From Evenes to the gates of Lofoten in winter: your first day in a campervan

23 hours ago

3 min read

Landing at Lofoten Airport, Evenes in the dark season feels like the start of something. The vans are parked right next to the airport. About 1.5 hours later you are at the gates of Lofoten.

This guide walks you through that first day, written for winter. It also tells you plainly who winter rentals are for, so you can decide with the full picture.

A winter van needs an experienced winter driver

Arctic Vanlife requires experienced winter drivers. Winter in northern Norway means snow, ice, darkness and mountain roads. You need to be comfortable with all four before you collect the keys.

What that means for you:

You have driven in snow and on ice before, and you stay calm when the road is slippery.
You are happy to drive in the dark, and to slow down when conditions ask for it.
You accept that winter driving sets the pace of the trip, not the clock.
You are over 23 years old. There are no special licence requirements.

If you are not sure this fits you, write to post@arcticvanlife.com before you book and we will tell you honestly.

Step 1: Pick up at Evenes

All vans are picked up at Arctic Base, Normann Skoglunds vei 4, 8536 Evenes, just outside the airport. You can walk from arrivals in about 10 to 12 minutes. Check-in and check-out are open 09:00 to 15:00 every day, so book a flight that matches. After you book, email post@arcticvanlife.com with your arrival time.

Winter tyres are fitted on all vans from October until April. A full tank of diesel, a bottle of gas for cooking and all kitchen supplies are included. Toll stations and ferries are included in the final price.

If you arrive by express boat from Tromso, you can check in at Harstad harbor instead.

Step 2: Drive towards the gates of Lofoten

From the base, you go over the Tjeldsund bridge and south towards Gullesfjord. In good conditions you reach the gates of Lofoten in about 1.5 hours. In winter, allow more time than that. Snow, ice and darkness mean you will want to drive slower and stop when you need to.

Our six winter rules keep it simple:

Eyes on the road.
No alcohol within 12 hours of driving.
Never above 70 km/h.
A gentle brake test at the start of every drive.
Headlights always on.
Extra distance to the car in front, because winter braking can take 3 to 5 times longer.

Older vans can be slow to start on cold mornings, so give the engine a few minutes.

Step 3: Choose how to end day one

You have three good options:

Stay at Gullesfjord camping. Guests can stay there.
Drive all the way to Svolvaer. A longer first day, so only if you feel fresh and the conditions are good.
Stop by the road along the route. A simple option if you want to stay flexible.

Whichever you choose, finish your driving early enough that you are not tired on dark roads. There is no prize for the longest first day.

What winter changes

The Andenes ferry does not run in winter. It runs from May to September.
The minimum rental is four or five days, depending on the van.
Bedding is an extra at 450 NOK per person.
Prices run from 1,690 NOK to 2,990 NOK per day, depending on the season and the van.
A deposit of 10,000 NOK is paid to Campr before check-in. It is returned ten days after check-out if the van is returned undamaged.
The van has full insurance. Damage to the van is deducted from your deposit.