HGT'24 Arctic Circle | Epic 14-Day Road Trip to Norway

[ron_jeremy]

Well, great trip you had here.
I almost wished you guys would reach out to the Norvegian BMW community (bimmers.no) for suggestions, ideas or even a met up?
But as a proud Norwegian, our roads and scenery have a lot to offer you guys, so great to read your thoughts and great pictures.
Would be interesting to hear your pros and cons, your best roads and sights, and what not to recommend for the next road trip.
Thanks in advance!

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

Well, great trip you had here.
I almost wished you guys would reach out to the Norvegian BMW community (bimmers.no) for suggestions, ideas or even a met up?
But as a proud Norwegian, our roads and scenery have a lot to offer you guys, so great to read your thoughts and great pictures.
Would be interesting to hear your pros and cons, your best roads and sights, and what not to recommend for the next road trip.
Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the feedback. With the preparation of this trip - which took us some time - we had the opportunity to get to know each other in a first phase virtually and during the tour in person - some of the Norwegians who were so kind available to give us several tips on what we could count on with our trip in Norway. I can say that it exceeded my expectations. For example, road conditions in general. Rarely was the road on which I saw a pothole or something that could cause me to brake suddenly or make a last-second detour - not to mention of course the moose and sheeps to which one must always pay extra attention - but also the fact that we have to respect the speed limits and we did so with great restraint. The last thing any of us wanted would be to get either a fine or be stopped by local authorities. Nothing like that happened - we want to believe - and to summarize that the driving experience was excellent. Extraordinary. Some long days but that had to do with our planning. Some activities would be something we also thought we could do but time was scarce and the trips were long. We really enjoyed the practically flow of traffic. Almost nil in most areas. Here is a little idea from my experience. I know we will return and with another route.

[rabith007_b58]

El frìo. Polar LIFESTYLE 💯

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by rabith007_b58

El frìo. Polar LIFESTYLE 💯

Wasn't that much cold if that's what you referring to We experienced a cool breeze of about 15 degrees but nothing influenced us as the excitement of just being there the weather factor became secondary

But the Arctic region of Norway, particularly around the Arctic Circle, experiences significant temperature variations depending on the season.

Winter: During winter months (December to February), the average temperatures can range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). In some cases, temperatures can drop even lower, especially during cold spells.

Summer: In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can vary quite a bit, but average temperatures are typically between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). However, temperatures can occasionally rise above 20°C (68°F) during warm periods.

[dutchm2]

A few more pictures about the day at Arctic Circle.



We also had the opportunity to bring back some souvenirs.



This was a surprise for everyone! It is so gratifying to be able to have an official stamp in our passports of our presence in the Arctic Circle!



We had not just reached a destination; we had experienced the thrill of the drive, the beauty of the road, and the joy of being part of the BMW Performance Car Club.

With hearts full and engines cooled, we knew this was a journey we would carry with us long after the roads of Norway were behind us.

Today will also be the time to see Marek take a different route back home. We can't wait to see the final footage that he, Wojciech and their equipment will make of our event. Many thanks to them for the excellent camaraderie during the tour.



It was time to make way for the return. With hearts full and engines cooled, we knew this was a journey we would carry with us long after the roads of Norway were behind us.

















Someone interested in our cars and I was particularly on his bike



And Marek shared with us that after a long, long day of driving he ended up in a very cozy bungalow.



Tomorrow we're off to Oslo

[dutchm2]

Day 9:

Departure: Steinkjer, Norway
Destination: Oslo, Norway
Drive Distance:9h 26m | 646.25km
Total Distance: 70h 2m | 4706.21 km
Max: 152 km/h
Max Alt: 737m



Today I woke up feeling a bit unwell and so I handed the steering wheel to my co-pilot and had to rest during the trip to Oslo.

In addition today we have an itinerary where finally some sections of motorways will be included which means that we can exceed the constant 80 km/h that has been predominant during this tour. The fact that we have to drive in accordance with local speed limits has and has had an influence on the long days of travel, but this is a natural consequence that we accept with great pleasure.

Given my daily indisposition, all of the photographs taken today were taken by our members, namely Malcolm.











And we arrived in Oslo.



The rest of the group that arrived in Oslo were in different hotels and so it was decided to do some activities. There was still resistance after a long day of travel.







And definitely beer in the mix!



Giving thanks for a divine recovery for me we checked into our hotel and got a very fancy room.







The top floor of the hotel was also quite interesting and was our place of choice for dinner. Tomorrow will be a day of break and visit the city of Oslo for us while Malcolm, Jennifer and Jean will continue their journey home, namely their destination day somewhere in Denmark.

[swagon]

As a participant of the big Bimmerpost/1Addicts group trips of yesteryear, I am happy to see the spirit of them still lives on.

[AlexC2er]

Originally Posted by joao.toscano

Thank you!

I strongly believe Iceland must be a blast of a journey.
Imagine driving through Iceland's breathtaking landscapes with our car club, each twist and turn revealing something new and awe-inspiring.

We will be there one day! Join us

It would be awesome for a group to go out together to enjoy these sceneries and carve some twists.

Out of curiosity. What would be a way to ship the car over the ocean?

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by swagon

As a participant of the big Bimmerpost/1Addicts group trips of yesteryear, I am happy to see the spirit of them still lives on.

Absolutely! There was an immediate smile as soon as I saw your name reposting here! Thanks! You and many are the inspiration for these tours to take place.

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by AlexC2er

It would be awesome for a group to go out together to enjoy these sceneries and carve some twists.

