A northern lights self-drive holiday gives you freedom to roam. You can travel at your own pace, avoid the tourist crowds and linger for longer at the places you fall in love with.
But driving in the Arctic takes a little planning — and to stay safe and get the most out of your self-drive adventure, it pays to know the rules of the road.
So in this guide, we tell you what to expect on a northern lights road trip in Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland. We share practical advice and answer a few FAQs so you can prepare for the journey ahead.
Essential tips for a northern lights self-drive holiday
Roads across the Nordics are generally well-maintained, even in remote areas. Locals tend to be courteous drivers, signage is clear and road networks are easy to navigate. However, there are some driving tips you need to bear in mind when planning a northern lights road trip.
Ensure you have the right driving license
When driving in Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland, you need to carry your UK driving license with you. If you only have a paper license, you need to update your license to a photo card license or get an international driving permit (IDP).
Consider the season
In northern Sweden, Finland and Norway, autumn is the best time for a self-drive tour. From September to early October, roads are clear from snow and ice — and you get to see the landscape ablaze with colour. From mid-October onwards, driving conditions become dangerous so a guided tour is a much better option.
In Iceland, a northern lights road trip is possible any time from September to March. But if you visit in late autumn or winter, driving conditions are likely to be more difficult, particularly in North Iceland. For this reason, we don’t recommend a self-drive tour around the north of Iceland any later than mid-October.
Check your car when you collect it
When you book a northern lights self-drive tour with Aurora Nights, we arrange car hire and insurance for you. You just need to let us know if you’d like any extras, like child seats or additional named drivers.
When you collect your hire car, check that the fuel level of the car matches that on your car hire documentation. You’ll need to return the car with the same amount of fuel to avoid being charged extra.
In Norway, you should also check that your car comes equipped with an AutoPASS. This is an automated system for the collection of road and ferry tolls.
Drive on the right
In all four countries — Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland — you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Drivers from the UK should take special care at crossings and roundabouts.
Check road conditions before travelling
In and close to the Arctic Circle, weather and road conditions are liable to change. While the weather in your area may be fine, conditions can be very different elsewhere, particularly if you’re travelling north or into highland regions.
So before you embark on a day of driving, check local news and websites for updates. Here are a few recommendations:
- Iceland — IRCA
- Norway — Statens vegvesen
- Sweden — Trafikverket
- Finland — Fintraffic
Don’t go off-roading
Off-roading in all the Nordic countries is forbidden. It can damage local scenery and invalidate your car insurance.
Take care on highland roads
In Iceland, highland roads are narrow and winding, and they have a loose gravel surface. These roads are marked with an “F” on maps. F roads are only suitable for 4WD vehicles and are off-limits to all vehicles during winter. Driving a non-4WD vehicle on these rough Icelandic roads, even in summer, can invalidate your insurance.
Keep your headlights on
Another important thing to remember on your northern lights self-drive tour? In Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, you have to keep your car headlights on all day and all year round. This makes good sense during the northern lights season, when the sun sets early and rises late.
Stick well within the speed limit
The maximum driving speed is 90 km/h in Iceland, 100 km/h in Norway and 120 km/h in Sweden and Finland. Speed limits change depending on the road and the season, with much slower limits on narrow, rural routes.
We recommend sticking well within the speed limit when driving on your northern lights holiday. By doing so, you avoid hefty fines and you stay safe no matter the road conditions. You also give yourself plenty of time to brake for wildlife, which can include sheep, wild horses, moose and reindeer.
Fill up with fuel regularly
When travelling in rural areas, there’s sometimes a long distance between petrol stations. So try to fill up with fuel whenever you can. Petrol stations tend to be self-service but (in Iceland in particular) you may come across places where staff will fill your car for you.
Don’t drink alcohol and drive
Norway, Sweden and Iceland have some of the strictest laws in the world when it comes to drinking alcohol and driving. The legal limit in all of these countries is 0.02% BAC. In Finland, it’s a little higher at 0.05% BAC — but this is still significantly lower than in the UK.
