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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Spent too much time already on this one so if you want to read about our 3 days in Copenhagen, it's in the attached link.
BayCatOne
Looks like you're having a good time, enjoy our tall country!
In Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark you don't need cash, appart from the top of Galdhöpiggen last time I visited. Can barely remember last time I paid in cash in any of these countries and I visit all regularly.
Don't forget to stop at VW Campercentrum Amersfoort on your way back.
In Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark you don't need cash, appart from the top of Galdhöpiggen last time I visited. Can barely remember last time I paid in cash in any of these countries and I visit all regularly.
Don't forget to stop at VW Campercentrum Amersfoort on your way back.
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
We are enjoying your lovely country and thanks for the Campercentrum tip. Just in case we've any money left after buying very expensive Scandinavian beer!!
We've found cash necessary at a couple of sites / Stellplatz. One would have taken Swish but I think that's out of bounds for us foreigners. The other I suspect might have taken a card but had a very strong preference for cash...
C
CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Eurotrip 16, 2026 – Day 11 – 12, Harnosand -> Skeppsmalen -> Vallen
SummaryWednesday was a relaxing drive from Harnosand to Skeppsmalen. 108 miles driven including views of the High Coast Bridge (aka Sweden’s golden gate) and a detour for lunch at the Rotsidan nature reserve. Rotisdan is a 4km coastline with beautifully polished and flat diabase rock, framed by windswept coastal pines.
We arrived mid-afternoon at Skeppsmalen where there is a Stellplatz near the harbour. The sun was strong, temperatures reached a barmy 22C and we enjoyed a coastal walk and a fish BBQ in the evening.
In contrast, the forecast high temperature for Thursday in Skeppsmalen was 12C so we decided to head further north where counter-intuitively the weather would be a little bit warmer.
We left Skeppsmalen at 09:30, stopped for lunch at IKEA in Umea (why wouldn’t you?), refilled with beer at the Systembolaget near to IKEA and stocked up with groceries from the Co-Op.
Just before Pitea we refuelled with Diesel at sub £1.50 per litre.
233 miles and we finally arrived at Vallen around 16:30.
We had originally planned to stay Friday and Saturday nights at West Coast campsite in Pitea but given this weekend is mid-summers celebrations, and a bank holiday to boot, we decided to head into the sticks instead.
We reserved a pitch at the rather rustic Vallens Turism och Fritid camping. This site really is remote and perhaps rather more rustic and basic than we imagined. But the sanitary facilities are clean and given the bank holiday weekend, we have a pitch! Obviously our preferred direction of parking was not allowed. Nor our second or third orientations which would have maximised our solar gain; however, given that there is only a pitch price including electricity, we decided to hitch-up and we’ll be able to avoid using the diesel heater.
We nearly abandoned the site altogether when we found out there was no campsite WiFi. We hadn’t had any mobile signal since Umea but just when we were thinking we’d need to find another site, our mobiles kicked into action.
The temperature is around 14.5 C and sunset is at 11:49 pm with sunrise at 01:49 am. The sky just doesn’t get dark in the couple of hours the sun sets.
You can find the full write-up on our blog below and there's an option to sign-up for new posts sent via email...
https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8803
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Eurotrip 16, 2026 – Day 15 – 16, Onwards and Upwards
SummaryWith our batteries re-charged after 3 nights at Camping Vallens we had a relatively early start on Sunday morning. Crossing the Arctic Circle at the rather underwhelming Juoksenki, we decided on a change of plan and just kept heading North.
A nice site greeted us at Sonkamuotka but we just hadn’t appreciated the Mosquito problem. We knew of issues in Sweden but Finland represented a whole new challenge!
Today’s mileage was 255 but we lost an hour entering Finland…
Monday was a relatively short 155 mile journey to Camping Alta Strand at Alta. We arrived before noon because we’d re-gained our lost hour from yesterday. In the afternoon we caught the bus into Alta and looked around this rather bleak town, albeit with a nice harbour.
