Road trip in Norway - good to know before driving
Just rented a campervan and your next step is obviously planning the rest of your road trip in Norway. There are definitely things needed to know before driving in Norway. Big distances, low-speed limits, toll roads but spectacular roads indeed.
1. Don't underestimate the distances
What seems to be just around the corner, isn´t always that easy to reach in reality. The roads are curvy and speed limits low. Thanks to fjords and mountains you will find lots of bridges, tunnels and ferries not excluding. Check up on their schedule and prices beforehand.
Essential might be mobile app rome2rio. Don´t hesitate to contact us for advice when renting a campervan. The solution for harder driving conditions is to rent a compact-sized campervan that offers you easy driving on narrow roads and serpentines in the mountains.
2. Rent the right vehicle
The size matters in Norway more than anywhere else. Okay, maybe Italy may beat us in this. The roads in Norway aren’t built for big vehicles, therefore you should choose something of a compact size if you want to look at something else besides the road while driving. Do you know why a small campervan is the best for a road trip in Norway?
Our campervan rental focuses on the comfort of driving while admiring the environment around. You can rent a mini campervan or longer campervans offering more living space. Here is described how to choose the right size of the campervan.
3. Speed limits & fines
Driving in Norway fast is not worth it at all. While driving around, signs will almost always tell you what speed limit applies on a certain road. Generally, it is:
110 km/h – certain motorways or dual carriageways
80 km/h – outside of in-built areas
50 km/h – in-built areas and city centers
30 km/h – residential areas
Don’t break these rules for your own safety, the safety of others, and the safety of your wallet. Fines in Norway can be as high as listed below. They weren’t changed for years, so in 2021 came the increase. Here is a table of the fines valid in 2021.
4. Toll roads
Soon you will find out that Norwegian roads are in very good condition and moreover intertwined by many tunnels (longest in Europe – Lærdal 24,5 km), ferries and bridges. Nothing is for free – that’s the reason why drivers have to pay the tolls.
When renting a campervan from us, we want to be fair with you, therefore you will pay only for the “bomstasjoner” you actually pass. Each camper has its own Autopass – device that collects the passings. We will receive a check from tolling company and deduct the fee from your deposit.
There is a map of all the toll gates, whereas you can see the signs on the roads with written fees on it while driving.
5. Watch out pedestrians!
Pedestrians automatically expect cars to stop so they can pass the road. Some of them even don’t look around or rush through a crosswalk on a bike – for you, the driver, very unexpectedly.
It’s a common habit to yield right of way to pedestrians. Some drivers stop even if the pedestrians are only walking by, just to be sure. So don’t be surprised when somebody walks straight under your wheels. It’s normal, just be prepared to jump on breaks and of course don’t drive fast.
6. Winter driving in Norway
Thanks to our carefully built campervans that keep you warm also during winter, you can rent a campervan for a ski holiday. Campers are winter-ready for driving and sleeping. A weather forecast will warn you about adverse conditions and avalanche risk.
Some of the roads might get closed for certain periods, check it out on the national road’s website before driving. Lastly, clean your windows properly, another way it may cost you 2750 NOK.
For winter campervan trip inspiration read here.
7. Confusing crossroads
Maybe you are used to having traffic signs everywhere, at each crossroad. In some Norwegian cities and towns, you can be pretty confused when driving (and so are locals 😅). At one crossroad there are signs to yield right of way, at another there aren’t.
Therefore, you must pay attention to what’s around you. Don’t expect the road to be the main one when it looks like it. If there is no sign, the right-hand rule applies. A hundred meters further, there might be the traffic sign – please, pay attention.
8. General information for driving
- Every valid driving license is sufficient to use
- drive on the right side
- always have the lights on
- easy with the brakes when riding downhill – to avoid overheating the brakes drive in low gear
- kid safety seat must use children under 36 kilograms or 135 centimetres
9. Norwegian Scenic Routes
We know how beautiful Norway is and we want you to know too. That’s why a map of 18 most scenic routes exist. Whether it is because of natural pureness or extraordinary architecture, it’s absolutely worth driving around. If you don´t know where to start planning your road trip in Norway, the Scenic Routes is a great start point.
Check out an itinerary of an autumn campervan road trip in Hardangervidda Scenic Route.
This information will definitely prepare you for travelling in Norway by car or campervan. Drive safe, plan a little bit and most importantly, enjoy your holiday as much as you can. Keep an eye on our blog, travel tips and tricks are coming out soon.
