OK, just getting some plans underway for our annual tour this year, really fancy going up to sweden, Id like to go and vist the Mohne dam and then onto Hamburg to see that amazing miniture airport . Whos been to Denmark and sweden, whats to see? On the map its showing a lot of motorway miles to get to Stockholm.
Any advice is much appriciated :punk:
Sounds fantastic ! Never been up that neck of the woods, but I imagine the scenery to be stunning. I am sure someone here will be able to help ! Good luck with that mate. :smiley:
Quote from: viper on January 13, 2014, 09:59:11 PM
OK, just getting some plans underway for our annual tour this year, really fancy going up to sweden, Id like to go and vist the Mohne dam and then onto Hamburg to see that amazing miniture airport . Whos been to Denmark and sweden, whats to see? On the map its showing a lot of motorway miles to get to Stockholm.
Any advice is much appriciated :punk:
Hi Viper,
My first major Euro tour was in 2000 on a 929cc Fireblade, Calais to Oschersleben for the WSB meeting, then North to Stockholm where my mate lives.
The roads in Sweden are either dead boring straight roads with nothing to see but trees, trees, trees, glimpse of the odd lake, more trees, or they tend to be packed down dirt. Came home via the "new" bridge in Denmark. Another two countries added to my "ridden" list but you really need a reason to go there, either friends,relatives or a burning desire to see a particular place. As they say "it's about the journey, not the destination", but there is nothing interesting about this journey. Calais to Stockholm is nearly a 1000 miles each way.
I would do the B500 or Route Des Grande Alpes or the Route Napoleon, Andorra,Sort, Ripoll, as these are great roads, great scenery, I am sure Rasher will pitch in with 50 other routes/passes that will entertain and exhilarate.
Denmark, Sweden and Norway are also notoriously expensive. I know sometimes you just want to go somewhere different just for the hell of it.
Let us all know what you decide to do and include photos and report on your return
I did Calais, Biarritz, Portimao, Malaga, Alicante, Toulouse and home the year before last on my GTR, (I can no longer wrap myself round the Fireblade for long distances, and even the ZZR is too extreme for the big trips)
Coman
As a Swede i have to agree with Coman. Riding the motorway between for example Malmoe and Stockholm is pretty booring. A LOT of trees in this country. (Not so much in the southern part that are more cultivated land). But you can find smaller roads that are more fun to ride (still a lot of trees though) Sparsely populated (just 9 million) it gets rather uninhabited after you leave the main cities compared to the major parts of Europe.
So if you'r looking for great view while riding, nah, go elsewhere.
Norway is a different story. Great motorcycleroads with spectacular sceneries. But compared to Sweden, Norway is CRAZY expensive!
The only country more expensive than Sweden in the european Union is Denmark (Norways's not a member)
Other than that, Sweden can be a great place to visit in the summer period. Stockholm in the summer is a very nice city with an amazing arkipelago just outside. (the 24 and 48hr cruices to Finland and Aland are pretty nice as well).
So if high cost of living, booring highways and trees haven't scared you of, let me know and I will help with information the best I can.
Thinking about a trip through Scandinavia myself this 'summer' up through Denmark, Sweden and Norway to see the Fjords to Nordkapp to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and and down through Finland...
What everyone else said about the roads until you get well up north.
Good rides for scenery are the Vättern coast road, anywhere around the Vänern, and many of the back roads but beware of tractors, moose and trees.
In Stockholm, if you like old ships go see the Vasa, and in the summer Skansen can be fun (it's a kind of medieval craft/museum/zoo thing in a park).
If you want real twisties, head to Norway.
Either way, get a 2nd mortgage. You'll need it!
Quote from: Stephen.Stallebrass on January 14, 2014, 10:40:47 AM
Thinking about a trip through Scandinavia myself this 'summer' up through Denmark, Sweden and Norway to see the Fjords to Nordkapp to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and and down through Finland...
Sounds like a great trip. Unfortunately you will probably not see any northern light in the summertime, the nights are to bright due to midsummer sun. But that phenomenon are just as nice. Daylight 3 a'clock in the morning... Go with ferry to Stockholm via Abo (Turku) or Helsinki on your return-loop to see the finish and Stockholm arkipelago. over 30.000 islands and islets. I can supply you with a nicer (a little longer) route from Stockholm to the west-coast as alternative to the highway.
Some word of advice: In Denmark and Finland the speeding fee are defined by your income, and can get extreemly high. Be aware.
The main source of income for the norwegian state is not oil, its speeding fines. It can get very expensive, but if you have the time, you can go for a week in prison instead. Allways a new experience.... We have speeding cameras in Sweden,but the only take pictures from the front so bikers doesn't have to worry.
