Norway 23rd May to 3rd July
Introduction
So we start on the "main course". Norway is said to be expensive and indeed fuel and food are inevitably more than elsewhere. but as "free camping" is widely available this "eases the pain. Lots of mileage as roads either hug the fjorded coast or twist and turn their way over the mountains.Even the E6 (the main road north) has its share as well as lots of tunnels and bridges. But that is all part of the attraction. We looked forward to stunning scenery and were indeed rewarded. Other attractions..The Arctic Circle, Reindeer, Sami culture, Nordkapp and simply very rewarding driving.
Relevant photos are posted below the text.
So we start on the "main course". Norway is said to be expensive and indeed fuel and food are inevitably more than elsewhere. but as "free camping" is widely available this "eases the pain. Lots of mileage as roads either hug the fjorded coast or twist and turn their way over the mountains.Even the E6 (the main road north) has its share as well as lots of tunnels and bridges. But that is all part of the attraction. We looked forward to stunning scenery and were indeed rewarded. Other attractions..The Arctic Circle, Reindeer, Sami culture, Nordkapp and simply very rewarding driving.
Relevant photos are posted below the text.
Kristiansand (Monday 23rd May) to Hemsedal (Sunday 29th)
Quick and smooth Hydrofoil crossing from Hirtsals to Kristiansand. Minor hassle in loading as we had to reverse on with only inches to spare either side We then drove north on a main road towards Evje and pleasant overnight in a rest area by some rapids.
Next morning very pleasant and following road 9 before over the mountains on road 45 to Dalen and then Rauland (overnight)
Stunning scenery and good driving although care needed as some roads were only just 2 way traffic..
Lovely scenery again as we drove via Rjukan to Kongsberg. We found a lovely area right by a river and dam and so stayed there for 2 nights.
Then over the mountains to Geilo and then Hemsedal. Geilo was our first campsite and had all the facilities as well as overlooking a small river.
Near Hemsedal we found a huge carpark by a lake. The weather was very wet so we stayed put there for 2 nights.
Quick and smooth Hydrofoil crossing from Hirtsals to Kristiansand. Minor hassle in loading as we had to reverse on with only inches to spare either side We then drove north on a main road towards Evje and pleasant overnight in a rest area by some rapids.
Next morning very pleasant and following road 9 before over the mountains on road 45 to Dalen and then Rauland (overnight)
Stunning scenery and good driving although care needed as some roads were only just 2 way traffic..
Lovely scenery again as we drove via Rjukan to Kongsberg. We found a lovely area right by a river and dam and so stayed there for 2 nights.
Then over the mountains to Geilo and then Hemsedal. Geilo was our first campsite and had all the facilities as well as overlooking a small river.
Near Hemsedal we found a huge carpark by a lake. The weather was very wet so we stayed put there for 2 nights.
Hemsedal (Monday 30th May) via Sognefjord and "the roof of Norway" to Andalsnes (6th June).
Route https://goo.gl/maps/ZmKaAFfpHbq
A murky day via the pass to Laerdal and a lovely spot @Lærdalsøyri..just a rest area on a very quiet road next to the fjord. 2 nights here. The weather was great ! Then onto Kaupanger using our first Norwegian ferry. Overnight in a farm with a firepit and tripod & pan.
Next day weather still good and on road 55 to Vassbacken campsite. This was a really good camp in the valley with a huge waterfall and highland cattle.
To the roof of Norway... a short but spectacular twisty and steep road to the summit just noth of Turtagrø hotel. Snow everywhere a clear blue sky simply wonderful. We overnighted just down for the high area. Next day a lovely drive down through a much gentler and very pastoral and scenic road to Otta and then northwards. The road to Otta was very scenic with rivers lakes and waterfalls. We overnighted just off the E6 behind a guest house. The next day on to Andalsnes was again simply lovely scenery and weather ! and we stayed near Isfjorden in a large fjordside rest area and also by the harbour in Andalsnes. Andalsnes a busy town with a huge cruise ship in port !
