Scandinavia on a Royal Enfield
Discussion
Certainly on the hotels.com or booking.com sites, it’s easy enough to find rooms with no penalty cancellation, sometimes even up to the morning of the planned stay, though usually by about 4pm the previous day is more common. This includes STF (youth hostels) in Sweden, pretty good cancellation options I reckon.
On AirBnB if I want definite bookings rather than waiting for the owner to confirm, there is a filter for a “confirmed booking” option on the app/site. I’ve tended to only book my start and end point accommodation ahead of time (I usually go “in” and “out” via Copenhagen and second a few days catching up with friends there), but everything else is pretty much done on the fly, normally only a day or two ahead.
When I last went in 2016 with my GF, we did less travelling and normally spent a couple of nights in each place, so there was less hunting for accommodation. We normally booked something for the next “leg” the first night we stayed somewhere, then didn’t have to worry about it again for a couple of days. Two or three times we booked that morning for somewhere to stay that night, never win any real issues, but we weren’t tied to staying in specific places. That said, we always managed to actually find somewhere where we were looking anyway.
On AirBnB if I want definite bookings rather than waiting for the owner to confirm, there is a filter for a “confirmed booking” option on the app/site. I’ve tended to only book my start and end point accommodation ahead of time (I usually go “in” and “out” via Copenhagen and second a few days catching up with friends there), but everything else is pretty much done on the fly, normally only a day or two ahead.
When I last went in 2016 with my GF, we did less travelling and normally spent a couple of nights in each place, so there was less hunting for accommodation. We normally booked something for the next “leg” the first night we stayed somewhere, then didn’t have to worry about it again for a couple of days. Two or three times we booked that morning for somewhere to stay that night, never win any real issues, but we weren’t tied to staying in specific places. That said, we always managed to actually find somewhere where we were looking anyway.
AceOfHearts said:
Left Trondheim this morning with the sun shining, and since it was a such a nice day we ended up just keeping on riding. Did over 280miles in the end, and are now only 100 miles or so away from Mo I Rana and the Arctic Circle.
]
Hey! Skip the sweden and come to Finland. We can go to sauna together and take a few beers ]
Sorry for the lack of updates, not had Wifi for a few days. With regards to camping and places to stay it has been a piece of cake. Campsites have been quite plentiful in the North, we have just been turning up at 7 or 8pm, ask for a cabin and stayed the night. In Norway they have ranged from £40 to £60.
From leaving Tosbotn, we made it to the arctic circle that same day around 5pm. We again took small roads as best we could to avoid the E6, and saw some of the most stunning scenery on the trip so far. I will put together a total route we took when i get back to the UK. On the way to the Arctic circle we also stopped off at the Arctic Circle Raceway and caught the end of a drift weekend they were holding.
That same night we made it across the border into Sweden, and close to Arjeplog where we stayed the night. That cabin was only £26 ish but was plagued with mosquito's
So yesterday we were travelling South through Sweden, missing the main roads to try and find some twisties but there were none to be found. Also due to the flat terrain and bouncy / poorly surfaced roads the last 500 miles have been more of a chore than anything else.
Due to this we have changed plans again, and now will be hopping back into Norway and South to Oslo. From there we will either get the ferry to Copenhagen or ride South to Kristiansand to go home the way we came. We will make that decision in a few days im Oslo though
We are currently staying in Stromsund which is a really nice little town. This has been a saving grace in Sweden for us, rather than ploughing through the North of the country which seems to just be an endless forest.
We also found a cheap shop today and got a bucket and some car shampoo so managed to wash the bikes. I didnt realise quite how filthy it was!
The bike has been absolutely faultless so far (touch wood). I havn't even had to adjust the chain! Current mileage is 2650 miles since we left the UK. It is also still averaging around 110mpg which is nice.
From leaving Tosbotn, we made it to the arctic circle that same day around 5pm. We again took small roads as best we could to avoid the E6, and saw some of the most stunning scenery on the trip so far. I will put together a total route we took when i get back to the UK. On the way to the Arctic circle we also stopped off at the Arctic Circle Raceway and caught the end of a drift weekend they were holding.
That same night we made it across the border into Sweden, and close to Arjeplog where we stayed the night. That cabin was only £26 ish but was plagued with mosquito's
So yesterday we were travelling South through Sweden, missing the main roads to try and find some twisties but there were none to be found. Also due to the flat terrain and bouncy / poorly surfaced roads the last 500 miles have been more of a chore than anything else.
Due to this we have changed plans again, and now will be hopping back into Norway and South to Oslo. From there we will either get the ferry to Copenhagen or ride South to Kristiansand to go home the way we came. We will make that decision in a few days im Oslo though
We are currently staying in Stromsund which is a really nice little town. This has been a saving grace in Sweden for us, rather than ploughing through the North of the country which seems to just be an endless forest.
We also found a cheap shop today and got a bucket and some car shampoo so managed to wash the bikes. I didnt realise quite how filthy it was!
