Ready?
Here's even more tips before your road trip in Norway.
Do's and don'ts when
driving in Norway
Yes, it can be scenic. And yes, it can be practical to drive. But let's face it, driving in Norway can also be a challenging task. Are you ready for it? Here's all you need to know.
Plan your trip:
❌ Don't: Expect that it's a short drive to your next destination. It's a classic beginner mistake in Norway!
✅ Do: Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to stop and explore.
Because: Distances may look short on the map, but winding roads, ferries and mountain passes often mean journeys take much longer than expected. And besides: There are plenty of exciting stops to make while on a road trip in Norway, so make time for them!
Always: Check your route on beforehand. Statens vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, provides real-time traffic updates for the whole country. The nice people at the tourist centres can also help you planning!
Weather and conditions:
❌ Don't: Hope and pray for sun, clear view and dry roads.
✅ Do: Actually check the weather before your drive.
Because: Norway stretches from 57° to 78° north, so the climate varies a lot. And lets not forget the great variations between north, south, inland and coast.
Always: Check the local weather forecast on Yr.no, or download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android. Also, have a back up plan, and pack for all the seasons (the weather can change quickly!).
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 should be obvious, but walking in the middle of the road is very dangerous – for both you and other drivers. It can also cause traffic jam.
Always: Use laybys for short breaks or research for suited viewpoints with legal parking spots beforehand – they are often located on scenic parts of the roads!
Norwegian roads:
❌ Don't: Expect wide, modern highways with multiply lanes all over the country.
✅ Do: Expect a variaty of motorways and single-lane rural roads (and everything between!) with passing pockets and laybys, all depending on where you're travelling.
Because: Norway is the longest country in Europe, and with that comes a great variaty of roads and landscapes.
Always: Keep your speed according to both the speed limit and the conditions, and show consideration for all road users while driving.
Animals:
❌ Don't: Be inattentive when driving!
✅ Do: Be on alert for moose, reindeers, sheep and other animals who might want to cross the road.
Because: Animals can appear anywhere, especially when you drive in more rural areas. If the weather is bad, animals can also seek shelter in tunnels.
Always: Look for road signs. In areas where animals are known to be roaming, there's usually a sign with a picture of the animal. Passing by an animal? Slow down the speed. And remember: Don't stop in the road for pictures, find a safe place to stop.
Electric car:
❌ Don't: Get 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 or Apple maps, for example. Many modern cars also show you their charging network and have accompanying apps. If travelling in rural areas, always plan ahead for your next charging point – it can be further away than you expected.
Winter driving:
❌ Don't: Drive in winter conditions if you don't have experience in driving on cold, snowy and icy roads.
✅ Do: Use public transport, a taxi or consider hiring a car with a driver if you don't have experience.
Because: On icy and snowy roads, things can happen suddenly and unexpectedly in traffic. The conditions are especially difficult when the temperature hits zero degrees (known as "nullføre" in Norwegian).
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:
❌ Don't: Skip the seatbelt, drink and drive, speed or use your mobile while driving. Just don't do it.
✅ 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 pricy. 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 space on the ferry.
✅ Do: Arrive early or book a spot on beforehand.
Because: Popular routes can be full, especially in the summer months. These are some of the most popular ferries: Geiranger–Hellesylt and Lauvvik–Lysebotn connections in Western Norway and Bognes-Lødingen, Bodø-Moskenes, and the ferries along the Coastal road Helgeland in Northern Norway.
Always: Find routes, check departure times, and get traffic reports, all in one place, on Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Some terminals also have webcams that show if there are any queues.
