A winter road trip in Norway can be spectacular, but driving here in snow, ice, darkness and rapidly changing weather is not something to take lightly. Here鈥檚 what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
Norway in winter can look like something from a dream. Snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes, quiet fjord villages, blue-hour light and perhaps even the northern lights overhead. It is easy to understand why so many visitors are tempted by the idea of a winter road trip.
But before we go any further, let鈥檚 be clear. If you are not experienced in driving on snow and ice, winter driving in Norway is not recommended.
This is not just a cautious travel writer talking. Winter driving by tourists has become a hot topic in Norway in recent years, especially in Northern Norway.
Locals have become increasingly frustrated by who are unfamiliar with Norwegian winter roads. Some people have even called for tourists to be banned from driving in winter, or at least forced to prove winter driving competence before renting a car.
The issue is not that tourists are bad drivers. It is that Norwegian winter roads can be unforgiving.
So, the best advice is simple. If you are visiting Norway in winter and can use trains, buses, ferries, organised tours or a private driver instead, seriously consider doing so.
But if, for whatever reason, you must drive during your trip, or perhaps you have just moved to Norway and need to know what you have in store, this guide explains the basics..
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Why Winter Driving In Norway Is Different
Winter driving in Norway is not just about driving while it is snowing. It is about dealing with a combination of factors that can make even a short journey more demanding than expected.
The obvious challenge is snow and ice. Roads may be covered in compacted snow, fresh snow, slush, black ice or a mixture of all of these. The surface can change from one valley to the next, or even from one side of a tunnel to the other.
Darkness is another major factor. In much of Norway, winter days are short. In the far north, the sun does not rise at all for part of the winter. Even in southern Norway, you may find yourself driving for long periods in the dark, particularly if you are trying to cover long distances.
Then there is the landscape itself. Norway is a country of mountains, fjords, tunnels, bridges and narrow rural roads. A route that looks straightforward on a map may involve steep climbs, sharp bends, exposed stretches of road or long distances between places to stop.
In many countries, snow brings traffic to a halt. In Norway, daily life continues. Roads are cleared, gritted and ploughed, but that does not mean they will be free of ice or snow. It means drivers are expected to adapt.
When Is Winter Driving Season In Norway?
There is no neat start and end date for winter driving conditions in Norway. In general, the period from October to April should be treated with caution, especially outside the biggest cities.
In Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger, the harshest winter conditions are most likely between December and March. Even then, conditions vary enormously from year to year.
In mountain areas and Northern Norway, winter conditions can arrive much earlier and last much longer. Snow can fall on high mountain roads well outside what many visitors think of as winter.
In places such as Hardangervidda, Sognefjellet, Aurlandsfjellet and the road to Dalsnibba above Geiranger, snow can still be visible well into the summer.
That does not mean every road is dangerous all year round. But it does mean that you should never plan a Norwegian road trip based only on the season printed on your calendar. Always check the weather forecast, road conditions and mountain pass information shortly before you travel.
Winter Tyres In Norway
One of the most important rules in Norway is that the vehicle must have sufficient grip for the conditions. As the driver, you are responsible for this.
In winter, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 3 millimetres. Summer tyres must not be used on winter roads, because they do not provide sufficient grip on ice and snow.
If the conditions require it, vehicles must have winter tyres, chains or similar equipment, even outside the usual winter tyre dates.
are generally either studded tyres or non-studded winter tyres, often known as friction tyres. Both are common, and both can be suitable depending on where and how you drive.
Studded tyres can provide better grip on ice, which is why they are often used in colder inland and northern areas. However, they are restricted to certain periods.
In most of Norway, studded tyres may be used from 1 November until the first Sunday after Easter Monday. In Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the period is from 16 October to 30 April. They may also be used outside these dates if the weather and road conditions make them necessary.
If a car has studded tyres, they must be fitted on all wheels.
Non-studded winter tyres can be used all year, although they are not intended as a substitute for sensible driving. Good winter tyres help, but they do not make you invincible.
In some cities, there is also a fee for driving with studded tyres. This is mainly an air quality measure, as studded tyres contribute to road dust. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company what tyres the car has and whether any city fee is relevant to your route.