Consider a guided aurora chase
With your own set of wheels, it may be tempting to hop in your car and chase the northern lights. But driving at night in unfamiliar conditions can be stressful — and tricky.
On an Aurora Nights trip, you can enjoy the best of both worlds by combining a self-drive tour and guided northern lights excursions. You spend the day driving around the Arctic countryside. Then relax and keep your eyes on the skies as an expert aurora guide transports you to the best northern lights locations each night.
Driving in Iceland FAQs
Iceland is arguably the best country for a northern lights self-drive holiday. Easy to navigate, minimal traffic and plenty of scenic stop-offs. If you have your heart set on a self-drive trip in Iceland, take a look at these FAQs to get the most from your adventure.
Is it easy to drive in Iceland?
Yes, it’s generally very easy to drive in Iceland, particularly during late spring, summer and early autumn. Route 1 (or the R1) is the main ring road around Iceland. It has a single lane in either direction and it links most of the major tourist sites.
Just remember that winter conditions, even on the R1, can be tough. Be wary of sudden snow squalls, high winds and icy patches — and check road and weather updates regularly.
Where should I go on a self-drive holiday in Iceland?
The Golden Circle in South Iceland is a popular route, easily accessible by car. It includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Great Geyser. Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon are also nearby.
Travel along the southern coast and you’ll find more waterfalls, the black sand beaches of Vik and the imposing Eyjafjallajokull volcano. Further north, you can explore the Westfjords region, discovering hidden hot springs and fjords. You can also visit Myvatn, known as the northern lights capital of Iceland.
Is driving in Reykjavik easy?
Driving in Reykjavik is generally easy. The city is small and easy to navigate. However, you need to keep an eye out for two-lane roundabouts (where vehicles on the inner lane have right of way) and for one-way streets.
Hotels in central Reykjavik don’t tend to provide parking. But you’ll find metered parking on many city roads and there are lots of parking garages to choose from.
Is driving in Iceland in winter a good idea?
You can drive in South Iceland in winter as long as you keep a close eye on weather and road conditions. However, we don’t recommend driving in North Iceland in winter. Roads can be icy and snowy. They’re also prone to closures, which can disrupt your Iceland self-drive holiday.
How long does it take to drive around Iceland?
In theory, and in good weather conditions, it’s possible to drive around the whole of Iceland’s Route 1 ring road in 17 hours. To make the most of your road trip, however, we recommend no less than 7 days. Shorter routes, like the Golden Circle, are doable over a long weekend.
Driving in Norway FAQs
On a self-driving northern lights trip to Norway, you’re greeted by a spectacular view at every turn. Discover what else you can expect on a Norway fly-drive holiday by taking a look at these FAQs.
Is it easy to drive in Norway?
Roads in Norway are of a high standard and are well-maintained. However, roads in rural areas, particularly those in mountainous areas and around fjords, can be narrow and winding.
During winter months, driving conditions are challenging, with lots of snow and ice on the roads. Even during summer and autumn months you need to take care. Brakes can overheat on long downhill stretches so you should drive in a low gear. When driving uphill, watch your car’s temperature gauge to avoid engine overheating.
Where should I go on a Norway fly-drive tour?
If you want to see the northern lights in Norway, then you need to head north. Highlights of a northern road trip include the city of Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands, Vesterålen and Senja.
In this region, you can experience snow-capped mountains, colourful wooden fishing villages, glittering fjords and attractions that include the Andøya Space Centre and whale watching tours.
Many of the islands along Norway’s coastline are connected by bridges or ferry routes, so it’s easy to hop from one to another.
What Norwegian roads should I travel on?
The E6 is the main road that travels the length of Norway, from Oslo right up to Tromsø. In the north, the E10 provides an easy route across the islands.
Is winter driving in Norway a good idea?
No, we don’t recommend driving around northern Norway in winter. Roads are likely to be icy and snowy, some scenic routes are closed and driving is challenging. If you want to see the northern lights on a Norway driving holiday, we recommend travelling to Norway in September or early October.
How long does it take to drive across Norway?
Norway is a long, thin country. To drive from Oslo in the south to Tromsø in the north, it takes around 22 hours.
