Overland Scandinavia

Santa got me a micro fleece hat, another furry type hat with ears, glove liners (recommended), over gloves and thermal socks!
We got maps - no books as yet - still googling (we got trailblazers for Transiberian rail which is excellent) - trailblazers highly recommended - will look out for your version re: Norway.
Given the weather we've had UK - getting a bit more real about what to expect far north Norway in April - ie a bit dangerous the further north and the smaller and more twisty the roads to get through - passable even? Possibly slippy, wretched? Hmmmmm
Foss - what are you doing re: tyres? We have BFG AT and loathe to change just for this leg. We're wondering whether to chicken out and leave till May, else park up and go northward a safer way. Come back and collect vehicle after. Anyone any thoughts?

Hi Cassie
Sounds a good trip.
Should still be some snow on roads in April but better still in May. There can (will) still be snow on the mountains in July & August but roads will be clear.
Insa Special Track very good in snow but for ice you will need studs or chains. Chains would be the cheaper option I think.
A lot of public car parks have electric points for (I think) block warmers and normally free. I have only been in summer so am not too sure about the mechanics of this but most Swedes have a connection block sticking out of the front of their cars. Camping sites also have them if they are open for the winter.
Have a great trip.

Pikefly - thanks for very useful info - was wondering about electrical hook up - much obliged!
Foss - what tyres are you using?

MMMM....dunno yet, depends which month we go.
Im prob gonna stick with my Insa Dakars I used in Morocco & take snow chains-you?

ps Dakars are the same as BFG Mud terrains...

Im tryin to pick a time of year where we can pass all the way through to Nordkapp & onto the russian borderline

We did REALLY want to see the lights but I think the weather may make things very difficult to do the whole trip in 3-4 weeks

We are leaning toward less snow & arranging a "light" spotting trip by air for a few days at another time-you cant do everything!

Us too. We were hoping to see the lights but don't think we'll be up for April due to weather consideratations. Now planning May - supposed to be a great time of year and low season costs. Never mind - another time for the lights it seems!

i am also contemplating a run through Scandanavia and would welcome a route that has been done by others as i have no idea where to str for reseach and route planning Havent yet decided on the time of year but it will be sooner rather than later so advice /help and routes would be gratefully recieved.

This months LRO has an article about taking "Plimsoll" the Series 1 to the arctic circle, theres a lot of info about travel etc. - you may find it useful.

yeh-i found it after the 200th advert!

he didnt go that far north did he...

no he just got to arctic circle, he had a few problems with series 1 though if i remeber?

All-Ill be posting up my route over the next week or so - if it includes any "steer clears", let me know.
We've decided on Spring 2011

Hi Foss...just out of interest..if you're looking to save a bit of time, why dont you go direct from denmark to norway?

The Hirtsals-kristiansand ferry is very quick and cheap...then carry on up to northern norway and that way round..tbh, denmark and southern sweden arent the most interesting/exciting/scenic areas..

The bridge connecting 2 islands here in denmark (storebaeltsbro) is a fantastic piece of engineering and 14km long..costs £20 each way, the bridge to sweden is much shorter and about £15...but i'd go direct from esbjerg north to norway...the roads and scenery are breathtaking as soon as you get into norway...

Although most things are more expensive over here in scandinavia, diesel is relatively cheap...about 80p a litre at current exchange rate..buy beer and smokes in denmark though!!

storm99 said:

Hi Foss...just out of interest..if you're looking to save a bit of time, why dont you go direct from denmark to norway?

The Hirtsals-kristiansand ferry is very quick and cheap...then carry on up to northern norway and that way round..tbh, denmark and southern sweden arent the most interesting/exciting/scenic areas..

The bridge connecting 2 islands here in denmark (storebaeltsbro) is a fantastic piece of engineering and 14km long..costs £20 each way, the bridge to sweden is much shorter and about £15...but i'd go direct from esbjerg north to norway...the roads and scenery are breathtaking as soon as you get into norway...

Although most things are more expensive over here in scandinavia, diesel is relatively cheap...about 80p a litre at current exchange rate..buy beer and smokes in denmark though!!

