Norway is one of the most beautiful countries to visit, prime for seeing the Northern Lights and the plethora of Norwegian fjords with their crystal clear water. For those who choose to travel there, Norway is renowned for its mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, with the ever-changing scenery making for the perfect backdrop when driving and exploring by car.
But while Norway is, undoubtedly, best explored with your own mode of transport and plenty of time to stop at various viewpoints, there are a few things that drivers need to be aware of being taking a car overseas – or picking up a Norwegian hire car.
What’s the Terrain Like in Norway?
The terrain in Norway is typically very good, though drivers need to be prepared for long distances and winding roads, across a country that is large with spaced out towns, hamlets and cities. The government investment into the country’s infrastructure means that virtually all of the highways across Norway are in very good condition, though rural roads and trails can still be subject to the lumps and bumps of lesser travelled roads.
In the winter, parts of Norway can get very cold – with the interchangeable weather, something that both local and international drivers need to be aware of. Nonetheless, to counter and mitigate potential issues, Norway has strict regulations around tyre condition and quality at different times of the year.
Do I Need Winter Tyres in Norway?
Winter tyres are mandatory across Norway from October until around March, with hire cars in the country all fitted with winter tyres as standard during the cold season. Studded tyres are an optional extra that drivers can choose, if the conditions they are driving in require them.
The exact location in Norway where you are driving will have an impact on the conditions you find yourself faced with. Those in the north of the country may need to fit winter tyres earlier, while driving in the south can delay the switch by a few weeks.
Switching the winter tyres isn’t just a matter of regulation but also safety and performance. The hilly landscape and mountains of Norway mean that chains are often required on heavier vehicles, with all these regulations designed to keep drivers both safe and moving. Carrying snow chains is a good idea if you plan on approaching or attempting mountain passes even outside of the core winter season, as variable conditions may mean that you come across unexpected snowfall.
