Camping Norway in a Tesla: Real Tips From a Couple and Their Pup

When you picture camping in Norway, you probably imagine majestic fjords, misty mountains, and lush green forests—and you’d be right. But for Fabian, Mafe, and their dog Björn, the experience went even deeper. With nothing but their Model Y, a Havnby mattress, and a sense of adventure, they turned their first-ever Tesla camping trip into a memory for life.

“The country is like something out of a fairytale,” they wrote. “It’s nonstop, never-ending magical landscapes.”

And that’s exactly what Norway delivers. But even the most beautiful places require a bit of prep—so here are their biggest takeaways from a week on the road with their Tesla.

1. A Good Mattress Is Non-Negotiable

Before they discovered Havnby, Fabian and Mafe had tried the usual DIY tricks—reclined seats, duvets, and layers of blankets. But as they put it: “Your mattress will be your best friend.”

Their Model Y mattress provided much-needed support night after night. “We’re so grateful for that decision,” they said. It made their sleep more restful, and the mornings more refreshing, especially after long hikes with Björn through the Norwegian woods.

2. Don’t Skip Window Shades

Here’s where things got a bit tricky: they forgot to bring window covers.

“We had to hang towels and clothes… and there aren’t many things inside the Tesla to latch onto,” they admitted. A proper set of shades (like Havnby’s custom-fit ones) would’ve saved a lot of hassle—and privacy.

3. Plan, But Be Flexible

Norway offers a unique right called Allemannsretten, which allows free camping in nature as long as you’re respectful. Fabian and Mafe used apps like park4night, but also relied on Google Maps satellite view to find hidden roads, rest spots, and breathtaking pull-offs not listed anywhere else.

“There are limitless places to stay the night,” they noted.

4. Camp Mode? Maybe Not

While many Tesla owners default to “Camp Mode,” this couple found that simply running ventilation at night worked better for them. It saved up to 20% of battery per night and still kept the cabin cool—even in Norway’s summer evenings.

5. Pack Smart—Especially Socks

With limited interior space, organization is crucial. Here’s what worked for them:

Rotate key items (cooking gear, tables) to the front when setting up camp
Store lesser-used items (extra clothes) under the mattress
Always bring extra socks and underwear, and at least two pairs of hiking shoes

Oh—and if you bring a drone like they did, consider bringing binoculars too. They lost sight of theirs in a tree (don’t worry, they found it).

A Final Word from Fabian and Mafe

“It was our first time camping like this. We did 60% free camping and 40% paid campsites. Norway is expensive, but this kind of travel made it more affordable—and way more memorable.”

They also stocked up on groceries in Sweden and used the Tesla’s frunk as a mini-fridge for the trip. Now that’s roadtrip innovation.