Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 13 Mar 2007
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 639
Fuel

Hi chunkylover,

Make sure you have a creditcard with a pincode. Then you can get fuel day and night because most gasstations have an automat to pay with a card.
A 300km range should be no problem if you stay on main roads.
If you go exploring the smaller (dirt) roads, it may be wise to carry some extra fuel.

Also, when I'm away from home, I make sure to fill up at the next gasstation when my tank is more then half empty.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 14 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt View Post
If you go exploring the smaller (dirt) roads, it may be wise to carry some extra fuel.
You do as you please, of course. I wouldn't bother. Never was I problem when I lived up there (for a total of 10 years). Just fill up before entering whatever road you want to try out. Usually you can't venture too far off road due to limitations and regulations. The nature is kind of fragile up there, so off-roading is somewhat limited.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 19 Mar 2007
MarkE's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 87
Selfishly butting in

Sorry to butt in like this, but I'm planning (dreaming of?) a journey north through Norway & Sweden to Nordcap and back through Finland & St Petersburg to Tallin & home through the Baltic countries and Poland.

My current bike is a Honda Pan European, which works for my usual type of travel, and I'll be two up as my wife won't trust me alone and doesn't have a licence (dodgy eyesight - if you could see me you'd understand more ).

Is this practical or should I thinking about something along adventure tourer lines?

Ta
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 19 Mar 2007
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 639
For all roads I have been riding on my trip to the NorthCape, any bike will do fine. I don't know about Russia and the Baltic states but Scandinavia should be no problem.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 19 Mar 2007
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Mark E, your bike will be fine for the journey both in Scandinavia and Russia. The roads in Russia can be very poor quality, potholed, missing drain covers etc but your bike will be fine - I would not suggest you go off into the very small back roads as these do often end up as long forest drives or gravel roads. I would however forewarn you that the roads in northern Norway are often under repair in the summer and you will encounter short gravel sections and the like. If you continue towards Kirkness some of the side routes can be Gravel or poor condition - but with CARE are all managable on almost any bike
Have a good one.
PS I can recommend accomodation in central St Petersburg if you like -far cheaper than Hotels clean and secure. (the Hotels are very expensive as the Tourist companies buy up all the rooms for Guided tours etc) PM me if you need any more info Jake
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 21 Mar 2007
MarkE's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 87
Thanx guys

Jake & Jan

Thanx for the info - you've moved the dream a step nearer being a plan. The biggest thing left to plan is how to finance the trip, which I'm working on at the moment.

Looking forward to starting the blog when I get rolling.

M
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 5 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Finland
Posts: 29
Baltic

quote=MarkE;130414]Sorry to butt in like this, but I'm planning (dreaming of?) a journey north through Norway & Sweden to Nordcap and back through Finland & St Petersburg to Tallin & home through the Baltic countries and Poland.

My current bike is a Honda Pan European, which works for my usual type of travel, and I'll be two up as my wife won't trust me alone and doesn't have a licence (dodgy eyesight - if you could see me you'd understand more ).

Is this practical or should I thinking about something along adventure tourer lines?

Ta[/quote]

The roads in the Baltic states are not too bad. Your bike is ok! About the roads on the Russian side I don´t know, I think the main roads are ok too!
The problem is the traffic. Don´t expect any western rules.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 13 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Posts: 37
hi Horsedribble
imo the best time to do this trip is late June. Can you imagine all night long sun on the sky? Its amazing, I do it every year. This summer going from Newcastle to Stavanger 8 of June. Let me know if your trip will be at the same time, we can do cup of coffe somewhere ;-) Kind regards from Warsaw - Romek
__________________
Romek'65 @ r1150gs adv'03; k1200lt'06; v65c'84
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 19 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Isle Brewers, Somerset
Posts: 10
Re: Garmin Routes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tingsborg View Post
Hi,


As I said, this is a long fantastic trip on gravel. You may just drive parts od it. But I would recommend the whole of it.
I'm gonna ride it with my friends this summer.