Full write-up with pictures and option to subscribe here:
https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8873
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
And the final segment of our Northbound journey.
We reached the Nordkapp area yesterday in the early afternoon and had planned to take it easy and visit Nordkapp today. However, yesterday was a lovely bright and clear day so we bagged a pitch at Nordkapp camping and set off to Nordkapp.
There's no doubt this is a very popular trip. I likened it with the missus to the queues for climbing Everest! A steady stream of motorhomes and campervans heading up and down the highway to NK. When we arrived, the plateau was very busy with tourists and this was mainly down to 2 cruise ships docked at Honningsvag.
The lady at the entrance said there would be a lull between 5pm and 6pm when the current cruise boats would leave to be replaced by others.
She was spot on and the plateau rapidly became much quieter. The views are spectacular and it's a very cool place - in more senses than one!
We returned to the campsite in the evening, sorted out some laundry and dinner and settled down to watch the England game. Groan....
After the game, the sun was still shining brightly in the sky and the midnight sun was starting to play havoc with my time clock. It was so bizarre at 1:00am walking around the campsite in the sunshine. Memories which will stick around for some time.
https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8893
We reached the Nordkapp area yesterday in the early afternoon and had planned to take it easy and visit Nordkapp today. However, yesterday was a lovely bright and clear day so we bagged a pitch at Nordkapp camping and set off to Nordkapp.
There's no doubt this is a very popular trip. I likened it with the missus to the queues for climbing Everest! A steady stream of motorhomes and campervans heading up and down the highway to NK. When we arrived, the plateau was very busy with tourists and this was mainly down to 2 cruise ships docked at Honningsvag.
The lady at the entrance said there would be a lull between 5pm and 6pm when the current cruise boats would leave to be replaced by others.
She was spot on and the plateau rapidly became much quieter. The views are spectacular and it's a very cool place - in more senses than one!
We returned to the campsite in the evening, sorted out some laundry and dinner and settled down to watch the England game. Groan....
After the game, the sun was still shining brightly in the sky and the midnight sun was starting to play havoc with my time clock. It was so bizarre at 1:00am walking around the campsite in the sunshine. Memories which will stick around for some time.
https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8893
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Summary
We spent Tuesday and Wednesday nights at NordKapp camping with a trip to the port of Honningsvag on Wednesday.
Thursday we drove to Kiby on the Varangerfjorden for a few days at the Varanger National park. 276 miles which took nearly 7 hours of driving at 38.2 mpg.
After 3 nights and some very mixed weather it was time to head East towards Kirkenes. 106 miles at around 41mpg. Not bad for a fully loaded campervan. Shame there wasn’t a ferry as we only moved about 10 miles by line of sight!
After a splendid evening meal at Bugoynes, the next day it was time to head to Kirkenes.
66 miles in just over 2 hours at 35.3 mpg.
Tomorrow we hope to continue the next stage of the trip boarding an extremely expensive ferry to Bergen. It’s a ferry which clearly states “No Motorhomes” so we are hoping the various email confirmations are good to get us on-board.
As instructed we’ve lost our Camping Gaz 907 bottle (given away at Bugoynes) but we weren’t able to remove the California kitchen!!! The ultimate decision will be the Ships Captain. Hope he or she is in a good mood.
More details here... https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8933
We spent Tuesday and Wednesday nights at NordKapp camping with a trip to the port of Honningsvag on Wednesday.
Thursday we drove to Kiby on the Varangerfjorden for a few days at the Varanger National park. 276 miles which took nearly 7 hours of driving at 38.2 mpg.
After 3 nights and some very mixed weather it was time to head East towards Kirkenes. 106 miles at around 41mpg. Not bad for a fully loaded campervan. Shame there wasn’t a ferry as we only moved about 10 miles by line of sight!
After a splendid evening meal at Bugoynes, the next day it was time to head to Kirkenes.
