Considering a road trip in Norway? Wondering if it's as daunting as it sounds? Let's dive into some FAQs.

Our decision to hit the road in Norway stemmed from a desire to explore beyond Stavanger, where we were based, and visit family in Sandnes and the countryside. Little did we know, we'd end up on a spontaneous journey to the family farm, following our adventurous cousins.

Having trotted around a few European countries, I figured Norway wouldn't throw any major curveballs. But I vividly recalled from my first visit in 1986 that they take speed limits seriously—something Americans might find amusingly sluggish. The top speed you'll hit is a modest 110 kilometers per hour (that's 68 mph for the metrically challenged). And trust me, those speeding tickets aren't cheap—so mind the rules!

Before our latest trip in 2022, I refreshed my memory on Norwegian driving quirks (read: painfully slow speed limits). Fortunately, not much had changed. Armed with this knowledge, I bravely took the wheel.

Here are some nuggets of wisdom from my Norwegian road odyssey:

1. GPS is your BFF: Ensure your rental comes equipped with navigation—it's a lifesaver.
2. Automatic transmission FTW: Hills are abundant, even in coastal cities. Save yourself the stress of manual gear changes.
3. Toll tales: Check if tolls are covered by your rental company. Surprise bills are no fun.
4. Rules of the road: Familiarize yourself with international road signs. Trust me, it's worth it.
5. Roundabout riddles: Norway loves its roundabouts. Remember: yield to vehicles coming from the leftovers, stay right if driving less than 180 degrees around.
6. Distance drama: Norway's vastness can catch you off guard. Factor in travel time, obey the sluggish speed limits.
7. Ferry finesse: Master the art of ferry hopping. Buy tickets ahead or invest in a pass for frequent crossings.

Now, for some golden rules of Norwegian road etiquette:

1. Stay sober, stay safe: Don't even think about drinking and driving.
2. Eyes on the road, not the phone: Distracted driving is a no-go.
3. Respect pedestrians: Give way to walkers and cyclists.
4. Buckle up: Seat belts are non-negotiable, as are car seats for little passengers.

And a final piece of advice: Embrace the adventure! Let the GPS be your guide, not the “helpful” voices in the backseat. After all, every detour makes for a great story!

Share your own Norwegian road trip escapades in the comments below. Let's swap tales of navigation woes and roundabout adventures!