Europe - Scandanavia Trip - June/July 2011

[RoadhogBob]

A mate and I are planning a 3 week trip through Europe and Scandanavia for 3 weeks over this summer (2011).

Reading this thread people are still mentioning the ferry from Harwich to Esjberg and Newcastle to Bergen. From what I've seen these stopped running in 2006 and 2008 respectively - Can anyone please advise me otherwise ?

Also, can anyone give us a steer on where to go and where not to go.
We plan
Hull-Rotterdam overnight Ferry
Rotterdam to Hirtshal (for ferry to Bergen)
Bergen to Lom to Sundsvall to Rovaniemi (Arctic Circle)
Rovaniemi via Finnish Lakes to Helsinki (brother lives near here)
Helsinki to Stockholm (overnight ferry)
Stockholm to Gothenberg to Copenhagen (over Malmo bridge)
Copenahgen to Rotterdam and home

Danish Dunes look like a good place to go !!

Thanks

 

[LivNorway]

Bergen-Lom:
I made some dots on a map for you.
I know you can ride to Leivassbu or Juvasshytta.
Don't miss Stalheimskleiva / Stalheim hotell!
And do not ride the loooooooooooooong tunnel Lærdalstunnelle, but find the really fun and breathtaking tarmac road on top of it.

http://maps.google.no/maps?f=d&sour...61.111406,7.338867&spn=2.452531,11.162109&z=7

Liv.

 

[RoadhogBob]

Thanks for that Liv - Looks like a good ride over the tunnel.

I take it that we still get chance to see plenty of the Fjords between Bergen and Lom is we go this route ?

Thanks

 

[Martin S]

Immingham/Norway ferry

There is a cargo ferry that runs a couple of times a week on the above route.

Made some enquiries but the cost is about £800 return for 1 bike and 2 passengers!

 

[Fern]

DFDS freight info emailed to me earlier this year:

Ahoy There!

Information for Passengers on Freight Vessels

• Thank you for enquiring about the service to Gothenburg, Sweden, from Immingham. Here are some details to assist you.

• We have seven sailings between Immingham and Gothenburg each week as per the enclosed schedule.

• Advance bookings are accepted but please note our vessels are working freight ships and priority is given to freight drivers and their vehicles. We also reserve the right to alter schedules and vessels or transfer to alternative sailings if this should become necessary. It is therefore important to contact this office prior to departure to confirm sailing and bookings times. This should be done between 1500 hrs and 1700 hrs one full working day prior to departure.

• The fare is as per the attached tariff.

• If after booking and paying for your tickets you cannot sail, we offer a full refund on your ticket, subject to cancellation. Please also note that we can only accept payment either by cash or credit card. We can only accept payment in the form of a cheque if received sufficiently in advance to enable clearance of funds. All enquiries and payments should be made between 0900 hrs and 1700 hrs Monday to Friday.

• Should you require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our booking department:
• Immingham office
Tel: 01469 552616
Fax: 01469 552691
E Mail: [email protected]
• Our details are also available on our website at www.dfdstorline.com
• Tilbury office
• Tel: 01469 552656
• Fax: 01469 551180
• Email: [email protected]


IMMINGHAM/GOTHENBURG VV

ANGLOBRIDGE EXPRESS SERVICE

Passenger Fares 2011



One Way Fares

Berth in 2-berth cabin with shower and toilet

01 Jan 11 – 31 Dec 11

GBP SEK
Adult 170.00 1900

Children < 5 not accepted
5-15 yrs incl 85.00 950

Cars, Minivan up to 6m long
1.85m high 140.00 1600

Van, Caravans, motorized
caravans and trailers
up to 6m long 185.00 2150
up to 12m long 460.00 5300
up to 18m long 740.00 8500
Extra meter 42.00/m 480/m

Motorcycle (lasing onboard is owners 55.00 650
responsibility)

Meals included in fares (including non-alcoholic beverages)

Bookings subject to change or cancellation due to ISPS restrictions, altered schedules etc
with or without notice.

Should Bunker and Currency costs increase substantially during 2011, we reserve the right to add surcharges accordingly.

