Visiting Norway during the winter months can be a thrilling experience, but it's easy to ruin your trip with a fall. Norwegian ice is treacherous. Here's how to deal with it.
Forget the darkness or freezing temperatures, it's ice that I find is hands-down the worst thing about the winter months in Norway. Growing up in Britain I always thought I knew what ice was. Then I experienced my first Norwegian winter!

I remember distinctly the first time I fell. It was on a visit to Tromsø, my first time north of the Arctic circle in the winter.
My footwear was wildly inappropriate, and it took just a few minutes of walking on a slick, glass-like pavement before I found myself flat on my back, staring up at the cold, grey sky. An elderly woman sped past me, and a kid laughed.
It was a painful lesson, but one I’ve never forgotten. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about walking on ice safely, and I’m here to share those tips with you so you can avoid the same fate.
How to Walk on Ice? Don’t!
The first point I’d like to make is that the best way to avoid falling on ice is to avoid walking on it altogether. It might sound overly simplistic, but choosing your route carefully and sticking to cleared or treated paths is often the safest option.
In Norway, many pavements and pathways are regularly gritted or salted during the winter months to reduce slipperiness. Whenever possible, prioritise these areas instead of venturing onto untreated ice or compacted snow.
One of the most dangerous aspects of Norwegian ice is its tendency to blend in with the surrounding surfaces. “Black ice,” or nearly invisible ice, is particularly common on pavements and roads. Take your time and test surfaces gently with your foot before committing your weight.

If you’re in an urban area, look for pedestrian zones where maintenance crews have worked to clear the way. In more remote areas, consider using public transport to avoid particularly treacherous spots. Sometimes, a small detour can save you a world of pain—literally!
By avoiding icy surfaces altogether, you’re already one step ahead in staying safe during a Norwegian winter.
Wear the Right Footwear
The first and most important step to staying upright is to invest in proper winter footwear. Look for boots with thick, non-slip soles that offer good grip.
I own a good pair of grippy winter trainers that I wear in the winter. I also own winter boots that have spiked soles, but I wear these less frequently. That’s because wearing such spikes indoors is not allowed, so when wearing them I need to carry a pair of indoor shoes with me. That’s not often convenient.
What’s the solution, then? Well, in Norway, many people swear by adding detachable traction aids or “brodder” to their shoes. These inexpensive spikes or cleats strap onto your footwear and can make all the difference when walking on icy surfaces.
Use ‘Brodder’ for Extra Grip
In Norway, brodder are practically a winter essential. These are detachable traction aids, often made of rubber with small metal spikes, that you can easily strap onto your shoes or boots.
They provide excellent grip on icy surfaces and are a game-changer for anyone walking in Norwegian winter conditions. You can find brodder in most sports stores, outdoor shops, and even some supermarkets in Norway during the winter months.
They come in various sizes and styles to fit different types of footwear, from casual boots to more technical hiking shoes. Some models are designed to cover just the toes, while others provide full coverage for the sole of the shoe, offering maximum grip.

One of the best things about brodder is their convenience. They are lightweight, portable, and can easily be slipped into a bag or pocket when not in use. This means you can put them on when you encounter icy patches and remove them when you’re indoors or walking on clear pavements.
It’s worth investing in a good-quality pair that won’t break or slip off during use. While cheaper versions are available, they may not be as durable or effective on very icy surfaces.
For regular use, look for brodder with strong metal spikes and a secure fit to ensure they stay in place while you walk.
Many Norwegians swear by brodder, and after trying them out, you’ll see why. They allow you to walk confidently and safely on ice, significantly reducing the risk of falls. If you’re planning a winter trip to Norway, don’t leave home without them!
Learn the Penguin Walk
What if you must walk on ice? Adopting the “penguin walk” can significantly reduce your risk of falling. Yes, it might look a little silly, but it’s a tried-and-tested method for staying upright on slippery surfaces. Here’s how to do it:
Keep your knees slightly bent to lower your centre of gravity, and take small, deliberate steps. Avoid long strides, as stretching your legs too far can shift your balance and increase the chances of slipping.
Lean slightly forward, so your weight is centred over your front foot as it touches the ground. This ensures that your body’s weight is directly above your point of contact with the ice, reducing the likelihood of your feet sliding out from under you.

It’s also important to keep your arms free and slightly out to your sides for balance—leave the hand-in-pocket stance for dry days.
While walking like a penguin might not win you any style points, it’s a practical and effective technique that’s widely used by locals and seasoned winter travellers alike.
Protect Yourself in Case of a Fall
Even if you take every precaution, falls can still happen, especially when dealing with unpredictable icy surfaces. If you feel yourself losing balance, knowing how to fall properly can help minimise injuries. And yes, there is a “right” way to fall.
The key is to avoid landing on your back or head, as this can lead to serious injuries like concussions or spinal issues. Instead, aim to fall to the side, and if possible, try to roll slightly as you land to spread the impact over a larger area of your body.
Use your arms to cushion your fall, but avoid extending them straight out to break your fall, as this can result in wrist or arm fractures. Instead, keep them bent and try to absorb the shock with your forearms.
If you’re carrying items, drop them immediately to free your arms for balance or protection. Remember, a shopping bag or a phone isn’t worth a broken bone. Learning to “fall smart” might feel counterintuitive, but it can make a big difference in reducing the severity of injuries.
With a little preparation and the right mindset, navigating Norway’s icy streets doesn’t have to be daunting. Equipped with these tips, you can focus on enjoying the magic of a Norwegian winter—without ending up flat on your back!
Excellent advice! I never go to Scandinavia in winter (or anywhere with snow) without my Yaktrax.
Just have to remember to take them off indoors – they are as dangerous on a shiny shopping centre floor as walking on ice without them.
VERY good point!
Is it possible to purchase Brodder from the US? We’re going on a February Cruise with Viking to see Northern Lights in February and will be getting off the ship in Bergen, Tromso and Alta and would like to be prepared to see Greig’s home and and the more northern ports without falling.