The bike has been absolutely faultless so far (touch wood). I havn't even had to adjust the chain! Current mileage is 2650 miles since we left the UK. It is also still averaging around 110mpg which is nice.
Edited by AceOfHearts on Tuesday 3rd July 18:57
I’m a bit bit disappointed with the photos with you in them, OP.
Why couldn’t you be a fat, ugly w
ker? Then I’d feel a bit better. But no, you have to be a bit of a handsome bd, just to rub in how epic your trip is!
Great photos. Really enjoy the updates. Compared to Norway, Sweden is a lot flatter, but there is some great scenery there too. If you end up in Copenhagen, I can recommend a very cheap bar (under 30 Danish kroner a pint, rather than the more usual 90-100 kroner. There are also plenty of decent AirBnB places to stay, for around £40 to £60 a night, so a few days there can be done fairly cheaply. There’s plenty to see/do to spend a few days there and Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in the world.
This thread has really spurred me on to get another bike and get another Scandinavia trip planned and booked for 2019.
Why couldn’t you be a fat, ugly w
ker? Then I’d feel a bit better. But no, you have to be a bit of a handsome bd, just to rub in how epic your trip is!Great photos. Really enjoy the updates. Compared to Norway, Sweden is a lot flatter, but there is some great scenery there too. If you end up in Copenhagen, I can recommend a very cheap bar (under 30 Danish kroner a pint, rather than the more usual 90-100 kroner. There are also plenty of decent AirBnB places to stay, for around £40 to £60 a night, so a few days there can be done fairly cheaply. There’s plenty to see/do to spend a few days there and Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in the world.
This thread has really spurred me on to get another bike and get another Scandinavia trip planned and booked for 2019.
Watch the speed cameras into Oslo from the North, I thought Lillihammer to Oslo was was even worse than the rest of Norway for Camera, if you come over Dovre Fjell think about going up Jotinmeim, nice road up into the snow, not a long diversion.
What about going down to Fredrikstad and back to UK over the bridge?
Interesting on the Hutte prices almost no increase in cost since i lived there years ago, I remember them being 40 pound when that was lot of money,
What about going down to Fredrikstad and back to UK over the bridge?
Interesting on the Hutte prices almost no increase in cost since i lived there years ago, I remember them being 40 pound when that was lot of money,
I'll admit to not coming on PH much nowadays as there isn't usually anything of interest, but what a cracking thread. Some lovely pic's and, no doubt, great memories for the pair of you. Sadly, too late for me to do this with my old chap nowadays, but I've a mate in Malmo I keep threatening to visit... Respect your choice of bike, loved my old 500 Bullet for not going places fast. Enjoy.
Thanks for the nice comments everyone
We made it to Roros, Norway last night. We took a little backroad detour which ended up being around 20 miles of dirt roads. Saw hundreds of reindeer though! (pics to follow)
Today we are making it down to Lillehammer, again avoiding the bigger roads as much as possible. We have looked everyones suggestions up on the map, but unfortunately Jotinmeim is a bit out of the way for the way home, although we did go around the west side of it when leaving Lom last week on the way up.
We made it to Roros, Norway last night. We took a little backroad detour which ended up being around 20 miles of dirt roads. Saw hundreds of reindeer though! (pics to follow)
Today we are making it down to Lillehammer, again avoiding the bigger roads as much as possible. We have looked everyones suggestions up on the map, but unfortunately Jotinmeim is a bit out of the way for the way home, although we did go around the west side of it when leaving Lom last week on the way up.
So to finish off this thread we are back home in the UK. Total distance over 4000 miles in the end!
We got the ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen, spent a couple of days there then rode back to the Hook of Holland in 2 days. Bike was absolutely faultless in the end, have not even had to top up the tyres or adjust the chain. It is overdue a service now though so i have treated it to some goodies from Hitchcocks.
Oslo
Copenhagen
Before and after
The dog is happy to have dad home
Full service kit, new fork oil. Will replace the brake fluid as well.
Collecting stickers. If i sell the bike or want it back standard a new battery cover is only £15 and i can hang this one on the wall in the garage
We got the ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen, spent a couple of days there then rode back to the Hook of Holland in 2 days. Bike was absolutely faultless in the end, have not even had to top up the tyres or adjust the chain. It is overdue a service now though so i have treated it to some goodies from Hitchcocks.
Oslo
Copenhagen
Before and after
The dog is happy to have dad home
Full service kit, new fork oil. Will replace the brake fluid as well.
Collecting stickers. If i sell the bike or want it back standard a new battery cover is only £15 and i can hang this one on the wall in the garage
Edited by AceOfHearts on Thursday 12th July 13:16
Hi All. This is Dad. What can I say. 4000 miles + in 3 weeks. Over 100 mpg from the Enfield & 75mpg from the Honda (tank range 220+). Tips;
Don't underestimate the mileage.
Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof.
Don't overpack - leave some room for food on your daily journey.
Campsites in Norway are plentiful (less in the North) & very clean. Huts are a good alternative. Air b&b and hostels are a good back-up. Surprisingly, prices were not as high as expected. Buying lunch in the local shops kept costs down.
