Your Complete Guide to the E6 Road in Norway

Spanning over 2,600 kilometers, the epic E6 road in Norway runs from the country’s southern border with Sweden to the remote northeastern town of Kirkenes near Russia. If you want to drive an incredibly scenic route through lush forests, majestic mountains and deep valleys, the E6 road in Norway is a fantastic choice for your road trip.

Dive into your own Arctic adventure along the E6, packed with freedom, nature and culture, by reading our comprehensive guide to planning the best road trip along this one-of-a-kind Norwegian route. Let’s go!

Why the E6 Road in Norway is Perfect for a Campervan Adventure

One of the best ways to travel in Norway is by campervan; not only can you bring your home with you as you go, but you can also enjoy the flexibility and convenience of being able to stop anywhere you want and fully immerse yourself in the natural landscapes all day and night.

Norway’s E6 route is perfect for a campervan road trip, as you’ll have all the freedom in the world to explore everything the road has to offer, including hidden mountain passes, charming villages nestled by fjords, windswept tundras, breathtaking UNESCO heritage sites and the ethereal Arctic wilderness. 

Every day offers something extraordinary, and the self-sufficiency of a campervan means you’re not bound by fixed schedules or check-in times. It’s perfect for those who want to combine road-tripping with hiking, kayaking, cultural visits, or just enjoying the views with a coffee beside a fjord.

What to Know Before Driving the E6 in Norway

Before setting out, there are a few important things to keep in mind when planning a campervan journey along the E6 road. First, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. Norway accepts most European and U.S. licenses, but if you’re traveling from outside the EU, it’s worth checking if you need an International Driving Permit.

The E6 is long and passes through a variety of road types, from wide and smooth highways to narrow, single-lane stretches climbing remote hillsides. Planning your journey in manageable segments is key – don’t try to cover too much distance in one go.

Fuel stations, grocery stores and repair services become scarcer as you head north, so make sure to stock up on supplies in the larger towns along the way. Also, you’ll need to always use headlights when driving in Norway, even during the day.

Best Time to Travel the E6 by Campervan

The best time to drive the E6 in Norway depends on what you want to experience, as the scenery changes a lot from season to season. Here’s an overview of what you can expect at different times of year, so you can choose when you’d most like to travel the E6 road in Norway:

• Summer (June to August) – The positives of driving the E6 road in Norway during summer are that you’ll get to enjoy the warmest weather, lush green scenery, and the unforgettable Midnight Sun when you're north of the Arctic Circle. You just need to keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season, so you can expect more traffic, higher campsite demand and bigger crowds at major attractions.

• Shoulder season (May and September) – These are quieter months with cooler temperatures and beautiful colours (especially the golden hues of fall), plus most roads are still accessible and prices tend to be cheaper.

• Winter (October to April) – The coldest months are magical but can be demanding because snow and ice dominate the northern regions, and the days can be very short. However, for experienced drivers with proper winter gear and snow tires, visiting Norway in winter can be an amazing way to see the Northern Lights, or enjoy snow-covered landscapes in solitude.

Best Places to See Along the E6 Road in Norway

Explore some of Norway’s greatest hits, from cities to wild frontiers, along the E6! Here are a few top spots to enjoy along the route:

Lake Mjøsa and Lillehammer

Starting in Oslo and heading north, the first major stops to enjoy along the E6 road are Lake Mjøsa and Lillehammer. The ski resort town of Lillehammer in southern Norway is well known as a former Winter Olympics host city, and it's full of charming neighborhoods, ski museums and lakeside views that are perfect for a relaxing campervan stopover.

Dovrefjell National Park

Next comes the Dovrefjell National Park, where highland plateaus and reindeer herds dominate the landscape. This area is famous for musk ox safaris and is a great place to stretch your legs on short or long hikes.

Trondheim

Continuing north on the E6 to Trondheim, you’ll find a picturesque and lively city steeped in history. Trondheim's highlight is the Nidaros Cathedral, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Northern Europe. The city also has a great food scene and scenic waterfront areas to enjoy.

Namdalen Valley

North of Trondheim, the E6 route becomes more rural. A great area for camping and fishing, the spectacular Namdalen Valley offers thick forests, winding rivers and tranquility that feels far removed from the city.

Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park and Glacier

As you move closer to the Arctic Circle, Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park provides beautiful contrasts between jagged mountain peaks and thick glaciers. One of Norway’s most beautiful national parks, it’s home to the second-largest glacier in Norway (Svartisen glacier) and offers trekking opportunities for those who want to experience Arctic landscapes up close.

Fauske and Saltstraumen Tidal Current

A bit further along the E6 road, you’ll arrive at the charming town of Fauske, where you can learn about Sami culture, enjoy the convenient amenities, and go to see the astonishing Saltstraumen, which is the world’s strongest tidal current. We highly recommend making a stop here to witness this incredible natural spectacle – just make sure to stay far away from the water!

