Norway’s mountain passes are where road trips turn into adventures. High plateaus, hairpins that cling to rock faces, sudden views of glaciers and turquoise lakes, and the feeling that weather makes its own rules up here. As a Norwegian who grew up crossing these roads in all seasons, I can tell you that mountain driving is both magical and humbling. Plan a little, respect the conditions, and you’ll have some of the most memorable miles of your trip.
If you’re wondering whether you can drive mountain passes in Norway on a typical vacation, the answer is yes. Most major passes are paved, well signed, and safe when you match your speed and plans to the conditions. Summer gives the widest access and the easiest driving, while shoulder seasons demand flexibility. Winter crossings are possible on certain all-year roads but require full winter equipment and calm judgment.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of mountain passes in Norway, including when to go, how to prepare your car, which routes to prioritize, and the small local habits that make a big difference on the road.
What Norwegians Mean by “Mountain Pass”
You’ll often hear locals say fjellovergang or simply overgang when talking about a high road that crosses a mountain area. These vary from broad, wind-swept plateaus like Hardangervidda to steep serpentine roads such as Trollstigen. Elevation often means rapidly changing weather: fog can roll in fast, rain can turn to sleet at higher altitudes even in July, and winds can be strong enough to push you around in exposed sections.
When to Drive: Seasons and Typical Opening Times
Summer, from late May or June through September, is peak season for high roads. Many of the truly scenic routes, like Sognefjellet or Aurlandsfjellet, are closed in winter and open sometime between late May and early July, depending on snowpack. In October, closures can come abruptly after a storm. The large all-year corridors like E134, E6 over Dovrefjell, and Rv7 over Hardangervidda may stay open but can have convoy driving or short-term closures during heavy weather.
Key idea: if your itinerary hinges on a specific mountain pass, build in a plan B via a lower road or a tunnel. That flexibility turns a weather hiccup into part of the adventure instead of a crisis.
Reading the Weather and Road Conditions
Up high, the forecast changes by altitude. A sunny fjord can coexist with drizzle and clouds on the plateau. Look for three clues as you approach the climb: low clouds hugging the ridge (expect reduced visibility), a sharp drop in temperature on your dashboard, and roadside poles with black tips or reflectors that mark snow lines and guide winter plows. If visibility is poor or wind is pushing your vehicle, slow down early and give yourself room.
Norwegian mountain roads also feature frequent lay-bys and viewpoints. Use them. Step out, check the wind, take a breath, decide calmly if the next stretch is for you today.
Preparing Your Car the Norwegian Way
A well-prepped car makes the difference between “stunning” and “stressful.”
Tires:
In summer, good all-season or summer tires with proper tread depth are fine. In spring and autumn, cold snaps can ice shaded bends; fresh tread and patient driving are essential. In winter, you need dedicated winter tires; studded tires are common outside the cities.
Brakes and gears:
On long descents, shift down and let the engine do the work. Riding the brakes overheats them, especially with a heavy car or motorhome. This habit is second nature for Norwegians on roads like Trollstigen and Gaularfjellet.
Fluids and visibility:
Top up windscreen washer fluid that handles low temperatures, even in summer. Mountain insects and spray can smear your view fast. Carry a simple ice scraper year-round; early mornings high up can surprise you.
Fuel and charging:
Stations thin out in remote mountain areas. Fill up before you climb. If you drive an EV, plan chargers in valley towns on either side of the pass and budget more time in cold weather, which reduces range.
Driving Etiquette That Locals Appreciate
Norwegian mountain passes are shared spaces. Small habits keep things flowing and friendly.
Use turnouts:
If you’re taking it slow to enjoy the scenery, pull into a lay-by when safe to let faster cars pass. It’s normal courtesy and keeps everyone relaxed.
Keep right and be predictable:
On narrow stretches, you may meet buses or caravans. Slow down early and keep a steady line. If you must reverse to a wider point, the smaller vehicle usually yields.
Lights on:
Drive with headlights on at all times. It’s the law and increases visibility when light and weather shift.
No blocking viewpoints:
Park fully in signed areas. Stopping in a narrow bend for a quick photo can create dangerous blind spots.
Famous Mountain Passes Worth Your Miles
Trollstigen (Rv63, Møre og Romsdal)
A classic: eleven hairpins, a dramatic waterfall, and a glass-view platform at the top. Peak hours bring crowds, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. Use low gear on the descent and keep calm through the bends.
Sognefjellet (Rv55, between Lom and Luster)
Northern Europe’s highest mountain road passes near Jotunheimen’s glaciers. The light can be otherworldly. Expect snow walls lingering into early summer and brisk winds even on sunny days.