Route https://goo.gl/maps/ZmKaAFfpHbq
A murky day via the pass to Laerdal and a lovely spot @Lærdalsøyri..just a rest area on a very quiet road next to the fjord. 2 nights here. The weather was great ! Then onto Kaupanger using our first Norwegian ferry. Overnight in a farm with a firepit and tripod & pan.
Next day weather still good and on road 55 to Vassbacken campsite. This was a really good camp in the valley with a huge waterfall and highland cattle.
To the roof of Norway... a short but spectacular twisty and steep road to the summit just noth of Turtagrø hotel. Snow everywhere a clear blue sky simply wonderful. We overnighted just down for the high area. Next day a lovely drive down through a much gentler and very pastoral and scenic road to Otta and then northwards. The road to Otta was very scenic with rivers lakes and waterfalls. We overnighted just off the E6 behind a guest house. The next day on to Andalsnes was again simply lovely scenery and weather ! and we stayed near Isfjorden in a large fjordside rest area and also by the harbour in Andalsnes. Andalsnes a busy town with a huge cruise ship in port !
Andalsnes (6th June) to Rognan (14th June)
So via Isfjorden 2 ferries and a tunnel to Bud and the start of the "Atlantic road".
Weather ok and interest on the road itself (wartime items) the scenery (seascapes) and the engineering (see photos) overnight by the harbour in Kristiansund. More engineering interest on the E39 road to Trondheim overnight by the road @Valsøyfjord. On to Trondheim but overnight not available...so more mileage to Stjørdal an excellent aire (all facilities new and dedicated - no power) if a bit windy.
Many toll tunnels near Trondheim but all quite reasonable at £1 to £1.50.
On to Sjoasen via Steinker (for LPG). Nice overnight in a rest area by a lake. Then a longish drive to south of Trofors and a very nice camp area by a lake.
many roadworks now as we pass through Mosjean and Mo-i-Rana eventually finding a good wild spot at Stroforshei.
Then crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting the attraction and purchasing a very nice fleece (no I did not feel I was fleeced as it is a high quality garment !).
We spent the night in a big rest area carpark just down from the pass....a lovely evening but sleet and snow next morning. A lone cyclist stopped and we offered him a hot drink to warm up. (A surprising number of cyclists given..the distances, the gradients, the lack of camping etc etc).
Short drive to Rognan and a useful aire.
So via Isfjorden 2 ferries and a tunnel to Bud and the start of the "Atlantic road".
Weather ok and interest on the road itself (wartime items) the scenery (seascapes) and the engineering (see photos) overnight by the harbour in Kristiansund. More engineering interest on the E39 road to Trondheim overnight by the road @Valsøyfjord. On to Trondheim but overnight not available...so more mileage to Stjørdal an excellent aire (all facilities new and dedicated - no power) if a bit windy.
Many toll tunnels near Trondheim but all quite reasonable at £1 to £1.50.
On to Sjoasen via Steinker (for LPG). Nice overnight in a rest area by a lake. Then a longish drive to south of Trofors and a very nice camp area by a lake.
many roadworks now as we pass through Mosjean and Mo-i-Rana eventually finding a good wild spot at Stroforshei.
Then crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting the attraction and purchasing a very nice fleece (no I did not feel I was fleeced as it is a high quality garment !).
We spent the night in a big rest area carpark just down from the pass....a lovely evening but sleet and snow next morning. A lone cyclist stopped and we offered him a hot drink to warm up. (A surprising number of cyclists given..the distances, the gradients, the lack of camping etc etc).
Short drive to Rognan and a useful aire.
Rognan (14th June) to Bjerkvik (Monday 20th)
Wednesday 15th
Very short pretty drive to Fauske.
Very good "aire".
Carpark by fjord with all facilities inc EHU price OK at £12.50.
Lovely sunny day.
Met man from UK organist and choirmaster in Fauske
100 miles to Ulsvag near Bognes (ferry) 17 tunnels some dark and a bit narrow
1 escort needed as one way system due to road resurfacing.
