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Tagged: Mountain roads winter closed
Hello cycle Norway-enthusiasts,
in April my wife and I will start our long-awaited cycling dream to the North Cape. The route planning was complete until I realized that many mountain roads are still closed to traffic until early or mid-May. Some even until early June. Since we start on Monday April 8 (as a Flemish person it is ethically forbidden to miss the holy day of the Tour of Flanders), we would arrive in Kristiansand around April 20. And that is a cause for some concern in terms of route planning. However, postponing the trip by 2 weeks is impossible. We have to start working again on June 17. Which route would you recommend? We naturally want to experience as much as possible of what Fjord Norway has to offer. I have already been there by motorcycle and definitely want my wife to experience the same wow experience. But if it isn’t possible, then so be it. I am convinced that every square meter of Norway is equally breathtaking. Thank you in advance for your responses! Happy New Year’s Eve!
Hi Suy,
It’s great to hear you are cycling up to Nordkapp next year, and you are right. Every square meter of Norway is beautiful! Unfortunately, as you rightly point out, Fjord Norway and the mountain passes will be off-limit until June, and even if they were open, it might be -10 or colder on the tops! You should not underestimate how cold it can be at night in April. In addition, some campsites are not open until May, so roof accommodation may be best during mid-spring.
Having said that, you will find the roads quieter in April and May, and the West Coast, on average, receives less rainfall in these months than in summer. You will hit Lofoten at a good time before the tourist traffic arrives, so there are many pluses to your schedule! Regarding your route, you basically have one option (fjord region) for this time of year – The Atlantic Coast (Eurovelo 1). It is absolutely beautiful and more enjoyable to cycle than the tough mountain passes. It will lead you to Nordkapp.
South Coast Stage:
http://www.cyclenorway.com/routes/national-cycle-routes/overview/route-1-2/
http://www.cyclenorway.com/routes/national-cycle-routes/overview/route-1/
Bergen to Nordkapp
http://www.cyclenorway.com/routes/atlantic-coast-route/overview/
You will find a lot of information about each section (click ‘Full Route Info’ on each route page)
I have videos of my journey up the coast from this year: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQmI_gEh30QnHCa9bOm6yKb-dsWZVxrUN
There is also a blog post with some nice detours if you have the time: http://www.cyclenorway.com/the-atlantic-coast-route-10-days-costs-and-itinerary/
Happy New Year!
Matthew
Dear Matthew,
Thanks so much for the advice. We will probably go for the Eurovelo 1 route. We’ll take it day by day and just enjoy while we’re at it. That’s eventually what it’s all about.
Many greetings from Flanders, Belgium.
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