Driving in Lofoten during winter is no small task and requires preparation and caution. Once you pass Leknes, you’ll encounter narrow roads that barely fit two cars side by side. In some areas, you’ll need to slow down or stop completely to let oncoming traffic pass safely.
As for the conditions, they can vary wildly. Some days bring clear skies and dry roads, while others can hit you with hurricane-force winds and zero visibility—or anything in between.
In this article, we’ll give you an honest look at what driving here in winter is like, complete with photos, videos, and practical advice on how to navigate safely and avoid accidents.
Winter driving in Lofoten can look like the picture on the left (February 20, a side road near Krystad). But it can also look like the picture on the right (December 16, the main road E10).
Every year, we see an increase in the number of tourists coming to northern Norway. With new direct flights to Tromsø, winter tourism in the Arctic has truly taken off, and Lofoten is experiencing significant growth as well.
This rise in visitors also means more drivers—many with little to no experience driving in winter conditions—renting cars in Lofoten.
In Norway and other Nordic countries, obtaining a driver’s license includes a glattkjøringskurs (slippery driving course), where you learn how to handle a car on icy and snowy roads. On top of that, locals have years of experience driving here, and we know how to read weather forecasts and recognize when it’s better to leave the car parked at home.
Tourists, on the other hand, often have more courage than common sense—or information. Rental agencies don’t always do a great job of explaining how to drive safely, what to watch out for, when to avoid driving, or what to do in case of an accident.
In western Lofoten, where we live, we see accidents daily on winter roads. Thankfully, most of them are minor—usually cars sliding into ditches and needing a tow. But as the number of rental cars on our narrow roads increases, so does our concern about more serious accidents. It’s especially worrying when we see scared foreign drivers in the middle of the road during whiteout conditions—a recipe for a head-on collision.
While we, locals, closely follow the weather forecast and know how to interpret it, we also receive notifications about cancelled buses and ferries, have access to local newspapers issuing warnings, and even get messages from our insurance companies when extreme weather is forecasted. Unfortunately, this information often doesn’t reach tourists, leaving many unprepared for the challenges ahead.
We could complain about the roads needing to be wider (though realistically, that’s a 10+ year dream), argue that foreign drivers should prove they can handle winter conditions (highly unlikely), or expect rental agencies to better educate their customers (something completely out of our hands). Sure, we could vent about it at the local bar or play keyboard warriors on Facebook—but let’s face it, none of that actually helps.
Instead, we’re writing this article to reach you—the travelers planning to visit Lofoten in winter—through the mighty Google algorithm. We’re not writing this to sell you our tours. We are genuinely concerned about your safety—and by extension, ours—as we all share the same narrow roads.
If you’re inexperienced with winter driving, we hope to discourage you from renting a car.
And if you do feel confident in your skills, we want to give you the information you need to drive here safely.
Driving in Lofoten during winter comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s important to understand how the conditions here differ from what you might be used to.
Lofoten isn’t a city but a region, so road sizes, quality, and maintenance vary a lot depending on where you are. Roads around Svolvær and Leknes are generally broader and better maintained than the narrower, winding roads in the western parts like Reine and Flakstad.
🚗 Roads in the western part of Lofoten are particularly narrow, with some single-lane bridges and sections where you’ll need to slow down or stop to let another car pass.
🚗 There are no proper road shoulders here—just the road and then a ditch. If you stray even a little from the plowed section, you’ll likely end up in a ditch.
🚗 Snowplows push snow to the sides of the road, making them narrower over time, especially after heavy snowfall.
🚗 The red poles with reflective tips along the road show where the road ends.
🚗 Roads are mostly plowed, and gravel is used instead of salt to improve traction. This means roads are often snowy or icy rather than completely cleared.
🚗 Some roads don’t have railings, even in areas with steep drops.
🚗 The weather here can shift dramatically, even between tunnels. It’s not uncommon to leave one side in sunny weather and drive into icy, snowy conditions on the other.
🚗 Parking places and road shoulders are rarely cleared in winter, making it harder to pull over safely.
🚗 In Norway, hazard lights are for emergencies only. Taking a picture of the scenery doesn’t count as an emergency. If there’s no parking or shoulder, it doesn’t mean you can stop on the road, even if you’re using double-blinkers.