Prtetty but raining so no photos.Arrived at Ulvsvag to find handy overnight.Weather brightened up for the evening
Very short drive to Bognes for ferry. (1 hour) to Lodingen (Lofoten Islands).
Lovely MH aire by Harbour. All facilities £15. Bright and sunny if a bit windy (WDYE).
Nice drive via several islands connected by bridges and tunnels.
Destination Henningsvaer of dried cod fame.2 one way bridges.
Overnight in quiet laybyWet and windy in the evening/overnight
Back towards Narvik.Nice carpark by "twin bridges" Met Swiss man who had just caught over 10 cod, some very large.
Despite my "fishing him" he did not offer us any (one small one would have been enough).
Not too much rain but all the mountains in mist/low cloud
Monday 20th
Nasty wet day..longish drive to Bjerkvik. Found convenient carpark on old road.abit of noise at 10pm with lorries "swapping trailers".
We were hampered in the Lofoten Island by poor visibility. Scenery lovely very much like Glencoe area in Scotland.
Wednesday 15th
Very short pretty drive to Fauske.
Very good "aire".
Carpark by fjord with all facilities inc EHU price OK at £12.50.
Lovely sunny day.
Met man from UK organist and choirmaster in Fauske
100 miles to Ulsvag near Bognes (ferry) 17 tunnels some dark and a bit narrow
1 escort needed as one way system due to road resurfacing.
Prtetty but raining so no photos.Arrived at Ulvsvag to find handy overnight.Weather brightened up for the evening
Very short drive to Bognes for ferry. (1 hour) to Lodingen (Lofoten Islands).
Lovely MH aire by Harbour. All facilities £15. Bright and sunny if a bit windy (WDYE).
Nice drive via several islands connected by bridges and tunnels.
Destination Henningsvaer of dried cod fame.2 one way bridges.
Overnight in quiet laybyWet and windy in the evening/overnight
Back towards Narvik.Nice carpark by "twin bridges" Met Swiss man who had just caught over 10 cod, some very large.
Despite my "fishing him" he did not offer us any (one small one would have been enough).
Not too much rain but all the mountains in mist/low cloud
Monday 20th
Nasty wet day..longish drive to Bjerkvik. Found convenient carpark on old road.abit of noise at 10pm with lorries "swapping trailers".
We were hampered in the Lofoten Island by poor visibility. Scenery lovely very much like Glencoe area in Scotland.
Bjerkvik Tuesday 21st to Nordkapp Monday 27th
Weather better. Expensive diesel and expensive dumping
Nice drive via road 84 and 86 to Moen..very good overnight.
Organising/resting at Moen
Thursday 23rd (Referendum Day)
Wet Drive via Balsfjord 1 toll tunnel and long bridge to Tromso Island/centre.
Roads E6 854 862 E8 and E6/E8 Navigating the tunnels difficult as no GPS.
Managed OK and found the overnight spot near "Polaria". Excellent visit with 2 films and aquarium.
One of the films focussed on Svalbard vg as I visited there in 2002
Moved on from Tromso with a 60 mile drive to Hatteng. Excellent spot. bright evening sun as well.
Mileage today 150 one of our longest days !
Stay at Hatteng as weather is variable. Brexiteers win 52/48
Saturday 25th Lovely drive to Storslet. Good carpark just away from E6. Nice river nearby..a bit chilly
Sunday 26th Nice shortish drive to Saltnes.
Excellent carpark at the end of a minor road. Stunning views of a glacier and dolphins in the fjord
Stage 1 to Alta. Stage 2 to Nordkapp Stage 3 south again to the tunnel.
250 miles in all. Excellent roads and scenery.
9pm nice view over the fjord very light still at 9pm Lots of "Rudolfs" as well.
Alta to Nordkapp is a nice drive. Firstly on the mainland via the E6 to Skaidi and Olderfjord. Then stunning coast road (E69) sea on the right cliffs on the left then the tunnel at Kafjord to get to the island of Mageroya. Fuel available at Honningsvag. There was a huge cruise ship in port, this meant lots of coaches on the E69 north to Nordkapp itself again a nice road but concentration required as it is only just 2-way traffic.
