https://www.reddit.com/r/Norway/comments/1igtu8q/winter_drive_to_lofoten/
created by _Anubias_ on 03/02/2025 at 16:59 UTC
1 upvotes, 3 top-level comments (showing 3)
Hi guys,
I have a question regarding driving to Lofoten during the second half of February. I have visited Norway almost ten times now, it's probably my favorite European travel destination. I have also been to Lofoten Islands around 10 years ago, however it was during September.I will never forget that trip.
So now I want to also take my family to Lofoten during the "skiing" vacation. We will drive from southern Finland, and the car is equipped with studded tyres. I know that the islands have very unpredictive weather, so I want to ask the locals if they can give me any pointers on how I should prepare the car. Is driving on the coast anything more special or challenging compared to driving anywhere else in Scandinavia during winter?
This may be a stupid question, but I am worried if the roads may be open on a schedule (ie. between 6:00 - 22:00 or similar limitations). I am asking because in 2020 summer we visited Nordkapp (during Covid-19 lockdowns), and the hotel manager there explained to me that if I ever want to visit during winter, I need shovel, gravel bag, petrol canister, warm clothes and some food/water to last 30hrs, and that the road is normally closed and is only accessible in organized caravans, etc.
PS: I know I need to register my car and pay the tolls beforehand (maybe I should do it right away, so I won't forget).
PS2: Weather permitting, I am hoping to catch some northern lights. Any pointers on how I could maximize my chances?
Comment by Maximum_Law801 at 03/02/2025 at 17:33 UTC
6 upvotes, 1 direct replies
The roads in Lofoten are open as ‘normal’ in winter. It’s a little different on some of the roads in Finnmark. Bad weather can close tha roads, and the advice you were given is be smart all over Norway in winter. Be able to wait some hours/a night in your car. Not common, but can happen. Bring food; drink, blankets. And shovel. And don’t drive if the weather is too bad.
Comment by K_the_farmer at 03/02/2025 at 17:40 UTC
3 upvotes, 1 direct replies
Preparing car: A decent snow shovel is a must, like rottefella or some other sturdy thing that can be packed away. If you have chains, bring them. No need to buy, they are just an extra-extra insurance. A blanket in the car is good whenever driving long in wintertime- things do break from time to time and rescue veichles are usually one to several hours away. Roads are usually open, but some passes/stretches might be closed due to avalance risk if the weather has suddenly turned- so check road status online each day for the stretches you'll be driving. The driving itself isn't a lot more challenging than southern Finland, you'll find the same packed snow, ice, black ice, 'tramtracks' and slush as you've driven at home. That said, the roads are narrow, steep and unfamiliar to you, so measure out the caution.
Re. aurora: Be able to drive to the other side of the isle- if the clouds pack on one, they often break on the other.
Comment by Logitech4873 at 03/02/2025 at 21:23 UTC
1 upvotes, 0 direct replies
I think you sound very well prepared. If most of the Asian tourists manage it, you'll be just fine :)