Every winter, thousands of people visit Norway for the "Arctic experience." But the snow and ice can be very dangerous for tourists who are not used to driving in these conditions, especially in the north. After this week’s tragic accident in the north of the country, what was once a growing worry has now become a national debate.
On Tuesday, January 27th, a crash in Tjeldsund killed two local women in their 70s. A tourist from Indonesia in his 50s has been charged with negligent homicide and breaking the Road Traffic Act. He was driving a rental car with a tour group traveling from Tromsø to Lofoten.
According to local police and residents, this accident was a "predictable tragedy".
Inexperience behind the wheel
Police reports show a big rise in dangerous incidents involving foreign drivers. Some tourists stop suddenly on blind curves to take photos of the Northern Lights, while others drive in the middle of the road to avoid snowbanks.
Geir Marthinsen, head of the Mobile Police Service (UP - Utrykningspolitiet ), told VG he is very worried about the situation. He said many tourists are so nervous they drive slowly in the middle of the road, frustrating locals who then attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvers.
The logistical impact is equally overwhelming. Marthinsen noted that repair shops are experiencing waiting times of several months due to the volume of damaged rental cars.
Stein Magne Andreassen, from a car repair centre in Tromsø, said his workshop is overflowing.
He described one particular case: “The record is probably the tow truck company that had to pick up the same car three times in one day.”
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Both experts and locals think the current safety measures are not enough.
Steinulf Henriksen, editor-in-chief of Folkebladet, said that just putting up posters at airports does not solve the problem. He explained that Norwegians must take special courses for driving in the dark and on slippery roads, but “many tourists land at Tromsø airport and drive long distances on ice and snow probably for the very first time.”
However, some tourism officials argue that the issue is more complex. Lone Helle, the tourism manager in Tromsø, pointed out that there are several challenges with the winter roads in the north, including "poor road standards, lack of infrastructure, and not always sufficient snow plowing." These factors, combined with limited public transport, often leave tourists with no choice but to rent cars.
Locals say the situation has become unbearable. In Tromsø, people have seen tourists driving on light trails, ski tracks, and even pedestrian paths.
Jens Olav Bentsen, who lives in Lofoten, told Aftenposten that he feels anxious every day just driving in his own neighbourhood. He said he drives with a "lump in his stomach." Bentsen added, "Many of the tourists come from countries with left-hand traffic near the Equator and have never seen a snowflake in their lives."
He questioned the terrifying reality of the daily commute: ”Am I going to be a murderer, or am I going to be killed today?”
The problem is not just in winter. In summer, tourists often drive too fast. Right now, one out of every three speeding tickets in the region goes to a foreign tourist.
Seeking solutions
In response to the tragedy, road authorities, police, and tourism officials held an emergency meeting on Friday, January 30th. The focus is on finding immediate solutions, with proposals ranging from mandatory ice-driving courses for car rentals to stricter controls.
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