Be honest with yourself. If you’re not experienced with icy roads or handling snowstorms, consider alternatives like guided tours or public transport. Lofoten, or northern Norway in general, is not the best place to gain the first experience.
A 4WD can be helpful for driving in deep snow as it provides better traction and stability. However, it’s important to note that 4WD does not improve braking on snow or ice.
The issue with 4WD is that it can create a false sense of safety, leading drivers to believe their car can handle any conditions. This overconfidence often results in higher speeds and risky driving behaviors, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
For example, we don’t have a 4WD car ourselves.
In Norway, studded tires may only be used from 1 November to the first Sunday after Easter Monday.
In northern Norway (Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark counties, or to simplify it in the areas above the Arctic Circle), studded tires may be used from October 16 to April 30.
If you’re planning to visit northern Norway or Lofoten during this period, we urge you to rent a car equipped with studded tires. Check with your rental agency to make sure your car will be equipped with them. If not, go for another car rental agency.
This is a tricky question to answer because road conditions can vary dramatically. They might be dry and clear of snow, covered by a thin layer of black ice, packed with snow, slush, or even frozen slush. And yes, it’s entirely possible to experience all of these conditions in a single day.
It also depends on which road you’re talking about.
For example, if you’re planning to drive from Tromsø to the Lofoten Islands in winter, the main roads like the E8 and E6 will be the best maintained. These are the backbone of the road system in Norway and are prioritized for plowing.
However, once you turn from the E6 onto the E10 road leading to Lofoten, you’ll notice a difference. The road becomes narrower, less straight, has a lower speed limit, and is maintained less frequently. Beyond Leknes, the E10 becomes even more narrow and winding. In some places, it narrows down to 1.5 lanes with limited road shoulders for passing. There are sections where you’ll need to slow down significantly or even stop to let oncoming traffic pass.
When you reach the Reinefjorden area (around Reine), you’ll encounter one-lane bridges and very narrow sections of the road between Reine and Å.
Still, E10 is prioritized for snowplowing. Keep this in mind if you’re booking accommodations on sideroads leading to places like Henningsvær, Fredvang, or other destinations off the main road, as these roads will receive less frequent maintenance in case of heavy snowfall.
Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to go over your rental car. A little prep can save you a lot of trouble later, especially when driving in winter conditions. Here’s what you should check before you leave the rental lot.
✅ Check for Winter Equipment
Make sure the car has studded tires and check where the mandatory equipment is (warning triangle, reflective vest, and ice scraper)
✅ Ask About Emergency Contacts
Ask for the car rental’s emergency contact number for accidents or breakdowns, both during working hours and after hours. Ask if your insurance covers accidents, like driving off the road.
✅ Inspect the Car
Check for any existing damage and make sure the car’s heating and defrosting systems are working as they should.
✅ Check the Weather Forecast
Before you start driving, always check the weather forecast. Head to yr.no and look at the detailed forecast for your route. Take the time to understand what you’re seeing.
❗Check the temperature—if it’s around 0°C, expect icy roads or slush.
❗Look at the precipitation—will it be heavy rain or snow?
❗Pay close attention to wind speed—bold numbers signal stronger winds, which could mean bridge closures or ferry cancellations. Sudden wind gusts can be particularly dangerous, especially if you’re driving a camper or a van.
❗ Pay attention to weather warnings – If there are 🟡 yellow warnings for strong winds, polar lows, or heavy snowfall, think carefully about whether you really need to drive. For 🟠 orange warnings, it’s serious—stay off the roads unless it’s an emergency. And if there are 🔴 red warnings, don’t even consider going outside.
✅ Check for Road Closures
If you’re planning to drive, for example, between Reine and Svolvær (or the other way around), it’s important to check for potential road challenges.
The section between Reine and Leknes is quite narrow, and in winter, car accidents are common—especially in the stretch between Ramberg and Napp.
When accidents happen, the road often gets completely closed, with no way to reroute or pass, leaving cars stuck on either side.
Additionally, if the wind gets too strong, the Gimsøy Bridge near Henningsvær closes automatically for safety reasons.
Always check for road closures before heading out to avoid hours of sitting in your car in freezing weather. You can visit 175.no or download the Vegvesen app for real-time updates.
