olyflyer
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I agree on Skagen.
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Going to Nordkapp in July...tips on what to see?
- Thread starter cnb
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cnb
Senior Member
Thanks Pasi - and and it's nice to finally have a Finn chime in and defend the beauties of Finland!Hi Christa!!
Nice trip you have planned!! May I offer my (very biased) opinion? Being Finnish, I
would naturally take you down through the labyrinth of lakes in eastern Finland
(Called Lake Saimaa, or just Saimaa for google) . You could ride say: Inari, Kuusamo,
Kajaani, Nurmes, Koli, Joensuu, Punkaharju, Savonlinna and then over to Helsinki
to catch a ferry to Stockholm (or Tallinn).
Kuusamo region has rapids and hilly wilderness, whilst the Saimaa region is truly amazing in summer time: If you fly over that region, you cannot tell islands from the main land since it's all scattered with land and water 50-50.
There's also a dramatic medieval castle (Olavinlinna) in Savonlinna.
Just my two cents.... Pasi
That first pic in particular looks very appealing.I've actually been told by a Finn recently that the part we'll pass through has some of the nicest scenery in the country; I wouldn't know, since I've only visited southern Finland.
Anyhow, we did consider passing through Finland and then taking the ferry as you suggested, but decided instead for Sweden, also because we'll probably visit some friends at their summer house on the way. I guess we'll keep Finland and the Baltics for another trip...
Cheers
Christa
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cnb
Senior Member
Ah, finally a Dane! Thanks for the tips, Christian.
We chose Arhus simply because it's halfway between Hamburg and Hirtshals, but we haven't set our hearts on it. Actually, a nice seaside town would be appealing, too: it would be nice to get a swim in before we head up north! Skagen is probably a bit far for one leg from Hamburg, but we could very stay there before taking the ferry from Hirtshals, which is only 52 km away. So thanks for that suggestion, it sounds nice! Will look it up before we leave (I like to be prepared when I travel).
Cheers
Christa
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cnb
Senior Member
Hehe, olyflyer, you're right about our having seen our share of mountains, which is why we're more keen on seeing coastlines, "boring" or notWell, that's a matter of taste. Personally I prefer the flatter scenery than the scenery of Norway. Don't forget that Christa is from Switzerland so she has seen some snowy mountains before...
As for "Stockholm worth a visit" that's very stereotypic. Personally in a once in a life time trip I'd pass through Stockholm as fast as possible and would concentrate on more unusual places. Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen are just some big cities and waste of time in my opinion on a trip like this. All three can be visited on a separate occasions quite simply by flying there directly. Spending a day or two in each would be just a huge waste of time and money. Of course, like your opinion about the flatter landscape is personal, this is also just my personal opinion, but I don't think the aim with such a trip is to visit large cities; at least it would not be my aim.
But I'd surely advise anyone visiting Switzerland to go see the Alps, because they are beautiful. So I understand why the Norwegians would suggest we visit their mountains, because according to the guide books they really are spectacular.My husband agrees with you about (not) visiting cities on this trip; I've already been to Stockholm in summer, so I'm fine with skipping that and concentrating on the smaller places along the coast. We can visit Stockholm anytime on a week-end trip.
And thanks again for the invite; I just checked on the map where Lund is.
Cheers
Christa
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cnb
Senior Member
Thanks Raymond, and I'll definitely visit your website! I've seen some gorgeous pictures of the Lofoten islands, which is why I'm really looking forward to spending a few days there. My husband is keen on going sea fishing for a day; we've read in our guidebook that many villages on Lofoten rent boats and tackle for a day or an afternoon, and then you can cook your catch on the pier when you get back. Have you ever done this? Where? I'll decide when we're there whether to join him or go hiking and take some pictures, instead (probably the latter).
Btw, have you ever gone whale-watching in Andenes? There's this company there that claims it can practically guarantee a sighting - money-back or new trip if you don't!