We reached Nordkapp at 6pm, bright sunshine so worth rushing there to get good weather.
We then drove south to overnight just off the main road still on the island just before the tunnel.
Weather better. Expensive diesel and expensive dumping
Nice drive via road 84 and 86 to Moen..very good overnight.
Organising/resting at Moen
Thursday 23rd (Referendum Day)
Wet Drive via Balsfjord 1 toll tunnel and long bridge to Tromso Island/centre.
Roads E6 854 862 E8 and E6/E8 Navigating the tunnels difficult as no GPS.
Managed OK and found the overnight spot near "Polaria". Excellent visit with 2 films and aquarium.
One of the films focussed on Svalbard vg as I visited there in 2002
Moved on from Tromso with a 60 mile drive to Hatteng. Excellent spot. bright evening sun as well.
Mileage today 150 one of our longest days !
Stay at Hatteng as weather is variable. Brexiteers win 52/48
Saturday 25th Lovely drive to Storslet. Good carpark just away from E6. Nice river nearby..a bit chilly
Sunday 26th Nice shortish drive to Saltnes.
Excellent carpark at the end of a minor road. Stunning views of a glacier and dolphins in the fjord
Stage 1 to Alta. Stage 2 to Nordkapp Stage 3 south again to the tunnel.
250 miles in all. Excellent roads and scenery.
9pm nice view over the fjord very light still at 9pm Lots of "Rudolfs" as well.
Alta to Nordkapp is a nice drive. Firstly on the mainland via the E6 to Skaidi and Olderfjord. Then stunning coast road (E69) sea on the right cliffs on the left then the tunnel at Kafjord to get to the island of Mageroya. Fuel available at Honningsvag. There was a huge cruise ship in port, this meant lots of coaches on the E69 north to Nordkapp itself again a nice road but concentration required as it is only just 2-way traffic.
We reached Nordkapp at 6pm, bright sunshine so worth rushing there to get good weather.
We then drove south to overnight just off the main road still on the island just before the tunnel.
Skaidi Tue 28th June to Karasjok Sunday 3rd July
Weather now poor overnights south of Skaidi and then Alta crossbane. A different route from planned as we needed LPG in Alta (they were empty on our way north....NO LPG in Finland) overnight again at Eiby
South on road 93 a very pleasant drive with forests rivers and a stunning gorge at almost no traffic.
Then northeast and east on road 92, even less traffic, overnight at Pikefossen and our final overnightin Norway at a rest area west of Karasjok
So that is Norway nearly done apart from a very pleasant and interesting visit to the Sami Museum in Karasjok and we stated towards Finland at 2pm on Mon 4th July
Weather now poor overnights south of Skaidi and then Alta crossbane. A different route from planned as we needed LPG in Alta (they were empty on our way north....NO LPG in Finland) overnight again at Eiby
South on road 93 a very pleasant drive with forests rivers and a stunning gorge at almost no traffic.
Then northeast and east on road 92, even less traffic, overnight at Pikefossen and our final overnightin Norway at a rest area west of Karasjok
So that is Norway nearly done apart from a very pleasant and interesting visit to the Sami Museum in Karasjok and we stated towards Finland at 2pm on Mon 4th July
Summing up
Norway was excellent we took our time mainly but could have stayed longer in certain areas (Telemark, Sogndal, maybe go further east in North Norway). Better weather on the Lofoten island would have meant an extra day or 2 there. We spent 6 weeks in Norway perhaps 7 or even 8 would be better. However you then have to drive south. We chose to follow the main tourist route in Finland
Link to Finland and Sweden
Norway was excellent we took our time mainly but could have stayed longer in certain areas (Telemark, Sogndal, maybe go further east in North Norway). Better weather on the Lofoten island would have meant an extra day or 2 there. We spent 6 weeks in Norway perhaps 7 or even 8 would be better. However you then have to drive south. We chose to follow the main tourist route in Finland
Link to Finland and Sweden