Renting A Car In Winter
If you rent a car in Norway in winter, do not simply collect the keys and drive away as if you were starting a summer road trip.
Ask what type of winter tyres the car has. Ask whether the car has an ice scraper, snow brush, reflective vest, warning triangle and any other emergency equipment. If you are driving in Northern Norway or over mountain roads, ask specifically whether the vehicle is suitable for that route in winter.
You should also ask what to do if the road closes, if you are delayed by bad weather, or if the car becomes stuck. Make sure you know the rental company鈥檚 emergency number and what kind of roadside assistance is included.
In recent years, Norwegian authorities and the car rental industry have moved towards clearer winter driving information for tourists. This is a welcome development, but information does not replace experience. Reading a leaflet or watching a safety video will not teach you how a car feels when it loses grip on ice.
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Automatic cars are common among rentals, but do not assume the car will behave exactly like your own.
Spend a little time getting used to the vehicle before heading out on a long journey. Know how to operate the lights, windscreen wipers, demister, heating, hazard lights and charging or fuel systems before you leave the car park.
If you are driving an electric car, winter needs extra planning. Cold weather reduces range, and heating the cabin uses energy. Do not run the battery low in remote areas. On longer routes, plan charging stops with a margin, not based on the best possible range shown on the dashboard.
How To Drive On Snow And Ice
The most important winter driving skill is not bravery. .
Drive more slowly than you think you need to. Leave far more space than usual between your car and the vehicle in front. Braking distances can be much longer on icy roads, and sudden braking can cause the car to skid.
Avoid sharp movements. Accelerate gently, brake gently and steer smoothly. If you approach a bend, slow down before you reach it rather than braking hard while turning. If you approach a junction, begin slowing down much earlier than you would on a dry road.
On downhill stretches, keep your speed low. Do not rely on the brakes at the last moment. If conditions are icy, a steep descent can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of winter driving.
Be especially cautious around bridges, shaded areas, tunnel entrances and exposed stretches of road. These places can freeze earlier and remain icy longer than surrounding roads.
Do not assume that a road is safe because it looks clear. Black ice can be hard to see, especially in darkness or low winter light.
If visibility is poor, slow down. Heavy snow can make it difficult to see the road edge, lane markings or oncoming traffic. Snowbanks can also make narrow roads feel even narrower than usual.
Norwegian drivers may appear confident in winter conditions, but do not feel pressured to match their speed. Pull over safely if necessary, but only where it is legal and sensible to do so. Never stop in the middle of the road, close to a bend, just after a hilltop, or in a place where other drivers cannot see you in time.
This is especially important for photography. Stopping suddenly to take a picture of the northern lights, reindeer or a snowy landscape can create a very dangerous situation.
Keep Your Car Visible
In winter, it is not enough for you to see the road. Other drivers need to see you.
Headlights should be used, and you should regularly check that they are not covered in snow or slush. If you are driving during snowfall, stop safely from time to time to clear your headlights, rear lights and number plates.
Keep the windscreen, side windows and mirrors clear. Do not be the person driving with a small cleared patch of glass and snow piled on the roof. Snow blowing from your vehicle can create hazards for other drivers.
If you have to leave the car at the side of the road, wear a reflective vest. In winter darkness, visibility can be poor even in daylight hours, especially during snow, sleet or fog.
Mountain Roads And Winter Closures
Some of Norway鈥檚 most famous roads are closed for the winter. This includes several National Scenic Routes and high mountain passes.
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Routes such as Trollstigen, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, Sognefjellet and Aurlandsfjellet are seasonal roads. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year depending on snow, ice, avalanche risk, rockfall risk and weather conditions.
Do not assume a road will be open because a blog post, guidebook or social media post says it normally opens in May. Always check current road information from before travelling.
Even roads that are usually open year-round can close temporarily during storms, avalanche danger or poor visibility. This can affect major routes as well as smaller roads.
If a road closes, respect the closure. Do not try to continue because your hotel is on the other side, your flight is the next morning, or your map app suggests the road is still passable. In Norway, a closed winter road is closed for a reason.
