The plan is to wander around Norway.

[Wanders from Glos]

We plan to have a six week trip to Norway from mid-May to the end of June. We have a 9am ferry booked to the Hook of Holland from Harwich. Anyone stayed at the port the night before sailing?

The plan is to avoid wandering until we get to Norway, instead heading straight there. We've considered all sorts of routes and may come back via Sweden and cross the Oresund Bridge, but we have settled on what seems the most travelled route between Hirtshals and Kristiansand. Denmark is on our list of countries to explore, but to get there we will just drive through and save it for another day.

Once in Norway, we plan to visit Oslo, but after that we will return to our more unplanned wandering form of travel. Meandering our way to the Arctic Circle and in an ideal world get to Lofoton or Senja. Either on the way or on the way back we would like to do some of the coastal routes.

We've have a refillable gas system, and are fairly self sufficient off grid so should be able to do some of the more remote fjord side stops. We've ordered a toll tag and when it arrives will register for the discounted ferries.

So, what have we forgotten or must do before we go. Once there, any suggestions for places to visit, rural and urban? Sites we must see or stopovers we must visit?

I expect we will do the usual blog, in the Scandinavia section so it may not be as visible as usual.

 

[Just smiffy]

On my bucket list so will be following, hope you have a great trip…..

 

[Mikeco]

We did get to Norway but that was back in 2006 when you could go from North Shields to Bergen so fairly easy. I don’t know if it’s the same but it was very expensive especially to eat out or even have a coffee. We only went for two weeks and only did Flam and then a few days in Bergen.

 

[Brains]

Personally I'd have got the overnight ferry.

You pootle up in the afternoon, have a meal and arrive about 7pm for the ferry to leave officially at 8pm but in reality can be 10pm.

That said, every time we have caught the night ferry and arrived in daylight to do a cook up in the car park waiting for Customs to open, there has been a collection of Motorhomes and caravans that arrived for to stay the night and get the day ferry.

They seem to camp along the inside of the boundary of the car park, on the left as you enter.

here

 

[Bailey58]

As said, many park overnight at the terminal for the morning ferry, there's also Harbour Crescent where we've seen vans parked up for the night when we've been searching for fish and chips. We used to grab last minute shopping in Morrisons and eat there before joining the queue for the night departure but Morrisons close their cafes at around 6pm now.

 

[Mleabon]

Do you have a Norway toll tag and pre-paid ferries which gives you 50% off?

 

[lorger]

Looking forward to following your trip, we made it as far as Flam about 11 years ago and promised we’d go back when retired, hopefully get there this year or next.

 

[fred_jb]

We plan to have a six week trip to Norway from mid-May to the end of June. We have a 9am ferry booked to the Hook of Holland from Harwich. Anyone stayed at the port the night before sailing?

The plan is to avoid wandering until we get to Norway, instead heading straight there. We've considered all sorts of routes and may come back via Sweden and cross the Oresund Bridge, but we have settled on what seems the most travelled route between Hirtshals and Kristiansand. Denmark is on our list of countries to explore, but to get there we will just drive through and save it for another day.

Once in Norway, we plan to visit Oslo, but after that we will return to our more unplanned wandering form of travel. Meandering our way to the Arctic Circle and in an ideal world get to Lofoton or Senja. Either on the way or on the way back we would like to do some of the coastal routes.

We've have a refillable gas system, and are fairly self sufficient off grid so should be able to do some of the more remote fjord side stops. We've ordered a toll tag and when it arrives will register for the discounted ferries.

So, what have we forgotten or must do before we go. Once there, any suggestions for places to visit, rural and urban? Sites we must see or stopovers we must visit?

I expect we will do the usual blog, in the Scandinavia section so it may not be as visible as usual.

We did a similar trip last summer, taking four weeks over July/August. We stayed overnight at Harwich, but it's advisable to get there fairly early to get a parking space. There are toilets and vending machines there, in a building which which I think closed at about 10pm.

