Drive safely in winter Vesterålen
Driving through Vesterålen in winter can be like driving through winter wonderland. But it's also at times a challenging experience and it's important to know how to drive in winter conditions.
Road trips in Arctic Norway are beautiful, but they can be challenging. If you’ve never driven on snow or ice before, take a moment to learn the essentials. These tips will help keep you safe, avoid fines, and make your journey a lot more comfortable.
Be prepared and check the weather forecast before driving.
Have you hired a car in Northern Norway this winter? If so, it’s worth giving a little thought to how driving in the Arctic differs from driving back home. We’ve gathered the essentials here – and in a short film – to help you enjoy the journey with confidence.
Welcome to Vesterålen, where the landscapes are dramatic, the light is ever-changing, and the winter roads have a character of their own. Driving up here is a little different, so it’s worth taking a moment to get to know a few simple tips that will help keep you safe and relaxed on your journey.
Norwegian traffic fines are famously high, but the rules exist for a good reason: they save lives. Always wear your seatbelt, stick to the speed limit, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s also illegal to even touch your phone while driving. Once you leave towns and cities behind, you’ll notice that many rural roads are narrow and sometimes lack a centre line – this does not mean they are one-way.
Keep to your side of the road and slow down when meeting oncoming traffic. Many roads also have a sharp edge or sudden drop-off, and the most common accident in the north is simply driving off the road.
Drive smooth and steady
Along the way, you’ll see extraordinary scenery, and you may be tempted to stop for a photo or to take in the view. Please do—just make sure you stop safely. Never stop in the middle of the road or on a bend. Find a proper lay-by or a safe parking spot before stepping out. Wear a reflective vest or bright clothing so other drivers can easily spot you, and always stay aware of traffic.
Winter surfaces change how your car behaves. Icy roads mean longer stopping distances, and conditions are especially slippery when temperatures hover around zero degrees Celsius. Try a gentle brake once you’re on the road to get a feel for the grip. If it’s very slick, slow down until you feel fully in control. And if a queue begins to form behind you, simply pull over in a safe place and let others pass. It makes the drive more pleasant for everyone—including you.
Locals have experience with winter driving, please allow cars to pass you safely if you are driving slowly, pull off the road where possible and signal clearly by using your turn signals.
Animals crossing
Wildlife is common too; animals roam freely and can appear without warning. The risk of encountering these on the road is greatest in late autumn and winter. Reindeer and moose rarely walk alone. If one animal runs across the road, more often come. And they run fast!
Don’t stop in the road
If you want to stop to take pictures or something else along the road, pull completely off the road so you’re not in the way of other cars. Avoid stopping in lay-bys marked with an “M” sign, as these are passing places for cars on narrow roads.
If something goes wrong
If your car breaks down, you’re involved in an accident, or you come across an accident:
Turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers that there’s an issue.
Put on a reflective vest and set up the warning triangle. Place the triangle at least 150 meters behind your car so other drivers see the hazard in time.
Call 113 if anyone is seriously injured.
If you are driving a rental car, you must contact your rental car company/read your rental agreement for how to handle the situation.
Contact a tow service like Redgo, Viking or NAF for help getting your car back on the road or to a repair shop.