Driving on winter roads

The roads in Northern Norway are kept open and maintained throughout the winter, but conditions can change quickly. A road that is bare and dry in one place may be covered with snow or ice further ahead. It can also be slippery even when the road surface looks bare.

If you have little or no experience driving on snow and ice, you should consider buses, taxis or other transport rather than driving yourself in demanding conditions. Visit Norway recommends travelers without experience of winter driving to be especially careful about getting behind the wheel on winter roads.

Before you hit the road

Check both the weather forecast and current road and driving conditions before driving. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration's service Public Roads Administration shows, among other things, traffic reports, closed roads and images from webcams along the road network. You can also get alerts about weather-prone roads, bridges, tunnels, and mountain passes.

Navigation apps are useful for finding your way around, but shouldn't be your only source of information in winter. Maps and navigation systems may be based on information that is not up to date with the latest changes on the road. Therefore, check official traffic information before choosing a route, especially if the navigation suggests smaller or unfamiliar roads.

Remove snow and ice so that you have a good view before you start driving. If you are on a longer trip, it is also wise to have warm clothes, food and drink in the car and make sure that the car has plenty of fuel or battery capacity. Weather and road conditions may cause delays or road closures.

Adapt your speed to the road conditions

The speed limit shows the maximum speed allowed, not necessarily the correct speed when the road is slippery.

On snow and ice, you should reduce your speed, keep a greater distance from the car in front and avoid sudden movements. The braking distance can be significantly longer on slippery winter roads than on dry asphalt.

Brake, accelerate and steer calmly. Give yourself plenty of time, and feel free to calculate more driving time than the navigation app suggests.

In short: Drive according to the conditions, not according to the clock.

Never stop in the way of taking photos

Fjords, mountains, northern lights and winter landscapes can tempt you to spontaneous photo stops. Always find a safe parking space, rest area or other suitable exit before stopping.

Do not stop in the roadway, on a bend or in a place with poor visibility to take pictures.

This also applies when the Northern Lights suddenly appear. No photo is worth creating a dangerous situation for yourself or other road users.

Be prepared for slippery roads

A bare road is not necessarily a safe road. Moisture can freeze on the road surface, and shaded areas can be slippery even if other parts of the road seem fine. Conditions can change quickly.

If you are unsure of the road grip, reduce your speed and drive with extra distance. Avoid heavy braking and fast steering wheel movements.

The right tyres are crucial

It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the car has sufficient grip for the conditions. Summer tyres should not be used on winter roads.

For passenger cars in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the minimum tread depth requirement is 3 millimetres from 16 October to 30 April. If the road conditions require it, the car must be equipped so that it has sufficient traction.

If you are driving a rental car, you should familiarize yourself with the car and equipment before departure.

If the weather deteriorates

Some roads and mountain passes may be closed when wind, snow or visibility make conditions too demanding. On some stretches, traffic can also be regulated through convoys.

Always respect closed roads and barriers. The fact that the weather seems calm where you are does not mean that conditions are the same further ahead. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration emphasizes that the weather in the mountains can be significantly worse than at the barrier.

If the conditions become more demanding than you feel comfortable with, find a safe place to stop or change your plans.

If you have to stop along the way

All cars must have at least one approved reflective vest close at hand. If you have to stop along the road and leave the car, you must use it.

In the event of an accident or serious incident, the place should be secured with a reflective vest and warning triangle if it can be done safely. In the event of personal injury or serious accidents, the emergency services must be notified.

Be aware of animals

Animals can get out onto the roadway, even on larger roads. Slow down in areas that are signposted with a danger to animals, and pay special attention in the dark and in poor visibility. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration emphasizes that the speed must always be adapted in areas where there is a warning of danger to animals.

Share the road with others

Some roads in Northern Norway may feel narrower than you are used to. Keep well to the right, be aware of oncoming traffic and slow down when conditions require it.

If you're driving significantly slower than the traffic behind you, find a safe place to let others pass.

A short checklist before driving

• Check the weather and driving conditions.
• Check for road closures and traffic reports.
• Ensure good visibility from all windows.
• Drive with tyres that are suitable for the conditions.
• Slow down and keep a good distance.
• Have warm clothes available on longer trips.
• Have enough fuel or electricity.
• Don't blindly trust your navigation app.
• Never stop in the way of shooting.
• Wear a reflective vest if you have to leave the car along the road.
• Respect closed roads and local advice.

Take your time on the winter roads

Driving through the Narvik region in winter can be an experience in itself, with fjords, snow-capped mountains and Arctic light along the way. But winter sets the terms.

Take your time, keep an eye on the weather and adapt your driving to the conditions and your own experience. If you're unsure, it's better to change your plans than to continue into relationships you're not comfortable with.

And no matter the season: Never drive under the influence. The legal alcohol limit for driving in Norway is 0.2 per thousand.