We have friends in Brielle which is near Hook of Holland and spent a couple of nights with them on outward and return journeys. Brielle is a lovely little historic town set inside a canal network. We largely avoided the motorways though Bremen and Hamburg and skirted around both on minor roads, finding a lovely campsite near Bremen. We made a stop on the German border at Flensburg, but didn't linger in Denmark and motored quickly up to the campsite at Hirtshals, where we had a meal in the town. The next day, before the ferry, we explored the giant dunes at Rabjerb Mile Nature Reserve and almost got ourselves stuck in the sand parking on the beach at Kjul Strand! Stay on the main tracks if you go there.

The ferry to Kristiansand was very good and we would strongly recommend paying the extra for the lounge with views out of the front of the ferry and unlimited food and drink included. We loved Norway and having registered with EPASS24 we found getting the many ferries across fjords and the occasional road or tunnel toll completely painless. On the ferries a crewman just scanned number plates so no need to buy tickets. We didn't go as far North as you are planning but stayed a little off the beaten track and away from the more touristy routes and were rewarded with light traffic, incredible scenary and no problems finding campsites. We can recommend the BobilParks which are motorhome parkups on quaysides and marinas, with the modest fees often collected by putting an envelope in an honesty box.

We crossed over into Sweden and took the Oresund bridge/tunnel to Copenhagen to meet up for a few days with our eldest son, whose girlfriend lives and works there. Sweden, or at least the part we travelled through, was a bit disappointing with endless lakes and forest but not the magnificant scenery we witnessed in Norway. We stayed on a campsite outside Copenhagen and got the train in each day to meet up with our son. We took the Rodby to Puttgarten ferry from Denmark back into Germany.

The picture below shows the route we took. I have a collection of pictures from the trip online, annotated with locations, so if you would like to see those, PM me and I will send you a link.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

On my bucket list so will be following, hope you have a great trip…..

Thanks. Just need to hope there’s no fuel shortages.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

We did a similar trip last summer, taking four weeks over July/August. We stayed overnight at Harwich, but it's advisable to get there fairly early to get a parking space. There are toilets and vending machines there, in a building which which I think closed at about 10pm.

We have friends in Brielle which is near Hook of Holland and spent a couple of nights with them on outward and return journeys. Brielle is a lovely little historic town set inside a canal network. We largely avoided the motorways though Bremen and Hamburg and skirted around both on minor roads, finding a lovely campsite near Bremen. We made a stop on the German border at Flensburg, but didn't linger in Denmark and motored quickly up to the campsite at Hirtshals, where we had a meal in the town. The next day, before the ferry, we explored the giant dunes at Rabjerb Mile Nature Reserve and almost got ourselves stuck in the sand parking on the beach at Kjul Strand! Stay on the main tracks if you go there.

The ferry to Kristiansand was very good and we would strongly recommend paying the extra for the lounge with views out of the front of the ferry and unlimited food and drink included. We loved Norway and having registered with EPASS24 we found getting the many ferries across fjords and the occasional road or tunnel toll completely painless. On the ferries a crewman just scanned number plates so no need to buy tickets. We didn't go as far North as you are planning but stayed a little off the beaten track and away from the more touristy routes and were rewarded with light traffic, incredible scenary and no problems finding campsites. We can recommend the BobilParks which are motorhome parkups on quaysides and marinas, with the modest fees often collected by putting an envelope in an honesty box.

We crossed over into Sweden and took the Oresund bridge/tunnel to Copenhagen to meet up for a few days with our eldest son, whose girlfriend lives and works there. Sweden, or at least the part we travelled through, was a bit disappointing with endless lakes and forest but not the magnificant scenery we witnessed in Norway. We stayed on a campsite outside Copenhagen and got the train in each day to meet up with our son. We took the Rodby to Puttgarten ferry from Denmark back into Germany.

The picture below shows the route we took. I have a collection of pictures from the trip online, annotated with locations, so if you would like to see those, PM me and I will send you a link.

View attachment 1186575

That’s very helpful thanks. What time would you recommend getting to Harwich to get a spot and did you have to speak to anyone or arrange it beforehand?

I’ll pm you.