Convoy Driving In Norway
On some exposed mountain roads, the authorities may allow traffic through only in convoy. This is known in Norwegian as 办辞濒辞苍苍别办箩酶谤颈苍驳.
Convoy driving means vehicles gather at a barrier and follow a snowplough or lead vehicle across a difficult stretch of road. There will also be a vehicle at the rear. Drivers must keep the vehicle in front in sight, drive at a steady speed, use hazard lights if instructed and never leave the convoy.
You may have to wait a long time before a convoy departs, and in some cases the road may close completely. Before driving a route where convoy driving is possible, make sure you have enough fuel or battery charge, warm clothes, food and hot drinks.
I have a separate guide to convoy driving in Norway, so I will not go into all the details here. The key point is this: if convoy driving is in operation, conditions are serious. Follow instructions exactly.
What To Keep In The Car
If you are driving in Norway in winter, prepare for delays. Snow, road closures, accidents, ferry disruption or slow-moving traffic can all turn a simple journey into a long one.
Keep warm clothes, proper winter shoes, gloves and hats in the car, even if you plan to stay inside. Bring water, snacks, a flask of hot drink and a fully charged phone, ideally with a power bank.
An ice scraper and snow brush are essential. A torch, old cloths for clearing lights and mirrors, and a small shovel can also be useful, especially on rural or mountain roads.
Planning A Winter Road Trip
The biggest mistake many visitors make is planning a winter road trip as if it were summer. Distances in Norway are deceptive at the best of times. In winter, a three-hour drive can quickly become much longer, more tiring and more stressful.
Choose fewer bases, allow extra time and build flexibility into your itinerary. If you need to catch a flight or ferry, consider arriving the day before.
Check the weather and road conditions before you leave, but continue monitoring them during the day. is really useful, but don't rely 100% on it, nor your car鈥檚 navigation system. Use official Norwegian road information too, especially for mountain passes, convoy driving and winter closures.
When You Should Not Drive
Sometimes the safest decision is not to drive. Do not drive if you feel nervous, tired, rushed or unsure of the conditions. Do not drive if there is a serious weather warning for your route, or if your rental car does not seem properly equipped.
If local people, hotel staff, the rental company or road authorities advise against a journey, listen to them. Changing plans can be frustrating, but in Norway, winter weather is part of travel. Flexibility is a safety measure.
Alternatives To Driving
Norway has a good public transport network, although coverage varies by region. Trains connect many major cities, buses serve many rural areas, and ferries remain an important part of the transport system along the coast and fjords.
In Northern Norway, organised tours are often a better choice than renting a car, especially for northern lights hunting, whale watching, dog sledding or remote photography trips. Local guides know the roads, the weather patterns and the safest places to stop.
For many visitors, the best winter itinerary combines public transport between places with guided tours for specific experiences. It may cost more than renting a car, but it can make for a safer and more relaxing trip.
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Hi David: my daughter and I are planning to travel to Vardo this coming January to visit the Sami memorial. We are going to fly oslo and then on to Kirkenes, pick up a car and then drive to Vardo. we would drive back to Kirkenes and then are free for a few days before we fly back to Oslo. i live in NYC and am comfortable driving in snow. what do you think about this plan? Any suggestions of other places to visit in that area? Thanks for your time. Philip Karasyk
Hi! Sounds good. It will be very dark at that time of year, so bear that in mind with plans. There isn’t a huge amount of tourist activities in that area and especially not in January. You could see the king crab safaris are running from Kirkenes, they are supposed to be good. Or if you fancy a drive, Karasjok is where the Sami parliament is based and is one of the “centres” of Sami culture in Norway – but again, there may be few attractions open in January. Let me know how it goes!
Hi, I live in southern US where there is not much snow. We are thinking of going to Lofoten islands in March (5th), renting a car in Leknes to move around, and then drive to Senja for a couple of days, and then to Tromso to drop off the car at the airport and catch a flight back to Oslo to come back to US.
Are the roads navigable on these routes at that time of the year? Are the roads winding and are there possible road closures in the event of a snowfall?
Thanks for your help.
Su
good morning ..
my family and myself are planning to visit norway in end of march, beginning of april..
should be staying a couple of days in Otta (since I have some friends over there) and some more days in Andalsness..
