During summer 2016, I cycled 4900 km in 60 days from Pontarlier in France, to the North Cape, in Norway, the northernmost point of continental Europe. I did not detail the trip as thoroughly as my African journey, and summarize the details in this page only.
I went through Germany, taking a train to avoid the area around Frankfurt, then Denmark. I crossed by ferry to Göteborg, from where I cycled most of Sweden until turning left to Mo i Rana in Norway. From Lofoten, I continued hopping from island to island on the Atlantic side until reaching Magerøya, the extreme north.
GPS trace available for download (fidelity: within 25 meters of original trace) : GPX file (2.2 MB).
We were looking for a new Long Distance Cycle Route and had several options. I came across your video on YouTube and it really inspired us so much that we now focus on the North Cape! Figuring out if we do North > South or like you South > North, and how we travel with Boat, or Plane, or Bus … Quite difficult journey… How did you travel back? Any suggestions? And what about the Northern Wind? All the time wind-ahead?
Anyway: it seems a great trip to us. Thanks for your information and video! We already downloaded your GPX track 🙂
All the best and regards from
Edwin and Birgit
Go for it! The wind was not that bad for me (if I compare it to Iceland) and the landscapes are worth it anyway.
I’d suggest the South -> North direction, as the north cape is a motivating end goal (but not much more) and the landscape are getting better and better as you approach it, if you start from the bottom of Scandinavia. My favourite remains the islands (Lofoten, Andoya, …).
For the way back, I’d suggest the Hurtigruten as the best option, if you can afford it (apart from cycling back home via Finland, of course 🙂 ). There is also an airport in Honningsvåg with costly flights. I actually cycled back to Alta where I flew with SAS (a nice experience with the bicycle). You could also take a bus from the north cape until Narvik, and take the train there (via Norway or Sweden).
Hi JB !!
very nice blog you have ! and it gives some idea about what life should be 😉 congrats for that !
I am about to try to reach the North Cape from Brussels, where I live, next June-July. I’ll use the tips for the way back as well !
I already traveled Sweden so I wanted to try and follow the Norwegian Coast.
Would you have some interesting tips about Norway ? I wanted to try and follow the EuroVelo, as far as I can go… but find it hard to realize the true distances on the map. From what I’ve read, the Southern coast seems quite exciting, with lots of fjords, but I don’t know how hilly it gets? and how difficult is the road ?
Thanks anyway !! I don'( know if you’re interested in other peoples’ blogs but I’ll try to create one for my adventures to come as I wanted to raise funds for an association as part of the trip. If you also have some tips about it, please send the word !
Gabriel
Hello, very nice journey! I’d like to know how much offroad did you do in Sweden and Norway? Thanks
Bye
Thanks! Not much offroad in Norway, if any at all, as, I’d say, it’s pretty steep when it’s not flat and you have to go with the roads. I’ve done much more in Sweden, on some good gravel roads, but still no more than 200 km … nothing to compare with my African journey.
Great photography but who did it for you when you were in the frame. When is your next and are you thinking of cycling through Asia then only australia and America are left. Looks like want to make a place in Guinness book of records
I have a tripod in my bag! Necessary for photos and videos …
Now’s time for work, Asia and Americas for much later 🙂