Driving Trains in Winter – The Norwegian Experience

Norway is famous for snow, mountains and long, dark winters. For train drivers, winter is the season that demands the most concentration, experience and respect for the conditions.

This page is written by a working Norwegian locomotive engineer and cab ride creator behind Railroading with JM. It explains what winter train driving is really like – not in theory, but from the cab, out on the line.

What makes winter train driving different?

Snow and drifting snow covering the tracks and surroundings
Low adhesion (reduced friction) between wheel and rail
Darkness – many hours with no natural light
Cold temperatures affecting equipment and infrastructure
Visibility changes – from clear air to whiteout in seconds

Snow, adhesion and braking distance

On dry rails, braking performance is predictable. In winter, snow, ice and crushed leaves can reduce adhesion dramatically. The driver has to think far ahead: starting, controlling speed and braking earlier than usual.

Darkness and visibility

During the darkest months, especially in central and northern Norway, many trains run completely in darkness. Signals, reflective posts, speed boards and the light from houses become the main visual anchors.

Snow can either improve visibility – by reflecting light – or destroy it in a complete whiteout when it blows straight against the cab windows.

Examples of real winter cab rides

Røros Line – classic winter wonderland

The Røros Line often delivers the “postcard winter” look: fresh snow on the trees, low sun and deep forest all around the train.

👉 Explore winter cab rides on the Røros Line here: Røros Line – cab ride collection

Dovre Line – mountains and heavy snow

On the Dovre Line, especially around Dombås and the mountain sections, snow can build up quickly. Snow fences, drifts and strong winds make it a true winter mountain railway.

👉 See Dovre Line cab rides (summer and winter): Dovre Line – cab ride collection

Nordland Line – Arctic winter

The Nordland Line crosses the Arctic Circle. Winter runs can include long stretches in darkness, low sun just above the horizon and very cold temperatures.

👉 Watch Nordland Line journeys here: Nordland Line – cab ride collection

What the driver focuses on in winter

See it for yourself – full winter cab rides

If you want to experience this from the driver’s seat, you can watch full winter journeys on the Railroading with JM YouTube channel. Many videos are recorded in real time, with original sound from the cab and the track.