 

[Barti Ddu]

In 2024 we spent about 12 weeks doing pretty much the route you describe. 6 weeks would be pushing it. The roads are generally good and very well maintained, but the more interesting routes will take you on single track roads at times. You will also want to stop frequently to admire the view, take photos (and hike if you are like us). You need to allow time for ferries too.

Best advice is to download the Official Norwegian Tourist Road guides and then join them up to create a route zig zagging accoss the best bits.

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Norwegian Scenic Routes are 18 selected roads that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities, along coasts and fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The routes are intended as alternatives to the main roads, and the drive itself sh …

www.nasjonaleturistveger.no

You've also got some admin to do before leaving - need to register for the toll roads, and to prepay for the little ferry crossings, otherwise you will be paying full wack rather than the 50% discounted rate.

We're planning to return to Scandinavia this summer. Even 12 weeks didn't scratch the surface last time!

 

[Neil S]

We plan to have a six week trip to Norway from mid-May to the end of June. We have a 9am ferry booked to the Hook of Holland from Harwich. Anyone stayed at the port the night before sailing?

The plan is to avoid wandering until we get to Norway, instead heading straight there. We've considered all sorts of routes and may come back via Sweden and cross the Oresund Bridge, but we have settled on what seems the most travelled route between Hirtshals and Kristiansand. Denmark is on our list of countries to explore, but to get there we will just drive through and save it for another day.

Once in Norway, we plan to visit Oslo, but after that we will return to our more unplanned wandering form of travel. Meandering our way to the Arctic Circle and in an ideal world get to Lofoton or Senja. Either on the way or on the way back we would like to do some of the coastal routes.

We've have a refillable gas system, and are fairly self sufficient off grid so should be able to do some of the more remote fjord side stops. We've ordered a toll tag and when it arrives will register for the discounted ferries.

So, what have we forgotten or must do before we go. Once there, any suggestions for places to visit, rural and urban? Sites we must see or stopovers we must visit?

I expect we will do the usual blog, in the Scandinavia section so it may not be as visible as usual.

which toll tag company did you use if you dont mind me asking

 

[fred_jb]

That’s very helpful thanks. What time would you recommend getting to Harwich to get a spot and did you have to speak to anyone or arrange it beforehand?

I’ll pm you.

We went to the nearby McDonalds for dinner and got to the port before 8PM at which point there were only a couple of free spaces at the side of the marked check-in lines. I think we phoned initially to ask about parking and were told it was OK.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

We went to the nearby McDonalds for dinner and got to the port before 8PM at which point there were only a couple of free spaces at the side of the marked check-in lines. I think we phoned initially to ask about parking and were told it was OK.

Thanks perhaps we should aim for around 7pm. I will ring first.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

In 2024 we spent about 12 weeks doing pretty much the route you describe. 6 weeks would be pushing it. The roads are generally good and very well maintained, but the more interesting routes will take you on single track roads at times. You will also want to stop frequently to admire the view, take photos (and hike if you are like us). You need to allow time for ferries too.

Best advice is to download the Official Norwegian Tourist Road guides and then join them up to create a route zig zagging accoss the best bits.

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Norwegian Scenic Routes are 18 selected roads that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities, along coasts and fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The routes are intended as alternatives to the main roads, and the drive itself sh …

www.nasjonaleturistveger.no

You've also got some admin to do before leaving - need to register for the toll roads, and to prepay for the little ferry crossings, otherwise you will be paying full wack rather than the 50% discounted rate.

We're planning to return to Scandinavia this summer. Even 12 weeks didn't scratch the surface last time!

Thanks we’ve done the toll / ferry bit and have booked marked the web site. Seeing if we can create a linked up route between them is a great idea.

 

[Barriesimpson]

On my bucket list so will be following, hope you have a great trip…..

It's on ours too, so count me in

 

[Wanders from Glos]

which toll tag company did you use if you dont mind me asking

We used Flyt, we ordered on Tuesdays and had a message from Riyal Mail they are expecting the tag.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

It's on ours too, so count me in

Long way for you Barry, but then I guess so was Ireland.

