Hi Badrakumar we met about two years ago up at the scottish mini meet on the ride out. I am coming back up to the meet (i hope ) this year. I have toured Scandinavia and Norway top to bottom numerous times and am sure I could give you quite a bit of information if you wanted any help - I can also lend you an excellent set of large scale maps if you want. If your going to the mini meet let me nknow and I can pop my maps in the bag for you. Jake.

All you need to know about riding in Norway here: www.ridenorway.com


Welcome!

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

Dear Indu
I read your site. It is fantastic. It is lonely planet for Motorcycle riders.
Thanks
Badra

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Hi Badrakumar
What time of year are you planning on going ?
Would you be interested in company on the trip?

We are planning in August.

You could join us. Where are you coming from? You have to tell me about you.

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Unfortunately i'm busy in August, was hoping to go in June.
My name is John & I'm from London born here & lived here all my life (58 years).
Married, 4 kids,3grandkids.
Love riding my BMW R1200RT, I'm a member of the Iron Butt club.
Enjoy touring, done a bit but not that much, don't really like camping but will do it if it's the only option.

Thanks Badrakumar - glad my page is helpful. There's also a Norway page here on HU which contains a majority of the same info - so as always: stay tuned to Horizons Unlimited

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

Hi John
Thanks for the introduction. Sorry, unfortunately my buddy could not take off in June. So we have to stick to August.

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Hi pandits

I am an Indian Passport holder and living in UK on Permanent Residency VISA. I do have to take a Norway VISA to travel.

I bought my bike in UK with UK registration and have full UK licence.

I read through the Carnet de Passages en Douane in this site. Just clarify to me if I need a Carnet de Passage for my trip to Norway.

Please opine

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Hei Badrakumar,
No Carnet necessary for Scandinavia.
Driving Licence, may be smart to have an International Driving Licence in case you have an accident - it's not mandatory.
Registration docs,
Green Card, proof of valid insurance.
Big smile - gets you everywhere.

Velkommen

Peter, in Oslo

Hi
Thanks for remembering. Where and when is the scottish mini meet this year?

Yes any information about norway will help. Please. Thanks.
Badrakumar

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Hi Badrakumar, the mini meet is at Cannich campsite Friday 18 May. Informal do camping a few s and a few faces old and new getting together its been kindly arranged by Bruce and Angus.

Hi Jake
The mini meet is likely to clash with my other holiday plan. But will get in touch closer to the meet. Inverness is on the way to Cannich.
Regards
Badrakumar

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry operate convenient hours. You wake up fresh to take the road. Let me sit on the desk and do some planning.
Thanks everybody for all the suggestions

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Chandrasekharan Badrakumar
Stainton, North Yorkshire, UK

Wife, dog and myself visited Norway with Motor home late August/early September last year. It was very wet in the western fjords. Apparently the Nordkapp had a nice dry summer! Supposedly the wettest summer in living memory.

I plan on returning this year with the bike.

Norway is pretty expensive and the Norwegian Kroner has increased in value against the Euro since we were there, plus fuel has universally increased in price. Last year, diesel was 23% more expensive than in Germany (but diesel in Germany is cheaper than petrol in Germany - unlike in the UK). Top up your fuel in Hirtshals before the Colorline Ferry crossing to Norway.

Food is 2-2.5 times more expensive than in Germany (but German food prices are probably cheaper than in the UK). Buy a mug of coffee at the Statoil station and get free coffee top ups for the year (or as long as your holiday lasts). Take as much of your food and booze with you. Buy fresh foods at the local supermarkets. Tap water is OK to drink. No need for bottled water.

We went Hirtshalls (Denmark) to Larvik (Norway) and would have preferred to return via Christiansand/Hirtshals, but it was fully booked for vehicles.

Don't speed as a speeding fine will seriously damage your wallet and enjoyment of Norway. Speed limit is generally 80km/h (50 mph) except on the motorway, which is usually 100km/h Larvik to Oslo.

Norwegian school holidays start mid June and many Norwegians head south. Road from Larvik to Oslo on Sunday evening was very slow due to the Norwegians returning from their weekend cottages and caravans in the summer.

Scenery is spectacular. Take your time. Many high level passes are closed until beginning June due to snow (especially the fun hairpin roads).

Norwegians all very friendly and most speak good enough English and are very helpful.

If on a bike, you won't pay road tolls or the environmental tolls at the entrance to large cities like Oslo, Stavanger, etc. But you will have to pay a toll for the tunnel to Mageroya (Nordkapp) plus an exhorbitant fee to visit the artificial structures at the 'official' Nordkapp itself for 48hours. The Mageroya toll is due to be removed once the construction costs have been repaid late 2012/2013.

I think there is one other toll for bikes around about Trondheim. You have to pay for ferries of course, but cheaper than cars, etc.

Wild camping is allowed 150m away from the nearest buildings, cropped fields, gardens, etc. for one night. Official camp sites usually have free WiFi included in the price. Showers may or may not be extra.

Great biking roads and scenery. Enjoy.

Grey Beard