As someone else mentioned, it's really about knowing where to go. It doesn't have to be that expensive. I'm Norwegian and some of my family still lives there. Prices are high because the standard of living is high and wages are high. There is universal health care, free higher education (even for non-Norwegian students), low mortality rates, high literacy rates. They're also high because a lot of ag has to be imported. Taxes are VERY high on alcohol. My friends and family mostly imbibe before they go out to a restaurant to cut down on the cost of alcohol. I'm not sure what the rules are on bringing in alcohol, but it's worth it if you can. Most hotels include breakfast and afternoon crepe-type pancakes with fruit. It's very easy to only have to buy one meal a day. (And some hotels will allow you to pack a lunch/picnic sack from the breakfast buffet for a small fee - don't just take wihtout asking and paying though, that's not good.) Getting food orders to go also saves you a hefty tax. You'll see lots of people walking and eating in Norway. THe markets are a good source of picnic items - bread, olives, cheese. Brunost, the yummy Norwegian brown cheese, is on most breakfast buffets, and also makes a good sandwich. Cars are EXTREMELY expensive to rent in Norway, but public transit is cheap and overly reliable (it often leaves ahead of schedule, not just on schedule). Much of the best things to do in Norway are free or close to it - the hikes, the bicycling, the beaches (yes, beaches .. it's pretty invigorating to swim in a fjord). When it comes to souvenirs, most things made in Norway you'll find cheaper in the states. I still buy my Norwegian sweaters in Norway for the selection, but they're no bargain. Helly Hansen you'll find cheaper in the states and Canada (I have relatives who have me send them Helly Hansen stuff). If you have to buy gifts, cheese slicers from Norway tend to be well made and work very well and you can get those far cheaper at grocery markets than at souvenir shops.