Prepare to hit the road
Are you ready to take the wheel for your Scandinavia road trip? Read on for more local travel tips.
Your rental car
When you book a Scandinavian self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, you’ll be able to pick the rental vehicle of your choice from the tour page.
During your trip, you’ll have unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and 2 authorised drivers. This way you can share the driving experience with your travel partner!
When you arrive at the rental office, it’s important that you read carefully through your rental vehicle agreement. Ask any questions if you find information unclear. You could also decide to add extra insurance for your peace of mind. This is all done directly with the agent.
Before you set off with your car, make sure it’s in good condition. Check all lights and the spare tire.
- Check out summer tours to drive across Scandinavia with the midnight sun
Repairs and breakdowns
When hiring a car, you are responsible for changing a flat tire and getting it repaired. So make sure to have an intact spare tire at all times. In case of a major breakdown, contact your vehicle rental agent before notifying your Nordic Visitor travel consultant.
Safe driving in Scandinavia
Here are some quick facts about driving safely:
- In general, all 3 Scandinavian nations have well-maintained roads of a high standard.
- As in most European countries, drivers drive on the right side of the road.
- Please note that you must wear a seat belt.
- You must use low-beam headlights at all times.
- Talking on a mobile phone is illegal.
- Drinking and driving is punished with severe penalties.
Petrol/gas stations
Fuel prices are relatively high in Scandinavian countries, but prices tend to vary widely among different stations and regions.
Fuel is slightly cheaper at self-service stations, which only accept credit cards. If you do not have a card with PIN we recommend using larger service stations with kiosks where you can pay inside.
Parking
Parking restrictions are strict but clearly indicated in most Scandinavian towns and cities. If you decide to park on the street, keep to the right side only (i.e., do not park against the flow of traffic).
Metered parking is common during weekdays along city streets as well as in many parking lots. Parking garages (P-hus) are also commonly found in the larger cities.
The most common paid parking system is the automated parking metre (P-automat). To use this system, first park your car and then purchase a parking ticket from the nearest P-automat. You will need to display this ticket on the dashboard of the car.
Illegally parked cars may be towed at the driver’s expense, so be careful.
Speed limits
In Scandinavia, you’ll notice that speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). They differ slightly between countries, so keep an eye out during your travels.
Fines for speeding, parking and traffic violations
You’ll find that Scandinavians are serious about following posted speed limits as fines are quite steep. Speed cameras are also posted along many roadsides around the region.
For minor traffic violations, an on-the-spot fine is issued and payable by credit card. A receipt should be issued by the officer collecting the fine. Parking tickets often need to be paid at a local bank.
Remember, these countries are incredibly beautiful, so there is no need to hurry. Enjoy the journey and the views!
Toll roads
In Sweden, vehicles pay congestion taxes in Stockholm and Gothenburg when passing in and out of the cities. The price per crossing varies between SEK 9 and SEK 35. These tolls will be automatically charged to your credit card by the rental car company.
Motorways in Sweden are toll-free.
That said, there are several toll roads in Norway and we recommend you pay toll online with ”AutoPASS Visitors’ Payment”. You can register directly after picking up your rental car in Sweden.
If you do not register your credit card the costs for these toll roads will be invoiced to the car rental agency in Sweden who will add on administrative fees and then charge your card. For more information and registration please see: http://www.autopass.no/en/visitorspayment
Road tunnels in Norway
When driving in Norway, you might experience one (or more) of the 900+ road tunnels here. You’ll find the majority in western Norway. Road tunnels are typically two-lane but vary greatly in lengths depending on the location.
Mountain passes in Norway
Norway is renowned for its incredible heights and so you might drive over mountain passes during your travels. They often have very long and winding downhill stretches, which can cause the brakes to overheat. To avoid this, drive in a low gear so you do not have to brake so hard or often.
Make sure to also keep an eye on the car’s temperature gauge as the car can quickly overheat when driving up steep grades.
Please also note that some of the higher mountain passes can still have snow or ice on the road in April and early May. They might also experience early snowfall in late September and October.
- Immerse yourself in the landscape with one of these Scandinavia nature vacations
Norwegian car ferries
Ferries are a common part of the Norwegian road network, mainly in the fjord region. They usually depart from ferry slips, called “fergekai”, rather than ports for passenger boats.
Wildlife hazards
When you’re driving between the cities, you might encounter rural forested areas. Here, beware of Scandinavian wildlife, especially moose (elk) and deer. They might run onto the road suddenly, especially at dusk and dawn.
In northern regions, reindeer (often in groups) may also wander into the road. There are usually warning signs in areas where these animals are known to make frequent crossings.
- Browse Scandinavian self-drive packages to start planning your road trip.
