Wenn
Juni - September
Geschrieben von
Michel Alexander
Entfernung
2341km
Tage
20 - 40
Hochpunkt
659m
Schwierigkeitsgrad
9/10
Ungepflasterte
30%
Gesamtaufstieg
16433m
Fähren
1
Tunnel
0
This 2,300 km journey through Arctic Europe is one of the most ambitious and rewarding cycling routes in the north. Traversing Finland, Norway, and Sweden, it leads you through a region where silence stretches wider than the sky and every kilometer carries the echo of old cultures, deep wilderness, and raw endurance. Nothing is easy about this route, and it will test you to your limit in places. But that’s the reason to consider this journey.
I’ve been to the northernmost parts of Norway twice already, but I still feel the pull of those rough landscapes—places where you meet more reindeer than people. On those earlier trips, I stuck to the main roads in Finnmark. This year, I wanted to explore more remote areas, ride quiet gravel roads, and even tackle some hike-a-bike sections.
The trip took place in June. It takes time to get there if you don’t want to fly, and with only three weeks to spare, I chose the slow route: taking the ferry from Germany to Helsinki, then catching the next train north to Kajaani, in the middle of the country. Night trains can take you even further north, all the way to the Arctic Circle. I hope this story inspires others to ride the far north trails.
Starting in Kajaani, the route follows EuroVelo 13 (The Iron Curtain Route) along Finland’s eastern frontier. Quiet roads trace the Russian border past vast forests, remote lakes, and forgotten wartime landmarks. National parks like Hossa and Oulanka offer perfect stops for hiking or trail riding. Near Lake Inari, the sealed road ends, but the journey doesn’t. A challenging 20 km hike-a-bike trail takes you past the tripoint where Finland, Russia, and Norway meet: a place few cyclists ever reach.
In Norway, the landscape opens up. Fjords replace forests, reindeer line the roads, and the midnight sun paints everything gold. From Svanvik to Mehamn, you’ll ride past calm rivers, through Pasvik Valley’s wilderness, and up to the windswept Arctic coast. One of the route’s high points, literally and symbolically – is Slettnes lighthouse: the northernmost on the European mainland, just shy of North Cape, but blissfully free of tour buses.
From there, an overnight ferry carries you to Havøysund. Then it’s back on the bike, along the remote and rugged coastal road south toward Skaidi and across the windswept Sennalandet plateau. After reaching Alta, the real adventure continues with the Arctic Post Road: 100 km of remote gravel winding past rivers, tundra, and even a detour to the towering Alta Canyon.
The final leg takes you to Kautokeino, one of the cultural centers of the Sámi people. From here, the route crosses back into Finland via the E45, where you can choose to explore Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park on foot or continue riding south through peaceful boreal forest. The journey ends at the train station in Gällivare, Sweden, or you can head to Kolari for a night train south to Helsinki.
This is not an entry-level ride, nor is it suited to heavy bike touring setups if you plan to go off-road. It demands physical stamina, mental flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Arctic, and surfaces range from smooth tarmac to rough gravel, boggy tracks, and rocky hike-a-bike trails. But for those prepared, the rewards are exceptional.
The toughest parts of the route is the hike-a-bike section near the tripoint between Finland, Norway, and Russia. This 15 km trail, once used by border guards, is no laughing matter. It shifts between short easy stretches and brutally difficult terrain: boulder fields, rotting duckboards, dense forest, fallen trees, steep climbs, and swamps. It’s wild, beautiful, and utterly exhausting.
Proper footwear is essential. Your shoes will get soaked, often within minutes, and without good wool socks and the ability to dry off or change, your feet will go numb. This is not terrain where you want to push through in discomfort. Be prepared, and pace yourself.
After reaching the tripoint, the trail continues for another 5 km on the Norwegian side. This section starts with a rocky section before giving way to more wet duckboards, eventually delivering you to a small parking area where a smooth gravel road begins again.
While most of the route follows quiet roads, around 30% is on gravel of varying quality. Snowmelt in early summer can flood sections of the track. And even on the paved stretches, wind and rain can turn a moderate ride into a grueling effort.
This is a route that rewards the resilient. If you’re willing to go beyond your comfort zone, you’ll experience a side of the north few ever see.
