Norway here we come - July 2024

[Hatcho]

The place was called Salt. Just across the waterfront from the opera house and Munch museum. Salt had a funky thespian vibe with several food stalls, bars and indoor comedy venues.






More importantly you could order food and drink from your table via a QR code. Champion. Fish and chips for me. Veggie burger for Pauline.


Pauline photobombed our pic of Heffie and Terence, our longtime travel companions.


And I decided to finally exit the closet

A few beers later I was a happy bunny again, so we made our way back to the hotel to chill out for the evening.

 

[Hatcho]

The next morning was nice and chilled. We weren't flying till around 2pm, and with the airport only a few minutes away we had a nice lie in followed by another awesome brekkie (cue another pre-packed lunch for the plane) .

I have to say, apart from now being a fully qualified Adventure Biker with added cow whispering talents, I think my tea bag management skills are simply second to none. This photo was taken on our very last morning:


All we had to do now, was sit back and watch the planes go by...

 

[Hatcho]

We were home and in the door before 5pm. Now to start planning the next one .

Takeaways from the trip:

• Don't delay - just go, Norway is beyond awesome
• It's sometimes pricier than other destinations, but it's worth every single penny.
• Opt for self catering and buy dinners in supermarkets to save a few bob.
• Norway is biker friendly in so many ways - the roads, the scenery, the people, the bikers.
• Top notch accommodation can be had at really good value.
• Tunnels can be long (25km in one case! ) and cold. If there's an 'old road' alternative, take it.
• Visit Bergen, it deserves a look.
• Stay in Stryn instead of Geiranger, has more for less. Geiranger is better done as a coffee stop.
• Calimoto is awesome for finding empty twisty back roads. Go for the weekly sub unless you plan to use it year round.
• Don't try to do it all in one go, there's just too much that's really worthwhile seeing.

Any questions about routes we took, sights we saw or places we stayed - just shout.

Hope you enjoyed the read as much as I enjoyed writing the trip report.

THE END




...(for now)

 

[Traffic893]

A very good read and I enjoyed the videos.

 

[Bloomers100]

Great effort, thanks. Very inspiring.

 

[Deise]

Enjoyed your trip - Thanks for sharing

 

[Mzokk]

Enjoyed your trip - Thanks for sharing

Seconded an excellent and entertaining write up. Must get back to Norway before I'm too decrepit. 20 years since next year! Keep waiting for them to put a ferry back on from Newcastle to Kristiansand.

 

[Hatcho]

Seconded an excellent and entertaining write up. Must get back to Norway before I'm too decrepit. 20 years since next year! Keep waiting for them to put a ferry back on from Newcastle to Kristiansand.

Swim there if ye have to! If you are based in Belfast I'd definitely look into Overlanders as a means of getting the bike there.

 

[Mzokk]

Swim there if ye have to! If you are based in Belfast I'd definitely look into Overlanders as a means of getting the bike there.

That would be the sensible option.

 

[shuck raider]

That would be the sensible option.

That's what I did, for a few quid extra, they'll pick up bike and luggage from McCallens

 

[jeffa]

Thanks for taking me with you, Fab trip.

 

[jjwill]

Great write up thanks. Reminds me of my trip through Denmark, Sweden and Norway in 2010

 

[slimpickings]

I know at least one person who’s reading this Sean.

and another

 

[Hatcho]

Dropped down to Overlanders today to collect the bike and gear. Met both David and Derek who did a fantastic job of taking care of both the bikes and their customers. Bit of banter about our most excellent trip and of course I enquired about next year's transport schedule. Already planning routes and things to see. Nordkapp, Lofoten and Tromsø will be on the itinerary this time. But the focus will still be on seeing the sights and not just riding by them.

Watch this space as they say...

 

[durneyj]

Thanks for the fantastic write up! I was always sold on Norway, but you've made it from something I'd love to do to something i *have* to do!

 

[Hatcho]

Thanks for the fantastic write up! I was always sold on Norway, but you've made it from something I'd love to do to something i *have* to do!

I know I keep harping on about it - but it's a place not to be missed. I've started putting a few bob aside each month to finance next year's trip. Map of northern Norway already ordered so I can work out the best way to get from Oslo to Nordkapp. I get nearly as much of a kick out the planning as I do out of the trip itself.

 

[richardbd]

Somehow I missed this one.

Great trip and excellent write-up(s).

Thanks for sharing

 

[Davey B]

What a brilliant trip write up. A great combination of great photos and just the right amount of 'chat'. Many thanks.

 

[p.joe]

Well done guys great report, a lot of work put in here, great content totally enjoyed.

Thanks for sharing

 

[TIJ650]

This spot will take some beating. It's fantastic! Shame we're only here for the one night. It'll definitely be part of the next trip's itinerary.

Can’t remember how many times I’ve said that?! lol
It’s like the spare buttons that come with shirts. I’ve yet to use any.
Spare tiles too