What to do if the weather suddenly turns bad while travelling in Norway: important tips for tourists

Norway is a country with changeable weather, where even the clearest day can suddenly turn into a downpour, strong winds or even snow in mountainous areas. We all know how it is when you're travelling and you get caught out by the weather. It can really throw your travel plans into disarray and even put your safety at risk. So, it's always a good idea to be prepared for whatever the weather might throw at you. In this article, we'll talk you through what to do if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse while you're out and about in Norway, and we'll give you some handy tips on how to prepare, choose your route and stay safe.

Have you ever wondered why the weather in Norway can change so suddenly?

Norwegian weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the country's mountainous terrain. It's so lovely and mild one minute, and then the weather can change really quickly! You might have a lovely sunny morning, and then it can turn stormy or rainy in the afternoon, especially in the mountains and on the west coast.

I know it can be a bit worrying when it suddenly starts raining heavily or a storm breaks out. But don't worry, I'm here to help you and give you some advice on what to do in these situations.

If you find yourself caught in heavy rain or a storm:

If you need to find the nearest shelter, don't worry - it's really easy! You'll find a lovely café, a DNT hut or a bus stop.
Don't worry, just put on your waterproof clothes and keep your things dry!
Now, my dear, the best thing to do is to wait out the storm, but don't you worry, keep an eye on the weather forecast (like Yr.no, for example).
It's always best to avoid open areas, especially on hilltops and near bodies of water.

I know it can be tricky, but how can we all prepare for those sudden weather changes?

It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you head out, and here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wear layers, my friend.
And don't forget to take a waterproof jacket and trousers!
It's always good to have a spare set of dry clothes just in case.
When you're out and about, it's always a good idea to have a thermos with a hot drink and a supply of food, especially when you're out hiking.

Hey, just a friendly reminder: what should you do if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse while you're out and about in the mountains?

We all know how dangerous sudden weather changes can be in the mountains, and we want to make sure you stay safe and sound. So, what can you do?

Now, go down to the valley right away.
Please, please stay in the safety of the paths – there's no need to venture further!
Please could you let someone know where you are?
If you need to, just give the emergency services a ring on 112.

What should you do if the weather deteriorates during a fjord cruise?

When you're on a fjord cruise, please make sure you follow the instructions of the lovely crew on the ship – they're there to help you have a great time!

Go inside the ship and avoid open decks, but don't worry, you've got this!
If you feel a bit queasy, don't worry - just take a couple of these little pills to stop you feeling sick.
Hey, just stay calm and keep an ear out for any updates from the crew, okay?

What should I do if the temperature suddenly drops?

If the temperature drops suddenly:

It's a good idea to put on some warm clothes, especially a hat and gloves.
Hey, don't stay still, just keep moving and you'll stay nice and warm.
Why not treat yourself to a lovely hot drink from your thermos?
If you can, please find the nearest shelter.

And if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse, how do you decide on a new route?

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.

It's always best to avoid mountain passes and high peaks if you can.
To keep things nice and easy, it would be best to stick to the simple routes that run through the more populated areas.
It's always a good idea to find out in advance where you can find shelter along the route (like DNT huts, cafes, and campsites).

Hey, don't you just love being able to check the weather whenever you want, right in real time? What apps do you use to do that?

If you're looking for the best app to track the weather in Norway, then look no further than Yr.no! It shows you all the info you need for the next few hours and days. I would also recommend checking out Storm Radar and Windy. They're really useful apps that provide weather visualisations and storm warnings.

How should I behave in the car if the weather deteriorates on the road?

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse on the road:

Take it easy and leave a bit of space between you and the car in front.
If you're struggling to see in poor conditions, don't hesitate to turn on your fog lights or hazard lights.
If you can, try to find a well-equipped parking area where you can wait out heavy rain or snow.
Hey, just a heads-up: if you're planning to travel, it's always a good idea to check the road conditions on Vegvesen.no.

Hey, I totally get it, what should you do if the weather takes a turn for the worse in the city?

If you find yourself in the city and the weather takes a turn for the worse:

Why not go to a café, museum or shopping centre?
It's always best to stay away from parks and embankments when there's a storm or strong winds, just to be on the safe side.
I would wait for the weather to improve before going out on your excursions or walks, my friend.

And don't worry about the weather! It's always changing, but that's all part of the fun. The most important thing is to be well prepared, know the area and be able to react quickly to changing weather conditions. If you follow our advice, you'll be able to easily adapt to any surprises nature has in store and continue enjoying your trip to this beautiful Scandinavian country. We want you to travel responsibly and safely!