Conditions of Carriage details available on request

Above rates subject to Port Tax

Passengers £3.46


DFDS Tor Line


IMMINGHAM - GOTHENBURG

Freight Schedule

Gothenburg - Immingham and vice versa



Departure Gothenburg Arrival Immingham
Monday 20.00 Tuesday 22.00
Tuesday 20.00 Wednesday 22.00
Wednesday 20.00 Thursday 22.00
Thursday 15.00 Saturday 04.00
Friday 20.00 Saturday 22.00
Saturday 22.00 Sunday 24.00


Departure Immingham Arrival Gothenburg
Tuesday 04.00 Wednesday 08.00
Wednesday 05.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 05.00 Friday 08.00
Friday 05.00 Saturday 14.00
Saturday 11.00 Sunday 15.00
Sunday 04.00 Tuesday 08.00


Note: DFDS Tor Line reserves the right to make changes to the above schedule

Schedule
Tilbury – Gothenburg vice versa



Departure Gothenburg Arrival Tilbury
Tuesday 19.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 19.00 Saturday 08.00
Saturday 18:00 Monday 08.00
Departure Tilbury Arrival Gothenburg
Tuesday 19.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 19.00 Saturday 09.00
Saturday 16:00 Monday 08.00

Note:
DFDS Seaways reserves the right to make changes in the above schedule
Local times are used for all departures and arrivals

 

[LivNorway]

Thanks for that Liv - Looks like a good ride over the tunnel.

I take it that we still get chance to see plenty of the Fjords between Bergen and Lom is we go this route ?

Thanks

Not much fjords on that route, but if you add some kilometres and perhaps one day, you'll get Vikafjellet (I saw reindeers when I was there in 2008!) and the breathtaking view down to Vik i Sogn - and the chuch in Vik, fjords, nice ferries, Urnes Stavkirke (church), and the special road from Skjolden to Turtagrø. And then Sognefjellet to Lom.
Dont forget to stop at Stegastein when you ride on top of the thunnel from Aurland (Aurlandsvangen) to Lærdal (Lærdalsøyri) - that is special! http://www.visitnorway.com/no/Product/?pid=47186 Tro to Google Stegastein, klick 'pitures/imahes', and you know what I mean. It is safe, but it feels scare for some.

http://maps.google.no/maps?f=d&sour...=61.143235,6.795044&spn=1.702162,3.532104&z=8

Liv.

 

[Martin S]

DFDS freight info emailed to me earlier this year:

Ahoy There!

Information for Passengers on Freight Vessels

• Thank you for enquiring about the service to Gothenburg, Sweden, from Immingham. Here are some details to assist you.

• We have seven sailings between Immingham and Gothenburg each week as per the enclosed schedule.

• Advance bookings are accepted but please note our vessels are working freight ships and priority is given to freight drivers and their vehicles. We also reserve the right to alter schedules and vessels or transfer to alternative sailings if this should become necessary. It is therefore important to contact this office prior to departure to confirm sailing and bookings times. This should be done between 1500 hrs and 1700 hrs one full working day prior to departure.

• The fare is as per the attached tariff.

• If after booking and paying for your tickets you cannot sail, we offer a full refund on your ticket, subject to cancellation. Please also note that we can only accept payment either by cash or credit card. We can only accept payment in the form of a cheque if received sufficiently in advance to enable clearance of funds. All enquiries and payments should be made between 0900 hrs and 1700 hrs Monday to Friday.

• Should you require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our booking department:
• Immingham office
Tel: 01469 552616
Fax: 01469 552691
E Mail: [email protected]
• Our details are also available on our website at www.dfdstorline.com
• Tilbury office
• Tel: 01469 552656
• Fax: 01469 551180
• Email: [email protected]


IMMINGHAM/GOTHENBURG VV

ANGLOBRIDGE EXPRESS SERVICE

Passenger Fares 2011



One Way Fares

Berth in 2-berth cabin with shower and toilet

01 Jan 11 – 31 Dec 11

GBP SEK
Adult 170.00 1900

Children < 5 not accepted
5-15 yrs incl 85.00 950

Cars, Minivan up to 6m long
1.85m high 140.00 1600

Van, Caravans, motorized
caravans and trailers
up to 6m long 185.00 2150
up to 12m long 460.00 5300
up to 18m long 740.00 8500
Extra meter 42.00/m 480/m

Motorcycle (lasing onboard is owners 55.00 650
responsibility)

Meals included in fares (including non-alcoholic beverages)

Bookings subject to change or cancellation due to ISPS restrictions, altered schedules etc
with or without notice.

Should Bunker and Currency costs increase substantially during 2011, we reserve the right to add surcharges accordingly.