Was considering driving from Oslo .. what do you recommend..?
and any particular activities that you may recommend please..
Would it be possible to go for a short dog sledging experience with my 5 year-old.. and maybe for a short snow-mobile drive for my 40 year-old self! !
thanks in advance..
duncan
Hi, snowmobiles and dog sledding are common in northern Norway but I’ve never heard of them being offered this far south. The best thing to do is check with the local tourist office. Have fun!
Hi 馃檪 thank you for the amazing information.
Our family is planning to go see the Northern Lights this month.
Where would you recommend is the best place to go see it with just a drive? My mom can’t walk large distances so we need to drive there? What other winter activities are popular for this time of year?
Thank you 馃檪
Hi, it’s a bit difficult to say where you should drive to as that depends very much on where you are staying. Also of course on the weather forecast etc which you’ll only know a day or two before. You can read more on our northern lights guide here.
Hi David,
Tusen takk for such a useful resource! I’m currently in the process of moving to Norway so I expect that I will be returning to your pages many times over the following months! 馃槈
For now, could you please advise me on the following: how would it be in late Feb / early March to drive from Copenhagen to Surnadal in More og Romsdal (not too far from you in Trondheim), via Oslo? Will I need winter tires still at this time? If so: roughly when would winter tires no longer be necessary in this part of the country? I have almost no experience at all at driving in snow, but I can take all the time necessary. I would also stick to the main roads whenever and wherever possible…
Thanks again!
Brendan. 馃榾
An additional advice:
Make frequent break-tests on the road to get an idea how slippery the surface is. On modern cars the ABS system will engage at once if slippery, on older cars wheels will block instantly if slippery. An alternative is to pull over, step out and feel the surface with shoes or fingers.
Hi David, my wife and I are booked to do a one day dog sledding trip at the end of March ’18 in about 2 weeks. We arrive at Trondheim airport at 8am where we plan on picking up a hire car and the dog sledding is scheduled to start at 10am on the same day in Koppera.
We are from Australia where we have no real experience of longer distance travel in ice and snow which I fully expect will be the case at the time of our trip.
Are you able to tell us whether this is sufficient time to make this trip as Google advises that it is about a 90min trip however I am not sure of the road conditions? Is there a need to request the car hire group to provide a car with any specific requirements ( I expect studded tires but only have minor experience with driving with chains on tyres)? Do hire car groups limit the use of cars in the sort of conditions that we will encounter on this route? Given this route, is it reasonable to think that we could drive this – we are confident drivers but acknowledge our snow and ice experience is minimal.
Thanks for any advice you are able to provide
Grant
The rental company will always give you a car that meets with the regulations, but you can always ask them if you’re unsure. The road you’ll be travelling on will be cleared so there shouldn’t be any issues unless it’s actually snowing. The only real issue is the time you’ve allowed yourself to collect bags and the hire car along with getting there is very tight. Have a good trip!
Hi,
Very useful info.
I’ll be driving from the Netherlands to Norway at the end of May.
In the first week in June I’ll be driving from Oslo to Bergen via Gol and the 50 and then back from Bergen via Geilo and the 7. Both those routes take you quite high up into the mountains and it seems like this is right at the time of year when it’s difficult to be vertain how cold or warm it will be (I know the 243 only opened on 1st June last year), so I was wondering if it would be a good idea to leave my winter tyres on my car just in case I encounter snow or sleet when driving over the top, or if the highway teams are so good at keeping the roads clear that summer tyres will be okay?
Any tips would be helpful
Regards
Alfred Morris
Hi David.
My wife and I 麓ll go to Tromso in the third week of October.
We麓ll rent a car at the airport and then drive to Kilpisjarvi in Finland.
Do you know this road from Tromso to Kilpisjarvi?
What麓s the probability for snowfall runs in this period?
I have no experience to driving with snow on the roads.
Thank you.
Leandro.
No idea, sorry. The best thing to do is ask wherever you’re staying for advice.
Ok. No problem. Thank you very much!
