Ready?
Here are even more tips before your road trip in Norway.
Dos and don'ts when
driving in Norway
Yes, it can be very scenic! But let's face it, driving in Norway can also be a challenging task. Are you ready for it?
Here are some important things you need to know.
Not as close as it seems…
❌ Don't: Expect that it's a just short drive to your next destination, even though it looks very close on your map. A classic rookie mistake in Norway!
✅ Do: Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to stop and explore along the way.
Because: Distances may look short on the map, but ferries, mountain passes and winding roads can mean that journeys may take much longer than you might expect. Rain and snow can also cause delays. Roads and bridges may close due to bad weather.
And besides: There are plenty of exciting stops to make while on a road trip in Norway!
Always: Check your route beforehand. Statens Vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, provides real-time traffic updates for the whole country.
Weather and conditions:
❌ Don't: Hope and pray for sun, good conditions and dry roads.
✅ Do: Always check the weather forecast before your drive, and prepare thoroughly.
Because: Norway stretches from 57° to 78° north, so the climate varies a lot. There are great variations between the north, the south, the inland and the coast. Most rural roads don't have streetlights.
Be extra careful when the temperature drops below zero, because of the risk of icy roads. Snow might occur even in summer in the mountains and in the north.
Many Norwegian Scenic Roads close in winter, and some don't open again until May or June.
Always: Check the local weather forecast (including when it gets dark!) on Yr.no, or download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android.
Pictures:
❌ Don't: Stop in the middle of the road for the perfect picture or selfie.
✅ Do: Only stop in suitable and safe places.
Because: It can cause dangerous situations and traffic jams. Also, don't stop in the main road if the parking is full by the viewpoint you want to see, for the same reason.
Always: Use lay-bys, rest stops, and parking areas for short breaks. At popular attractions, keep your stop brief to free up parking for other visitors. Overnight camping is usually not allowed on these areas.
Norwegian roads:
❌ Don't: Expect wide, modern highways with multiple lanes all over the country.
✅ Do: Expect a variety of motorways, highways and single-lane rural roads (and everything in between!) with passing places and laybys, all depending on where you're travelling.
Because: Norway is the longest country in Europe, and with that comes a great variety of roads and landscapes. Many rural roads might be in quite poor condition.
Always: Adjust your speed according to the conditions and show consideration for all road users while driving. Familiarize yourself on the correct use of passing places, and think well ahead in order to avoid traffic jams on narrow roads.
Keep right:
❌ Don't: Drive in the middle of the road, even if the road is narrow.
✅ Do: Keep right – especially important in curves!
Because: Driving in the wrong lane can create very dangerous situations when you encounter oncoming traffic.
Always: Stick to your right!
Animals:
❌ Don't: Be inattentive when driving!
✅ Do: Be on the alert for moose, reindeer, sheep, goats, cows and other animals who might want to cross the road.
Because: Animals can appear anywhere, especially when driving in more rural areas. If the weather is bad, or it's very hot in the north, animals can also seek shelter in tunnels!
Always: Look for road signs suggesting you're in an area where animals are known to roam. Passing by an animal? Slow down and let them cross. And remember: Don't stop in the road for pictures, find a safe place to stop.
Electric car:
❌ Don't: Have range anxiety.
✅ Do: Plan ahead and use the more than 30,000 charging points – perfectly combined with a break!
Because: Norway is way ahead of the game when it comes to e-transport, making it the perfect place for a road trip in an EV.
Always: Find charging points on ladestasjoner.no's map, or by searching for them in Google Maps, Apple Maps or other applications.
When travelling in sparsely populated rural areas, plan ahead for your next charging point – and always charge when you can.
Winter driving:
❌ Don't: Drive in winter conditions if you don't have experience with driving on cold, snowy and icy roads.
✅ Do: Use public transport, a taxi or consider hiring a car with a driver if you lack experience.
Because: On icy and snowy roads, things can happen suddenly and unexpectedly in traffic. The conditions are especially difficult when the temperature hovers around zero degrees.
Always: If driving, maintain a safe distance to the car in front of you, use your lights correctly, avoid sudden movements and abrupt braking.
Fines are big:
❌ Don't: Skip the seatbelt, drink and drive, speed or use your mobile while driving.
✅ Do: Read up on traffic rules and laws – they may differ from your country!
Because: It's dangerous for both you and others, and the fine is pricey. As an example, using a mobile phone while driving can cost you a fine of almost 1,000 euros – bet you haven't planned for that in your vacation budget!
Always: Read about road safety before your trip.
Car ferries:
❌ Don't: Assume there will be room for you on the ferry.
✅ Do: Arrive early or book beforehand.
Because: Popular routes can be full, especially in the summer months. These are some of the most popular ferries: The Geiranger–Hellesylt and Lauvvik–Lysebotn connections in Western Norway, the Bognes–Lødingen and Bodø–Moskenes connections as well as the ferries along Kystriksveien in Helgeland in Northern Norway.
Always: Check routes, departure times, and traffic reports, all in one place, on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's website. Some terminals also have webcams that show if there are queues.
Last, but not least: Keep an eye on your wing mirror and let the locals pass if you drive slowly.
Safe driving!
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.