Winter driving guide
Winter driving in Northern Norway
Snow, black ice, short days and the odd moose or reindeer on the road: winter driving up here takes some preparation. Here are the five things to know before driving above the Arctic Circle — and how we help you get ready.
Winter driving conditions in Northern Norway
Driving a rental car in Tromsø in winter can be challenging. Snowstorms and blizzards bring low visibility, and roads can be covered in ice or hard-packed snow for weeks. Drive slowly, keep a safe distance and use good winter tyres or studded tyres for better traction.
Daylight is short — during the polar night, from late November to mid-January, the sun stays below the horizon in Tromsø — and moose and reindeer can cross the road at any time. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before every longer drive. Well prepared and driving carefully, you can have a safe and unforgettable winter road trip in the Arctic.
Five tips for winter driving
Studded (spiked) tyres
Studded tyres — also called spiked tyres — have metal studs that grip snowy and icy roads, which improves acceleration, braking and steering. They are especially useful where roads stay covered in ice or hard-packed snow and other tyres struggle to grip.
In Oslo there is a fee for driving with studded tyres, but in Tromsø and Northern Norway many locals use them and there is no special road fee. Every rental car we have runs on studded tyres in winter.
Keep your distance
Keep a long distance to the car in front. It gives you a longer braking path if the car ahead stops suddenly, more time to react to hazards and wildlife on the road, and a lower risk of stone chips.
Roads in winter can be unpredictable and slippery. More space also gives you a better view of the road, so you can see changes in the conditions earlier.
Check the conditions
Before you set off, check the road conditions on the Statens vegvesen website. Heavy snowfall and strong winds can close mountain roads, and you may have to wait and drive over in a convoy.
The site also shows visibility — fog or snowstorms — so you can plan your route and timing for a safer drive.
Be equipped
Planning a longer drive, up to the North Cape or down to Lofoten? Pack warm clothes in case the weather turns, and make sure you have enough fuel or charge before you set off.
Bring some food and water in case you need to stop for a while because of the weather, and a phone charger so you can call for help if you need it.
Drive slowly
On icy roads, drive slowly and start braking well before you plan to stop. Take big bends and roundabouts carefully — it is easy to lose grip on a slippery road.
When you must not drive
Some days the right decision is to wait. Our rental terms do not allow driving in these situations, and if you drive anyway, the insurance no longer covers the car:
- A red weather warning is in force for the area you drive in. If one is issued while you are on the road, find a safe place and stop.
- An orange weather warning is in force and the road authorities advise against travel.
- The avalanche warning for your route is at the highest level (level 5).
- The road is closed, or not cleared of snow. Never drive on frozen lakes, rivers or fjords, and do not park beneath steep slopes where an avalanche can reach.
Before every longer drive, check the warnings on Yr and Varsom, and road closures at Statens vegvesen. The full rules are in our rental terms (section 5.1).
You are ready to go
Keep these five points in mind, start your trip prepared, and you are ready for a winter road trip up North.
To help you feel comfortable, we sometimes suggest a short test drive on our car park, so you get a feel for how the car handles on snow and ice. Our staff are happy to give you winter driving advice.
We also check the weather forecast together with you for the days of your rental, and advise you on the best routes. Don’t hesitate to ask — we want your winter drive to be safe and worry-free.
Winter-ready cars in Tromsø
Every rental car comes with studded winter tyres. Driving mountain roads? Take a 4WD.