I鈥檓 planing to drive from Oslo to 罢谤辞尘蝉酶 in December 2018, need some advise on the road conditions please
That depends entirely on the weather, which we have no way of knowing how it will be 馃檪 But Oslo to 罢谤辞尘蝉酶 is an incredibly long drive, and you’ll be driving through Sweden for the vast majority of the 1,750km. Because of that, it’s best to seek advice from someone in Sweden.
Thank you David
hi, we intend to drive from Copenhagen to near Bodo in december. We want to make one stop near Trondheim. We prefer to make the trip through Norway as we already made the trip through Sweeden :).
However, is it a big difference between the two trips? Because I noticed that you said in the last response that if going from Oslo to Tromso, the people will drive mostly in Sweeden.
As I noticed, we will drive on the main road of Norway from south to north (E6)… Usually this road is cleaned of snow?
Thank you!
Hi i am planning a ski trip to Trysil in Feb next year and wondered if the drive from Oslo airport is a difficult one. It doesn’t appear that far but not being used to driving on snow and ice (I am from the UK) I wondered if i should ensure i have chains or studded tyres etc.
Thanks
This is normally not a difficult drive, it should take you less than 2:30. Snow chains would not be required (and you would need to know how to put them on if you had them anyway). I would have no qualms about making that drive in my own very standard car with my non-studded winter tires. The rental car company will provide a car with winter tires, but most likely not studded unless you have arranged this with them beforehand.
Note that you will drive on a toll road if you choose the most direct route (you should). All toll plazas are automated non-stop (there are no actual booths, just cameras and antennas). Your rental car company will normally charge you later.
You can find updated traffic information here (including a route planner with toll amounts), but unfortunately only in Norwegian:
All in all, I would not worry too much about making this trip. The main rule when driving in winter conditions is to look and think ahead. Break early and smoothly, avoid getting in a situation where you have to break or swerve suddenly, slow down before turns before you enter the turn (breaking for turns should be done before you start turning), and don’t let the local drivers stress you. Although road conditions can change suddenly, they will most probably be quite good. Enjoy!
HI I am doing a trip from Copenhangen – Oslo(1 night) – Bergen(1 night) – Molde (1 night) – then is Are Sweden for 3 nights- Sandviken -Stockhom – back to Copenhagen. On google maps this trips takes arund 6-8 hours between each stop. Is that correct during winter??. I know I will be chasing day light but wanted to know your thoughts.
hi, we are skiing in Trysil in January for a week & will be driving from Oslo Airport to Trysil. What do you think?
Driving on snow and ice is no game ! Especially if going up and down hills etc winter tyres, studs, chains etc are only aids and guarantee nothing, 4 wheel drive helps big time,, but if you have no experience best to stay indoors as this type of driving is very dangerous and should only be done as a last resort.
Hello David
Thank you so much for all this advice. I am from the alpine region of Switzerland and love driving in ice and snow. However my cars don’t have 4 wheel drive. I drove mountain roads with these cars where my friends with 4wd could not drive to the top. Last year I drove to North Cape in September. I now want to go there (by myself (31y.o. female)) in January. Do you think it will be possible without 4wd? I have a good set of winter tires and snow chains if needed. The last 13km will be in a convoy behind a snow plow as I’ve read so I’m not worried about that part. If I’m in need of roadside assistance (I have insurance for this for all of Europe) can I be sure that someone will eventually help me or are not all areas covered by roadside assistance companies?
Thank you & have a nice day, Andrea
Hi, We are planning for a road trip to Norway driving rental car from Oslo to Bodo during Christmas week. Do you have any suggestions on how long it takes to drive from Oslo – Trondheim – Bodo. Planning to take a break in Trondheim not sure about the roads though! Any suggestions please
Hi laksh, did you complete your trip? I am planning to visit Norway in February month. Please share your experience and give us some tips
Hi
I am planning to drive from 罢谤辞尘蝉酶 to Lyngen North along th E8/Fv91/E6. Can you tell me what this drive would be like in February please?
