1Likes
-
1
Post By Panny
![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Mar 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Panama
Posts: 187
|
|
From Nordkaap to Helsinki by way of Russia
I'm planning on riding north through Norway this summer, probably to Nordkaap, and then back to Helsinki (I'll continue on through the Baltics). From what I've read about the trip south through Finland it doesn't sound too exciting (correct me if I'm wrong).
I'm thinking as an alternative of heading through Russia... to Murmansk and then south from there, crossing back into Finland closer to Helsinki.
Does anyone have any experience with this route? Any information appreciated.
__________________
Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Mar 2016
|
![Snakeboy's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar121.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,496
|
|
I have been riding through Finland south-north and north-south two times. Both times I have been riding the main road nearest to the russian border. In the southern half of Finland its called "Via Karelia" (from Karelen - a area of land Finland lost to Russia in the beginning of the 19 century)
Its basically these roads: R6 - E63 and further north E75 and deviate to R971 to Neiden in Norway close to Kirkenes the bordertown to Russia.
The northern part runs through quite wild scenery along the huge Enare lake but the more south you get the more deep woods and an occacional lake it is. Not the most exiting landscape but not totally without charm.
I havent been riding that stretch on the russian side so I wouldnt know how that is. The Baltics are nice though. Not the most fantastic rides and roads but nice scenery and interesting cities. Especially Riga and Tallin. But also the smaller towns are charming - although you will still find a bit of east european left such as buildings and cars.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Mar 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
I've ridden from Moscow to Murmansk via Vologda. I can't say that the road was particularly interesting, but it was pretty easy, and I was able to cover almost 2000 km in two (long) days.
once you're a few hundred kilometers out of murmansk, there are not many towns for quite a while, just a bunch of scrubby pine and birch forest. For reasons I'll never understand, there is a nice little hotel in the town of Vytegra, just south of Lake Onega. I rode to Murmansk from there in one day, about 1000 km, but in the summer it is light pretty much all the time, so not a big problem.
I guess you might not go that way if you are going straight to Helsinki, although I think it would be a bad call to go that way and not spend a little time in St Petersburg.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
14 Aug 2016
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Köln/Cologne (Germany)
Posts: 222
|
|
I have ridden both routes last month. Landscapewise they are very simular - boring or soothing.
I prefered the Russian route, since it was more mediativ = less traffic.
Biggest rational argument: In RUS fuel costs only 40% of the price of FIN + other things are cheaper there, too.
Furthermore I found Russia more interesting and it felt a bit more like a different culture and like an adventure.
Road conditions are excellent on the Kola-Highway (N-RUS border along Murmansk to St. Petersburg).
Regards
Panny
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
12 Sep 2016
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Australia
Posts: 14
|
|
northern norway, go to Lofoten, you won't regret it. Check the photos on our sites. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G
(take all your money, norway is $$)
Mat and Theresa ride - Mat and Theresa's big ride
facebook.com/mattheresa2015
@mototouring16
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|