I've read about the Hurtigruten; I think we'll consider it if we're tired of driving.
Cheers
Christa
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cnb
Senior Member
Thanks Paul!
I know that Nordkapp is actually on an island, and I have no idea why it's called the northernmost mainland part of Europe... Anyhow, Nordkapp itself is not the point of the trip: we'll get there, admire the cliff, have someone snap a picture of us under the globe, and then go somewhere more scenic
As I mentioned before, we have limited time, and the southwestern fjords would probably call for at least 2-3 days to really properly enjoy them. But for some reason, we're attracted by the far north, probably because we've never been there, so we'll spend more time there and save the south for another trip...
Cheers
Christa
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olyflyer
Forum Pro
Yes, I know Switzerland is beautiful. I have been living there for 1.5 years and been back many times both for business and pleasure. Last time I was there was last year and we spent a week in Lugano and a few days in Zürich. I also know Norway a bit, been there as well a few times and yes, it is also nice. Never the less, I just assumed that a person living among the Alps will more likely wish to see other type of scenery, not just more mountains. Everything has its beauty though, which is why I said it is just a personal opinion how I would do if I were you.Hehe, olyflyer, you're right about our having seen our share of mountains, which is why we're more keen on seeing coastlines, "boring" or notWell, that's a matter of taste. Personally I prefer the flatter scenery than the scenery of Norway. Don't forget that Christa is from Switzerland so she has seen some snowy mountains before...
As for "Stockholm worth a visit" that's very stereotypic. Personally in a once in a life time trip I'd pass through Stockholm as fast as possible and would concentrate on more unusual places. Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen are just some big cities and waste of time in my opinion on a trip like this. All three can be visited on a separate occasions quite simply by flying there directly. Spending a day or two in each would be just a huge waste of time and money. Of course, like your opinion about the flatter landscape is personal, this is also just my personal opinion, but I don't think the aim with such a trip is to visit large cities; at least it would not be my aim.
That's the way I see it as well. It isn't that expensive and it is more comfortable to fly there and spend a week or a few days without a bike than with a bike.
You're welcome.
MikePDX
Senior Member
I'm pretty sure that I remember a beautifull beach somewhere in the Lofoten Islands where we stopped for a swim. The water was surprizingly warm - much warmer than our own Pacific coast of Oregon, USA.
I'm looking forward to the photos! It sounds like a wonderfull trip. (but not for me on a motorcycle
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-Mike
It's much easier to criticize than to create
I have to fully agree with your point ... Norway is a chest full of gems, but in some parts there are more of them and it is worth to spend a time there. I cannot help myself but have to return each year again and again ...
Another good point. I know quite a lot about relationship of Nordic countries one to another and their history, but honestly Norway is a different class if we are talking of landscapes. (is it worth to say that I was in Finland six times just in this year and several trips to come ...?).
I am sorry (Christa) as I am not going to hi-jack this thread, but as few experienced guys from Norway joined this thread I would like to ask for some suggestion as well ... Hope you are fine with that ... EspE1 , Raymond (or anybody else), can you please advice me some points of interests to not miss in Loppa area (generally Alta and about - say - 300 km around)? I will admire any suggestion as it is very difficult to get those information ... I will stay at Sor-Tverrfjord for two weeks in July and looking forward to discover and shoot whatever I can, also because I cannot repeat this 3500 km trip (one-way) often
.cnb
Senior Member
Really? Well, that's nice to hear! I've heard that the air gets quite warm up there thanks to the Gulf Stream, but that the water isn't quite as inviting... But maybe we'll go for a swim just for the heck of it: take a dip in the ocean north of the Polar Circle!I'm pretty sure that I remember a beautifull beach somewhere in the Lofoten Islands where we stopped for a swim. The water was surprizingly warm - much warmer than our own Pacific coast of Oregon, USA.