✅ Clean Your Car
Clear ice, snow, and condensation from your windows.
If you’ve never done this before, DO NOT scrape the whole car—just the glass surfaces. Seriously, it happens!
Make sure you clear the front window properly, and don’t leave just a tiny patch cleared on the driver’s side. Not only is it unsafe, but you can actually get fined for driving with poor visibility.
The roof, lights, mirrors, and license plates should also be free of snow.
One thing many people forget is to clean the snow and ice off the roof of the car. Once the car warms up, the snow or ice can loosen and slide forward when you brake, creating an avalanche on your windshield.
Best case: you lose visibility for a moment. Worst case: you crash. And somewhere in between? You might just break your windshield wipers (yep, it happened to me recently).
Driving in Norway during winter, and especially in Lofoten, can actually be pretty straightforward when the conditions are normal. The roads are usually well-maintained, and as long as you’re driving carefully and sticking to the basics, you should be fine.
In this section, we’ll go over what to keep in mind for regular winter driving, like adjusting your speed, keeping a safe distance, and following the rules of the road. In the next section, we’ll get into the trickier stuff—what to do when things get challenging out there.
✅ Fasten Your Seatbelt
We do sightseeing tours in Lofoten, so we spend a lot of time driving people around. To our surprise, we almost always have to remind our passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
Honestly, are there still countries where this isn’t mandatory?
In Norway, it’s the law for all passengers—and, you know, it’s also the safe thing to do. You really don’t want to end up flying through the windshield because the driver had to slam on the brakes for a mink crossing the road or because a tourist stopped out of nowhere after spotting a whale, a moose, an eagle, a white rabbit, a sheep, the northern lights, or whatever else catches their eye.
✅ Drive on the Right Side
Here in Norway, we drive on the right side of the road. Not in the middle. Not on the left side.
Simple, right? Well, apparently, not for some rental car drivers. If this concept is a bit too tricky to grasp, please do everyone a favor—don’t rent a car. Stick to organized tours or public transport instead.
As I’ve mentioned before, the roads in Lofoten are narrow, and it’s absolutely terrifying to come out of a blind section and suddenly find a car barreling toward you in the middle of the road (or worse, on the left side), leaving you no space to maneuver.
✅ Let Other Cars Pass You Regularly
It’s totally understandable if you don’t feel comfortable driving 80 km/h on a narrow, snow-covered road. But driving 30 km/h under normal winter conditions? That creates a whole new problem.
The roads here are narrow, so overtaking isn’t exactly easy. And let’s be brutally honest—most locals don’t have the time or patience to crawl behind tourists going 30 km/h in conditions we’d consider normal and safe, even if they feel terrifying to someone who’s not used to ice and snow.
So, if you’re nervous, that’s fine, but find a safe spot to pull over and let the locals pass.
How to let other cars pass?
It’s pretty simple.
If there’s a road shoulder or a bus stop nearby, pull over and let the traffic behind you pass.
If there’s none in sight, wait until you’re on a straight section of the road where overtaking is possible. Slow down (though if you’re already driving 30 km/h, this step might not be necessary), signal to the right with your blinkers, and let the other cars pass safely.
Norwegian drivers rarely honk or flash their lights—it’s just not their style. But if a car gets uncomfortably close behind you, that’s their polite way of saying, “Hey, I’d like to pass.” Make it a habit to let them do that.
And back to the earlier point—drive on your side of the road, not in the middle. Seriously, staying in the middle not only drives the cars behind you crazy but also makes it nearly impossible or downright dangerous for them to overtake you.
✅ Keep a Safe Distance
This one is often more of an issue for locals who want to pass you because they feel you’re driving too slow.
But it can just as easily happen the other way around—you’re driving behind someone who suddenly spots a moose, eagle, white rabbit, mink, northern lights, or just gets nervous about a turn or tunnel and slams on the brakes unexpectedly.
That’s why keeping a safe distance is so important—double what you’d consider safe in the summer.
✅ Switch High Beams Off in Time
There are few things in the world more annoying than passing cars that blind you with their high beams. So, as soon as you see another car, switch them off. Don’t turn them back on until you’ve completely passed the other car—otherwise, you’ll blind the driver.
Also, don’t use high beams when you’re driving behind someone. It reflects in their mirrors.