66 miles in just over 2 hours at 35.3 mpg.
Tomorrow we hope to continue the next stage of the trip boarding an extremely expensive ferry to Bergen. It’s a ferry which clearly states “No Motorhomes” so we are hoping the various email confirmations are good to get us on-board.
As instructed we’ve lost our Camping Gaz 907 bottle (given away at Bugoynes) but we weren’t able to remove the California kitchen!!! The ultimate decision will be the Ships Captain. Hope he or she is in a good mood.
More details here... https://www.caravanramblings.co.uk/?p=8933
Up10
Starlight blue T6.1 204 4M
Lifetime VIP Member
Just wondered why your journey times are so long? Is it roads, traffic or stunning scenery and lots of breaks?
Really enjoying your posts.
Ajax6213
Lifetime VIP Member
Are you going to Bergen on one of the Havila or Hurtigruten ships?
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
The roads this far north whilst quiet aren't suitable for much more than 50mph... So averaging often nearer 40. We do stop but when I pull the drive times off VW Connect I'm never sure what that includes.
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
We hope to be on the Hurtigruten NordKapp tomorrow. They specifically don't allow motorhomes but we are hoping the California is ok. At least we have some emails stating it's fine. We just had to loose the gas bottle and in theory the kitchen although I pointed out I didn't know how to do that and they said it was ok.
Keeping everything crossed!!
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
We just boarded Hurtigruten from Kirkenes to Bergen with our California Ocean and it was straightforward with no issues.
When we booked, directly with Hurtigruten, we explained the Campervan to our sales person. Size and weight no problem.
Because Motorhomes are banned we asked for approval for the campervan which was in an email. They also have a dumb requirement to "remove the kitchen if it has gas rings". I questioned this and was told we don't need to but no gas bottle was allowed.
There was no check for a gas bottle but we did the right thing and gave it away before boarding. I guess another cost to the expensive boat!!!
But here we are sailing across the Barents sea... After 4,500kms since early June from England I'm relieved we are on-board!!
When we booked, directly with Hurtigruten, we explained the Campervan to our sales person. Size and weight no problem.
Because Motorhomes are banned we asked for approval for the campervan which was in an email. They also have a dumb requirement to "remove the kitchen if it has gas rings". I questioned this and was told we don't need to but no gas bottle was allowed.
There was no check for a gas bottle but we did the right thing and gave it away before boarding. I guess another cost to the expensive boat!!!
But here we are sailing across the Barents sea... After 4,500kms since early June from England I'm relieved we are on-board!!
Kingfisher
Lifetime VIP Member
Thanks for giving us a timely update... I was almost holding my breath hoping for your succesful boarding.
Hurtigruten will take you to so many interesting places along the coast. Enjoy you trip!
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
For anyone wanting to see a summary of our trip on the Hurtigruten, there's a write-up here.
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Eurotrip 16, 2026 – Day 30 – 39, Camping Bratland, near Bergen
We arrived at Bergen on the posh ferry, “Hurtigruten” a week last Sunday. Everything was on schedule and the Loadmaster was fairly flexible allowing Moe to enter the car deck with me and the luggage. In theory only the car driver with no luggage can enter the car and the other passengers with all luggage are supposed to alight via the terminal building. We again needed to use the car lift, which was very tight for the California, in order to disembark.
Since then we have spent a weekend in Oslo and now back on the road again. Heading on a tour from Bergen to Kristiansund and then further South.
R
rdajks25
How was the trip?This will be our sixteenth tour to Europe (either with or without the caravan) and the first time heading properly North in our van, Nellie. We need to leave in the next 7 to 10 days as we have a ferry to catch in Kirkenes on 30th June. This is presently our only deadline.
Travel either through the Eurotunnel or overnight Harwich to the Hook-of-Holland. Costs look similar when you add in the additional mileage of going via the tunnel. We will spend a few nights near Copenhagen before heading north through Sweden and Finland.