Thats all great feedback guys, thanks ver much. I was expecting that regards sweden , you can just see those long motrways on the Maps. We have been all over europe now and our favourite place for biking is Switzerland, it just keeps giving. So we are gonna cross from Hull to Roterdam, take a dam or 2 in western germany and then go down through bavaria and into Swiss land. Gonna look for a base camp near Bern and really explore the region in more detail. We usually are on the move everyday from hotel to hotel, so going to be different this time with a base and circular ride outs.
thanks again guys :punk:
There ... Told you so ! Crazy expensive ... Guys at work were saying like £10 for a pint or equivalent .. Amazing prices for what we take for granted over here ! Enjoy your trip.
Quote from: Rusty on January 14, 2014, 07:21:50 PM
There ... Told you so ! Crazy expensive ... Guys at work were saying like £10 for a pint or equivalent .. Amazing prices for what we take for granted over here ! Enjoy your trip.
£10 per pint, thats even more expensifer than royal ascot!
Last time I was on a pub in Stockholm (1 week ago) I paid like £3 for 0,5 liter.
£10 sound more like Oslo.....
Quote from: bacaruda on January 14, 2014, 11:35:34 PM
Last time I was on a pup in Stockholm (1 week ago) I paid like £3 for 0,5 liter.
£10 sound some like Oslo.....
i think stories of how expensive places can be do get exagerated. When ever ive said to other bikers about how we go to switzerland every year i always hear the comments about they have neverb een because of how expensive evrything is . Well after 8 years of going I can say Ive never noticed any reall price differences, they maybe marginal but nothing i can remember.
Coman!
You sound like an expert in Denmark , Sweden and Norway !
It is one thing to run in these countries - as a foreigner - another thing is to know the good places . It's exactly the same conditions that apply when someone visits your country.
Norway is a very beautiful country and you can spend many weeks without seeing it all. Just as with Sweden. Not everything is about to run highways or choose expensive hotels. You can find Bed and Breakfast and other nice places .
As for Denmark ! Yes, correctly guessed ! I am Danish and so much pride in our kingdom. Unlike the one facing the dried island west of Denmark called the United Kingdom , we have in Denmark beautiful scenery, clean beaches and beautiful forests. We do not have mountains, but we have a beautiful scenery and many good roads and attractions that you can visit . Prices in Denmark is not very different from those you know from your own duck pond - and you'll no doubt be surprised that we in this country are very open , friendly and generally always refers to foreigners nicely. We even speak your language and most of them can commit themselves in writing - so that you can understand our dialect. How's your Danish language in speech and writing ?
I'll take any criticism of my country. But when I read such a large collection of irreverent description of Denmark - and the rest of Scandinavia, so I'll have to bite your head off!
Should there be someone from the UK who might be tempted to visit Denmark and want to get good information - maybe even visit a GTR-friend on their way......my door is always open!
viper!
You are more than welcome to visit one of the most beautiful countries located in Europe. And you can opt to run through the tunnel, france, holland, germany and into Denmark. Alternatively slips you to Harwich and sail to Esbjerg, where you have approx. 1 hour drive to Odense - right in the middle of the country. I'm like a few days out of my schedule and show you around - and you must be more than welcome to stay for a few days, have the opportunity to wash your bike, get a shower, food and much more.
And could it possibly be planned, so I run like the south, where we could also visit northern Germany, where for example. Harz in the degree is worth a visit. I have a good friend (Englishman) who runs a private guest house in the Harz Mountains (Gregory), where we can stay and play on the glorious roads in the area.
Tell me about your plans - when you expect to put the nose in this direction.
Quote from: Hans on January 15, 2014, 09:00:53 PM
Coman!
You sound like an expert in Denmark , Sweden and Norway !
It is one thing to run in these countries - as a foreigner - another thing is to know the good places . It's exactly the same conditions that apply when someone visits your country.
Norway is a very beautiful country and you can spend many weeks without seeing it all. Just as with Sweden. Not everything is about to run highways or choose expensive hotels. You can find Bed and Breakfast and other nice places .
As for Denmark ! Yes, correctly guessed ! I am Danish and so much pride in our kingdom. Unlike the one facing the dried island west of Denmark called the United Kingdom , we have in Denmark beautiful scenery, clean beaches and beautiful forests. We do not have mountains, but we have a beautiful scenery and many good roads and attractions that you can visit . Prices in Denmark is not very different from those you know from your own duck pond - and you'll no doubt be surprised that we in this country are very open , friendly and generally always refers to foreigners nicely. We even speak your language and most of them can commit themselves in writing - so that you can understand our dialect. How's your Danish language in speech and writing ?
