We fancy a Scandinavian caravan tour next July, up through Denmark, Sweden, across to Norway (fjords etc) but were disappointed to see that apparently there is no ferry from Bergen in Norway back to Newcastle - I feel sure that there used to be a car ferry on that route??? Anyway, lack of such a ferry would mean that we'd have to virtually retrace our steps back down through Denmark etc, when we'd rather do a circular-type route.
Any observations or advice? Anyone done a tour there recently?
Cheers!
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That is correct, there hasn't been a ferry from Norway to UK for several years now.
We were in Norway last year, we used Hull/Europort ferry. There is also Newcastle/Amsterdam and Harwich/Esbjerg as far as I know.
A circular (ish) route could be Hull/Europort or Newcastle/Amsterdam, across Germany and take the ferry to southern Sweden, or ferry to Danish islands then bridge to Sweden, up through Sweden, cross into Norway, back south in Norway, ferry to Denmark and then ferry Esbjerg/Harwich, or back to Holland for ferry.
Whichever way you go, you need a reasonable time to do it in, and deep pockets!
Hi there, yes it is a long way, so you would need several weeks, depending on where you want to go and how long you spend at each site.
We have been 3 times recently. In 1999 we went via the Channel and up through Denmark, over to Sweden to Helsingborg (only ferry then), over towards Stockholm, north up the Baltic coast as far as Umeaa then over into Norway to Bodo, where we stopped about 10 days. OH is Norwegian and comes from near there.
Coming back we drove south via Trondheim, past Oslo well to the east, back into Sweden, ferry back to Denmark,south on the Danish islands, ferry from Gedser to Rostock. Then we headed south to Berlin for a couple of days before heading back to the Channel. 38 days and 5366 miles towed.
In 2007 we took the ferry from Hull to Europort, over Germany to Rugen Island on the Baltic, ferry to Trelleborg in Sweden. Over towards Uppsala, up the Baltic coast right to the border with Finland, north via Rovaniemi and Ivalo, into Norway and east to the Russian border.
Then west to Nordkapp, south via Alta, Tromso and Narvik, out onto the Lofoten Islands for a bit and ended up at Bodo, where we stayed for about 4 weeks.
Coming south we followed the coast road, taking the ferry across Trondheimsfjord, through Kristiansund and Aalesund, then headed inland to Stryn and ferry over Sognefjord. Stopped at Flaam and explored the area before heading to Bergen for a week.
From there we continued down the coast through Stavanger, right round the south coast to Kristiansand, inland to the Telemark area then east to the coast just south of Oslo.
Stopped in Oslo for a week then continued south to Goteborg, over the bridge to Denmark, south to Rodbyhavn, ferry to Puttgarden, across Germany and back to Euoport. 95 days and 6349 miles towed.
In 2010 we again went Hull/Europort, up to Denmark, all the way clockwise round the Danish mainland to Aarhus, ferry to Kalundborg, over to Kobenhavn and over the bridge to Sweden. Across to Karlskrona on the Baltic, up to Kosta in the glass-making area, up to the big lakes Vaenern and Vaettern, then out to Stockholm.
Up the coast to Sundsvall and Skellefteaa, over to Norway and Bodo, where we stayed almost 9 weeks.
Coming back we headed south to Mo i Rana, then back into Sweden and took the road down the centre of Sweden, ending up at a site near Udevalla. Then down the coast to Malmo, over the bridge to Denmark and west to Odense.
South through Denmark and over Germany to Amsterdam before heading back to the ferry. 120 days and 4801 miles towed.
We are retired (in 2007) so now have plenty of time, and we have all the relatives to visit too, so it's not like an ordinary holiday to Norway. I would say, if you want to see a bit as you go, and as it is a long way you would want to do that, to visit the fjords you would need at least 4 weeks.
We didn't pre-book sites other than the first site in Holland in 2010, the first site in Sweden in 2007, and our first site in Belgium in 1999.
In 1999 we were away in summer (June/July), in 2007 it was July/October. In 2010 it was May/September and we used both ACSI card and Camping Cheques where possible.
Post last edited on 09/10/2011 11:52:42
------------- Jennifer
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
This is a website I often recommend - www.magbaztravels.com. It's written by seasoned travellers who have been just about everywhere, usually in a motorhome, but they spent this summer touring Scandinavia with a caravan. Lots of information about roads, ferries, campsites and prices.
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
Thanks very much for your extremely comprehensive reply Jennifer.
Your trips sound wonderful, but on reflection I think we might have to wait for retirement before we undertake the 'Scandinavian Experience' (more time and more money - hopefully!).
Hi
We did a tour in a VW Campervan last summer - taking the ferry from Dover to Calais and driving through Europe as far as Hamburg the first day - a bit gruelling but fun! We travelled on through Denmark and into Sweden the second day and had 10 days travelling round Sweden - we did a circle around Lake Vanern and taking in a day in Stockholm - by train, leaving the van at our campsite in Orebro. We reversed the trip going home - and did it all in just over 2 weeks including time taken to reach home once back in the uk. I can honestly say it was the best holiday I have ever had. We are returning this year but taking the ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg to give us more time and plan to go for 3 weeks this time. So don't be put off - go for it - we didn't venture as far as Norway but I can certainly recommend Sweden - the Swededs are the most welcoming, friendly, funny and kind people on earth - you'll have a ball!
Regards
Although we didn't take our caravan to Norway we did the Norwegian Coastal Voyage last year from Bergen to Kirkenes & back to Bergen.
The wonderful description of Norway from Jennifernn brought back lovely memories of a fantastic voyage.
We went in early October last year & hope to return in the summer of next year to experience the midnight sun at Nordkapp.
Post last edited on 11/03/2012 16:32:24
------------- Harvey 15.8.1995 - 18.11.2010. Run free, sweet boy x
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Scandinavian Tour
