Norway Christmas Travel 2025: Heavy Snow Warnings & Road Closures

Published on December 20, 2025

The magic of a Norwegian Christmas—glittering snow, cozy cabins, and the anticipation of family reunions—is currently being met with a formidable challenge from Mother Nature. As the 2025 holiday travel season officially kicks off this Friday, December 19th, authorities are urging travelers to trade their haste for patience.

With heavy snow warnings, flood alerts, and record-breaking airport crowds, the journey home this year requires more than just a full tank of gas; it requires a strategy.

The Mountain Pass Challenge: Snowdrifts and Convoys

For those heading across the “backbone” of Norway to reach the fjords or mountain resorts, the Meteorological Institute has issued a yellow warning for heavy snowdrifts. This isn’t just a dusting of snow; high winds in the southern mountain regions are creating “whiteout” conditions that make driving treacherous.

Major arteries currently under watch include:

• Hardangervidda (Rv7)
• Strynefjellet (Rv15)
• Vikafjell (Rv13)
• Dovrefjell (E6)

The Road Traffic Central has warned that these passes can move to column driving (kolonnekjøring) or close entirely with very little notice. If you are caught in a convoy situation, remember the golden rule: ensure you have a full tank of fuel, blankets, warm clothing, and some food in the car. In the mountains, the weather doesn’t just change by the hour—it changes by the minute.

Traffic Hotspots: The Great Escape from Oslo

Friday is traditionally one of the busiest days on Norwegian roads, and 2025 is no exception. As thousands flee the capital, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration expects significant bottlenecks.

The primary “squeeze points” to watch are:

• E6 Northbound: Expect heavy delays toward Hafjell and Trysil as skiers head for the slopes.
• E16: Routes through Valdres and Hallingdal will be slow-moving.
• E18 Westbound: The trek through Sandvika and Drammen is expected to see heavy congestion throughout the afternoon and evening.

Kurt Jomar Breistrand from the Road Traffic Central emphasizes a human touch in his advice: “Arriving safely is far more important than arriving on time.” He urges drivers to maintain a generous following distance and, most importantly, to resist the urge to overtake in heavy holiday traffic—a move that rarely saves time but significantly increases the risk of accidents on slippery surfaces.

A Tale of Two Weathers: Floods in the West

While the mountains are battling snow, the coastal regions of Agder and Rogaland are facing a different beast: rain and melting snow. A yellow flood warning remains in effect here. On Thursday, the E39 at Kongeparken was temporarily closed due to landslide risks, highlighting how unstable the ground has become with the recent temperature fluctuations.

Drivers in Western Norway should be wary of standing water and “black ice” as temperatures hover around the freezing mark.

Sky-High Stress: 125,000 Passengers at Avinor Airports

If you thought the roads were crowded, the airports are even busier. Avinor reports that Friday is the single busiest air travel day of the season, with over 125,000 passengers expected to pass through Norwegian terminals.

Security lines are expected to be long, and while ground crews are working tirelessly to de-ice planes, the weather in the south may cause ripple effects in flight schedules. If you are flying, the advice remains classic but essential: download your airline’s app for real-time updates and arrive earlier than usual.

The Silver Lining: A Better Weekend Ahead

If you haven’t left yet, there is good news. Meteorologists suggest that Saturday and Sunday will offer much more favorable conditions. The wind and rain in Southern Norway are expected to subside, and parts of Eastern Norway may even see a glimpse of the sun.

However, be prepared for a “sting in the tail.” As the storm system moves out, temperatures are expected to plummet. This means that while the sky may be clear, the roads will transform into skating rinks. Real winter cold is coming, so ensure your vehicle’s antifreeze and battery are up to the task.

Humanizing Your Journey: A Survival Checklist

Behind every warning is a family trying to get home. To make your trip less stressful, consider these human-centered tips:

The “Slow Down” Mindset: Don’t let the stress of “getting there” ruin the holiday spirit. Put on a podcast, have snacks ready, and accept that the trip will take 20-30% longer than Google Maps suggests.

Check the “Vegvesen” App: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration app provides live webcams of mountain passes. Seeing the road with your own eyes can help you decide whether to go now or wait.

Avalanche Awareness: If you are heading to the high mountains (above 1,000 meters), the risk of avalanches is high due to unstable snowpacks. Stick to marked trails and stay informed via Varsom.no.

Norway is a land of extremes, and a white Christmas often comes with a bit of a fight. Stay safe, stay warm, and let the journey be part of the holiday story.