The 10 Commandments for Driving in Lofoten: A Practical Guide for Visitors
Do We Really Need 10 commandments for driving in Lofoten?
Pfffff, weeell, I am inclined to say yes.
I am in my second year of living in Lofoten (I aspire to become a true local. Mind you, some say you have to provide documentation of a long line of generations of “Lofotværinger” to truly be a local).
Anyways, after driving Lofoten’s narrow roads as a “local” in all seasons — from summer bathed in the midnight sun to stormy winter whiteouts, and everything in between, I have a few notes.
In Lofoten, we welcome visitors from around the world throughout all four seasons. Many of these visitors, it turns out, are not at all comfortable driving on our narrow, winding roads.
Another challenge is driving on snow-packed, icy roads along the narrow, winding roads mentioned.
We love our visitors and also believe that some advance preparation and a heads-up on road etiquette for driving “off the beaten path” in Norway might come in handy.
Hence, I present you with The 10 Commandments For Driving In Lofoten.
I Share With You These “Commandments” With Lots Of Love
Don’t get me wrong, no one understands better than the locals of Lofoten that our scenery is otherworldly beautiful; the majestic mountains and breathtaking fjords just never end.
The photo ops show up like beads on a chain, we know.
We also know our roads are narrower than most drivers are used to. And we know that the weather and conditions in Lofoten can be challenging for drivers not used to them.
That said, imagine that every time you drive to the supermarket or to work, you end up behind someone doing 40 in the 80 zone, and you can not pass them because they drive in the middle of the road. Sounds a bit annoying?
Yeah, it can be, and this also creates situations that are not necessarily safe.
This is why I have lovingly created these 10 commandments: to ensure you have a safe and comfortable road trip in Lofoten, while also practicing good road etiquette and being a considerate and helpful driver.
Thank you for indulging me, and welcome to these 10 Commandments for Driving in Lofoten!
1. Don’t Drive (Way) Below The Speed Limit
Right off the bat, this might seem like a weird commandment, as most places generally have the opposite problem. Not so much in Lofoten.
The E10 and smaller roads in Lofoten are narrow and winding, with many twists and turns. This scares many visitors, who may be used to straight, super-wide highways and probably fear that two cars cannot pass each other.
Now, that is not correct. Unless it is clearly marked by signs on the road, there is room for two cars to pass each other, even when both are driving at the speed limit. Even trucks.
So if the speed limit is 60, 70, or 80 km/h, please dont drive at 30 or 40 km/h
Important caveat: I am not talking about in the middle of snowstorms or icy roads, of course, conditions matter. But many drivers drive at half speed on dry roads, which can be challenging for local drivers’ blood pressure.
If you feel very uncomfortable, even in summer, fear not, and please check out commandment number two.
Also read: 10 Must-Know Things About Safe Winter Driving in Norway
2. Don’t Be “Mother Duck” With A Long Line Of Ducklings
If you truly feel super uncomfortable driving at the speed limit, it is important that you use your mirrors and pay attention to the traffic behind you. Please, please, please.
If you start out with no cars behind you, then suddenly you have one car in your rearview mirror, then two, and finally a long line, it means you’re driving slower than average.
This is where you take the queue (no pun intended), pull over on one of the many small pockets along the road in Lofoten, and let other cars pass you.
Your fellow drivers on Lofoten’s only narrow road will be forever grateful!
3. Don’t Drive In The Middle Of The Road
This one might surprise you, but this actually is an important commandment. I suspect many drivers feel the roads are super narrow, and so they feel safer in the middle of the road (far from each side) than in their own lane.
Well, you are not safer in the middle of the road.
The roads are also curvy, and that is one reason. If you are not on your side, you might scare other drivers and yourself in the middle of curves, pull the wheel hard, and lose control of your car (or the other car loses control of their car).
Or you will annoy drivers behind you trying to pass and create dangerous situations by driving “all over the road”. So please, make it a goal to stay in your lane.
Also read: Ultimate Lofoten Islands Travel Guide From A Local
4. Don’t Stop In The Middle Of The Road
Yep, that happens. No, this has nothing to do with the narrow, winding roads and everything to do with the breathtaking, unreal, magical scenery surrounding you everywhere in Lofoten.
Believe me, I get it; there are beautiful spots to photograph around every twist and turn.