The North of the Sun route is already a serious undertaking, but if you’re craving even more adventure, the Arctic East 700 adds another layer. This extension weaves in some of the region’s best and most remote roads, offering extra kilometres, solitude, and striking Arctic scenery.
The Arctic Post Road is one of the true highlights of this journey, so we thought it deserved a closer look. Mehr entdecken
If you want to add Nordkapp to the route, here is a nice loop that can be done using the coastal boat.
Crosses Three Countries: Finland, Norway, and Sweden – offering cultural diversity, changing landscapes, and distinct national identities.
Remote and Varied Landscapes: From Finland’s endless boreal forests and wetlands to Norway’s Arctic fjords and Sweden’s inland wilderness.
National Parks Along the Way: Includes access to Hossa, Oulanka, Øvre Pasvik, and Pallas-Yllästunturi – ideal for hiking and nature breaks.
Historic Arctic Post Road: A 100 km gravel section across Finnmark with panoramic views, river crossings, and a hike to Alta Canyon.
The Tripoint Experience: Reaching the remote and rugged border where Finland, Norway, and Russia meet, via a demanding 15 km hike-a-bike trail.
Wildlife: Frequent encounters with reindeer, eagles, moose, and more, especially in northern Norway and Finland’s wild borderlands.
Sámi Culture: Several opportunities to visit Sámi museums and cultural centers, especially in Neiden, Karasjok, and Kautokeino.
Ride Under the Midnight Sun: Ideal for low-traffic night riding between mid-May and mid-July, when the sun never fully sets.
Northernmost Lighthouse in Europe: Slettnes Fyr near Mehamn – stunning Arctic coast views without the North Cape crowds.
Coastal Ferry Transfer: A scenic overnight ferry from Mehamn to Havøysund, linking two remote points along the northern coast.
Barren Arctic Plateaus: Ride across Sennalandet and Ifjordfjellet, with snow patches and expansive tundra views even in summer.
Challenging Terrain: Two major hike-a-bike segments, numerous gravel sections, and remote roads that demand stamina and self-sufficiency.
Finish with a Train Ride: End in Gällivare, Sweden or Kolari, Finland—both with rail links south for a relaxing end to the journey.
Getting There & Back
Train (Finland): VR services from Helsinki or Turku to Kajaani, with night train options to Kemijärvi, Kolari, and Rovaniemi
VR train info
• Several daily departures from/to Kajaani
• All Intercity and night trains allow bikes (max €8)
Train (Sweden): Inlandsbanan from Gällivare to Östersund
Inlandsbanan
• Connect to Gothenburg, Malmö or Stockholm via Snälltåget night train
Snälltåget
Optional Ferry Segments:
• Coastal ferries by Havila or Hurtigruten can help skip or extend segments
• Add the Varanger Peninsula or start further south via EuroVelo 1
Wann man gehen sollte:
Best season: Mid-June to September
Mitternachtssonne: Ride 24/7 from mid-May to mid-July with no darkness
Lebensmittel und Zubehör
Supermärkte: Limited in remote areas. Carry food for 2–3 days, especially if taking the gravel route along the Finnish border
Wasser:
• Readily available from clean streams
• Supermarkets often have taps near bottle return stations, and bathrooms are common
Bike Setup
Recommended: Gravel bike with bikepacking gear (45-50mm tires)
Touring bike: Possible, but more challenging on rough sections
E-Fahrräder: Not recommended due to limited charging access in remote areas
Toilets & Facilities
Found at:
• National parks
• Supermarkets
• Select rest areas and scenic roads (e.g. Havøysund)
In remote areas: Dig a hole, fill in, and take toilet paper with you. Practice Leave No Trace
Many businesses are closed on Sunday; stock up on food on Saturday.
Reindeer & Wildlife
You’ll be riding through Sámi herding areas—do not disturb the animals or their herders. More info: Reindeer Husbandry Area
Wildes Zelten: Legal and easy under the right to roam in both Finland, Sweden and Norway
Facilities: Shelters, wilderness huts, and free cabins in Finnish national parks
• Outdoor Finland map
• Tulikartta shelter map
Campingplätze – use the Norcamp App to discover any open campsites along the route.