I'm looking forward to the photos! It sounds like a wonderfull trip. (but not for me on a motorcycle
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Cheers
Christa
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Yes, some American and British friends of mine were very happy that they c ould go fishing, clean the fish on the pier and then cook it. We did this in a very special and beautiful village called Nusfjord. However, new owners are now charging an entrance fee to the village itself!
Where to stay in Lofoten? I would suggest two villages, Henningsvær and Å. In the bay where you leave the main road, swimming is possible. In Henningsvær I can recommend Heimgårdbrygga for staying, but there are many other very nice places. In Å, which is the end of the road, you can just go to the reception which is responsible for all the "rorbuer" (fishermens cabins). They will also take you on a boat trip around the peak of the Lofoten islands.
As a matter of fact, I have not! It is on my list, also, but I have seen whales in Logfoten.
You don't have to be tired of driving to take a trip with Hurtigruten! There are people who come back every year just for this coast voyage. If you go from Harstad to Svolvær, you will never forget it. Promise.
http://www.hurtigruten.com/norway/
PS. I shall be at Røst July 15-July 22. Just ask for me (Raymond) at the Røst Brygge Hotel, and I will be happy to guide you.
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Raymond
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cnb
Senior Member
Ok, I've checked out Nusfjord; pretty steep prices for their cabins, though they include the rentals of fishing tackle and a rowboat. We'll see; according to our guidebook, you can rent a boat and go fishing in many villages.
Thanks! Whew, there's a lot to see and do on the Lofoten Islands alone! I've been checking out the Hurtigruten, and also the tourist boats that take you into the Trollfjorden.
We're planning on being on the Lofoten from July 15-18, but I don't think we'll make it out to Rost
Btw, I looked at the photos on your website: as lovely as I expected! And I also looked at a few of your great beachvolleyball shots again.
Cheers
Christa
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Well, you don't need to take a tourist boat into the Trollfjorden if you travel from Harstad to Svolvær because Hurtigruten goes in there! It has to turn around its own axis to turn around because the fjord is so narrow.
--We're planning on being on the Lofoten from July 15-18, but I don't think we'll make it out to Rost
Btw, I looked at the photos on your website: as lovely as I expected! And I also looked at a few of your great beachvolleyball shots again.
Cheers
Christa
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Raymond
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1244032#author-bookshelf (my books)
http://osloray.wordpress.com/ (Image blog)
http://www.bildebank.com
As a Norwegian I will not deny that Finland has its beauties. However, look at that first photo - its an aerial photo. What do you see from that road, is something altogether different. My experience from some years ago when we traveled the whole of Finland from Finmark (Norway) north of Finland all the way down to Turku/Åbo and Helsinki/Helsingfors and back north again, was a kind of disappointment in relation to Finland being the "land of thousand lakes". Yes, the lakes are there, but 99% of the time on the road they were hidden behind trees, woods, woods, trees, woods and so on. By the way, did I remember to mention the boring, boring woods?Thanks Pasi - and and it's nice to finally have a Finn chime in and defend the beauties of Finland!
The real beauty of Finland we found along its coast, which have many nice areas. I remember the area around Wasa as one of the best, but there are several nice areas on the southern coast as well as the archipelago of Åland - which is, of course, regrettably not the best for going around by bike....
300 km radius - hm, then you miss Cape North by 40 km....I am sorry (Christa) as I am not going to hi-jack this thread, but as few experienced guys from Norway joined this thread I would like to ask for some suggestion as well ... Hope you are fine with that ... EspE1 , Raymond (or anybody else), can you please advice me some points of interests to not miss in Loppa area (generally Alta and about - say - 300 km around)? I will admire any suggestion as it is very difficult to get those information ... I will stay at Sor-Tverrfjord for two weeks in July and looking forward to discover and shoot whatever I can, also because I cannot repeat this 3500 km trip (one-way) often
On the other hand Tromsø (the capital of Northern Norway, with several places of general interest) and its surroundings, including the very scenic area Lyngen east of Tromsø, which you pass through on your way if you take the shortest route by the ferries, is well within reach. So is also the vast highland plane Finnmarksvidda, and you can reach Kautokeino on the south side of it, one of the centers in the Lappish culture.
