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Some thoughts and general ramblings on our latest trip over to see our lad in Denmark.
Ferry with outside (window) cabin each way for two of us and bike came in at £218 via MAG discounts. Leaves on Tuesday 18.00, arrives Esbjerg 12.00 Wed, returns Esbjerg 19.00 Harwich 11.00.
Having decided to use the backroads to venture south to Harwich I had totally underestimated the time allowance. We were about 75 miles away when I realised we had less than an hour to get there. Oh ****. The final drag to Ipswich and Harwich at the same time as ‘rush’ hour was severely stressful and once we arrived at a vacant car park the guy in the office says “ Mr Davies ? I was giving you five more minutes” Bugger that was close ! No time even for ticket check, straight to boat and on with the last of the vehicles. Time to chill ! Phew.
Glorious boat the Dana Serena, very new and excellent cabins. Good, but costly, buffet at about £17 p/p, but we had saved by not stopping for lunch during day…….. A calm crossing and a lovely night’s stress free kip. Not like some older ferry were you think you’re next to the cutlery draw every time you hit a wave.
Once landed and ready to fill up we discovered one prob’ need the Visa pin No to use visa, didn’t have ours (I know, I know, we haven’t a mobile phone either). I sussed how to say English Visa no number, and at least for petrol no further probs – no good in supermarket though.
The Danes drive incredibly courteously – you are likely to be speeding ! Most folk seem to drive at about 50-55mph, bikes quicker. Riding at ‘normal’ UK speeds is well in excess of average traffic. There appears to be no police presence on the roads, and only saw one camera (in village) during our stay. They appear to be more bike friendly than the UK as bikes are very expensive over there - £12,500 for a s/h Fireblade !
The roads are extremely good. No wonder me bro thought the UK roads were sh*te – they really are ! But we win hands down on scenery – even Norfolk ! Denmark has some nice rolling countryside, but alpine it ain’t. You have to choose your route with care (and preferably local advice). There are so many roads, it’s difficult to navigate unless you use only the main ones – then you miss the best bits. One secret is the Marguerite route (see sign plate below)that takes you (generally) through some nice scenery. You can get free maps from some of the petrol stations that show pretty good coverage. Our map of Scandinavia didn’t show enough detail. Distances are never great, and it is much quieter than the UK so not much impedes progress. There is a LOT of scope for off-roading, but generally on well-maintained gravel roads. If it’s got a street name plate, it’s likely legal – we never experienced problems taking any lanes we saw, but again local knowledge is the best way.
Ferry with outside (window) cabin each way for two of us and bike came in at £218 via MAG discounts. Leaves on Tuesday 18.00, arrives Esbjerg 12.00 Wed, returns Esbjerg 19.00 Harwich 11.00.
Having decided to use the backroads to venture south to Harwich I had totally underestimated the time allowance. We were about 75 miles away when I realised we had less than an hour to get there. Oh ****. The final drag to Ipswich and Harwich at the same time as ‘rush’ hour was severely stressful and once we arrived at a vacant car park the guy in the office says “ Mr Davies ? I was giving you five more minutes” Bugger that was close ! No time even for ticket check, straight to boat and on with the last of the vehicles. Time to chill ! Phew.
Glorious boat the Dana Serena, very new and excellent cabins. Good, but costly, buffet at about £17 p/p, but we had saved by not stopping for lunch during day…….. A calm crossing and a lovely night’s stress free kip. Not like some older ferry were you think you’re next to the cutlery draw every time you hit a wave.
Once landed and ready to fill up we discovered one prob’ need the Visa pin No to use visa, didn’t have ours (I know, I know, we haven’t a mobile phone either). I sussed how to say English Visa no number, and at least for petrol no further probs – no good in supermarket though.
The Danes drive incredibly courteously – you are likely to be speeding ! Most folk seem to drive at about 50-55mph, bikes quicker. Riding at ‘normal’ UK speeds is well in excess of average traffic. There appears to be no police presence on the roads, and only saw one camera (in village) during our stay. They appear to be more bike friendly than the UK as bikes are very expensive over there - £12,500 for a s/h Fireblade !
The roads are extremely good. No wonder me bro thought the UK roads were sh*te – they really are ! But we win hands down on scenery – even Norfolk ! Denmark has some nice rolling countryside, but alpine it ain’t. You have to choose your route with care (and preferably local advice). There are so many roads, it’s difficult to navigate unless you use only the main ones – then you miss the best bits. One secret is the Marguerite route (see sign plate below)that takes you (generally) through some nice scenery. You can get free maps from some of the petrol stations that show pretty good coverage. Our map of Scandinavia didn’t show enough detail. Distances are never great, and it is much quieter than the UK so not much impedes progress. There is a LOT of scope for off-roading, but generally on well-maintained gravel roads. If it’s got a street name plate, it’s likely legal – we never experienced problems taking any lanes we saw, but again local knowledge is the best way.
! Enjoy 