Conditions of Carriage details available on request

Above rates subject to Port Tax

Passengers £3.46


DFDS Tor Line


IMMINGHAM - GOTHENBURG

Freight Schedule

Gothenburg - Immingham and vice versa



Departure Gothenburg Arrival Immingham
Monday 20.00 Tuesday 22.00
Tuesday 20.00 Wednesday 22.00
Wednesday 20.00 Thursday 22.00
Thursday 15.00 Saturday 04.00
Friday 20.00 Saturday 22.00
Saturday 22.00 Sunday 24.00


Departure Immingham Arrival Gothenburg
Tuesday 04.00 Wednesday 08.00
Wednesday 05.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 05.00 Friday 08.00
Friday 05.00 Saturday 14.00
Saturday 11.00 Sunday 15.00
Sunday 04.00 Tuesday 08.00


Note: DFDS Tor Line reserves the right to make changes to the above schedule

Schedule
Tilbury – Gothenburg vice versa



Departure Gothenburg Arrival Tilbury
Tuesday 19.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 19.00 Saturday 08.00
Saturday 18:00 Monday 08.00
Departure Tilbury Arrival Gothenburg
Tuesday 19.00 Thursday 08.00
Thursday 19.00 Saturday 09.00
Saturday 16:00 Monday 08.00

Note:
DFDS Seaways reserves the right to make changes in the above schedule
Local times are used for all departures and arrivals

Thats what I said.
About £800

 

[RoadhogBob]

BEst start saving !!

Thanks to all for the information - I'd better start improving my swimming or start saving if that's how much it will cost to cross the water !!
Very helpful
Cheers

 

[Dr Feelgood]

DFDS does run from Harwich to Esbjerg 3 days a week. It is a combined passenger/cargo ferry. Also, have a look at Newcastle to Ijmuiden in Holland. From there you will have 5.5 hrs ride to the danish border via germany ( I use this one all the time) Expect around 400 quid for high season return crossing with a bike and a cabin (Going myself on 26th of June )

A note on Denmark and the dunes (I am Danish and from Esbjerg originally)....go to Borsmose or Vejers beach, 30 miles north of Esbjerg. Here it is actually legal to ride/drive on the beach and the main road runs straight on to the beach. Enjoy

 

[RoadhogBob]

Denmark - Dunes

Thanks for that info Dr Feelgood - Looks like a cracking place to go and also the ride north up the coast looks to be a good option (rather than boring inland motorway to Hirtshals)

Cheers

 

[Dr Feelgood]

Absolutely, ...dont bother going over east to the motorway. Stay on the west coast all the way up. Great roads and little traffic. And best of all....no Gatso's ......only the occasional handheld radar. But you really have to be unlucky, especially out west

 

[TheJoker]

Hey,

We're off this Friday on the Harwich to Esbjerg ferry. Then we'll head to Gothenburg via Copenhagen-Bridge-Malmoe. Then up to Dalecarlia (Borlange and Falun) for a while. Doing some off-roading near Avesta with some mates. Then down to Stockholm for the overnight Viking Line (there's also Silja Line) ferry to Turku. We'll be spending most of our time around Raasepori (where I grew up). Hopefully some off-roading there too. Then Turku-Stockholm ferry back and dash down to Copenhagen for a night on the tiles then back to Esbjerg... 16 days in total.

Follow us here: http://ridetofinland.selincite.com/

 

[Big Bird]

Not much fjords on that route, but if you add some kilometres and perhaps one day, you'll get Vikafjellet (I saw reindeers when I was there in 2008!) and the breathtaking view down to Vik i Sogn - and the chuch in Vik, fjords, nice ferries, Urnes Stavkirke (church), and the special road from Skjolden to Turtagrø. And then Sognefjellet to Lom.
Dont forget to stop at Stegastein when you ride on top of the thunnel from Aurland (Aurlandsvangen) to Lærdal (Lærdalsøyri) - that is special! http://www.visitnorway.com/no/Product/?pid=47186 Tro to Google Stegastein, klick 'pitures/imahes', and you know what I mean. It is safe, but it feels scare for some.

http://maps.google.no/maps?f=d&sour...=61.143235,6.795044&spn=1.702162,3.532104&z=8

Liv.

Was there 3 weeks ago, the road was still closed but the view point was open. Stunning.

 

[RoadhogBob]

Thanks BigBird, looks spectacular - hopefully the road will be open in another month ?!? Looking forward to it already, and now to top it all off we're finishing with a few laps around the Nurburgring - Wha-Hey !

