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Stretching almost the entire length of Norway, the impressive and scenic E6 road is the perfect route for an epic road trip. Taking you all the way from Sweden to Norway, the E6 road treats you to outstanding views of rivers, mountains and fjords, plus you might even see the Midnight Sun in summer or the Northern Lights in winter!
Let’s discover all you need to know about taking Norway’s E6 road, including where exactly this unique route is, how long it is, highlights along the way, and top driving tips.
What is the E6 Road in Norway?
The longest road within a single country in Europe, the E6 road is Norway’s main road connecting the south and north of the country. In fact, the E6 is actually the only road in some remote parts of northern Norway! Usually, the road is simply referred to as ‘the E6’, but it’s also called ‘Eseksen’ in Norwegian.
What Are E Roads in Norway?
Roads in Norway are classified as either European routes or national roads. The European routes are known as E roads in Norway, and are designated using green signs with white text. The E6 road is one such European route, spanning through Sweden and Norway.
How Long is the E6 Road in Norway?
The section of the E6 Road in Norway stretches for around 2630 kilometers, with a further 500 kilometers in Sweden, totalling over 3100 kilometers. That’s equivalent to around 40 to 50 hours driving, which should take around a week, depending on pace. Of course, if you want to stop to admire the scenery and do some sightseeing along the way, you’ll need to allow more time for your E6 road trip.
Where is the E6 Road in Norway?
Stretching all the way from the town of Trelleborg on the very southern coast of Sweden, to the town of Kirkenes in the far northeast of Norway, the E6 road spans almost the entire length of Norway. The top of the E6 road in northern Norway comes very close to Norway’s borders with both Russia and Finland.
Driving Norway’s E6 Road
So, what’s it actually like to drive on Norway’s E6 road? Here’s everything you need to know about the route and what to expect on your epic Norway road trip.
What’s the E6 Road Like?
With breathtaking panoramas of an ever-changing landscape, the E6 road definitely has a lot to offer in terms of spectacular scenery. Expect mountains, fjords, rivers, forests and twists and turns.
The most southerly section of the E6 runs through flatlands and lowlands, whereas there are several mountain passes along the route as you travel further north. Saltfjellet is the most famous of these, reaching almost 700 meters above sea level. The highest is Dovrefjell, which peaks at over 1000 meters above sea level.
You’ll also encounter around 80 tunnels if you drive the whole of the E6 route, and there’s one ferry crossing at Tysfjord, which is located just south of the Arctic city of Tromso. It’s important to be aware that there are tolls along many sections of the E6, especially on the stretch from the Swedish border up to Trondheim.
What’s the Speed Limit on the E6 Road in Norway?
As for speed limits, they change depending on which stretch of the road you’re driving on. For highway sections of the road, the speed limit can be anywhere from 90 to 100 km/h, whereas two-lane expressway sections have a speed limit of 80 to 90 km/h. Portions of the E6 that go through built-up areas have a speed limit of 50 km/h and, in general, the speed limit is 80 km/h for any sections of the road that are outside built-up areas.
Daylight Hours on the E6 Road
More than 1000 kilometers of the E6 road sit above the Arctic Circle, meaning that the summer sees 24 hours of daylight and the winter sees 24 hours of darkness at this section of the route. This gives you plenty of time to drive with natural light during summer, and means you’ll need to plan your driving carefully during winter.
E6 Road Seasonal Closures
It’s important to keep in mind that stretches of the E6 road frequently close during the winter season, as the cold months often see extreme weather conditions in northern Norway, leading to dangerous driving conditions. Snow, ice and strong winds can cause roads to close, especially in specific mountain passes like Saltfjellet.
E6 Road Highlights
So, what exactly can you spot along the way as you take this epic route through Norway? Well, the E6 road traverses through some very sparsely populated areas, especially in northern Norway, meaning you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of unspoiled nature. Here are some E6 road highlights to make this very lengthy journey worth it!
Northern Lights and Midnight Sun in Northern Norway
The E6 is especially scenic in Northern Norway, winding through dramatic fjords, towering mountains and stretches of wilderness. As a large section of the E6 road in Norway sits above the Arctic Circle, this route gives you an amazing opportunity to watch the spectacular Northern Lights dance across the sky during the winter months and see the sun shine through the night with the Midnight Sun in summer.
Crossing the Arctic Circle at Saltfjellet
One of the most iconic moments on the E6 is crossing the Arctic Circle at the Saltfjellet mountain pass, where you can experience rugged beauty, vast plateaus and panoramic views.
Significant Historical and Cultural Sites
The E6 follows the old Pilgrims’ Road between Oslo and Trondheim, passing many historic sites such as Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. In Nordland county, the road is known as the ‘Blood Road’, as sections of it were built using forced labor during World War II.
Small Norwegian Towns and Local Culture
Along the route, you’ll pass through many charming towns and villages, where you can sample local delicacies and experience rural Norwegian culture. Notable stops include Mo i Rana, Fauske, Hamaroy, and Narvik.
Majestic Mountain Passes
If sweeping views above the tree line sound good to you, then you’ll definitely want to check out the sections of the E6 that traverse dramatic mountain passes, including Dovrefjell between Dombas and Oppdal, Saltfjellet at the Arctic Circle, and Kvænangsfjellet in the far north.
Untouched Nature and Beautiful National Parks
Along the E6, you can explore areas like Saltdal, which is known for its forests and salmon fishing, and visit the Nordland National Park Centre at Storjord, which serves as a gateway to nine of Norway’s national parks. You can enjoy the great outdoors along the route by going hiking, fishing and wildlife spotting – beautiful!
Memorable Structures and Features
Landmarks along the E6 include the Nordlandsporten archway at Namsskogan, designed to resemble the Northern Lights, and the Tysfjord ferry crossing, which is the only remaining ferry crossing on the E6. The route also features several impressive bridges.
Scenic Detours from the E6
While the E6 is the fastest route north, several scenic detours are recommended, such as the Helgeland coast road (known as Kystriksveien), which offers stunning coastal landscape views and unique cultural sites to visit.
Top Driving Tips for Norway’s E6 Road
Here are some helpful driving tips for the E6 road, so you can feel prepared to enjoy a safe and beautiful road trip:
- Check the local Norway weather forecast regularly to ensure conditions are optimal for driving before you set out on your road trip adventure. As the weather can change quickly in Norway and there are dangers of extreme weather, it’s important to keep updated on the local forecast.
- Be sure to check the up-to-date Norway road conditions ahead of time to see if your route remains clear, safe and open.
- Bring water and food for your trip, as it may be difficult to find any restaurants, cafes or shops along some stretches, especially in the more remote northern areas of the E6.
- Plan your fuel stops beforehand to make sure you never reach an empty tank.
- Pack blankets and a first aid kit – they’re handy to have, particularly if you’re far from the nearest town.
- Keep in mind that animals that may be nearby to or crossing the road along certain stretches. In the north of Norway, there are reindeer, and in the south, you may come across moose, boars and deer.
Live Your Dream Norway Vacation!
Inspired to plan your own dream Norway vacation? Get set for the road trip of a lifetime by choosing a campervan for your Norwegian adventure. Take a look through our selection of affordable and reliable campervan rentals in Norway to get started.
Got any questions? Feel free to get in touch – we’ll be happy to help. And, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country of Norway soon!