Tromsø and the Northern Lights

The last stop on our campervan tour of the E6 road is the unique city of Tromsø, which lies well above the Arctic Circle and acts as the cultural and logistical hub of Arctic Norway. Known for its Northern Lights viewing, museums, and lively atmosphere even in winter, Tromsø is a worthy destination at the northern end of your journey.

Crossing the Arctic Circle on the E6 Road: What to Expect

One of the most exciting moments on an E6 journey is crossing the Arctic Circle. This takes place just north of Mo i Rana, where you’ll see a sign and the Arctic Circle Center (or Polarsirkelsenteret in Norwegian), a tourist center with local gifts, exhibits, and rest facilities. Crossing this line means entering an area defined by extreme natural phenomena.

In summer, the sun doesn’t set for weeks on end, creating the surreal and beautiful experience of the Midnight Sun. In winter, you enter the realm of the polar night, where the sun doesn’t rise for weeks, offering the perfect chance to see the Northern Lights. The terrain also changes noticeably, becoming more barren and windswept, in stark contrast to the forests and farmlands of the south – the E6 route in Norway truly has it all!

Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the E6

Norway excels in clean, well-maintained and beautifully located campgrounds, many of which cater to campervans. Take a look at our recommendations of campervan campgrounds along the E6 road in Norway for some suggestions:

• Dovrefjell’s Pluscamp Stranda Feriesenter – Set right by the mountains with all the essential services and open views, this campsite is a superb place to base yourself while exploring the national park’s trails.

• Namsos Camping – This site offers great riverside spaces and an ideal location to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Namdalen. It's perfect for fishing enthusiasts and those who want a slow pace.

• Saltfjellet Camping Polarsirkelen – When you reach the Arctic Circle area, Saltfjellet Camping Polarsirkelen makes for a very fitting stop. Here, you can park under wide skies close to the visitor center, with direct access to hikes.

• Tromsø Lodge & Camping – Located near the city, Tromsø Lodge & Camping offers all the comforts of city proximity but still lies in a green, peaceful riverside area. It’s fantastic for those who want to combine urban convenience with some wilderness vibes – sounds cool, right?

Can You Wild Camp Along the E6 in Norway?

Yes, wild camping is allowed and even encouraged under Norway’s Right to Roam law (known as Allemannsretten in Norwegian). This gives you the freedom to pitch your campervan or tent almost anywhere, as long as it’s not on cultivated land or within 150 meters of private homes or cabins. So, you can’t pull into a supermarket parking lot overnight, but there are endless amazing natural spaces to set up for a peaceful night.

Mountain plateaus, quiet beaches, forest clearings and fjord-side lay-bys can all become your sleeping backdrop. When wild camping anywhere in Norway, make sure to be respectful and discreet, and always leave no trace by packing out all trash, avoiding loud noise and spending no more than two nights in one spot unless permitted. 

Driving Tips and Safety on the E6 Road

The E6 changes significantly as it stretches up Norway; early southern sections near Oslo are often four-lane highways with high-speed limits and excellent signage; then, as you move into central Norway and beyond, the road narrows, curves more, and may lack guard rails. Ensure you always drive cautiously, especially in mountain passes or areas with steep drops.

Wildlife can also pose unexpected hazards – moose, deer, and reindeer frequently cross the E6, especially at dawn and dusk. Always stay alert, look out for road signs that warn of animal crossings, and drive slowly.

As Norway’s weather conditions are famously changeable, driving conditions can also vary considerably. Even in summer, there might be fog, sudden downpours, or cold spells that can affect visibility and handling, so we highly recommend regularly checking the local Norway weather forecast and up-to-date Norway road conditions to make sure conditions are safe and optimal for your journey.

It’s important to make sure your campervan is equipped with proper tires for the season, particularly if you’re going to be venturing north in winter, early spring or autumn – snow tires are mandatory in winter.

Roadside assistance is somewhat limited in remote areas, so it’s wise to carry a basic repair kit, water, food and warm clothing just in case you have to wait.

E6 Road Conditions

The E6 is generally well maintained, with ongoing infrastructure work to improve bottlenecks and outdated sections. However, you can expect occasional roadworks, especially in summer when maintenance crews take advantage of the better weather. There are also some narrow bridges and occasional ferry crossings along the E6 (such as between Bognes and Skarberget if you detour toward Lofoten).

Tolls on the E6 Road

Norway uses an automatic tolling system – booths aren’t common anymore because overhead sensors are used to log your vehicle as you pass. If you’re renting a campervan, tolls are usually billed afterward through the rental company, or included with your rental – make sure to check with your rental company to see which applies to you. In any case, tolls are usually small fees, and most toll roads are located in the southern part of the E6 or entering major cities like Oslo, Trondheim and Stavanger. 

Enjoy the E6 For Yourself!

The E6 road in Norway offers one of Europe’s most unforgettable road trips, especially in a campervan. With landscapes that shift from forests and fjords to glaciers and tundra, the freedom to stop wherever you want, and the potential to experience phenomena like the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights, traveling along the E6 road in Norway is a bucket-list-level journey.

Get set for the adventure of a lifetime by finding your own motorhome rental in Norway, perfect for an epic road trip along the E6 and beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!