 

[Big Bird]

We did exactly the same, Nurburgring on Knobblies

 

[RoadhogBob]

A HUGE Thanks to Liv, Norway

I'd like to thank Liv, Norway for his suggestion of the route to Lom over the top via the Stegastein Lookout - Spectacular, and I think the best days riding that I have ever done - and I live in Yorkshire, some of the best riding in the UK!

The scenery was spectacular, the roads were sensational, and the weather fantastic (but that really wouldn't have dampened our spirits, either way).

We enjoyed our very brief time in Norway so much that we're planning a trip in 2012 just to do routes around Norway, and will be going over the top again, it really was that good !

Cheers

 

[LivNorway]

I'd like to thank Liv, Norway for his suggestion of the route to Lom over the top via the Stegastein Lookout - Spectacular, and I think the best days riding that I have ever done - and I live in Yorkshire, some of the best riding in the UK!

The scenery was spectacular, the roads were sensational, and the weather fantastic (but that really wouldn't have dampened our spirits, either way).

We enjoyed our very brief time in Norway so much that we're planning a trip in 2012 just to do routes around Norway, and will be going over the top again, it really was that good !

Cheers

I'm so glad you liked it!
And I'm so glad you are coming back!

Those are my favorite areas, and if I can I would love to meet you there next year.
Aurland-Stegastein-Lærdal: http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=læ...tACnZtpJQKhc-RjG-TJbkVT8gDA&mra=ls&via=1&z=11

Turtagrø-Lom: http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=Mi...odQeCNA;FbR6qgMdvwx3ACHQhKeHzxZLkQ&mra=pd&z=9

Tell me what areas you want to get more info about, and I'll see what I can dig up.

When I read a post like yours I get so happy - you did what I know very often is a good thing as a tourist; listen to the native. Thank you!

Liv.

 

[RoadhogBob]

Norway 2012

Cheers Liv,
We haven't started to plan things, but someone said that the road from Kristiansand to Bergen was really good, and also up to Alesund ??
Apart from that, we're open to suggestions - You have a good history on advice for where to travel in Norway, so any suggestions appreciated.
Be good to buy you a beer for your advice - As long as you dont drink like the Finns - The next day was painful !!!

I have a dislike for Trondheim - It's on every signpost in Norway (seemingly), and also ones in Sweden - I thought that every road goes to Trondheim and couldn't seem to get away from the place - even though we never visited it - Scary !

Cheers

 

[LivNorway]

Hi!

One letter makes a difference:
Kristiansand = south
Kristiansund = north-west.
http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=Kr...wgMdz-t1ACmBP7b-SdsTRjHH_o8o1Jkn2g&mra=ls&z=6

But I have put some dots on a map for you:
http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=Kr...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17&z=6
The dost are places/roads I like. Keep in mind dead-end-roads and the narrow slow roads often give you the best memories... -It takes time to see all the nice areas in Norway, as you know now!
I think you better make the route; you want more coast, I guess?

Ålesund have a akvarium, for a rainy day: http://www.atlanterhavsparken.no/english.php I liked it!

Do you like gravel, really bad gravel, it does not end at a special place, it is just dead-en-road and steep bad gravel? Hjølmodalen. The natives don't like it...
http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=Uk...JeR9OgQ&mra=me&mrsp=0&sz=14&dirflg=w&t=h&z=15

Some links:
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/13858390 Hjølmodalen, really bad gravel.
http://www.touristphoto.no/eidfjord2.htm the area Eidfjord, next Hjølmodalen.
http://youtu.be/YNAfMijnw50
And I just bumped into this: http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/norway-other-hjolmodalen-waterfalls.html I hope you like it.


Ask me more when you get an idea of what you want!

Liv.

 

[LivNorway]

Do you like ok gravel?
Some places steep, with a view, and with narrow and dark tunnels?
Not all Norwegians like this road, some find it scary.
-But when a girl can do it alone, riding her sidecar, then you can too!

http://www.visitaursjovegen.no/?div_id=1&pag_id=1
http://maps.google.no/maps?saddr=Su...K736LEk1xNw&mra=dpe&mrsp=2&sz=14&via=1,2&z=10
http://www.eikesdal.no/web/default.asp?menuid=361
http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/norway-mordolefossen.html = Mardalsfossen. You can't go close, but you can see it from the road if you stop.
http://youtu.be/gLv_kHJeE_I

I believe I have mentioned it here before, but this is really special if you like the Stegastein-road.
It opens ca.1st of June.

Liv.