Depends a little on what interest focus you have - and possibly also how much are you are prepared to walk.
You may perhaps find more information of interest here:
http://www.destinasjonalta.no/index.jsp?lang=en
To Jan3X5:
I should, of course, have mentioned specifically for Loppa that the largest glacier on Loppa, Øksfjordjøkelen, which lies just south of Tverrfjord, is fairly spectular in this part of the world. On its southern side it has an arm that continues straight into the sea innermost in a fjord. The glacier regularly "calfs" - a bit breaking off into the fjord. This is nearby a naturpark area that you can reach from the south side by driving around Loppa and then with some walking.
By boat you may also in the Loppa area reach several "bird mountains" - steep cliffs full of sea birds in the hatching/feeding period, but I'm not sure if that will last until your visit.
But I believe those you visit in Loppa will be well aware of this, an inform you properly.
(And if that 300 km radius is with center in Alta, and not in Tverrfjord as I first thought, well, Cape North is then also within reach.)
I should, of course, have mentioned specifically for Loppa that the largest glacier on Loppa, Øksfjordjøkelen, which lies just south of Tverrfjord, is fairly spectular in this part of the world. On its southern side it has an arm that continues straight into the sea innermost in a fjord. The glacier regularly "calfs" - a bit breaking off into the fjord. This is nearby a naturpark area that you can reach from the south side by driving around Loppa and then with some walking.
By boat you may also in the Loppa area reach several "bird mountains" - steep cliffs full of sea birds in the hatching/feeding period, but I'm not sure if that will last until your visit.
But I believe those you visit in Loppa will be well aware of this, an inform you properly.
(And if that 300 km radius is with center in Alta, and not in Tverrfjord as I first thought, well, Cape North is then also within reach.)
OK, then, your later postings clarifies the scope somewhat more.
If you are bent on going north through Norway and south via Finland/Sweden, and also to go to Andenes, then the recommendation for using the Hurtigruta coastal steamer between Lofoten and Harstad/Tromsø may not be the most appropriate. The short side trip to Trollfjorden is only made on southbound voyages, I believe, and you won't gain very much in distance as you anyhow then will at the latest have to depart at Risøyhamn at the bridge over to Andøya. (But if I was to decide, I would definitely go the other way around.)
Regarding Lofoten which you seems to have checked out already, I just mention for photographers that the fishing village Reine, surrounded by islands with dramatic moutains, is one of the most phtographed places.
http://www.lofoten.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435%3Areine&catid=96%3Areine-presentasjon&Itemid=104 ) However, one need to go very far west in Lofoten to reach it.
Be aware that when going north on the Andøya island up to Andenes on the north tip, there is also a smaller road along the ocean on the west side of the island.
Regarding whales and Andenes, I can't tell you anything of what the chances may be to really get to see the whales from Andenes. As they have been running this business for some years now, there ought to be be something to it, I guess. However, I thought that I should mention that in some parts of the year there are also trips offered to see orcas in the Tysfjord further south between Bodø and Narvik. You cross over Tysnesfjord on E6 by ferry, or by another ferry on the inner road no 827 that takes you through Stetind, (elected as the "national mountain" - a polished granite monolith raising 1300 m straight up from the fjord). More info here: http://www.tysfjord-turistsenter.no/safari/english/ . By the way, the Tysfjord ferry key on E6 (Bognes) also offers you a ferry route to Lødingen, which represents a substantial short cut on the route from E6 to Lofoten (- that is if you have not already opted to make the even greater short cut by the Hurtigruta coastal steamer from Bodø to Lofoten.)