Thanks
Rachel
The roads you mention is cleared of snow, and are main roads so usually gets cleared pretty fast when there is snowfall. However there is no salt used on the roads up here, so there will be a layer of snow and ice on the road. Your car will have winter tires so this will not be a problem but it’s good to take it slow and break slowly. Also the roads you mention have some areas which are exposed for avalanches, and animals like elk and roe deer in the road. Specially during nightfall/dusk. But you should have no problem doing this trip. If an Avalanche goes the road will close till it is cleared. It’s normally happening more in March and April though. If you are not used to snow and ice, take it slow pay attention and keep a good distance to the car in front of you. If you get stressed by a lot of cars behind you just find a place to stop and let them pass. I do this myself a lot, as I don’t like getting stressed and pressured to drive faster than I think is safe. 馃槉 There is a lot of places to take a quick stop. There is a lot of trucks on this route, and not all of them have appropriate winter tires so I usually let them pass.
Hi David,
Can I ask you some advice please? We will be driving from Ireland to Nordkapp in March 19′. I’ll be driving in a 4X4 van with All Terrain tyres. I have tried everywhere to find out if I would be better off with Nordic winter tyres or studded tyres. Is there anywhere (website, forum etc) that could advise?
Hi, I haven’t driven in the north at that time of year so I really can’t advise. You can try the Norwegian Public Roads Administration at vegvesen.no – their website has a full English translation. Have a great trip!
Brian
How did you find the trip
I hope to drive to Tromso from Manchester along west coast of Norway in November and return via Sweeden. Any tips would be welcome
Hi
I鈥檒l be driving from 罢谤辞尘蝉酶 to the Polar Park in early March. I鈥檒l be renting a car for the trip. Do you suggest a 4×4 / suv type or would a standard car be ok?
Would you recommend that trip for a non-local driver?
Thank you
Hello, my husband and I are planning a road trip in October. We want to drive Oslo to Bergen then Stavengar back to Oslo. I was wondering do we need snow chains for the drive to Bergen. The hire car company are unclear in the answers we have received, just saying it will be cold. I thought perhaps we should plan the route when we get there depending on the weather and avoid the mountain road if necessary. Although that will make it more difficult for accomodation as we plan on stopping along the way.
Is it common to have snow in early October and are we likely to need chains? If so we need to make a special request from the hire company as they don鈥檛 normally stock them.
I know the weather is changeable but was hoping to find out what is normal for this time of year.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Hello David.
I鈥檓 planning on driving to Tr酶mso next January. Maybe Lofoten aswell.
I drive from Belgium with a VW Transporter 4motion. I have some experience driving a semi-truck in the snow. And wintersports in Austria every year a few times.
I want to go to Stockholm first and drive direction Tr酶mso later. Would sleep in the car/camper along the way, and book hotels in Stockholm and Tr酶mso.
Some people think it鈥檚 to dangerous. But i think i鈥檓 gonna be fine 馃榾 What do you think ?
Interesting article. Thanks already 馃檪
Dennis
Hi David, I am planning road trip in February. We are starting from Trondheim then karvag- molde – Bergen and trip ends in Oslo. It will be a great if you could tell us driving is the best option or should we take public transport? My main agenda to visit Scandinavian countries is to watch northern lights, which I will able to see Kiruna or abisko. But I want to cover Norway country as I have always dreamt about visiting Norway before 30. Please tell me if it鈥檚 good idea to visit Norway in February
There will be a lot of snow in February so it depends how comfortable you are driving in those conditions
Hi,
Thank you for your informed article.
I do road trips – I love them. I have travelled all over the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Finland over the years, but always in the summer months, and usually in sports cars.
This year I have decided I need a different challenge – I am driving to the Arctic Circle visitor centre in Saltfjellveien via the Channel Tunnel, Copenhagen (specifically – the Oresund bridge), and the Atlantic Ocean Road. It may seem a long way to go to experience these items of road infrastructure, but they look absolutely amazing in pictures – comparable with the Millau bridge in France.
I have a very competent 4×4 with brand new winter tyres but my experience of driving in snow is limited to the odd occasions it falls in the UK, which is why I have chosen the beginning of February 2020 for my trip, so as to guarantee the maximum snow. I appreciate Norwegian roads are ploughed regularly but I will be carrying a few “just in case” items like a snow shovel and a recovery rope. I also have two spare wheels/tyres and recovery insurance. Are there any other items you think I ought to consider taking with me?