/Fredrik
Hi Fredrik

Don't suppose you have a file of this trip as a track on Google Earth, do you?

Thanks for taking the trouble to post the road book routes and reader software.

Alan
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 27 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 11
Hi Alan,

No sorry, no track in Google earth but I think I can arrange some overview maps for you if you are interested?
I'm are going take this trip in beginning of June. From Stockholm up to Övertorneå and then over to eastern Finland and then down to Helsinki( Finland part is not in roadbook format yet, only for GPS). Approxmiate length of trip will be about 4000km. Pure gravel
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 9 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Posts: 26
Smile

I rode north on the Arctic highway to the Lofotens, then back south along the coastal Route 17. Lots of ferrys on Route 17.

DO get a ferry schedule before you go. It will save you some time sitting and waiting for the next ferry
__________________
The motorcyclist encounters the road as the writer encounters the page.
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 10 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Scandinavia

Norway is without a doubt the most spectacular of these 3. But if I was coming to Scandinavia for the 1st time, I wouldnt miss Finland. Ive got some Italian friends who first came here some 10yrs ago, and keep coming back ever since. They do like Norway and Sweden as well, but they love it here.

If I had 3 weeks, id get a boat to Helsinki, then start off northeast into the lake district, the best time to do that would be mid-June to mid-August. Statistically speaking, that is... you´ll just never know, when the short summer will arrive each year! And do bring plenty of anti-mosquito stuff!! From the SE part of the country I´d head straight up into Kuusamo and into Lapland, then go Northcape, and from there start following the Norwegian coastline all the way down. Norway is VERY slow, even on the main roads, could take me 1,5-2 weeks just to do that.

Those who say Finland is boring, have probably done the main highways south/southwest, indeed they are just that (a bit like some parts of southern Sweden), but its a totally different story when you go more eastwards, into smaller roads, into the lake area, and futher up when theres more and more forested hills. Its NOT like Norway, but its simply wonderful in its own way, not to be missed.

Sweden has some similar attractions like Norway and Finland, and also of its own especially in the north, but the problem may be it lies between these two regions so going there is always a detour. Especially when the most beautiful fjords in Norway are in central/south part of the country. Thats why, for 3 weeks i´d skip Sweden, or trade Northcape for northern Sweden, theres nothing so special about the Cape. I´d need more than 3 weeks to see all these 3 countries, so eastern Finland and western Norway would be the 2 main attractions for me.
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 10 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Those are the are one of the most beautiful in the world.
If you are fond of beauty, nature and taking pictures that period can never be enough.
If you don't spend much time anywhere which you like, don't feel lazy and time killer cen be enough.
To me, 3 weeks can never be enough.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 23 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Estonia
Posts: 9
It seems so many people going to Norway this summer We also having same plan, actually a trip around Baltic sea. The problem is that living in Scandinavia doesn't make it too attractive comparing to some more exotic places in south. But this year we need to keep lower profile as usually. Your comments encouraged to forget my prejudices, thanks

See you guys on the road soon
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 24 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
And should any of you guys need a place to crash (figuratively speaking) for a couple of days, a garage to service your bike in or any other assistance, please drop me an email or mail the HU Community in Oslo. We'll be more than happy to assist.
Reply With Quote
Reply


LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/europe/scandinavia-25317
Posted By For Type Date
Norway by Motorcycle in June ... - Thorn Tree Travel Forum - Lonely Planet This thread Refback 28 Mar 2008 14:09

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Scandinavia on a F650GS jkrijt Europe 6 3 Aug 2006 22:22
Shipping: Nairobi/Mombasa to Scandinavia Wheelie Trip Transport 0 1 Mar 2006 23:34
Scandinavia (or Europe) to Australia 2007 motordude Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 18 Feb 2006 20:09
Noisy bikes a problem in Scandinavia? beddhist Europe 2 16 Jun 2005 01:44
Europe Loop: UK, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe to Turkey, West Charlie Rauseo Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 12 Apr 2002 13:27

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:45.