Started to think about summer hols with this dreary weather, so were to go? Prefer driving so ideal opportunity to give the Monster a good run out.

Went to Austria last year for a week but in April. Just happened to hit a mini heat wave during our entire stay, glorious sun with the snow in the Tirol fantastic. Before you ask no skiing involved; this mad Brit was just sight seeing, bemused the locals us at the top of a ski lift but without ski's.

Anyway always had a desire to visit Scandinavia but in the 25 odd years I've been in charge of my own holiday arrangements I've not got on with it. So about time I did something about it. Therefore I'm hoping as this covers a large area and we have Scandinavian SMOC members and others who may have been there, you might be able to give me some pointers on where to go and why, best sort of places to stay self catering, hotels etc. and any thing you think I should be aware of.

The cunning plan would probably be along the lines of Hull to Rotterdam (Hull 40 minutes away) to Denmark 2 or 3 days, onto Sweden another 2 or 3 days and then Norway for again 2 or 3 days. Back to Denmark to overnight stop before turning for home. Obviously open to other thoughts, thinking of sometime in July.

Your input on this one would be very much appreciated.

Regards,

TP

Our Dutch friend recently went up to the North Cape from the Netherlands, staying in log cabins all the way. Standards varied a bit but were generally fine provided you are fairly friendly with whoever you are with and don't mind shared facilities. She enjoyed it, came back with some interesting pictures of wildlife, wooden churches and of course the midnight sun. Sounds like a good plan.

I do hope you get a better response here than I did in the driving and touring forum for idea! :'(

I'll read this thread with interest as your basic idea sounds very appealing.

Lee

Mrs Shrub and I will be going on a driving holiday this summer as well in the new Yeti. We are thinking Southern Ireland although Norway does appeal.

If you are self catering and like a tipple, it might be worth checking the import limits and taking your own booze - especially Norway. Don't be over their very low limit the next morning though.

For Norway I would at least include the following roads and things to do/see

Trollstigen and

Suleskarvegen

Geiranger

If you enjoy a bit of action, and you don't mind getting "a bit" wet, this is a must! I promise you will never forget it: Rafting in Sjoa

This is in the same area, and is a very nice walk if you don't mind working up a sweat: Besseggen hike

Should be able to find some info here as well: My link

I you are only staying 2-3 nights, I would concentrate on the parts of Norway from the links. Northcape is to far to drive if you're only staying a few nights..

A VERY nice route could be: Oslo-Sjoa , Sjoa-Gjendesheim, Gjendesheim-Tessanden, Tessanden-Geiranger, Geiranger-Eidsdal, ferry to Valldal, Valldal-Ã…ndalsnes, Ã…ndalsnes-Kristiansund, and then down to the south coast by the roads near the sea/fjords and lot's of lovely small places and roads on the way down towards civilization

If you enjoy driving and beautiful scenery, a general rule in Norway is to avoid tunnels, and always use the old roads that go over mountains instead of through them...

Enjoy!

Many thanks JonA,

your thoughts are much appreciated and the links are great, not sure how my good lady would take to the idea of white water rafting mind but it looks great fun.

Regards,

TP

Hi,

Here is two alternatives. Quick setup, not knowing how long your stay will last, travelling distance per day, what are you intersted in, etc...

Short route, mountain and fjords in Hardanger. South to Kristiansand with ferries to Denmark.

Longer route, mountain and drive along Sognefjorden, coastline to Bergen- Stavanger - Kristiansand.

Travelling along routes with several ferries is very nice but can be expensive.

Here is a link to general info about toll roads in Norway (ferries is not included ): Toll roads

Hopefully the links are ok!

seo

Thanks seo,

links worked fine.

My good lady like scenery, places of interest; here in the UK read country parks and houses, pretty villages towns etc. and steady countryside walking but not full blown hiking. Me I just like driving around and if it looks interesting will stop and have a look round and enjoy a walk.

Are there many Toll Roads and are they mainly restricted to main highways?

You also mention ferries; after looking at the road map I take it this refers to the numerous links across the Fiords along the west coast.

Again your time and input is much appreciated.

Regards,

TP

Hi Plumber,

Here are some links so you can check out scenery etc.

Along short route:

Vøringsfossen

Eidfjord

Ullensvang

Hovden

Kristiansand

Along long route:

Sogndal

Sognefjorden

Bergen

Bømlo (PDF)

Stavanger

Toll roads is on the main roads where new or upgraded roads are build. Along the west coast (were I live) we have ferries and toll roads on new big road projects (bridges, tunnels etc). It is also toll for driving in city centres. If you will avoid some of them you have to plan carefully and be prepared to use a bit extra time.

Also the road quality can vary much (narrow and turning), especially minor roads along the west coast.

But I have to say you wont find places with more beutiful scenery than the west coast of Norway. I grew up in eastern Norway and moved to Bergen about 30 years ago and I am still very happy about that.

Lets hope for good weather on your arrival, holidays are so much better with the sun shining

Dont hesitate to ask if you have further questions.

seo

Hi seo,

thanks very much again for your time and the additional excellent links.

Regards,

TP

Started to think about summer hols with this dreary weather, so were to go? Prefer driving so ideal opportunity to give the Monster a good run out.

Went to Austria last year for a week but in April. Just happened to hit a mini heat wave during our entire stay, glorious sun with the snow in the Tirol fantastic. Before you ask no skiing involved; this mad Brit was just sight seeing, bemused the locals us at the top of a ski lift but without ski's.

