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Driving in the arctic is a challenge and is not for everyone. We highly recommend to use public transport, pick-up services or guidet transportations as much as possible. This is also the most sustainable way of travelling, so why not go green?
However, we understand that getting around with public transport is not always the easiest thing. Please read more of what to expect of winter driving and how to make it in a safe way.
When is it winter driving conditons?
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that the vehicle you are driving has sufficient road grip, all year round. In winter, the tyres on your vehicle must have a tread depth of at least 3 millimetres. It is important that your tyres are in good condition, dimensioned to fit your vehicle and appropriate for the weather and road surface conditions regardless of season. Remember that correct tyre marking and tread depth are no guarantee that your road grip is good enough. (Source: Tyre requirements | Statens vegvesen)
Between October 16th to April 30th you may use studded tyres in the counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. Up north we have a long and rough winter with difficult driving conditions, so driving without proper winter tyres is actually risking your life.
Driving conditions are tough
The driving in Senja and Dyrøy can feel challenging even in summer, with narrow, curvy roads, plenty of scary and dark tunnels and the roads bending up and down mountains. Imagine this in winter, with its various and challenging snow and ice covered roads. On short distances you can encounter all kinds of driving conditions. Icy, slushy, snowy - in many different levels. Across Senja and over mountains it is not uncommon to face lower visibility caused by wind and snow. When a blizzard hit, you should stay inside wherever you are and wait until it passes.
Use the weather forecast freequently, read the full text and update it also during the day, as it might change.
Plan for the driving to take more time than normal. Also traffic accidents will cause delays.
Some roads on the coastlines have higher risk of the fishtrucks sliding and blocking the road for hours. Some places you can find another route, other times you will have to wait.
The risk of avalanches is also to be considered and roads might close due to the higher risk, or it is already blocking the road. If you meet a road barrier, do not open it.
Plan your winter driving distances by collecting information from the public Road and traffic information or call 175. This map is also very useful.
Wild animals
You might hit wild animals like moose, reindeer or deer. The areas of Dyrøy, Finnfjordbotn and south of Senja has a higher freequency of traffic accidents with moose.
It is not a crime to hit an animal with your car, but it is a crime to not report it to the police at phone 02800. Put out a mark, so personell arriving to seek for the animal can find the correct spot.
Your insurance will not cover damages if it is not reported to the police.
No drinking and driving
We will mention that drinking and driving is not accepted and the limit is 0,2‰.
Book transfer or guidet excursions instead.
How to interact with the local traffic
We guarantee that you will have to interact with local traffic, even though you feel you are far, far away from people. The locals have another agenda and most likely a different driving pattern than you, so act polite and find a safe place to let them pass you.
Trucks and larger vehicles should also catch your attention. Keep your eyes open ahead of you and plan to stop and wait for them. They will definitely not stop or back for any smaller vehicle. Also the snow ploughing truck needs your attention.
In tunnels there are meeting points, and again, you must plan your driving and use them. Having to go reverse in the dark tunnel will not brighten up your day.
Parking
Use designated, public parkings or wherever there is marked a parking. Pay with bank card or app.
Do not park at meeting points on the roads (marked with the blue sign with the "M"), private exits or along the roadside.
If a parking is full, then move on.
Pay attention to parking prohibited signage.
Fuel and charging
Senja and Dyrøy have long driving distances, few electrical chargers and quite many selfservice fuelstations.
We recommend to have a plan and fill up when you can. Do not wait until it`s critical.
In general, plan well and drive shorter distances. Have room for flexibility.
Drive slowly and concentrated, make to sure to have breaks often.
Drive safe!
