Awfull quiet in here?

[walrus]

A bit of brain picking if I may. I'm planning a late May start for Nordkapp. Just looked at booking Harwich - Esbjerg and they wanted £455 for the return journey. That seems like a lot. Is it par for the course? I am travelling alone so was presumably charged for a two berth cabin. Even so it seems steep. Setting off from Dorset I'm almost tempted to go tunnel and overland. Time isn't an issue for me. Anybody done it that way?

Secondly, Hytte. How does that work out for costs for the solo traveller? i.e. is the oft quoted 30 ish euros per cabin or per person? Anybody used hostels? I'm trying to avoid taking a tent although I will if I have to.

Thirdly is fuel availability an issue in the far North? I only have a standard GS tank plus a couple of emergency litres. I'm planning a dash N via Sweden then a very leisurely wander back via Lofoten. Still undecided about whether to go all the way to Nordkapp but I probably will. Thanks in advance for ny help.

 

[Bury_Dave]

I'm travelling solo myself and setting off on 2nd June. I too looked at the Harwich - Esbjerg but the cost was prohibitive.

I'm going Harwich - Hook of Holland and up through Holland and Germany and into Denmark that way.

From HvH to Hamberg is less than 6 hours travel. The return ticket was £70 because i am going during the daytime and cabins are only compulsory for overnight crossings.

When i factor in a night's camping and an extra tank of fuel, I'm quids in compared to the Esbjerg crossing. Duration is not much different either. Actually you can make it in the same time if you need to .

That's my plan and my logic

 

[LivNorway]

Fuel.

The natives need fuel too, you know!
But in some areas you better buy fuel when you can.

A made this map like this:
I typed 'ESSO near', and the name of where I hope to find fuel.
And 'Shell near' and the other companies.
Please try and tell me if you find fuel!
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sadd..._HqGw&oq=esso+near+volda&t=p&gl=uk&mra=pd&z=7

Liv.

 

[Bury_Dave]

Liv, I thought getting fuel wasn't a problem anywhere in Scandinavia

Just don't run your tank near empty before worrying about filling up, eh ? I'll be carrying a 1 litre stove fuel bottle too as an emergency back-up.

 

[LivNorway]

Liv, I thought getting fuel wasn't a problem anywhere in Scandinavia

Just don't run your tank near empty before worrying about filling up, eh ? I'll be carrying a 1 litre stove fuel bottle too as an emergency back-up.

There are no problem in Norway. Or in populated areas.
But don't leave Hol with only two litres if you want to go to Aurland. https://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=H...QKhc-RjG-TJbkVT8gDA&oq=aurland&t=h&mra=ls&z=9
Or go here and hope to find fuel: https://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=S...nE5RjEUJYt8ks8GTw&oq=Lysebotn&t=h&mra=ls&z=11
When I was at Lysebotn we had to call for a lady to come and unlock for us, as it was not a normal station.
And somewhere around Suleskad there was a automat pump two years ago.
If you miss those two, you soon get a thirsty bike!

Don't expect to find fuel on montain passes, or on roads who are closed in the vinter.

If you get a problem in Norway, I believe you get it in Finnmark. Not many people up there!

Liv.

 

[aRTy_Hexhead]

Didn't have much or any problem getting fuel in Norway. Stations up North had a 24hr credit card pump. Pop that in and fill up.
Mind you I was riding a 12RT and was doing early 60s mpg so 300 - 330 on a tank.

However, when coming back through Finland......'foreign' credit cards were not being accepted. Mind you I was travelling at 2am in the morning and the stations were closed. But a great time to be riding.

Just me, the reindeer and the dawn mist around the lakes.

 

[LivNorway]

You reminded me: Credit cards.

I have read somewhere here at ukgser that you have to call your bank and ask they to 'open' your cards for Norway. ...or all countries?
I can't remember.

Me and Knut had no problem when we was in Scotland, England and Wales, and I had no problem in Lithuania, Polan and Kaliningrad.

Call your bank!

Liv.

(Yes, his name is Knut. I know you are giggling now. )

 

[Johnscaff]

Nordkapp Trip

Hi walrus
I've just seen your post about going to Norway & Nordkapp end of May -June. I hope you don't mind me asking but would you consider some company on the trip as I am also a solo traveller & I am planning exactly that trip at a very similar time. I also live in the south of England.
If you are interested in discussing further then please contact me.

A bit of brain picking if I may. I'm planning a late May start for Nordkapp. Just looked at booking Harwich - Esbjerg and they wanted £455 for the return journey. That seems like a lot. Is it par for the course? I am travelling alone so was presumably charged for a two berth cabin. Even so it seems steep. Setting off from Dorset I'm almost tempted to go tunnel and overland. Time isn't an issue for me. Anybody done it that way?

Secondly, Hytte. How does that work out for costs for the solo traveller? i.e. is the oft quoted 30 ish euros per cabin or per person? Anybody used hostels? I'm trying to avoid taking a tent although I will if I have to.

Thirdly is fuel availability an issue in the far North? I only have a standard GS tank plus a couple of emergency litres. I'm planning a dash N via Sweden then a very leisurely wander back via Lofoten. Still undecided about whether to go all the way to Nordkapp but I probably will. Thanks in advance for ny help.

 

[JiTe]

Yes, anybody from UK should definately get in touch with your bank and even your VodaphoneOrange and what have you operators, to make it sure that you're allowed to use your cards and phones abroad.

 

[Dellis]

Nothing!

The Lofoten Islands would win hands down compared to chasing the 'Nordkapp Badge' ask anyone who's been there! I haven't as i went past chasing the 71' 10' 21'' N sticker Everyone i met and have spoken to who's been to the Lofotens rave about the place!

The Nordkapp is a long, long road to nowhere and there's so much you'd miss on the way up there..........Anything below Trondheim and west is good!

Sea road
Troll Ladder
Romsdal Wall
Gerainger
Glaciers
Laerdals Tunnel(was the worlds longest at 24.5km) any other 'Lord Of The Rings' scare you shitless tunnel
Any road that a tunnel has replaced
Lysbotn/Preikestolen rock
Any one of a hundred breath taking fjords
Short ferry rides past solid walls of sky high rock
Rjuken 'Heroes of Telemark' heavy water/hydro plant

Loads of other stuff i've forgotten but other folk will add to the list..........If you go to the Lofotens you'll get to cross the Arctic Circle anyway and if you're short of time on the way home ride back down through Sweden as the speed limit is 110km/h compared to 80km/h in Norway.

Look out for Lynx, Elk, Reindeer, Arctic Hare, Arctic fox, Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle and any other 'Norweigian bird' with big tits and a pretty face...... Which is most of them!

FP.

Spot on! I headed north through Sweden went to Nordkapp and the Lofoten Islands whilst heading south. The Lofoten are definitely worth the effort

Dave