Anyway always had a desire to visit Scandinavia but in the 25 odd years I've been in charge of my own holiday arrangements I've not got on with it. So about time I did something about it. Therefore I'm hoping as this covers a large area and we have Scandinavian SMOC members and others who may have been there, you might be able to give me some pointers on where to go and why, best sort of places to stay self catering, hotels etc. and any thing you think I should be aware of.

The cunning plan would probably be along the lines of Hull to Rotterdam (Hull 40 minutes away) to Denmark 2 or 3 days, onto Sweden another 2 or 3 days and then Norway for again 2 or 3 days. Back to Denmark to overnight stop before turning for home. Obviously open to other thoughts, thinking of sometime in July.

Your input on this one would be very much appreciated.

Regards,

TP

As for exiting and pictureque driving, Norway is very much the choice. The southern part of Swden is not as picturesque, but lots of forests, lakes and the like. Denmark is definitely not as spectacular as the others, but more cosy. On the possible route north, it might be interseting to do some of the drive on the beaches along the west coast of Jutland on your way to and from Hirtshals for the ferry to Norway. Youth hostels in Denmark are plentiful and clean and fits your self catering idea.

Information here:

http://www.danhostel.dk/content/us

Doing a quick Google route, from R'dam to Bergen and back is about 3500 km, so unless you plan on a few long distance pure transport stages, it will be a lot of driving time.

The timing of July hits the peak tourist season, and as you cannot rely on good weather anytime, you might consider June a better choice - not so busy and crowded in the popular places.

I find that the Lonely Planet books do an excellent job of providing interesting places and complete information.

You will not have any language problems anywhere on the route except maybe a little in Germany. Dinglish, Swinglish and Ninglish is spoken in Scandinavia

Edited 13 January, 201016 yr by Agerbundsen

Many thanks Agerbundsen,

time and thoughts much appreciated. Unfortunately I am stuck with July or August for leave / holiday due to my work; I teach

Regards,

TP

Now I know Norway will be nice, great scenery etc. etc. but it does take a while to get there and it is pretty expensive once there.

How about a suggestion for somewhere closer to home that has great scenery and driving roads; Scottish Highlands and or Isle of Skye?

Nice one Plumber. Let me know when you are thinking of doing this trip. I might be interested in joining you!!

And I might be useful as we pass through Germany and Denmark since I speak some German.

Would obviously be interested in trip to Scottish Highlands and Skye, bahnstormer.

P.S. Does anyone fancy a trip to Southern Germany/Switzerland??

Unfortunately I am stuck with July or August for leave / holiday due to my work; I teach

Regards,

TP

So, only the two months off in the summer, TP....!! Now what with all the schools shut because of the snow - life's a beach!

(PS Only joking, I couldn't hack doing the teaching bit and would need more than the summer to revover!)

Now I know Norway will be nice, great scenery etc. etc. but it does take a while to get there and it is pretty expensive once there.

How about a suggestion for somewhere closer to home that has great scenery and driving roads; Scottish Highlands and or Isle of Skye?

Thanks for your input and much appreciated.

Been a couple of times to the highlands and intend to go again as you say fantastic Country. Think my good lady has been to Sky with here folks some time back but not me, so again another one on the list.

Like my driving Holidays and covered a lot of the UK over the past few years, now venturing out into Europe a bit. As mentioned above went to Austria last year with the family + my Dad. Did all the driving myself; 980miles each way in twenty hours including the tunnel run and breaks was an interesting experience.

On the way out we set off in the evening and drove into the day, getting to our destination in Austria about tea time. Coming back we left after breakfast and drove through the day and into the night which I actually found better.

A German Ski tourist at our hotel was most surprised we had even contemplated such a drive in a VW Golf V. He thought his trip from the middle of Germany in a E Class Combi was plenty.

TP

So, only the two months off in the summer, TP....!! Now what with all the schools shut because of the snow - life's a beach!

(PS Only joking, I couldn't hack doing the teaching bit and would need more than the summer to revover!)

In FE so we don't get full school hols, have a leave entitlement similar to being in the Mob. Restricted to taking this during non teaching time which obviously you've guessed is school holidays :S

Time to recover; a millennia might just do it and that's for just half a term

In FE so we don't get full school hols, have a leave entitlement similar to being in the Mob. Restricted to taking this during non teaching time which obviously you've guessed is school holidays :S

Time to recover; a millennia might just do it and that's for just half a term

Easy life really... We still need to find out the SMOC centre of the universe and meet up a hill somewhere. Not too far north because the hills are very steep up that way apparently. Wales is easier allegedly....

Another vote for the Northern Cape, I went there in Feb 2007 and it was amazing. Well a proper experience. Minus 42*c!

Hi,

You might find this link useful too ...

My link

Which outlines the "Dangers" of driving in Norway.

Most of it you can mitigate against - i.e. by being sensible.

The only thing you can't seem to escape from though - are the dreaded Midges .... Scotland has them, so does Norway etc ... so make sure you take some repelllant with you ( or very cheap aftershave)

Graham

Edited 15 January, 201016 yr by grahamar

Hi,

You might find this link useful too ...

My link

Which outlines the "Dangers" of driving in Norway.

Most of it you can mitigate against - i.e. by being sensible.

The only thing you can't seem to escape from though - are the dreaded Midges .... Scotland has them, so does Norway etc ... so make sure you take some repelllant with you ( or very cheap aftershave)

Graham

hmmm....wonder how I'm able to survive here!

seo