Adventure North Cape: exploring Norway
During a few days our guests have been arriving in Alesund from all over the world: Germany, Australia Austria, canada, the Netherlands and USA. Ones the bikes are washed and the t-shirts are handed out it's time for the welcome brieving. Our fearless tourguides Holger, Felix and Jan are preparing everyone for the riding days that are ahead of us
What a great first day of riding! When people tell you Norway is beautiful, but you've never been there, one can't value that properly. Until you see it with your own eyes! The coastal roads, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and fresh air: it's all breathtaking! We can't wait to head out again tomorrow!
Today we start in Sunndalsøra and ride on long winding roads through Trollheimen - the home of the famous Trolls. Along old typical Farms with their green Roof and an obligatory Flagmast with the flying noregian colours we arrive Lokkenverk - an old coppermine- and going on along the amazing beautyful coastal road to Trondheim, the wonderful Studentstown. After a short Sightseeing Trip through downtaown Trondheim we celebrate this perfect day in a small Jazzbar at the waterfront!
After getting into the swing of driving in a group yesterday, we started the day full of anticipation, and we weren't disappointed. After the ferry took us across the Trondheim Fjord, we spent pretty much the entire day traveling north along the coastline. The area gradually became more remote, and the settlements more picturesque. After beautiful views and a hearty lunch, we turned inland and finally, exhausted but satisfied, reached the remote Overhalla, where we would spend the night. We enjoyed the lovingly cooked dinner and fell into our pillows, looking forward to tomorrow.
Yes! There it is: our friend the sun! Today it's gonna be fjord after fjord and 3 ferries so a bit of sunlight is very welcome. A quick picture stop at a nice bridge in the middle of the forest. Our lunch restaurant is closed but there is an abundance of several kinds off berries!
Today we're taking an important step north. We're crossing the Arctic Circle. With a long stretch ahead of us, we set off briskly, stopping only for a short coffee break along the way to maximize our time at the Arctic Circle Center. A few photos and souvenirs later, we continue along the north-south E6 highway until we turn into the mountains and cross a stunning, winding pass, which ultimately leads us back to a fjord. But this time, something particularly exciting awaits us: the strongest tidal current on earth, which pushes 400 million cubic meters of water through a 150-meter-wide strait every six hours. We arrive about an hour after high tide and thus get a glimpse of the natural power of the outflowing water. After this long and strenuous day, we arrive, impressed but also exhausted, at an idyllic hotel on the outskirts of Bodø, where we enjoy the amenities of the heated rooftop pool and a wonderful dinner.
We're used to ferries on this tour, but today we're taking a cruise. A lovely voyage to the Lofoten. These are a group of islands which have been inhabited for more than 6000 years. Upon arrival we're blown away by the wind and the awesome scenary. Steep cliffs and rough rolling hills. Nature rules the shoreline in a rugged way. In the little fishing village Henningsvær we take a deep breath of the tranquil atmosphere. All in all it's easy to say that the Lofoten are very impressive!
What a great pleasure it's gone be to ride on the Lofoten all day! Not only by bike but, off course, also on a ferry. First picture stop os at the beautiful Austnesfjorden.
Sadly we are leaving the wonderful Lovoten. But luckily the sun is shining big time and we're going to Sweden! One of the highlights of today is the war museum in Narvik. The other one will be the road going up there, and also the road allong a huge Swedish lake.
After having a nice breakfast in Camp Ripan// Kiruna we hopped on the Bikes to leave that steel city behind, heading a bit to the east and then to the north again. Endless Forests seamed our way - we feel like to be in the middle of nowhere. And in fact: its the sparesly populated area in the whole of Europe. But the contact with the amazing nature and wonderful Reindeers made our day just perfect! And in the evening: Welcome to Finland and Enontekiö. SO many stories to tell and: We are all excited waht the next day will bring!
And again we're in luck. The sun is shining, a perfect temperature and many wonderful kilometres and miles ahead. Our main highlight is the Sami museum but also the silver smith and art gallery is very nice. In the Sami museum we're introduced to their culture, habits and traditions. Very interesting to see that although they life in a modern world, they're still hanging on to their ancient old traditions. Upon arrival in Lakself Holger has prepared a well deserved boot beer! Thanks for that!
THE day of the tour today! Our main highlight will be the North Cape, the most northern piece of mainland of Europe. 200000 people visit this windy and cold place every year and although being there will be great, it's also about the journey to get there. Along the way we stop at the beautiful Porsangerfjord and have an encounter with reindeer on the road. The last 20 km one really has the feeling that your close to the end of the world: no trees, no houses, only green hills and the ocean.