Exploring the Arctic Winter: Your Adventure in a Camper Van
Here’s a guide to what you can expect.
Ready for an epic winter road trip through the Arctic? Imagine cruising along snowy roads, with the Northern Lights dancing overhead and the chance to spot majestic whales along the coastline. Sounds amazing, right? With one of our cozy camper vans, you can turn that dream into reality and make the most of your Northern Norway’s winter expedition.
Arctic Winter Adventures
Chase the Northern LightsIf you’re heading up north in the winter, one of the first things you’ll want to do is spot the Northern Lights. Luckily, Northern Norway is one of the best places on Earth to see them. Grab a hot drink, park your van in a quiet spot, and look up—you might just catch those magical green and purple lights dancing across the sky. Tromsø, Alta, or anywhere around the Lofoten Islands are all great spots for aurora-hunting.
Whale Watching in Skjervøy
If you’re into wildlife, Skjervøy is the place to be. From November to January, you can see orca and humpback whales up close as they come in for the herring feast. Bundle up, hop on a boat, and get ready for some serious whale action. And after a day on the water, your warm van will feel like the perfect retreat.
Polar Night Vibes in the Lofoten Islands
Ever experienced the polar night? In places like the Lofoten Islands, the sun doesn’t rise for a couple of months in the winter. But instead of pitch darkness, you get this surreal blue and purple light during the day that’s totally Instagram-worthy. The whole place looks straight out of a winter postcard, with jagged mountains, calm fjords, and cozy little fishing villages scattered throughout.
Snowshoeing and Skiing
Winter in the Arctic is perfect for snowshoeing and skiing. Explore the untouched landscapes at your own pace, whether you prefer a quiet snowshoe trek through the wilderness or hitting the ski trails. You can rent snowshoes directly from us when you pick up your camper, so you'll be fully prepared for an outdoor adventure.
Husky Dog Sledding with Experienced Mushers
Experience the thrill of husky dog sledding with experienced mushers across Northern Norway. Feel the excitement as a team of enthusiastic huskies pulls you through the stunning Arctic scenery, a traditional way to explore the region in winter. It's a must-do activity that truly captures the spirit of the Arctic! You can book your dog sleeding ride at our office.
Winter Driving Made Easy
Driving through snowy Arctic roads sounds tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how we make sure you’re ready for the road.Spiked Tires for Peace of Mind
All our vans come equipped with spiked tires during the winter, ensuring you’ve got excellent grip on icy roads. Whether you’re driving along the coast or navigating mountain passes, these tires will give you the traction you need to feel confident on snowy or slippery surfaces. Icy roads are no match for the extra stability provided by the spikes, making your Arctic drive safer and more manageable.
Well-Maintained Roads
One thing to keep in mind is that Norway’s roads are impressively well-maintained, even in winter. Snowplows are out 24/7, keeping the main routes clear and easy to navigate. Thanks to the regular upkeep, you can expect smooth driving conditions most of the time, even when the snow piles up. So, while winter driving may sound intimidating, the country’s top-notch road care ensures you can focus on enjoying the scenery.
Winter Driving Tips from the Pros
Before you hit the road, our team will give you a full rundown on how to handle winter driving conditions. You’ll get helpful tips on navigating icy roads, driving in snowstorms, and what to do if the weather takes a turn. Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and safe behind the wheel, no matter the conditions.
Extra Security with the Grand Camper 4WD
For those looking for even more control and stability, the Grand Camper 4WD is your go-to. With all-wheel drive (AWD), this camper gives you added peace of mind, especially on steeper or rougher roads. Whether you’re driving in tricky conditions or just want that extra layer of safety, the Grand Camper’s AWD has you covered. Gear Up for Winter Fun
Camper Trip During the Arctic Winter
Camping in the Arctic during winter might sound harsh, but with the right setup, it can be an incredible experience. Our vans (except for the basic camper) are designed to handle the cold conditions, and many of our past guests have returned from their trips absolutely thrilled. Here's what makes staying in one of our campers during the Arctic winter not only doable but enjoyable:Fuel-Driven Parking Heater
The most important thing during an Arctic winter trip is staying warm. That’s why all our vans (except the basic camper) come with an original Webasto fuel-driven parking heater. This heater runs all night, even when the engine is off, keeping the sleeping compartment at a consistently cozy temperature, just the way you like it.
Extra Batteries
Our vans are equipped with extra batteries (except the basic camper) that are charged while you drive. These batteries power the fridge, USB outlets for charging your devices, lights, and the ventilation for the parking heater. You’ll have everything you need to stay powered up while enjoying the Arctic wilderness.
Compact Camper Vans
Our camper vans are much more compact than large RVs, which gives you a big advantage during the winter. There’s less space to heat, and finding a parking spot for the night is much easier. Plus, smaller vehicles handle better on icy and snowy roads, giving you more confidence as you drive through the Arctic landscape.
Water Supply
Instead of an inbuilt water system, our vans come with 5 or 10-liter water canisters, which are either stored close to the heater or can be brought up front to prevent freezing during the day. This system is simple and practical, making it much easier to manage water in the Arctic environment—something we’ve found works very well.
Toilets & Showers
While our vans don’t have built-in toilets or showers, you’ll find plenty of petrol stations along the way that offer both. Northern Norway also has many public toilets in tourist areas, and most large camping places are open year-round, providing showers and other amenities.
Facts for an Arctic Winter Travel
Best Location to Start Your TravelTromsø is the ideal starting point for your winter adventure in Northern Norway. This vibrant Arctic city offers easy access to some of the most breathtaking experiences the region has to offer. Tromsø has the biggest international airport in the North
Normal Temperatures to Expect
You can expect temperatures ranging from +5°C to -15°C along the fjords and sea, perfect for outdoor activities with the right gear.
Extreme Temperatures
In certain inland areas like Finland and Kautokeino, temperatures can drop as low as -35°C. Make sure to pack plenty of layers if you’re heading that way!
Polar Night in Tromsø
The polar night begins on November 27th and lasts until January 15th. While there’s no direct sunlight, you’ll experience beautiful twilight during the day.
Month-by-Month Overview
- November: Gradual disappearing of daylight with long sunrises and sunsets, painting the sky in amazing colors.
- December to January: Full polar night in cities like Tromsø, with no sunlight but magical twilight illuminating the Arctic landscape.
- February: The daylight starts making a comeback, with extended sunrises and sunsets casting a glow over the snow-covered mountains.
- March: Significant increase in daylight hours, leading to full days by the end of the month, making it easier to explore the Arctic all day long.
Northern Lights Success Observation
The best chance of seeing the Northern Lights happens on clear nights with active aurora activity. Tromsø and the surrounding areas are prime spots for witnessing this natural wonder.
Clean Roads
Rest assured that Norway’s roads are cleared 24/7, so you can safely travel to your destination without worrying about snow blocking your way. This makes winter driving much easier and more reliable in Northern Norway.
Your Road Trip of a Lifetime
Taking one of our camper vans through Northern Norway in winter is the perfect way to experience the Arctic at your own pace. From chasing the Northern Lights to whale watching and soaking up the polar night light, you’ll have all the flexibility you need to explore. With spiked tires, warm heaters, and plenty of helpful driving tips, the Arctic roads are yours to discover.Ready to hit the road? Book your winter camper van now and start your Arctic adventure today!