We kept off the main roads. A good road map helps route-planning. If the sat-nav mentions unpaved roads, believe it.
Moose signs etc. are to be believed (as well as speed limit signs - the road can deteriorate rapidly).
There are very few straight roads. The surfaces are generally very good. Be prepared for tunnels. Speed limits are low which makes riding an absolute pleasure.
Copenhagen to Hook of Holland is a long slog with heavy traffic in places (Hamburg & Bremen in particular).
Finally, thank you for all your positive comments and support.
Don't underestimate the mileage.
Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof.
Don't overpack - leave some room for food on your daily journey.
Campsites in Norway are plentiful (less in the North) & very clean. Huts are a good alternative. Air b&b and hostels are a good back-up. Surprisingly, prices were not as high as expected. Buying lunch in the local shops kept costs down.
We kept off the main roads. A good road map helps route-planning. If the sat-nav mentions unpaved roads, believe it.
Moose signs etc. are to be believed (as well as speed limit signs - the road can deteriorate rapidly).
There are very few straight roads. The surfaces are generally very good. Be prepared for tunnels. Speed limits are low which makes riding an absolute pleasure.
Copenhagen to Hook of Holland is a long slog with heavy traffic in places (Hamburg & Bremen in particular).
Finally, thank you for all your positive comments and support.
Wilkinson1 said:
Hi All. This is Dad. What can I say. 4000 miles + in 3 weeks. Over 100 mpg from the Enfield & 75mpg from the Honda (tank range 220+). Tips;
Don't underestimate the mileage.
Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof.
Don't overpack - leave some room for food on your daily journey.
Campsites in Norway are plentiful (less in the North) & very clean. Huts are a good alternative. Air b&b and hostels are a good back-up. Surprisingly, prices were not as high as expected. Buying lunch in the local shops kept costs down.
We kept off the main roads. A good road map helps route-planning. If the sat-nav mentions unpaved roads, believe it.
Moose signs etc. are to be believed (as well as speed limit signs - the road can deteriorate rapidly).
There are very few straight roads. The surfaces are generally very good. Be prepared for tunnels. Speed limits are low which makes riding an absolute pleasure.
Copenhagen to Hook of Holland is a long slog with heavy traffic in places (Hamburg & Bremen in particular).
Finally, thank you for all your positive comments and support.
Interesting you say there are few straight roads. When i was in Denmark last year, it seemed that they were the only type of roads they had, 80km an hour no one on them but police hidden in bushes, and we had been given a rental audit S3! My got it was tiresome, drove us mental mile after mile on deserted straight roads as far as you could see at 50mph! Don't underestimate the mileage.
Make sure your waterproofs are actually waterproof.
Don't overpack - leave some room for food on your daily journey.
Campsites in Norway are plentiful (less in the North) & very clean. Huts are a good alternative. Air b&b and hostels are a good back-up. Surprisingly, prices were not as high as expected. Buying lunch in the local shops kept costs down.
We kept off the main roads. A good road map helps route-planning. If the sat-nav mentions unpaved roads, believe it.
Moose signs etc. are to be believed (as well as speed limit signs - the road can deteriorate rapidly).
There are very few straight roads. The surfaces are generally very good. Be prepared for tunnels. Speed limits are low which makes riding an absolute pleasure.
Copenhagen to Hook of Holland is a long slog with heavy traffic in places (Hamburg & Bremen in particular).
Finally, thank you for all your positive comments and support.
Sounds like you had a great trip, well done.
Great to see the update and one from Dad too!
Some absolutely brilliant photos and I bet some fantastic memories were made as well. This has been one of my favourite threads ever in BB. I’ve been to Scandinavia a few times and it’s my “go to” destination, so it’s great to see someone else enjoying it so much as well.
And it just goes to show, what you ride isn’t really that important, it’s the getting out there and just making it happen that matters. In fact I’d say something a bit less capable than the big adventure bikes gives you more time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the whole thing. It’s the journey, not the destination. Stripping it back to basics really does make sense.
Brilliant. Thanks again.
Some absolutely brilliant photos and I bet some fantastic memories were made as well. This has been one of my favourite threads ever in BB. I’ve been to Scandinavia a few times and it’s my “go to” destination, so it’s great to see someone else enjoying it so much as well.
And it just goes to show, what you ride isn’t really that important, it’s the getting out there and just making it happen that matters. In fact I’d say something a bit less capable than the big adventure bikes gives you more time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the whole thing. It’s the journey, not the destination. Stripping it back to basics really does make sense.
Brilliant. Thanks again.
s3fella said:
Interesting you say there are few straight roads. When i was in Denmark last year, it seemed that they were the only type of roads they had, 80km an hour no one on them but police hidden in bushes, and we had been given a rental audit S3! My got it was tiresome, drove us mental mile after mile on deserted straight roads as far as you could see at 50mph!
Sounds like you had a great trip, well done.
I think dad meant just in Norway, I agree that riding through Denmark was quite tiresome Sounds like you had a great trip, well done.
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