 

[mitzimad]

harwich is good for motor home parking if you don't mind being on the road if you want a scenic parking spot you can park any where along marine parade either by the lighthouses where its wider and there's a good fish shop there or up on the cliff where you can watch the docks in action also harbour crescent which is directly across from felixstowe docks and can be a bit noisy .
were just along the rd from the light houses i don't suppose you'll need it but welcome to dump or fill at ours

 

[BobilG600]

I can recommend visiting Trondheim if you get that way. It’s a beautiful old city. The council operates two Motorhome parking areas for overnight stays. We stayed at Dora (next to huge concrete German U boat pens) when we were there in 2019 and walked into the old part of Trondheim. The other parking area is in the newer commercial area some distance from the old city.

Caravan parking - Accommodation - Visit Trondheim

In Trondheim you can park your motohome at Dora, right next to the city center, or at beautiful Lade near museums and hiking areas.

visittrondheim.no

 

[frankieboy]

which toll tag company did you use if you dont mind me asking

Hi
We went last year and used AutoPASS Ferge for the ferries attached to a Skittlepass for the tolls it was all seamless.
Enjoy the trip, always something amazing around every corner

 

[Wanders from Glos]

harwich is good for motor home parking if you don't mind being on the road if you want a scenic parking spot you can park any where along marine parade either by the lighthouses where its wider and there's a good fish shop there or up on the cliff where you can watch the docks in action also harbour crescent which is directly across from felixstowe docks and can be a bit noisy .
were just along the rd from the light houses i don't suppose you'll need it but welcome to dump or fill at ours

Thanks useful info.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

I can recommend visiting Trondheim if you get that way. It’s a beautiful old city. The council operates two Motorhome parking areas for overnight stays. We stayed at Dora (next to huge concrete German U boat pens) when we were there in 2019 and walked into the old part of Trondheim. The other parking area is in the newer commercial area some distance from the old city.

Caravan parking - Accommodation - Visit Trondheim

In Trondheim you can park your motohome at Dora, right next to the city center, or at beautiful Lade near museums and hiking areas.

visittrondheim.no

Thanks, yes we thought we’d go to Trondheim. We will use the stopover you suggest.

 

[Barriesimpson]

Long way for you Barry, but then I guess so was Ireland.

Yes it is, but being retired we have all the time in the world and we really want to get to Norway. Ireland was around 10k km all in, but Norway..... we'll need 6 months probably.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

Yes it is, but being retired we have all the time in the world and we really want to get to Norway. Ireland was around 10k km all in, but Norway..... we'll need 6 months probably.

Unlike us you at least don’t have the Schengen limitations.

 

[WESTY66]

We are also doing Harwich-Hook and we are going up through Finland to Nordkapp in early Sept (obviously keeping an eye on the weather and getting to the top before the white stuff comes down) and will be meandering back down via Norway so we will be watching this thread with interest.
FYI when we last went on a night sailing we was asked if we were sailing that night or the next morning as we could park up near the back wall overnight, which we will be doing in Sept.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

We are also doing Harwich-Hook and we are going up through Finland to Nordkapp in early Sept (obviously keeping an eye on the weather and getting to the top before the white stuff comes down) and will be meandering back down via Norway so we will be watching this thread with interest.
FYI when we last went on a night sailing we was asked if we were sailing that night or the next morning as we could park up near the back wall overnight, which we will be doing in Sept.

That’s interesting thanks we’ll definitely try it.

We did think about working our way through Sweden and then Finland but concluded although it is essentially a driving holiday we probably don’t have enough time. So Denmark another time and Finland, Estonia etc another time.

 

[JnJ]

Used Bricklayers Arms, Little Bentley pub stopover many times. About 15 mins drive to Harwich ferry.

 

[Barriesimpson]

Unlike us you at least don’t have the Schengen limitations.

Yes it's definitely an advantage.

 

[wolfie2]

I'm booked for Harwich first week of May. 3rd year running!!..I love Norway, it's a very special country in my view.
Parking at harbour overnight is fine. Seems most issues have been covered by others but feel free to PM me if you have any other queries.
I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I have in the last 2 years