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hiya Storm
thanks for the info

We're planning on gettin a ferry to Brevik, south Norway & driving up to the E6 from there...we're planning on a 3-4 week round trip to Kirkenes, making our way up to the start of the Arctic Highway in good (ish) time as we plan to spend most of the trip touring inside the Arctic Circle.

So far the rough route is
Brevik
Telemark
Trondheim
Vefsn
Rana

once past Rana, we would spend our days exploring into the wilderness & follow the loose route of...

Tromso
Alta
Finnmark
Nordkapp
Kirkenes

and return possibly via Finland & Sami country

Reading this thread with interest as planning a trip into Scandinavia including Norway this year. Storm - in your opinion what month would be the best time to travel? Obviously we'll miss the northern lights, and the further north we go we're bound to be sleeping in broad daylight, but are there any big differences with rain/temperature between July, August and September? We'll be camping (roof tent) all the way. Also you say diesel is around 80p/litre in Norway. Are you sure as I thought it was about the same as uk £1.20ish?
Great tip about the Hirtsals-kristiansand ferry by the way! Thanks

Jonnie Bee said:

Reading this thread with interest as planning a trip into Scandinavia including Norway this year. Storm - in your opinion what month would be the best time to travel? Obviously we'll miss the northern lights, and the further north we go we're bound to be sleeping in broad daylight, but are there any big differences with rain/temperature between July, August and September? We'll be camping (roof tent) all the way. Also you say diesel is around 80p/litre in Norway. Are you sure as I thought it was about the same as uk £1.20ish?
Great tip about the Hirtsals-kristiansand ferry by the way! Thanks

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Hi, yep that little ferry cuts out a lot of kilometers (about 800 if you were to go thru denmark/sweden to get to oslo) but more importantly time...and gets you direct into norway and is really cheap...from memory you can get deals in advance for as little as 25 quid each way..if you drop me a pm i'll keep my eye out when you settle on a date..

I'm quoting danish prices for the diesel..the exchange rate is really good for me at the mo (hence i just bought a 90 in the uk to use here)...but it goes up in the summer when its holiday time...strange that!..and norway is a little dearer..

To be honest, i tend to take my summer holiday late august...its still warm but the kids are back at school so places are less busy and cheaper..dont worry about rain, if we have a decent summer then it rarely rains..generally speaking over here the summers are hotter and the winters are colder, the beaches are fantastic all the way up the coast of denmark..the fjords in norway are really nice to swim in as the water isnt too deep many places and heats up nicely, so the later in the summer the better...In short, i'd take the middle of august onwards..

If you havent been to Norway before you're in for a treat...it really is beautiful..i was lucky enough to have a norwegian girlfriend who took me to some fantastic places. You are allowed to pitch a tent anywhere, so thats free! The fishing/boating is excellent..the basics are expensive...but dont let that put you off..fill the landy with pasta etc and head off out there!!

Actually...I have nearly 4 weeks off in august..from the 12 onwards...hmmmm..........road-trip? :hippie:

Thanks Storm - if we needed convincing you've done a pretty good job! So, late August/September it is....will keep you posted on dates etc. Off to buy a map and Lonely Planet guide now - and start saving!.......
Cheers.

Just got back from a round trip Bergen/Kirkenes on the Hutigruten.
Beautiful Beautiful country, will be doin the Norway trip next year in my defender. Be sure te get some bevy in before yer go. Spent 60 quid on 18 tin's of beer. Be sure te take everything what yer can from the uk as everything is bloody expensive. Most beautiful country yer can imagine. Enjoy it

wanderlust4ever said:

Just got back from a round trip Bergen/Kirkenes on the Hutigruten.
Beautiful Beautiful country, will be doin the Norway trip next year in my defender. Be sure te get some bevy in before yer go. Spent 60 quid on 18 tin's of beer. Be sure te take everything what yer can from the uk as everything is bloody expensive. Most beautiful country yer can imagine. Enjoy it

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Excellent-got any pics?