Riding North: Adventure North Cape ANC190A
28 Aug 2019
Every trip has an end, so this one too:
But the end of a journey is the beginning of the next !!!
And we hope we will hit the road togehther again!!!
Thank you in the nam of Edelweiss Bike Travel and Marko and Axel
Day 12: Enontekiö - Tromso
The last day of an exciting journey through the land of the Vikings.
Today we went from cold Finland back north to Norway. The day started with a warm 5 C outside temperature and we should also be lucky this time. Because the weather has been getting better every kilometer. Today the journey itself was along the Finnish - Swedish border, so we took the chance and made a detour to Sweden befor we continue to our journey towards Tromso. The landscape was a strong contrast to the last days, because we met on wide open countryside. Once we crossed the border to Norway, the road changed and we plunged into a corner Eldorado again.
Norway had us back again. After a refreshment in the sight of the Lynger Alps, the trip to Tromso went on and also the end of our journey came closer. Once the motorcycles were parked, we went to the hotel to get refreshed so that we are ready to explore the beautiful city of Tromso.
Another Day was gone and the fearwell dinner was not so far in the future waiting for us.
A small final word
As one says so beautifully at Edelweiss bike travel: The end of a tour is the beginning of the next.
This thought accompanied us through the whole menu at our closing meal today.
Impressed by the country of the Vikings and the warmth of the Norwegians, we reminisced and everyone talked about his highlights of this tour. The flashbacks were riddled with gorgeous roads, amazing nature experiences, funny moments and one of the nicest things that happen on our tours - we became a small family sharing one of the most beautiful hobbies on earth - riding a motorbike.
The trip of this family is unfortunately already over but the plans for a next tour are already on the rise.
Marko, Kim and Me (Axel) are looking forward to our next tour and adventure.
At the same time we would like to thank you for an unforgettable time.
So well - time to say good by and almost close to saying hello again
DAY 11: Lakselv - Enontekiö
We rode north through Norway for 10 days, now it's time for a change. In the meantime, we have reached the region of the Sami. A good chance to see their traditions is the Sami museum in Karasjok, the Sami capital.
From here we headed west, Kautokeinö was our next stop, for lunch and also a visit to the very interesting art and silver store in town.
And just a few kilometers down the road, we reached the border between Norway and Finland. Thanks to the Schengen treaty, the passport checks are history. So we could easily continue to our destination in Finland, Enontekiö.
DAY 10: Alta - Lakselv
Today is the day of the days !!!!
We rode to the North Cape. Our plan for today 431 km to the accommodation, but only 235 km to the highlight of our tour - the North Cape. On the way along the Porsangerfjord we dived into the land of the reindeer which stood in numerous trellises along the road. The journey itself started with the first highlight of the day the breakfast which gave us enough strength for the next hours to withstand the wind and weather. Despite the forecast that it should be cloudy at the Cape - we were lucky and were allowed to explore the North Cape dry foot. First we visited the visitor center. This impressed us with a movie and history and of course one or two Suvenians for at home. Now it was time for the legendary North Cape Globe - The End of Europe. The steep coast, the wind and the mighty cloud cover created a really impressive backdrop. We enjoyed the view and the landscape, before our journey headed south, because today's final destination is Lakselv.
At the end of today we will definitely fall into our bed and dream of the numerous reindeer and the incredibly beautiful landscape and the North Cape.
Unfortunately, there are only 2 days left and we reach Tromso - but until then there are still a few kilometers and our troop will enjoy every kilometer.
- what happens tomorrow, you'll read here tomorrow !!! So then, see you tomorrow at edelweissblog
Day 9: Storslett - Alta
We have arrived at the "Base Camp", our last stop before we ride north until the continent ends.
After a very quiet and cool night in our unique hotel overlooking a gorgeous fjord, we started to ride a bit later than normal. The distance for today's ride was fairly small, in order to have a bit of time to relax for the long day tomorrow. The ride was beautiful nevertheless. The usual mix of mountains and fjords, this time mixed with quite a bit of wildlife - we saw a lot of reindeer today, only Santa was missing...
Just before we reached Alta, our last stop before the North Cape, it was time to add a bit of history to our itinerary. The first museum took us back 75 years to the time of WWII - the museum tells the story of Europe's largest battleship ever built (until this day), the German Tirpitz. It took a few tries by the allied forces, but finally it was severely damaged in a fjord very close to Alta.
Even more impressive is the Alta Museum, where you can see a huge number of rock carvings, similar to the petroghlyps in America. The big difference is that these rock carvings are up to 6000 years old!
Now we are getting ready for our dinner - and then we need to get some rest for tomorrow...it's THE DAY!
Day 8: Harstad - Storslett
Motto of Today: A big step closer to the North Cape
Today it was time to say goodbye to the Lofoten. But the farewell was not too difficult because today we went on the E6 and 87 further north. Sounds not so exciting but once out on the road from Harstadt over the impressive Tjeldsund Bruges awaited us the impressive coastline of Vagsfjorden. Because the coastal road as a highlight is not enough at Edelweissbiketravel, we had the pleasure to traverse the Lyngen Alps as well. The description of this scenery is difficult for me, so think sometimes the pictures speak for themselves much more better then any word i cut use ;-). In between there, we the visit the polar zoo in Bardu and on the lunchtime we stoped at the hotspot himself for every salmon and fishing fan. The journey went to the famouse Malselv waterfall which is a 110 km long river where thousands of salmons climb every year up. After the strengthening, our journey continued northwards where we crossed the valleys and became one with nature. Last but not least, today's tour took us back to the coast of the Lyngen and Kafjordes, which culminated in our final destination, Gildetun, high above the Kvaenangen fjord overlooking the island of Skorpa.