I'll take any criticism of my country. But when I read such a large collection of irreverent description of Denmark - and the rest of Scandinavia, so I'll have to bite your head off!
Should there be someone from the UK who might be tempted to visit Denmark and want to get good information - maybe even visit a GTR-friend on their way......my door is always open!
Wow.. wasn't expecting that , all coman said about Denmark was that it is expensive.
Hans,
As Viper has stated, I was not critical of your Kingdom, I just commented that it was expensive( and as my trip was back in 2000 when the pound/ euro were vastly different values it was expensive then).
I don't want to get into an email "war" but having been to just a very small part of Scandinavia I have no desire to go back, but only because there are so many other great places to visit or revisit
Coman
Looking at the cost of living Sweden does not seem any more expensive than the UK these days.
Denmark is about the same as Sweden but Norway is considerably more expensive, as is Switzerland.
Your experiences will vary depending on what you are spending your money on.
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp (http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings.jsp)
I have ridden in Denmark. Was there for the GCE Rally in 2002 held at the 57th FIM Rally in Aalborg.
My experience of riding in Denmark wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. It reminded me of riding in Norfolk/Cambridgeshire/Lincolnshire or Holland.
Roads were not too busy but not many twisties and low speed limits.
Please do not be insulted when someone comments about your country.
Nowhere is perfect!
Coman & friends ;-)
I'm not insulted...or offended!
I have no doubt that many of you have traveled a lot and know a great many places. But facts can not be based on 10 year old experiences and certainly not on superficial knowledge. Stereo Typical view of people, places or countries can often experienced very different and often stems from the perception of lack of knowledge.
Aalborg is located in the very northernmost of Denmark and God knows that particular area is flat as a pancake. In midtjylland there hilly area - just as with Midtfyn (Fyn). And should you find an idyllic place and at the same time find a local grocery store, you are able to buy good beer for only 2 to 3 DKR. You can also pay 20, - DKR. for a beer in a pub.
Enough about that ... if anyone would want to visit and missing information, then let me know... ... My door is always open!
PS: There is nothing wrong with France - only their inhabitants! ;-) (Joke off)
:mfr_lol:
As Hans has done, please feel free to be rude about the French, but not France :mfr_lol:
Coman
ok, weve decide what we are doing now. Going to cross Hull to zeebrugge ( although having problems with PO website, wont let me book anything in excess of a 7 day visit !)
will visit 2 dams , i think Eder and Mohne. Head down to bavaria. We have booked a charming cuckoo clock hotel for 4 nights in Bad Tolz near the austrain border .
(http://images.hotels-world.com/2//org/122/hotelPhoto/1236_Hotel_Landhaus_Iris.jpg)
Will base there for 4 days and do some luggage free rides as we are within striking distance of the fairytale castle
(http://www.castles.org/castles/Europe/Central_Europe/Germany/Neuschwanstein/MVC-792F.jpg)
and the glossglocker pass
(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r58/andy750/On%20the%20road/GrossglocknerAustria.jpg)
we will be at royal ascot on the saturday and on the bike sunday, a complete juxtaposition, haha
Ring P&O NSF and ask for MCN discount - should get 5%-10% off. Book meals too as you will safe 10-15% on them too.
You may find the Hull-Europoort cheaper too and it will put you further north for the Dams too.
Quote from: Winston Smith on January 19, 2014, 10:42:21 PM
Ring P&O NSF and ask for MCN discount - should get 5%-10% off. Book meals too as you will safe 10-15% on them too.
You may find the Hull-Europoort cheaper too and it will put you further north for the Dams too.
im finding that all the numbers to ring PO are premium rate, even their booking number. When you say europort do you mean Rotterdam, if so its about 100euros more expensive than the zeebrugge cross, with the cabin we want, also it appears only be 70 miles more for the dams
Yes, Europoort is Rotterdam.
I have usually found that crossing cheaper but obviously I don't know what your requirements/dates are!
hey Boomer nowt wrong with Norfolk
Way better trip than going to Sweden! I will end up in the same region as you, Viper. After Assen TT, we will go down via Nurburgring-Verdun- Geneva. Turn east and end up in The Saltzburg region. (no accomodation booked yet). Grossglockner is on this years bucket list , as is the eagle nest in Obersalzburg. (maybe celebrate my 50th birthday in a mad austrian painter/dictators 50th birthday gift?) Who knows, maybe we bump into each other :clap:
Quote from: bacaruda on January 20, 2014, 02:44:51 PM
Way better trip than going to Sweden! I will end up in the same region as you, Viper. After Assen TT, we will go down via Nurburgring-Verdun- Geneva. Turn east and end up in The Saltzburg region. (no accomodation booked yet). Grossglockner is on this years bucket list , as is the eagle nest in Obersalzburg. (maybe celebrate my 50th birthday in a mad austrian painter/dictators 50th birthday gift?) Who knows, maybe we bump into each other :clap:
eagles nest, nice , thanks for reminding me, its added to the list as its only 90 miles from the hotel
I visited Glossglockner and the Eagles Nest a year or so ago on my big adventure... I got a bit fogged in on the pass which was a real shame. Not much at the Berghoff I'm afraid but the views are stunning.