However, stopping in the middle of the road can create dangerous situations, as well as people running across the road to take photos.
Let me stress again that there are frequent small pockets along the E10 in Lofoten, perfect places to stop for photos. So, to keep everyone safe and happy, stop there for your photo shoots.
5. Don’t Stop Every Time You Meet A Car
Again, weird commandment. The thing is, although the road feels narrow, it is wide enough for two cars unless signs indicate a “narrow point” where only one car should pass at a time.
If you stop every time you meet a car, I can guarantee you’ll create a long line of impatient drivers behind you who will try to pass.
If you feel unable to maintain the speed limit, my best advice is to pay attention to traffic behind you, and when you get a “tail”, pull over to the side in a road pocket (ref. point 2) and let the cars pass. Then you can keep driving at whatever speed you feel comfortable with.
6. Don’t Drive Faster Than You Are Comfortable With
This might seem contradictory to the rest of my commandments, but I dont mean it to be, and here is why.
Some drivers feel stressed when cars pile up behind them and drive faster than they should. If you are an inexperienced and insecure driver in Lofoten (especially driving in winter), you will, at some point, create a queue behind you.
My message is: dont let that stress or influence you to speed up; instead, use my Commandments 1-5 and follow the advice there. Pay attention to your rearview mirrors, and stop to let others pass as often as you wish.
Then you can continue happily at your own pace, safe and sound, and stress-free.
7. Don’t Forget To Turn Off Your High Beams
I dont want to scare you, or at least, only a little. The photo above is from Lofoten in December 2025. No one got hurt, but this is not the way you want to spend your road trip in Lofoten.
Driving at night in Lofoten, high beams are essential, especially during the Polar Night, when we generally dont have daylight at all. Not least because many parts of the E10 lack street lights, not to mention the smaller roads.
Equally important, remember to turn off the high beams when approaching traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.
When snow piles high on the side of the road, and the road itself is packed with snow or icy, you dont want to be blinded – you really need to see details of where the road ends on both sides.
And dont worry too much, if you forget, “traffic” will remind you, blinking their lights at you!
8. Don’t Park In Private Driveways
Lofoten in summer has gotten a bit of a bad rep for having “crazy conditions” due to the number of visitors in the high season, but that is not entirely true.
Some areas in Lofoten can become congested during peak seasons, affecting traffic and parking. This also means you may need to walk a short distance to your destination from the parking area.
Some of our guests do not like that, and instead will find an open space with exactly enough room for their car. The problem is that this is often someone’s property, driveway, or even municipal property where parking is not allowed.
Be aware that, as parking has become an increasing challenge in Lofoten, the number of parking guards also increases, and it will not take long for you to get a parking fine.
Please park in designated spaces, support the Lofoten community by paying for parking, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery while walking a little farther to your destination.
Photo above: the cafe by the paid parking at Innersand for the Ryten hike in Lofoten last summer.
9. Don’t Camp On Private Property Or Along The Road
Norway is unfortunately not a super budget-friendly destination, and Lofoten is no exception.
Many visitors try to keep costs down by traveling in a camper van or motor home, which makes sense.
However, with several hundred thousand visitors a year, many of whom are camping on any road pocket or green spot along the roads, well. That is not always a great fit.
There are several very nice, scenic camping sites in Lofoten where you can stay at a great budget price. They also have showers and restroom facilities that you can enjoy, and you will not accidentally end up on someone’s front lawn while camping.
I recommend researching campgrounds before your trip so you can enjoy the experience without being tourist number 1000 camping in someone’s garden.
10. PS: Observe The Sides Of The Roads, Too
We have wildlife in Lofoten!
Especially from Svolvær and past Leknes, you might be lucky enough to meet a moose family strolling across the road. A majestic sight, but it can also give you a scare, especially at night.
So just be aware that you and other drivers are not the only ones claiming the roads in Loften, and be mentally prepared so you dont jump and do something erratic with your brakes and your wheel.
You welcome 🙂
Wrap-Up 10 Commandments For Driving In Lofoten
So, hopefully, by reading this, you have a better impression of what you will meet during your visit to Lofoten if you are the designated driver on an epic road trip.
We really want to make the driving experience on our roads a safe and enjoyable experience for everybody, both us who live here, and you as a visitor.
The only thing left to say is welcome to our breathtaking little corner of the world!