Hoping for some slightly longer stops en-route - maybe a 3 night stop half way up Sweden and another also as we cross Finland - if anyone has any suggestions, fire away...
MOT and Service completed early -
Red Pennant annual policy expires August (and then it is no more...) -
GHIC cards renewed -
FLT Pass delivered -
Ferry pass -
Cash for Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark -
Aferiy P280 Powerbank delivered and connected to Victron MPPT controller -
SearchforSites subscription active -
Park4Night subscription active -
ACSI subscription active -
In early May I ordered a FLYT pass from www.flytpass.no and this arrived with a week or two. I still haven't figured out how it works but I appear to have selected the option which costs 5NOK per month (I will cancel after the trip) but I can't see how I pay. I'm assuming they must eventually send me a bill.
I also want a prepaid ferry pass from www.autopassferje.no but they don't allow registration from a UK phone number. Awaiting a response from their CS team.
Normally we would sleep in the pop-top but have no idea how practical this will be once we start heading up through Sweden and Finland.
This will dictate if we take our small drive-away awning or not.
It won't see much if any use on the outward journey but it's likely we will stay a week or two in several places in southern Norway on the way back. Decisions, decisions...
View attachment 148298
You guys should be disclosing your how the trip went through,hopefully we can learn from your experiences.
Sent from my SM-A600FN using Tapatalk
Kingfisher
Lifetime VIP Member
You are replying to the first post in the thread. Have you seen the forty posts after that? The trip is ongoing, we are eagerly following along. Especially the information on booking and boarding the Hurtigruten ferry has been excellent. It’s an amazing trip and last posted direction was north again, so I wonder where we’ll be taken next!
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
A diversion to Lysebotn is worth it. Campsite in the village at fjord end. Good bar and restaurant.
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Will add it to the list!! Hope we don't run out of time or we might have to come back.
C
CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Eurotrip 16, 2026 - Day 41 - 42, Nordflord and onwards to Malmefjord
Summary
Day 41 and we delayed our travels north for 24 hours. We had a beautiful pitch at Arskogvika Camping near Lote so we decided to chill for the day by the Fjord. Nordfjord is the sixth longest fjord in Norway and is the central feature of the entire Nordfjord region. It is up to 106km long, 2.5km wide and 565m deep. Currently the water temperature is around 13C and there were several brave souls swimming.
Today we awoke to a clear and sunny day across Nordfjord with the temperature just ok to eat breakfast by the water.
Fortunately, Moe had read reviews for our next stop, Kviltorp Camping in Molde and apparently the site is full as it is the Molde Jazz festival this week. Plan B is the lovely Bjolstad campsite a few miles North on Malmesfjorden.
We have another location with amazing views across the Fjord.
Todays journey was 104 miles in about 6 hours elapsed time. This included 3 ferries along the E39. The Flyt tag (also linked to the Auto Pass Ferry account) appears to be working. We just drive on and off the boats without interference. Must check my Autopass account but we are supposed to be saving about 50% on each crossing.
More pictures here.
Summary
Day 41 and we delayed our travels north for 24 hours. We had a beautiful pitch at Arskogvika Camping near Lote so we decided to chill for the day by the Fjord. Nordfjord is the sixth longest fjord in Norway and is the central feature of the entire Nordfjord region. It is up to 106km long, 2.5km wide and 565m deep. Currently the water temperature is around 13C and there were several brave souls swimming.
Today we awoke to a clear and sunny day across Nordfjord with the temperature just ok to eat breakfast by the water.
Fortunately, Moe had read reviews for our next stop, Kviltorp Camping in Molde and apparently the site is full as it is the Molde Jazz festival this week. Plan B is the lovely Bjolstad campsite a few miles North on Malmesfjorden.
We have another location with amazing views across the Fjord.