(http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii552/AdventureVagabond/Mongolia%20and%20Siberia%202012%20Adventure%20Moto%20Madness/Austria/2_zpsf2414b65.jpg)
This was my view for about 95% of the pass, LOL.
(http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii552/AdventureVagabond/Mongolia%20and%20Siberia%202012%20Adventure%20Moto%20Madness/Austria/1_zpsd95efe1e.jpg)
Incredible views.
My blog post on Hitler's Eagles Nest (http://adventurevagabond.com/2012/07/25/hitlers-eagles-nest/)
i did wonder how much there was to see at the eagles nest, the Allied forces completely destroyed it and then it was rebuilt as a restaurant. I believe only the foundations exist
stephen, that link is not active
Stephen .. you really are a very interesting man ! Been reading your stuff for the last 2 cups of tea this evening !! :yes: .. great stuff, great adventures and I have said it before to others but its blokes like you that keep us all inspired with your travels and the time you take to put it all on the internet. Well done old fruit. :smiley:
Cheers Rusty, I appreciate that mate. :wink:
Quote from: stoketim on January 20, 2014, 01:02:21 PM
hey Boomer nowt wrong with Norfolk
Yer right, other than the 6 toed population, flatness, and Gt Yarmouth! :mfr_lol: :yes: :banana:
I suppose Snetterton and Lotus are OK.
Hi
Im new to this site but just wanted to say about my experience of scandinavia,Ive got some Danish mates I have toured with afew times around Germany and Slovenia,which is brilliant, I went to see them in Denmark and found it really nice.The Danes are very friendly and although flat its a great country.After leaving DK I went up south Sweden to Oslo.I booked all the hotels on line and paid no more than mainland europe,the food is pricey but just eat abit less! everytime I stopped locals would warn me about speeding-dont-the fines are massive.Its kind of nice not speeding you can look around more.I would definitly recommend scandanavia and hope to do north cape at some point.Ta
Here's a link to a movie i made last summer. From my home to a biker friendly cafe, over one of the better motorcycleroads south of Stockholm, among bikers named "slingerbulten" (translates to winding bolt) Just to show that not all roads in Sweden are straight and booring.
The film is 13 min long. The fun stuff starts after 5 minutes, :smiley:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kf9oafq3goiaq6z/The%20race%202%20pc.wmv
Quote from: Hans on January 15, 2014, 09:00:53 PM
Coman!
You sound like an expert in Denmark , Sweden and Norway !
It is one thing to run in these countries - as a foreigner - another thing is to know the good places . It's exactly the same conditions that apply when someone visits your country.
Norway is a very beautiful country and you can spend many weeks without seeing it all. Just as with Sweden. Not everything is about to run highways or choose expensive hotels. You can find Bed and Breakfast and other nice places .
As for Denmark ! Yes, correctly guessed ! I am Danish and so much pride in our kingdom. Unlike the one facing the dried island west of Denmark called the United Kingdom , we have in Denmark beautiful scenery, clean beaches and beautiful forests. We do not have mountains, but we have a beautiful scenery and many good roads and attractions that you can visit . Prices in Denmark is not very different from those you know from your own duck pond - and you'll no doubt be surprised that we in this country are very open , friendly and generally always refers to foreigners nicely. We even speak your language and most of them can commit themselves in writing - so that you can understand our dialect. How's your Danish language in speech and writing ?
I'll take any criticism of my country. But when I read such a large collection of irreverent description of Denmark - and the rest of Scandinavia, so I'll have to bite your head off!
Should there be someone from the UK who might be tempted to visit Denmark and want to get good information - maybe even visit a GTR-friend on their way......my door is always open!
Hi Coman,
I lived in Copenhagen from 1978 until 1984 and rate Denmark as the best country I have lived in.( And theres been a few). I was in my twenties and it was full on partying. Great people, great attitude to life. Jeg elsker Danmark!
Maybe one day not too far away I will take my GTR to revisit old haunts.
Happy Trails