Finally i can can only say: the last 428 km were worth every meter and now we are only 2 days away from the North cap !!!!
Day 7: Svolvaer - Harstad
We have been on the bike for 6 days in a row - not surprisingly, everybody was a bit tired this morning. So we decided to take it easy today and went straight towards our destination Harstad. But even the direct route was full of beautiful sights and scenery. Colorful lakes, fjords and mountains lined the way, every once in a while disrupted by a kilometer-long tunnel. Halfway through we stopped for coffee, and then we continued all the way to Harstad. After a light lunch, we had the rest of the afternoon off - a little stroll through the city center, a short nap...and now we are ready for another Norwegian meal!
Day 6: Bodo to Svolvaer (Lofoten)
Today brought us the ferry after a 3 hour ride from Bodo to Lofoten. Our curiosity increased with every nautical mile because we knew that 80 islands, which are connected with beautiful roads and bridges, were waiting for us. Once arrived, our eyes went from left to right and from bottom to top. Because the Lofoten drew us immediately into its spell. The high mountains with their bright green meadows and the numerous bays with small beaches and small fishing villages let us almost forget that we are in Norway. The flair of Lofoten should have been experienced once in your life. To summarize, one could say it something like this: if you marry the Alps with the South Seas and the two would have a child, then it would be called Lofoten !!!
So would you like to have winding roads along a shoreline accompanied by high mountains?
In addition to the desire to have fine white sandy beaches then probably the ultimate answer Lofoten.
I believe this day we will have a long time in memory.
Day 5: Sandnessjoen - Bodo
The Polar Circle - most people have only heard about it and relate it to the endless ice and freezing temperatures. Well, for us it was exactly the opposite! Until this morning, some of us had only heard about it as well, but at lunchtime, we were all right there, at 66°33' North! What was not there were the eternal ice cover and the freezing temperatures. We could see snow in the distance, but the temperatures reached stunning 28°C! The experience of being at the circle was still very unique - step one on our way to Europe's northern tip!
The remainder of the day had some wonderful mountain roads for us, but with the still climbing temperatures (we eventually saw 33°C), we were happy to reach the beautiful city of Bodo in the afternoon, where the surrounding water ( and the hotel air condition) brought the temperatures down far enough so that we could go and explore the town!
DAY 4: Overhalla to Sandnessjoen
Today the day started in the Namdalen Valley in Overhalla and we were allowed to enjoy a scenic and winding road to Holm. On the road itself, the eyes were always a little bit on the edge of the forest to sift the one or the other moose - and that should be rewarded, the first moose of the tour was considered proudly in passing.
After the first picturesque and especially beautiful roads we met on the coast of Holm our first ferry, which brought us after a short sunbath well to Midland. Once there, our next highligt was not that far away.
The journey took us to Hildur's Urterarium. Known for its herbal and flower garden, we fortified ourselves with fresh ingredients from the garden before enjoying the sun in the green garden of the Uterarium.
After a long sunbath our trip took us to the next ferry and the next part of our tour through a beautiful coastal landscape to meet our last ferry which brought us a little bit closer to our final destination of today. The crossing gave us another perspective on the coastal landscape which seemed more impressive every second. Once landed in Tjotta, we went through the last 40 km of bays, sheep and mountains to our hotel where a 3-course menu was waiting for us and we will not forget it so quickly (very tasty).
So day 4 is over and the group and the guides are already looking forward to day 5.
Day 3: Trondheim - Overhalla
After a wonderful evening in Norway's third largest city - full of students, bars and restaurants - we were ready for a another riding day. Today started with a new experience: the first ferry ride. A wonderful change to see the country (or rather water), with a lot of opportunities to take photos. We rode alongside many fjords, lakes and rivers - the scenery was once again nothing less than breath-taking.
Lunch was also quite special today - a small restaurant right at the shore of the ocean. The fish soup was excellent, just like the homemade bread served with it.
The final part of the ride to our hotel in Overhalla was quite different than the morning ride - lots of forests, more lakes, and temperatures which climbed to more than 30°C! Summer in Norway!
Day 2: Sunndalsora - Trondheim
Pruduction Director
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THE FOUNDATION FOR THIS SHOTING
THE SET
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Day 1: Alesund - Sunndalsora
And we are on our way! The sun was out, the sky was blue - a great start to a wonderful ride. After a quick stop at the local Harley and BMW dealer we left Alesund to the east. The famous Rose Church was our first stop. A wonderful ride alongside the Norwegian fjords followed. The smell of strawberries - yes, there are strawberries growing here in Norway - forced us to try the Norwegian strawberry cake. The ride from here on was full of highlights: the narrow gorge of Gudbrandsjuvet, the switchbacks of the famous Trollstigen and the sheer mountain wall of Trollveggen - Norway is incredibly beautiful.
After lunch at Trollveggen we continued along lakes and fjords to today's destination, Sunndalsora...it's time for dinner!
Our North Cape Adventure is about to begin. The bikes are ready to go, the weather is excellent and the North Cape is waiting. The first riders have already arrived - now we are just waiting for the rest of the group. A little briefing about the Norwegian history, culture and other things you need to know to enjoy this beautiful country will follow. Then the bikes will be explained and handed over - and then it's time for our first dinner with our new Edelweiss group.