Country Archives: Norway

Risør – Kristiansand

The Germans from 2 days ago had told me about a north sea cycle route. It goes along the coast up to Stavanger or Bergen. My original plan was to ride a bit off the coast to avoid the coastal highways, but what they told me sounded like there’s a cycle path or at least an alternative to main roads pretty much all the way through. For the most part, my previously projected route seemed to match with the ‘official’ route. But close to Kristiansand there was no (sign-posted) alternative anymore and I had to cycle on the highway. That was pretty annoying and a wee bit more dangerous than necessary.

The campsite near Kristiansand I stayed at was small, boring, crowded, and expensive. Cycled 130km today.

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Risør

Took another day off at Moen Camping near Risør to catch up on email and things. More cycling tomorrow.

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Siljan – Risør

Left early. Like yesterday, the terrain was quite hilly and a few times I went downhill with almost 60 kph. Fastest on this trip was 61 with luggage, all-time high is 65, without luggage, if I remember correctly (training for Around the Bay?).

Today was the day of the cyclists. Met 7 other (short-distance) riders on the roads (with proper road bikes, etc.), and two Germans have pitched their tent next to me. They pedal from Göteborg to Stavanger.

Reached Risør after 114km.

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Strömstad – Sandefjord – Siljan

Took the ferry to Sandefjord in Norway. Yesterday I was quoted 76 Swedish Crowns, today I had to pay 190. Apparently yesterday the bike wasn’t included. It’s more expensive than a person because it can’t shop aboard.

The ferry was boring. Everyone was just shopping tax free… haha.

The boat arrived in Sandefjord around 4pm. I cycled out of town and dismissed the first campsite for it was too cramped and full with campervans. The second one didn’t seem to exist.

Had to climb the first hair pin bends today. For some reason I find the countryside here in Norway much more scenic and idyllic.

Eventually, after 52km, I stopped at a non-public camp site and tried to ask a lady about staying there. She didn’t understand me and so we both babbled along at each other – she in Norwegian, me in English. Found someone else with a better command of the English language and got the OK to pitch tent.

Shortly after Sandefjord the clock showed 8000km since Madagascar; 750+km since Trelleborg.

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