Last winter, our colleague Rianne embarked on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking winter landscape of Norway with a rental car. In this blog, she shares her experiences of driving in the snow, exploring the stunning scenery, and of course, witnessing the magical Northern Lights. Curious about her adventure? Keep on reading to find out how Rianne explored this unique winter destination!
Swapping the Beach for a Snowy Mountain
My best friend and I had been trying to plan a fun trip together for a while. But a beach vacation didn’t really excite either of us. When the idea of Norway came up, we knew instantly—this was it! We booked our trip to Norway with one mission: to see the Northern Lights!
Driving in the Snow
The first few days we stayed in Tromsø and joined organized tours, including a snowmobile tour just over the border in Finland. On day 4, we picked up our rental car at Tromsø Airport. Just outside the terminal is a separate building where the car rental companies are located.
Since we both found the idea of driving in heavy snow a bit daunting, we had reserved a compact SUV. A sturdy vehicle that could handle the winter conditions with ease. When we picked it up, we were told the car was also equipped with studded winter tires, which gave us that extra bit of reassurance.
Getting to Know the Car
A helpful tip for getting comfortable with a rental car, whether it’s summer or winter: drive a few laps around the pick-up area before hitting the main road. This way, you can get a feel for the brakes, and if something doesn't feel right, you're close enough to return.
We both did this, mainly to test how slippery the roads were, but fortunately, it wasn't bad at all. So, with confidence, we set off on our road trip. The roads were well-maintained, and other drivers were cautious as well. A big advantage: the snow in Norway doesn’t stick. It’s disappointing if you want to make snowballs, but fantastic for driving, as the snowflakes just slide off the car.
The Magical Northern Lights
How lucky can you be? During our flight to Tromsø, we were already treated to a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the airplane! That was a good forecast for our time in Norway. Early in the week, we joined a guided tour. The guides know exactly where to find the best spots to see the Northern Lights, avoiding light pollution and cloud cover, and they build a cozy campfire to warm up by in the dead of night. The wait was worth it when, at 1:30 AM, the entire sky turned green, and the Northern Lights danced above us. Such a magical experience! Later in the week, we ventured out on our own with the rental car to chase the Northern Lights again—that's the flexibility a rental car provides.
Why Visit Norway in Winter?
Some people might be put off by the cold, the heavy snowfall, and the limited daylight during the winter months in Norway. But these are the very things that make Norway so special in winter.
- The thick snow allows for all sorts of winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, husky sledding, or snowmobiling across a frozen lake.
- In the middle of winter, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for several weeks, leaving just a few hours of light per day. This is the prime time to spot the magical Northern Lights. The further north you go in Norway, the greater your chances! You can join an organized tour or drive to a secluded spot with your rental car to avoid light pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Car Rentals
- Do you need special driving experience to drive in Norway in winter? No, special experience isn’t necessary. As long as you drive carefully and stay alert, it’s not much different from driving in the snow in the Netherlands.
- Are winter tires mandatory in Norway? Yes, winter tires are required during the winter months. Rental cars in Tromsø are typically equipped with these, often with studs.
- What are the road conditions like in winter? The roads are very well maintained. Snowplows frequently clear the roads after snowfall, and plenty of salt or sand is used. Keep in mind that snow-covered roads require a slower, more cautious driving style. Give yourself enough time to reach your destination safely.
- Are gas stations easy to find? In and around cities, gas stations are plentiful, but they can be scarce in more remote areas. Always make sure you have enough fuel.
Just Do It!
My winter adventure in Tromsø was truly unforgettable. Even though I was a bit worried about the cold, with a good thick coat, gloves, and a hat, it was very manageable. Driving through Norway’s snowy landscape was nerve-wracking at first, but in the end, it didn’t feel much different from driving in the snow in the Netherlands. It also gave us so many opportunities to explore beyond Tromsø. So, I highly recommend hitting the road in a rental car if you’re planning a winter trip to Norway!
