Nordkapp Trip Planning Advice (with a dog)
 

I'm planning on travelling up to Nordkapp at the end of June next year, probably through Sweden and Lapland (fast) then back through Norway (slowly). I'll have 20-25 days to do it in and will be using a 4x4 not a bike.

Any tips for routes, places to stay, laws on wild camping etc etc?

Are the roads all paved or are some gravel? I'd like some off-road opportunities along the lines of Spanish gravel roads if such things exist, but only if they 'go somewhere' and not just for the sake of it.

I have no idea of weather in the North in June. Are snow chains still on the packing list?

We'll be taking a dog, which doesn't seem to be an issue these days but if anyone has experience of border crossing etc I'd be interested.

Hi! Check my pages for general travel info on Norway. It's primarily aimed at bikers but a lot of the info is "generic" so to speak. Snow chains are not necessary in June, though.

Thanks Indu, I spotted your links in another thread and have poured over them. Very useful stuff.

Dogs in Norway/Sweden
 

Contact "mattilsynet.no" for all the rules for travelling with your dog.
Be aware there is zero tolerance for dogs chasing sheep or reindeer, they may be shot on the spot. These animals are free ranging, they are also on the roads.
Inland Sweden is sparsely populated, keep your tank topped up.
Knivskjelodden is the most northerly land, the expensive Visitor Centre is on a dramatic cliff, and is a rip-off, IMO.
Hope this doesn't put you off, it is a fantastic country.
Peter, in Oslo

Thanks for that. I've had a couple of people suggest Knivskjelodden. Looks more interesting than the tourist centre.

Our dog had been raised in sheep/cattle country so getting shot at won't be a problem :innocent:

We went up there around the same time of year in 2007 with our labrador - all borders were really easy (most didn't even check to see if we had a dog). Campsites were all fine with the dog, we rented a few "hutte" due to bad weather - again they welcomed the dog.

Snow tyres/chains are not needed unless you are really planning to go off road.

Petrol stations as mentioned before can be few and far between. Knievshedlodden (or however it's spelt) is a good 4-5 hour round trip by foot only ......can be a bit slippery underfoot if wet.....and the weather is really unpredictable even in mid-summer. Great walk for the dog, but watch out for the reindeer - its the only time in a six month trip that our dog bolted for it - straight up a scree slope!

Northcape cabins is a nice spot to stay and the guy who runs it really knows the local area.

Allow plenty of time for the return trip as even the main road is pretty variable.
Not sure if it will be on your route but the campsite at Utne was small but beautiful (and when you're there the cherries will be ripe on the trees!)