Driving in Sweden FAQs
Sweden’s Arctic north is spacious and serene. On a self-drive northern lights tour of Sweden, you get to experience pristine wilderness and some of the world’s best aurora locations.
Take a look at these FAQs to find out what to expect when you embark on a road trip in Sweden.
Is it easy to drive in Sweden?
In summer and early autumn, driving in Sweden is easy. Roads are well-maintained and those away from towns and cities are usually free from traffic. In the north of the country, known as Swedish Lapland, driving is more challenging from mid-October onwards due to wintery weather conditions.
Where should I go on a Swedish road trip?
If you want to see the northern lights in Sweden, you need to travel north to Swedish Lapland.
Here, you can explore the beautiful scenery of Abisko National Park. You can hop on a car ferry to discover the spectacular Luleå archipelago or head inland to the forests and lakes of Kiruna, where you’ll also find the famous Ice Hotel.
The E10 road is a scenic stretch of highway that connects all these destinations. Keep your eyes peeled, and along the way you may even spot some local wildlife, including eagles, moose, reindeer and bears.
Is driving in Sweden in winter a good idea?
In winter, roads in Sweden tend to be icy and snowy, particularly in northern regions. We don’t recommend a self-drive tour during this time of year.
Is driving in Stockholm easy?
If you plan to start or end your trip in Stockholm, you may find driving here a little more challenging than in the northern countryside.
Navigating Stockholm’s road system, which includes tunnels, bridges and many islands, can be a bit complicated. As in any big city, roads also get busy during peak hours.
Another consideration is the congestion charge. Roads in Stockholm city centre are subject to a congestion charge on weekdays between 6:30am and 6:29pm. The payment system is automatic, managed by control points and cameras. So you need to check with your car hire company how these charges will work.
If you’d prefer to avoid the congestion charge and Stockholm centre, there are park and ride options on the edge of the city.
How long does it take to drive across Sweden?
It takes nearly 24 hours to drive from the south to the north of Sweden. It takes around an hour to drive from Kiruna to Abisko and around 4 hours to drive from Kiruna to Luleå.
Driving in Finland FAQs
On a self-drive northern lights holiday in Finland, you can explore the fells and forests of this beautiful country at your own pace. Stay safe and see more by taking a look at these driving in Finland FAQs.
Is it easy to drive in Finland?
Roads in Finland are typically in good condition. Away from towns and cities, roads are quiet. And while you need to watch out for snow and ice — and for wildlife like reindeer and moose — driving around Finland is generally easy.
Is driving in Finland in winter a good idea?
No, unless you’re a seasoned winter driver, a Finland self-drive tour in winter isn’t a good idea. Roads, particularly those in the north of the country, are snowy and icy from mid-October onwards. This makes driving challenging and potentially dangerous.
Where should I go on a self-drive tour of Finland?
If you want to see the northern lights in Finland, you should travel north to Finnish Lapland. Here, you’ll find scenic locations like Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Saariselkä, Ivalo and Lake Inari. You can stop off to see Santa and his elves, visit a Sámi reindeer farm or hike forested hills before chasing the northern lights each night.
Most major sights and attractions can be found close to the E63 and the E75 highways.
Is driving in Helsinki easy?
Driving in Helsinki is relatively easy. But in the city centre, it pays to be aware of a few rules. For example, trams always have right of way. And turning left is often forbidden so you need to be careful when planning your route.
Parking is free from 9pm to 9am and on Sundays. At other times, you can find metered spaces on the road and in car parking garages.
How long does it take to drive across Finland?
It takes around 19 hours to drive from the very north of Finland to Helsinki in the south. The journey from Rovaniemi to Helsinki takes around 9 to 10 hours.
Ready to plan your northern lights road trip?
At Aurora Nights, we offer tailor-made northern lights holidays across Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Whether you’re planning a scenic self-drive escape — or prefer to let one of our expert aurora guides lead the way on a private or small group tour — our travel specialists can organise the aurora holiday you’ve been dreaming of.
What’s on your northern lights wish list? Contact the team to start planning your trip.