Aurlandsfjellet “Snow Road” (Fv243, Aurland–Lærdal)
A slower, scenic alternative to the long Lærdal Tunnel. This one is about sky and silence: rolling rock, lakes, and summer snow patches. Opens late spring or early summer and closes with the first serious snow.
Hardangervidda (Rv7/E134 corridors)
The vast plateau feels like Arctic tundra. Wind is the headline here. If forecasts mention strong gusts, be patient; you’ll enjoy it more with calmer air.
Valdresflye (Rv51, Beitostølen–Bjørkestølen)
A favorite for mellow views and hiking access. The road rides a high shoulder of Jotunheimen with classic blue lakes and wide horizons.
Gaularfjellet (Fv13, Sunnfjord–Sogn)
Serpentine sections, stacked lakes, and a beautiful viewpoint at Utsikten. It’s a superb photography route with frequent safe pullouts.
How to Handle Weather Surprises
On a blue-sky morning in the fjord, take a sweater anyway. Temperature drops of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit up high are normal. If fog closes in, slow to what you can actually see, not what you hope is around the corner. If you encounter sleet or slush, smooth inputs are everything: gentle steering, gentle throttle, and double distance to the car ahead.
If conditions feel beyond your comfort level, turn back without drama. Norwegians do this all the time. There is no prize for pressing on nervously when a tunnel or lower route will get you to dinner earlier and happier.
Motorhomes, Campers, and Trailers
Motorhomes are common on Norwegian mountain passes, and most routes are entirely feasible if you mind weight, length, and wind. Use low gear early on climbs and descents. On exposed plateaus, move with two hands on the wheel and leave extra space from the shoulder. For caravans, practice smooth braking on long descents and take a longer break after a heavy downhill to let brakes cool.
Overnighting is part of the charm, but only park or camp where it is permitted. High plateaus are sensitive environments; use designated areas and leave no trace.
Electric Cars in the Mountains
EVs are everywhere in Norway, including high routes. Your two allies are route planning and temperature awareness. Climbing consumes energy quickly; descending regenerates some of it, but don’t bank on a full refund. Preheat the cabin while plugged in before an early start on cold mornings. Aim to arrive at the top with a comfortable buffer and plan your next charge near valley towns where infrastructure is denser.
Photography and Stops Without the Stress
The best photos come from patience, not from risky roadside halts. Use signed viewpoints, many of which are part of Norway’s Scenic Routes program. A short walk often gives a better angle and separates you from traffic noise. Keep an eye on children near edges; pitches can be sudden, and winds can be playful.
Wildlife, Sheep, and Reindeer
In summer, free-grazing sheep and occasionally reindeer wander across the asphalt as if they own the place. They kind of do. Slow to walking speed, let them set the pace, and never honk aggressively. On dusk drives, scan verges for movement; animals often lift their heads a split second before stepping out.
Safety Gear Worth Having
A basic kit goes a long way: reflective vest, warning triangle, warm layer for each person, water, snacks, and a power bank. In shoulder seasons, throw in a thin hat and gloves. Cell coverage is generally good on major passes, but it can drop in pockets. If you do need help, stay with the car, set the triangle well behind you, and make yourself visible.
Tunnels vs. Passes: Choosing the Experience
Norway’s long tunnels, like Lærdal’s 15 miles, are marvels that keep the country moving in winter. Passes are about the view and the feeling of being up in the weather. A smart itinerary often mixes both: take the pass one way for the scenery, then use the tunnel on the return if clouds have rolled in or time is tight.
Sample Itineraries That Fit Real Days
If you’re based in Åndalsnes, pair Trollstigen with Geiranger and the ferry crossing; leave early to beat the buses. From Lom, run the Sognefjellet to the fjord and loop back via Sogndal and the Lærdal Tunnel if the high route looks moody in the afternoon. Around Aurland and Flåm, take the Snow Road up and over, then return through the tunnel after a late lunch, when winds often pick up on the plateau.
Responsible Travel in the High Country
The mountain environment is fragile. Park within marked areas, stick to trails if you step out for a walk, and pack out every wrapper. Respect temporary closures and convoy rules. They’re not just bureaucracy; they’re how the roads stay safe in a landscape that can flip the script in minutes.
The Payoff
Driving over mountain passes in Norway is not just a way to get from A to B. It’s the moment your trip breathes deeper: the first glimpse of a glacier field, that quiet stretch where the road rides the sky, the surprise of sun breaking through low cloud. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you’ll find these crossings are the chapters you talk about long after the itinerary fades.