of accommodation, car and food among the group, so you're guaranteed to save money and have a pleasant company.
Secondly, you could start your trip by renting a vehicle from Estonia. You don't need to fly everywhere, and Norway is just a short drive away. Another bonus is that you have more freedom when packing. You can take all your equipment with you without any problems, and you don't need to worry about how to fit your fishing rods on the plane or where to rent suitable equipment locally. For a larger group, it's a good idea to rent a bus and a trailer with the bus to increase the luggage space even more.
In Norway, avoiding hotels and opting for small camping cabins instead can also help keep costs down. Thanks to the Norwegians' love of nature, such cabins are almost everywhere. Very often there are also basic cooking facilities, which means you don't have to go out to eat every day. However, if you want to stay in a city or town and go fishing every day, that option is also possible. For example, in and around Oslo, places like Gjovic, Land and Toten are worth checking out.
Fishing rods packed, but where to go?
The variety of options can be confusing. You want to go everywhere and for as long as possible, but where is there good access, normal accommodation and a decent catch? If you go with experienced companions, you can use their knowledge. However, if a fishing trip to Norway is new to all travelers, you cannot rely on experience and there is no point in choosing a perfect one. Therefore, it is worth considering hiring a local guide or at least reading a fishing tourism website (e.g. www.dintur.no/).
You can choose a suitable location on the page and find a house that exactly matches the size of your group. The houses may also include filleting rooms or refrigeration rooms, which makes it much easier to prepare the catch for the trip. Although there are also places where you can safely pitch a tent and spend the night in it, the advantage of accommodation is the larger amount of fish that can be brought across the border - 20 kg of fillets per person with accommodation paper, 10 kg of fillets per person without paper.
When choosing a destination, also think about the desired harvest
In eastern Norway, just a few hours from Oslo, is the Hallingdalselva River – 20 kilometers of rapids, waterfalls and of course plenty of fish. Trout, pike, perch, grayling and Arctic char are some of the fish you can catch. And the famous Norwegian salmon! Of course, don’t forget that fishing in Norway requires a permit.
Norway's longest river, Glomma, is very well-known as a fishing area, especially its upper reaches. In the Trøndelag region, the salmon-rich Guala, Orkla and Namsen rivers are located. If you want to fish for trout, Hardangervidda is considered one of the best trout fishing spots in Europe. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent and start fishing. Another good fishing spot for trout fans is in Hemsedal. With one fishing permit, you have access to four rivers and 18 lakes. In addition, Hemsedal is also an ideal place if you want to get acquainted with the world of fly fishing. Although it has not yet gained general popularity in Estonia, Norway is the right place to try fly fishing.
The most exotic is probably a summer fishing trip to the Finnmarkvidda plateau. The plateau is located so far in Northern Norway that in the summer the sun shines 24 hours a day! It is worth heading there if you are interested in trout, pike or grayling. The opposite exotic is in the winter, when you can go ice fishing and when the northern lights are also a feast for the eyes.
You can rent a minibus for your trip. www.rendibuss.ee