Don't miss the large island of Senja, between Harstad and Tromsø, east of Andenes. It is in the opinion of many one of the absolutely best areas to visit in Northern Norway. Lush and green with calm, white beaches on the inside, and wild dramatic cliffs diving into the ocean on the outside. I strongly suggest that you drive over this island. Luckily you can get to the Senja island directly from Andenes by a 2-hour ferry trip (3 times a day to Gryllefjord on Senja), which also represents a really substantial short cut on your way further east/north from Andenes.
Arriving on Senja you can go by the outer route (road 862) until you reach Botnhamn on the northeast side. In the summer time there runs a ferry from there to Brensholmen, which lands you almost at the most beatiful place of Sommarøy that I mentioned in previous posting. From Sommarøy you continue east to Tromsø with its many offerings for tourist. If you want a "outlandish" experience, you may go north west from Tromsø for a trip to the outside of the Kvaløya island west of Tromsø, (which you passed on the south side from Sommarøy to Tromsø) and take the round trip with a small passenger ferry that visits the outermost fishing villages on some small remote islands.
When continuing further east/north from Tromsø, make sure then to take the route from Tromsø with the two ferries crossing through the very scenic Lyngen area (road 91) before you hook up with E6 again.
Close to where E6 crosses the boarder from Troms county into Finmark county, about 8 km on the west side of the boarder, you will pass over the Kvenang mountain with a splendid view over the fjord, mountains, glaciers and islands out towards the ocean. There is a nice motel there, so this could be a good place to fit in a nights rest and serve as a base for a visit to the Øksfjordjøkelen glacier that "calfs" into the sea. Continue about 3 km into the bottom of the bay, and you can then take the relatively short side road up towards the glacier (See what I wrote a little more in detail about this in another posting: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1022&message=35667275
Have a nice summer and a terrific journey!
If you are bent on going north through Norway and south via Finland/Sweden, and also to go to Andenes, then the recommendation for using the Hurtigruta coastal steamer between Lofoten and Harstad/Tromsø may not be the most appropriate. The short side trip to Trollfjorden is only made on southbound voyages, I believe, and you won't gain very much in distance as you anyhow then will at the latest have to depart at Risøyhamn at the bridge over to Andøya. (But if I was to decide, I would definitely go the other way around.)
Regarding Lofoten which you seems to have checked out already, I just mention for photographers that the fishing village Reine, surrounded by islands with dramatic moutains, is one of the most phtographed places.
http://www.lofoten.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435%3Areine&catid=96%3Areine-presentasjon&Itemid=104 ) However, one need to go very far west in Lofoten to reach it.
Be aware that when going north on the Andøya island up to Andenes on the north tip, there is also a smaller road along the ocean on the west side of the island.
Regarding whales and Andenes, I can't tell you anything of what the chances may be to really get to see the whales from Andenes. As they have been running this business for some years now, there ought to be be something to it, I guess. However, I thought that I should mention that in some parts of the year there are also trips offered to see orcas in the Tysfjord further south between Bodø and Narvik. You cross over Tysnesfjord on E6 by ferry, or by another ferry on the inner road no 827 that takes you through Stetind, (elected as the "national mountain" - a polished granite monolith raising 1300 m straight up from the fjord). More info here: http://www.tysfjord-turistsenter.no/safari/english/ . By the way, the Tysfjord ferry key on E6 (Bognes) also offers you a ferry route to Lødingen, which represents a substantial short cut on the route from E6 to Lofoten (- that is if you have not already opted to make the even greater short cut by the Hurtigruta coastal steamer from Bodø to Lofoten.)
Don't miss the large island of Senja, between Harstad and Tromsø, east of Andenes. It is in the opinion of many one of the absolutely best areas to visit in Northern Norway. Lush and green with calm, white beaches on the inside, and wild dramatic cliffs diving into the ocean on the outside. I strongly suggest that you drive over this island. Luckily you can get to the Senja island directly from Andenes by a 2-hour ferry trip (3 times a day to Gryllefjord on Senja), which also represents a really substantial short cut on your way further east/north from Andenes.