Hotels/Airbnbs: Available in towns but spaced far apart, plan ahead. Use the map/POIs and Google Maps to discover options.
This route is not recommended without a tent and camping gear.
Finland (VR)
Mainline access: Kajaani, Kemijärvi, Rovaniemi, and Kolari all have train service.
Bikes: VR InterCity and night trains take bikes for a small fee (max €8). Must reserve a bike space when booking.
Booking: www.vr.fi/en
Best stations for route access:
Kajaani – ideal starting point for the route
Rovaniemi – alternative start or midway access
Kolari – useful end-point with access to Pallas-Yllästunturi NP
Sweden (Inlandsbanan & Snälltåget)
Inlandsbanan (summer tourist train): Östersund – Gällivare
Bikes allowed (limited spots, book early)
Snälltåget: Night train Östersund – Malmö – Berlin
Bike transport available in dedicated coach
Best station for the route end:
Gällivare – excellent end point with connection south
Norway (VY Trains)
Trains only reach as far north as Narvik & Bodø, which is far west of this route.
Finnland
Matkahuolto und OnniBus serve many rural areas.
Some long-distance buses take bikes if dismantled and packed.
Most regional buses offically don’t take bikes unless boxed or if there’s space.
Norwegen
Boreal, Snelandiaund Troms Fylkestrafikk operate local and long-distance buses in Finnmark and Troms.
Bikes are usually accepted, but not guaranteed. Depends on space and the driver’s discretion.
Buses between Kirkenes – Vadsø – Vardø oder Alta – Hammerfest exist and will travel the main roads.
Sweden
Länstrafiken Norrbotten handles regional buses.
Bikes are not allowed unless folded or boxed.
Havila & Hurtigruten Coastal Ferries
Daily coastal ferry between Bergen and Kirkenes with stops at: Mehamn, Kjøllefjord, Honningsvåg, Hammerfest, Tromsø, etc.
Bikes are allowed, but reserve in advance
Practical for skipping sections or linking to Nordkapp or Havøysund
Smaller ferries
Some local ferries (e.g. Neiden area, Varangerfjord) exist but have limited summer schedules. Always check locally.
Bikes are often allowed, but check capacity in advance
Practical Airports Along or Near the Route
Finnland
Kajaani (KAJ) – small regional airport, limited flights (often via Helsinki)
Rovaniemi (RVN) – major hub with flights to Helsinki, seasonal Europe links
Ivalo (IVL) – good mid-route option, flights to Helsinki
Kittilä (KTT) – near Ylläs/Pallas NP, flights to Helsinki
Norwegen
Kirkenes (KKN) – full-service Arctic airport, good for bailout or start
Alta (ALF) – central Finnmark hub, regular domestic flights
Mehamn (MEH) – small regional, limited flights
Lakselv (LKL) – another regional option near Karasjok
Sweden
Gällivare (GEV) – small regional airport, limited to Stockholm flights
Luleå (LLA) – bigger airport, more connections, ~250 km southeast
Flying with a Bike
All major carriers (Finnair, SAS, Norwegian) allow bikes with advance reservation, but rules vary.
Must be boxed or bagged. Check weight/size limits.
Brown Bears (Finland, Sweden, occasional in Norway)
Very rare to see, especially while cycling—they avoid human contact.
Most active: dusk and dawn, especially in forested areas in Finland and Sweden.
If you see one: stop, stay calm, back away slowly—never run.
Avoid surprising them: make some noise when off the bike in dense forest or during hike-a-bike sections.
Moose (All countries)
Most dangerous large animal statistically, especially during the rut (autumn) or if startled.
Can be aggressive if cornered, especially cows with calves.
Keep your distance and don’t try to pass too close.
Reindeer (All countries)
Not dangerous.
Common on roads in northern Norway and Finland—more of a traffic hazard.
They move slowly and unpredictably. Slow down and give them space.
Insect Hazards
Tipps
• Bring a mosquito face net and plenty of insect repellent
• Wear long clothing or use arm/leg warmers. They can bite through some clothing, especially wool.
• Coastal areas are mostly mosquito-free due to wind
• As one Finnish cyclist said: “Mosquitoes aren’t a problem, just don’t stop.”
