Norway, with its snow-capped mountains, frozen landscapes, and enchanting forests, transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Winter camping in Norway by camper van offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of this season while enjoying the comforts of a cozy home on wheels. However, it also presents its own set of challenges. To fully enjoy the beauty of winter camping in Norway, it’s essential to be well-prepared and aware of the specific considerations associated with the colder climate.

1. Preparing Your Camper Van for Winter Conditions

Before embarking on a winter camping trip in Norway, ensure that your camper van is well-equipped to handle the harsh weather conditions. Equip your vehicle with winter tires, and carry chains for added traction on icy roads. You can find out more about driving in Winter on Norwegian roads here. Inspect your heating system, insulation, and windows to ensure that they are functioning optimally to keep you warm and comfortable during your trip. Additionally, keep your water system and pipes from freezing by using proper insulation or heat tape.

2. Winter Camping Gear and Clothing

Invest in high-quality, insulated clothing, including waterproof layers, thermal base layers, and warm accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves. For winter camping gear, consider a four-season tent if you plan to camp outside your camper van, a well-insulated sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures. Make sure to pack a snow shovel, ice scraper, and extra blankets in case of emergencies.

3. Choosing the Right Campsite

When winter camping in Norway by camper van, it’s important to choose the right campsite. Many official campsites remain open during the winter months, offering facilities like electricity, heated service buildings, and sometimes even heated indoor spaces for socializing. Research campsites in advance, as some may have limited services during the off-season. Alternatively, consider wild camping in accordance with Norway’s freedom to roam, but be sure to park in a safe and legal spot that’s sheltered from the elements.

4. Safety and Navigation

Winter road conditions in Norway can be challenging, with snow, ice, and limited daylight hours. Make sure to keep an eye on weather forecasts, drive cautiously, and adjust your schedule to accommodate slower travel times. Equip your camper van with a reliable GPS and up-to-date maps, and always carry a fully charged mobile phone with emergency contact numbers.

5. Embracing the Beauty of Winter Camping in Norway

Winter camping in Norway by camper van offers a wealth of unique experiences and sights. Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, explore snow-covered landscapes, and enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Cozy up in your camper van after a day of adventure, sipping hot cocoa while gazing at the starry sky or sharing stories with fellow campers.

Winter camping in Norway by camper van is an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover the magical beauty of the Nordic winter. By being well-prepared and embracing the unique challenges of this season, you can create lasting memories while exploring the enchanting landscapes of Norway.

Essential Winter Accessories

Make sure your coolant and windshield wiper fluid have sufficient antifreeze protection, which can be verified using an antifreeze tester. Equip your vehicle winter tires or spiked tires, and if necessary, four snow chains for additional support. Practice installing the snow chains at home to avoid struggling with the instructions in a snowstorm. Other useful items to have on board include a tow rope, traction mats, snow shovel, headlamp and de-ice spray.

Large water tanks are likely to freeze in cold conditions, so it’s advisable to use multiple smaller water tanks with wide openings instead. Keep these tanks close to a heat source while driving to prevent freezing and ensure a steady supply of fresh water. Due to limited sunlight during winter, solar power may not be reliable, a charging booster will play a crucial role. Additionally, ensure your leisure batteries have sufficient amp hours to provide enough electricity for your heater overnight, keeping you warm and comfortable during cold winter nights.

Renting a Winter ready Camper Van

If you’re not keen on driving all the way to the North of Norway during winter, but still want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the season, consider renting a winter-ready camper van in Tromsø. By flying into Tromsø and picking up a fully-equipped camper van, you can embark on a memorable winter adventure without the hassle of a long drive.

One of the most experienced companies offering this service is Arctic Campers, conveniently located near Tromsø Airport. They provide a range of 4×4 automatic camper vans, including Volkswagen Caddy, Transporter, and Crafter. We received numerous helpful tips from these guys for our first winter tour up to Lofoten.