Arriving on Senja you can go by the outer route (road 862) until you reach Botnhamn on the northeast side. In the summer time there runs a ferry from there to Brensholmen, which lands you almost at the most beatiful place of Sommarøy that I mentioned in previous posting. From Sommarøy you continue east to Tromsø with its many offerings for tourist. If you want a "outlandish" experience, you may go north west from Tromsø for a trip to the outside of the Kvaløya island west of Tromsø, (which you passed on the south side from Sommarøy to Tromsø) and take the round trip with a small passenger ferry that visits the outermost fishing villages on some small remote islands.
When continuing further east/north from Tromsø, make sure then to take the route from Tromsø with the two ferries crossing through the very scenic Lyngen area (road 91) before you hook up with E6 again.
Close to where E6 crosses the boarder from Troms county into Finmark county, about 8 km on the west side of the boarder, you will pass over the Kvenang mountain with a splendid view over the fjord, mountains, glaciers and islands out towards the ocean. There is a nice motel there, so this could be a good place to fit in a nights rest and serve as a base for a visit to the Øksfjordjøkelen glacier that "calfs" into the sea. Continue about 3 km into the bottom of the bay, and you can then take the relatively short side road up towards the glacier (See what I wrote a little more in detail about this in another posting: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1022&message=35667275
Have a nice summer and a terrific journey!
I've been able to check up the details of the sailing plan for Hurtigruta coastal steamer.
If you go by the northbound ship from Svolvær in Lofoten and further a stop or three before disembarking and heading on wheel further north towards Andenes, the ship will in good weather also make the trip into the Trollfjord. (It's about midnight, but at this time of the year the sun will still be up, although may then be hidden behind the mountain surrounding the Trollfjord. So for best possible images a southbound trip should be preferable.)
If you go by the northbound ship from Svolvær in Lofoten and further a stop or three before disembarking and heading on wheel further north towards Andenes, the ship will in good weather also make the trip into the Trollfjord. (It's about midnight, but at this time of the year the sun will still be up, although may then be hidden behind the mountain surrounding the Trollfjord. So for best possible images a southbound trip should be preferable.)
EspE1 wrote:
Many thanks for your suggestions! I finished packing my (several ...) bags just few minutes ago and tomorrow starting this trip ...
Thank you, I really appreciate your inputs! If there are some others suggestion, I will be very happy to hear them and add to my planning - still very difficult to find some good guidance on internet.
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Many thanks for your suggestions! I finished packing my (several ...) bags just few minutes ago and tomorrow starting this trip ...
Honestly I am not so interested by North Cape itself ...
Thank you for suggestions - we are not going this way, but will consider visiting those places ... We are going across the Germany, then just short ferry to Dennmark, then along entire Swedish coast to Finland and finally across Finnish and Norwegian Lapland to Oksfjord.
I am interested in any kind of nature - fjords, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, valleys, etc. I love the landscape of Norway, especially combination of water and rocks ... I will distribute my time for sea fishing and discovering the area - actually expecting trips to Oksfjordjokelen glacier, Loppa lakes, Loppa island bird colony, Alta canyon, E6 waterfalls and more what I will find (also thanks to you). The bad is that I understood there is no road from Sor-Tverrfjord to the mainland and that the Sor-Tverrfjord - Oksfjord ferry goes only once each day. This sounds limiting, but 24 hrs. long days should help ... (we booked a house for 2 weeks in Sor-Tverrfjord)
Thank you, I really appreciate your inputs! If there are some others suggestion, I will be very happy to hear them and add to my planning - still very difficult to find some good guidance on internet.
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btw: I have just finished my 7-14 custom filter holder (will share details later), so I am really looking forward to let it shine in Finnmark area .
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