General Tips
Avoid leaving food waste near your tent or rest spots, this attracts wildlife.
Make some noise in a dense forest when off-bike.
Never feed animals.
Avoid cycling too close to moose or reindeer, especially mothers with calves.
Auf dieser Strecke gibt es keine
This is a long ride covering a large area. Expect big differences in regions for climate and weather. Riding through Arctic Scandinavia means dealing with unpredictable, often extreme weather conditions, even in summer. While it can be stunningly beautiful, the environment is also wild, raw, and unforgiving if you’re not prepared. Here’s what to know:
Rapid changes: Sunshine can turn to freezing rain or hail in a matter of minutes, especially in exposed areas like the Nordkyn Peninsula or the mountain plateaus between Ifjord and Mehamn.
Mountain passes (like Sennalandet, Ifjordfjellet, and Laggu): prone to sudden temperature drops, wind, fog, and even snow flurries, even in June or early July.
Auch der Finnmark haftet ein gewisser Zauber an. Von Oslo aus ist sie ungefähr so weit entfernt wie Istanbul, und in gewisser Weise ist sie die letzte Station vor dem Nordpol. Der unbestrittene Höhepunkt der Reise ist das Radfahren in der wilden Weite von Europas letzter großer Wildnis. Es wird sich hier oben sehr einsam anfühlen, aber ist das nicht ein Grund, mit dem Rad zu fahren? Die Fahrrad-Wärmekarten der Welt sind voll von gut befahrenen Straßen. Hier schließen Sie sich einer kleinen Gruppe von Radfahrern an, die etwas Außergewöhnliches suchen. Sie fahren an wilden Rentierherden vorbei und sehen vielleicht stundenlang keinen anderen Menschen - deshalb sind Sie doch gekommen, oder? Die Fahrt endet in der Stadt Kirkenes, die mit russischen Straßenschildern ausgestattet ist. Dies zeigt Ihnen, dass Sie die Grenzen der westlichen Welt erreicht haben!
Auch der Finnmark haftet ein gewisser Zauber an. Von Oslo aus ist sie ungefähr so weit entfernt wie Istanbul, und in gewisser Weise ist sie die letzte Station vor dem Nordpol. Der unbestrittene Höhepunkt der Reise ist das Radfahren in der wilden Weite von Europas letzter großer Wildnis. Es wird sich hier oben sehr einsam anfühlen, aber ist das nicht ein Grund, mit dem Rad zu fahren? Die Fahrrad-Wärmekarten der Welt sind voll von gut befahrenen Straßen. Hier schließen Sie sich einer kleinen Gruppe von Radfahrern an, die etwas Außergewöhnliches suchen. Sie fahren an wilden Rentierherden vorbei und sehen vielleicht stundenlang keinen anderen Menschen - deshalb sind Sie doch gekommen, oder? Die Fahrt endet in der Stadt Kirkenes, die mit russischen Straßenschildern ausgestattet ist. Dies zeigt Ihnen, dass Sie die Grenzen der westlichen Welt erreicht haben!
Alle auf CYCLENORWAY.com veröffentlichten Radrouten sind lediglich eine Planungshilfe, die Sie in Verbindung mit Ihren eigenen Überlegungen als Inspiration nutzen können. Alle Routenvorschläge wurden unter sorgfältiger Recherche erstellt. Dennoch können wir nie mit Sicherheit die vollständige Richtigkeit der Routen versichern. Radfahren in Norwegen ist im Allgemeinen sehr sicher. Sollten Sie sich dennoch entscheiden, diese Route zu fahren, tun Sie dies auf eigene Gefahr.
Schauen Sie sich dieses hilfreiche Video an, um zu sehen, wie die Routen auf Ihr Mobilgerät und Ihren Fahrradcomputer hochgeladen werden können.
Langstreckenradeln ist anstrengend, und Sie sollten sich nicht an Strecken wagen, die Ihr Niveau übersteigen.
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Cycle Norway hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, das Radfahren in Norwegen sicherer und angenehmer zu machen und ein wachsendes Publikum über die vorhandenen Möglichkeiten zu informieren und zu inspirieren.