Kind regards,
Hi
I鈥檓 looking to visit family in Alta next winter. I was hoping to drive in our camper with my children from the UK and have allowed 1month to do so. I鈥檝e little experience driving on snow, however. Would you suggest leaving the camper in south/ central Norway and then changing to train?
Thanks Meg
Hi Meg,
There are no trains north of Narvik, so you won’t be able to reach Alta by train.
If you decide to drive to Alta, you will need (studded) winter tyres.
All the best,
Clive
Hi there. I will be doing a road trip and thinking of doing the Atlantic road from Alesund to Kristiansund sometime at the 3rd week of March. Is it safe? Will we be able to see the beauty of this road?
Hello David. We are two retired couples wanting to plan a trip to Norway for 6 weeks in our own motorhomes from mid September to the end of October this year. I note that snow tyres are compulsory on Norwegian roads from October.
Is it possible to hire snow tyres on a short term basis or are we likely to encounter too many difficulties with snow and ice to make it worthwhile coming at that time and should consider coming a little earlier?
Hi David,
We are planning to fly to Tromso mid-February of 2021 and rent a car there. Then we’d like to see Senja and Vesteralen (and of course Northern Lights). We have winter experience in driving in Polish mountains and my husband will do some special training for slippery roads.
Do you think it will be enough?
And second question – is Vesteralen-Tromso route doable in one day in February? Or better to divide it?
I’m a British guy who lived in the far north of Norway for 5 years but has now relocated back to the UK.
It was quite normal to be driving on snow and ice for 7 months of the year (bare tarmac was a rare luxury).
It is worth mentioning the convoy (kolonne) driving along snowy roads in poor winter weather.
As an alternative to closing the road in bad winter weather, the authorities will stop traffic at a point and assemble a convoy, with snowplough at the front, all the cars then follow in its immediate path and a police car at the rear. Everyone drives together, there’s no over-taking and no stopping unless forced to. The convoys leave a prescribed times typically at 2hr intervals, so you need to time your journey accordingly.
Clive
Hello,
I am preparing a road trip from France to the Northern cape in November 2021 (next year).
I would like to rent studded snow tires on my arrival in Sweden or Norway.
My Google search was unsuccessful to find rental companies in these two countries.
Do you have an idea?
Best regards
Alain
If i was to drive to say England for Christmas from Norway, whats the best way to deal with changing tyres. Can I drive with my studded winter tyres in Europe or do I need to change to my summer tyres?
Hi David
We are planning an “adventure trip” – that’s how I see it, but for you it might be an everyday trip. We want to rent a 4×4 car with studded tyres in Tromso and drive via the E8 to Enonteki盲, the 92 to Karajok, further via Lakselv to the North Cape. On the way back, we might return to Tromso via Hammerfest to Alta. We plan about 10 days for this tour. I am used to driving on ice and packed snow in Switzerland (2 years ago in winter on the Lofoten Islands). What do you think I need to bear in mind? Thank you very much for your answer.
Rodolphe (without red nose 馃槈 )
We are planning to drive from Hemsedal to Olso at 6 AM in the morning on March 10th, 2024. Will the reads be cleared so early in the morning.
Hi,
We’re planning to spend a couple of nights in Tromso at the very beginning of November this year, and then drive down to Senja for another couple of nights, in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights!
Do you have any advice about driving conditions at this time? We’re pretty good drivers, but I’m nervous that it’ll be very difficult and I really don’t relish getting stuck 馃檪
Thanks for any information you can offer.
Hi there, I鈥檓 wanting to hire a car and drive from Bergen to Odda in mid February. I have little snow driving experience. Is this doable for a complete novice? Thank you
Just returned from Norway.(Namsos) continental winter tyres.front wheel drive car.never had a problem.BUT, allow for Norwegian drivers.because they are use to the weather they don鈥檛 slow down.think that鈥檚 why they are always stuck in a snow ditch.so drive to your own limits.( went Dec 17 back Jan 8.) never seen snow as deep. Ha! And iv done the journey 9/10 times.my daughter lives there.