Riding to Nordkapp, June 2012

[sirhrmechanic]

I won't be on an MT for this ride...

But in June, I'll be riding from Frankfurt, Germany up to Nordkapp, Norway. Then back through Finland and Sweden, returning to Frankfurt. Leaving Frankfurt around June 16 to head for the ferry in Denmark.

Anyone interested in meeting up to Nordkapp, riding part of the way, or simply passing on any tips for the ride? Anyone been to Nordkapp or back through Finland?

I have just under 3 weeks planned. Up the West Coast of Norway through Bodo. I'll be staying mostly in 'tourist' cabins, which I am told are plentiful and largely empty that time of year. But I'll bring a tent and camping gear just in case. My schedule puts me at North Cape (Nordkapp) on June 21, the longest day of the year. No sunset!

I'll be on my 1991 BMW PD, which is in Frankfurt. The MT gets left behind this time.

Cheers,

Sirhr

[Bunker]

Lots of British guys go 'straight lining' in the USA on Harley holidays, nice to hear of an American coming to 'do' Europe. Just bring lots of warm clothing!

Enjoy

[DSG]

Hope that all goes well for your trip.

I rode there a few years ago in June (for the longest day...) it was a great adventure. Make certain that you have clothing for the worst weather that Norway can throw at you even in June. Returning from Nordkapp I rode into snow blizzards then later the same day I rode past girls wearing bikinis sunbathing by the fiords! There are plenty of huts to hire but if by yourself they are quite expensive.

Keep your eyes open for moose and rheindeer on the roads! - oh and there are plenty of midges!!!!!

Have fun

Dave

[Joth.Hill]

Hi

Did the trip in 2008 from UK Through France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway then Back down to Bergen where we caught the ferry back to England.

The cabins which are plentiful normally overlook the Fyords so a gret view at sunset and sun rise which gets quicker in the summer is quite a view. The final link to Nordkapp is a toll tunnel.

Information on the Trip and a small book I wrote can be viewed at:

http://www.qtg.co.uk/motorbike/files/06arctic2008.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope it helps

Regards

Joth

[sirhrmechanic]

Very cool book and I found some helpful stuff there! The tripod chair is a must!

The Electra-Glides are a nice way to travel. I did Rt. 66 on a Springer Classic in 2008. Then Nova Scotia in 2009. Rockies (Denver to Yellowstone to Black Hills) and then Sturgis to Yosemite/Sequoia/Reno Nevada all in 2010. Last year, it was Gaspe, Newfoundland and maritimes -- about 5K miles.

I am really getting psyched up for Norway. Thanks again for the book link!

Cheers,

Sirhr

[Joth.Hill]

Hi

Happy to hear the information is of use, Sweden / Norway / Finland are a very pleasant countrys to ride in although the speed limits can be a bit slow and weather can be a bit wet. We camped in a few places as hotels can be expensive. In the book I detailed the costs so you can get an idea.

Take some eye patches if you are camping as it is 20 hours+ day light and difficult to sleep.

If you stop at the Arctic Circle Centre you can get a certificate, nice keep sake for the future.

I document the longer rides we do and we did america in 2007 (all the way across etc. Visting Niagra, Mt Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Hover Dam, Las Vegas etc.... 4000miles in 12 days) with my wife and brother.

link to the book is http://www.qtg.co.uk/motorbike/files/06america2007.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Let me know how you got on when you get back,

Joth

[ZIP TIE]

If you like the odd drink buy it in Germany and take it with you as it can get v expensive in the later countries.

[sparky]

Get an up to date map of Norway because they show the date which roads are open. There will still be a lot of snow mid June. The huts are great but expensive , but you can camp anywhere where there are no houses within 2 klms? Take spare fuel and fill up at every petrol station. Don't drink at all, they have zero tolerance (costs a fortune anyway). Wish I was coming. When are they re-running the Newcastle to Stavanger ferry?? Sparky

[richard63]

I did back in 1989 left the UK in May and rode up from Stavanger round to Oslo then Bergen and then followed the coast, no doubt alot will have changed,but it got very desolate the more north. Petrol was no prob and the locals were great but we were a bit of a novelty in those days.We stopped in the cabins which were great and warm.When we got there (no tunnel back then from what i remember) no facilties no campsite , just an expensive hotel ,and a vistor centre no other GB cars or bikes we stuck it for 3 nights to see the midnight sun , just 20 hours or so of cloud. Went back via Finland then got a boat over to Sweden and down in to Denmark.Enjoyed the south of Norway and Sweden.I do remember some fantastic roads and it was one hell of an experience.Went south down into Germany over to all the eastern bloc countries and ended up in Crete 6 months later.Then rode back to the Uk in 5 days.Enjoy sure you will.

[imthetourguy]

Coming through Göteborg/Gothenburg at all? Drop me a line and it would be great to go for a beer. If you need a floor space to rest on for a night or 2, let me know