One more thing: if it’s snowing heavily, turn off the high beams altogether. Otherwise, it’ll feel like you’re hurtling through a wormhole, and it’s surprisingly easy to get dizzy.
✅ Don’t Be Too Scared When Passing Other Cars
Yes, the roads in Lofoten are narrow, but in most places, they’re still wide enough to pass another car, truck, or even a bus without any issues.
The problem comes when inexperienced drivers panic and think there’s not enough space. This fear often causes them to pull too far to the side, which often ends with the car in a ditch.
Pay attention to the red sticks along the road—they’re there to show the snowplows (and you) where the road ends. And in Lofoten, it’s important to remember: there’s no extra shoulder or space on the sides. It’s the road, then ditch.
Unfortunately, in most places in (the western part of) Lofoten, there’s no middle line or sideline on the roads. And even where there is, chances are you won’t be able to see it because of the snow cover. You’ll have to trust yourself to navigate.
So, stay calm and trust that there’s enough room to pass. Panicking and pulling too far over will just make things worse.
If this feels overwhelming or like something you’re not confident evaluating, then honestly, you shouldn’t be driving here.
The paragraph above was all about driving in northern Norway or Lofoten under normal winter conditions. If you’re lucky, that might be all you’ll need to deal with.
But if your luck takes a bit of a dip, you could find yourself facing the fun stuff: black ice, whiteouts, snow tongues, slushy snow—you name it.
This isn’t the kind of thing we encounter every single day, but when it happens, it’s memorable.
Some lucky drivers who rented a car in Norway for a week might tell you that driving in Lofoten, Tromsø, or northern Norway in winter is totally fine—no issues, the roads were cleared and dry, and the sun was shining. And sure, that can happen.
But stay here long enough, or just have a bit of bad timing, and you might find yourself smack in the middle of a proper shit storm.
Sorry, snow storm.
What it is:
A nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on roads, often in shaded areas or on bridges during sudden temperature drops.
How the car behaves:
The car may lose all traction, making it difficult to steer, accelerate, or brake.
What to do:
What it is:
High winds or sudden gusts that can push your vehicle sideways, especially in open areas or when crossing bridges.
How the car behaves:
The car may feel unstable, and steering can become more difficult.
What to do:
What it is:
Wet, partially melted snow that creates a slippery and uneven surface.
How the car behaves:
The car may feel unstable, with reduced traction, especially when cornering or braking.
What to do:
What it is:
Partially melted snow that has refrozen into hard, icy ridges or tracks on the road. These frozen trails can “lock” your tires into grooves, making it challenging to steer out of them safely.
How the car behaves:
Your car may feel like it’s being pulled along the icy grooves, reducing your control over steering. Sudden attempts to leave these tracks can cause skidding or a complete loss of control. Braking is also more difficult, with significantly reduced traction.
What to do:
Driving in heavy snow and strong winds is like entering a scene from a sci-fi movie—visibility drops, the world turns white, and it feels like you’re hurtling through hyperspace. The swirling snow obscures the road, making it nearly impossible to see where the road ends and the ditch begins.
What to do:
This is the main road in Lofoten, the E10, somewhere between Leknes and Svolvær. It’s an 80 km/h road, but we were driving at a maximum of 30 km/h due to the conditions. This is exactly why planning long drives during winter is not a good idea.
Take, for example, the drive from Tromsø to Reine in Lofoten—it takes about 8 hours in good conditions, averaging 65 km/h. Now imagine being caught in weather like this. Suddenly, that 8-hour drive becomes a 16-hour ordeal. Driving in such conditions is extremely exhausting; it demands constant focus and drains your energy.
What it is:
Loose snow blown across the road by the wind, forming narrow streaks or patches of snow.
How the car behaves:
The car may skid or lose traction when driving over these slippery patches.
What to do:
What it is:
A weather condition where heavy snow and wind reduce visibility to near zero, making it hard to see the road or surrounding landmarks.
How the car behaves:
The car’s behavior isn’t directly affected, but the lack of visibility makes navigation dangerous.
What to do:
What it is:
Spin drifts occur when strong winds blow fresh powder snow across the road, creating swirling patterns that can drastically reduce visibility.