Todays journey was 104 miles in about 6 hours elapsed time. This included 3 ferries along the E39. The Flyt tag (also linked to the Auto Pass Ferry account) appears to be working. We just drive on and off the boats without interference. Must check my Autopass account but we are supposed to be saving about 50% on each crossing.
More pictures here.
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Eurotrip 16, 2026 – Day 43, The Atlantic Highway
SummaryThe Atlantic Road is a spectacular 8.3-kilometer section of County Road 64 in Norway.
Spanning eight bridges across small islands and skerries, it connects the mainland to Averøy. Known as “the road in the ocean,” it is an architectural marvel renowned for dramatic curves and open-sea views.
The round-trip from Malmefjord was 101 miles with 37.7mpg. We started our journey around 09:30, arriving back at the campsite late afternoon.
Eurotrip 16, 2026 – Day 44, Malmefjorden to Trollstigen to Geiranger
Summary
It’s time to move on again and this time we drove a mere 90 miles in something like 6 hours at 30.4mpg. This is the worst economy we have experienced and a reflection of the mountainous terrain we traversed. I’ve lost track now of how many ferries were involved but it was probably two – and we always seem to arrive just as the barriers are coming down.
Trollstigen is an impressive mountain pass that twists through eleven hairpin bends up the steep mountain sides in the Romsdalen valley.
After walking around the top of the mountain and taking in the various viewpoints, we arrived at Vinje camping, Geiranger, in the middle of the afternoon. We found a nice pitch but this area is a real tourist honey trap and it wasn’t long before the “Campsite Full” signs were out.
Full details and pictures here:
Up10
Starlight blue T6.1 204 4M
Lifetime VIP Member
This is so interesting especially journey times and Campsite information. We are, heading for the Geiranger area in mid August as it looks beautiful from Information gleaned on the Internet.
Are you finding fuel stations at frequent intervals and are they manned or automated?
And as you are finding fuel economy challenging, how are prices looking?
Is debit card payment accepted or is cash preferred?
Enjoy Geiranger!
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CaliforniaCylus
VIP Member
Fuel stations are very frequent. We started out re-filling when half empty but tbh, only carried on because we've been using the diesel heater a bit. Fuel stations are a mix of manned and un-manned although in Scandinavia I think all require a card before fueling. The "manned" ones only really have someone looking after the shop and snacks. We haven't fueled once and then paid a human. Prices vary between 15 NOK and 22 NOK per litre for diesel. That's a huge variant and whilst how remote they are plays a part, we can't figure out the differences. But still cheaper than the UK. Maybe prices respond really quickly to the volatile oil prices.
Sometimes there's a central pay console / station where you authorise your card and then tell it which pump you are at.
We brought currency of Euros, and Danish, Swedish and Norwegian crowns but only once or twice have we used cash. Once was to pay for a Stellplatz in Switzerland.
Many of the campsites charge 10 NOK for a shower and when you check in, they ask you how many shower tokens you want. Then they give you 10 NOK coins - just an indication of how cashless they are!!!
We use Revolut cards for everything and I have a NOK account which I preloaded with a £1000 before the trip. It's been rock solid. Wife has been paying some commission because she used up the £1000 a month limit!!
There are also many, many places to stay off-grid (it's kind of a right over here) but we like to book a campsite for the toilet and shower facilities.
Our Flyt Tag has been working well with the Ferry autopass and we've spent probably about £50 on ferries. Without that it would be double that figure.
We are getting between 35 - 40 mpg which I thought was very good! But often we tow a caravan so I'm accustomed to early 20s at times.
Up10
Starlight blue T6.1 204 4M
Lifetime VIP Member
Thanks so much for replying so quickly. Fuel stations sound like the ones we used in Italy so happy with that.
I would be over the moon with 35-40 mpg but hey, we got a 4wd so no chance!
Like you, we prefer a campsite.
nigpdreadingfc
VIP Member
Does Norway have premium diesel, like Shell V Power, in all their petrol stations?
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