These conditions often happen on clear, non-snowy days in open, exposed areas. The result can feel like a whiteout, making it difficult to see the road, other vehicles, or even the red poles marking the edges of the road.
How the car behaves:
Your car remains stable, but the lack of visibility makes it challenging to stay on course.
What to do:
Please watch the entire video, which beautifully illustrates how you can still experience a whiteout caused by spin drifts even on a sunny day with no snowfall. Let us know in the comments when you managed to spot the white car driving in the opposite direction. Can you imagine what could happen if either of us hadn’t stuck to our side of the road?
What it is:
Deep snow occurs on roads that haven’t been plowed or where snow has accumulated quickly during heavy snowfall. This can also happen on less frequently maintained sideroads or parking lots.
How the car behaves:
In deep snow, your car’s tires may struggle to grip the road, causing spinning or difficulty moving forward. The car can sink into the snow, reducing ground clearance and making it harder to steer or maneuver. In extreme cases, the vehicle can become completely stuck if the wheels lose contact with the ground.
What to do:
This video was taken in Sørvågen on January 12. Getting stuck in the snow is a common issue during the winter when heavy snowfall occurs. This often happens because guests book Airbnbs where the owners don’t clear the driveway or parking area. As a result, people end up desperately trying to reach their accommodation—or, as in this case, struggling to get up the road from it.
If you find yourself stuck in a ditch while driving in Lofoten, here are the local towing services to contact:
📍 Around Svolvær:
Arctic Assistanse AS
📞 +47 993 66 680
📍 Around Leknes:
Ole Johan Olsen
📞 +47 91 53 41 20
Make sure to have these numbers saved before you hit the road, just in case! 😊
First, take a deep breath.
The vast majority of accidents on Lofoten roads are minor and rarely involve serious injuries. Most often, it’s about drivers misjudging icy or snowy conditions, sliding off the road, and ending up stuck in a ditch—or driving too far to the side of the road while trying to avoid a passing vehicle.
While frustrating, it’s usually nothing more than an inconvenience requiring a towing truck to get your car back on the road.
If you find yourself in a minor accident, such as sliding into a ditch or getting stuck on the side of the road, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Stay Safe and Visible:
2️⃣ Assess the Situation:
3️⃣ Call Your Car Rental Agency:
4️⃣ Contact a Local Towing Service (if needed):
If the rental agency advises you to handle it directly, they will provide details of trusted local towing companies.
5️⃣ Wait for Assistance:
Serious accidents aren’t very common in Lofoten, but they do happen.
Unfortunately, we recently had a head-on collision between two cars near Fredvang, and a terrifying incident where a bus with over 50 people went off the road and ended up in an ice-covered lake.
Knowing what to do in such situations can make all the difference, so here’s a guide to help you stay prepared.
1️⃣ Ensure Safety First:
2️⃣ Call Emergency Services:
3️⃣ Stay Calm and Assist Emergency Personnel:
4️⃣Provide First Aid (If Safe to Do So):
7️⃣ Inform Your Car Rental Agency:
8️⃣ Seek Follow-Up Care:
Driving in Lofoten during winter can be perfectly safe, but it’s not something to take lightly.
The roads here are narrow, icy, and unpredictable, and the weather can change in the blink of an eye.
If you don’t have experience driving in these kinds of conditions, please don’t rent a car. There are plenty of other ways to explore the beauty of Lofoten without putting yourself—and others—at risk.
But if you do decide to rent a car, make sure you’re driving in a way that’s safe, not just for you but for everyone else sharing the road with you.
Always check the weather, clean your car properly, respect the conditions, and avoid driving in severe weather. AND STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD!
To conclude, drive safely, or leave the driving to someone who knows the roads. Either way, we hope you have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip to Lofoten. 😊
Before You Arrive:
Before Driving Each Day:
While Driving:
In Case of Emergency:
| Location | Service | Phone Number |
| Around Svolvær | Arctic Assistanse AS | +47 993 66 680 |
| Around Leknes | Ole Johan Olsen Bilberging | +47 91 53 41 20 |
| Medical Emergency | Ambulance (Norway-wide) | 113 |
| Police (Accidents/Damage) | Police (Norway-wide) | 112 |
Tip: Save these numbers in your phone before starting your trip.
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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