Out of curiosity. What would be a way to ship the car over the ocean?

Absolutely! I think and ask myself questions about taking my car overseas to America and doing some tours. But I don't know if the value honestly justifies it. I have no idea. It would be best to try and rent a BMW locally. I have had a few unexpected experiences with car rentals, so when you think about all these possibilities, there is so much doubt. But yes, it would be epic if we could do it together, if possible. We already have the route planned for next year.

[admranger]

My wife and I were on one of those cruise ships you saw. Second year in a row visiting the beautiful people and country of Norway. We took an excursion to the arctic road and stopped at the same place you did with the walkway around back. We did go just a little further north than you, going all the way to North Cape (71+ degrees N).

I wondered how it would be to drive the beautiful roads there. Thanks for letting me do that vicariously through your group.

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by admranger

My wife and I were on one of those cruise ships you saw. Second year in a row visiting the beautiful people and country of Norway. We took an excursion to the arctic road and stopped at the same place you did with the walkway around back. We did go just a little further north than you, going all the way to North Cape (71+ degrees N).

I wondered how it would be to drive the beautiful roads there. Thanks for letting me do that vicariously through your group.

Thank You! That's pretty sick where you guys been! Wow! That would be a few more days of driving for the group to reach North Cape. Also the driving there would present us with breathtaking scenery and significant challenges right. The isolation and long distances are to take in consideration due a remote location is. Did you experience Midnight Sun or Polar night? Would be great to see some pictures from there.

Ty

[GOLFFRR]

awesome! great post!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by joao.toscano

Thank You! That's pretty sick where you guys been! Wow! That would be a few more days of driving for the group to reach North Cape. Also the driving there would present us with breathtaking scenery and significant challenges right. The isolation and long distances are to take in consideration due a remote location is. Did you experience Midnight Sun or Polar night? Would be great to see some pictures from there.

Ty

We had 23+ hours of sunlight. It was pretty barren (and cold) at North Cape.

As requested, a few pics including when we crossed the arctic circle on the ship, the ceremony of the blue nose.

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

awesome! great post!

Thanks!

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by admranger

We had 23+ hours of sunlight. It was pretty barren (and cold) at North Cape.

As requested, a few pics including when we crossed the arctic circle on the ship, the ceremony of the blue nose.

That's awesome! And congrats!

Did you got any certificate or some form of recognition to commemorate your crossing of the Arctic Circle?

Ty for the pictures!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by joao.toscano

That's awesome! And congrats!

Did you got any certificate or some form of recognition to commemorate your crossing of the Arctic Circle?

Ty for the pictures!

Yes we did get a certificate and I have it somewhere in the pile of stuff from the trip.

Just finishing up the last second things for our 5k mile road trip that starts tomorrow. Going to put some miles on the X7 (my back won't support sports cars anymore.).

[dutchm2]

Day 10:

Departure: Oslo, Norway
Destination: Oslo, Norway
Drive Distance:0h 0m | 0km
Total Distance: 70h 2m | 4706.21 km
Max: N/A
Max Alt: N/A



And after around 4700 kms done in 9 days we're going to have to give our legs and engine a rest! So here we're. Oslo! The vibrant capital of Norway.

We decided to take a metro from our hotel direct to the center. This took us around 20 minutes in a very easy transfer namely with the local Metro station Stortinget.





Next, we were heading towards Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. As we stroll down this lively boulevard, we passed by the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarch, set amidst a serene park. Sadly we miss the changing of the guard ceremony, which adds a touch of tradition to our visit. Next time





Here they're! The "Oslo Badstuforening" refers to the Oslo Sauna Association. This organization is dedicated to promoting sauna culture in Oslo, Norway.





Norway's ships are gorgeous.





These police boats look fast!





The Brygga in Oslo, Norway, refers to the vibrant waterfront area that is part of the city’s harborside.



Was a lovely day in Oslo.









Time for some good local food! The Salmon



The Salmon is a unique restaurant experience in Oslo, Norway, dedicated to celebrating one of the country’s most iconic exports: salmon. Located at Tjuvholmen, a trendy waterfront area in Oslo, The Salmon offers more than just a meal; it's an immersive experience that combines dining with education.









The food is tasty...















How cool



More to follow about Oslo ....

[dutchm2]

Originally Posted by admranger

Yes we did get a certificate and I have it somewhere in the pile of stuff from the trip.

Just finishing up the last second things for our 5k mile road trip that starts tomorrow. Going to put some miles on the X7 (my back won't support sports cars anymore.).

That's great! The X7 should give you the proper comfort for your trip! Where you're heading to? Drive safe!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by joao.toscano

That's great! The X7 should give you the proper comfort for your trip! Where you're heading to? Drive safe!

Moab, Utah to see Arches National Park, then via Utah scenic highway 12 to I-70 across Colorado to Lincoln, Nebraska (via Denver) to see a college football game, then to west central Minnesota to visit with my sister for four days. After that we're heading to Duluth, Minnesota to visit Lake Superior and see the sights there. After that we're off for four nights in the Black Hills of South Dakota (Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Devils Tower in Wyoming, and some of the twisty roads in the Black Hills). Back to Lincoln for another football game, then back home via Cheyenne, Wyoming.

We're looking forward to the trip. My wife has a 4 page spreadsheet itinerary made up (including places to eat at!). We're ready!

[admranger]

Originally Posted by joao.toscano

[B][SIZE="3"]Day 10:

Departure: Oslo, Norway
Destination: Oslo, Norway

Oslo is one of our favorite cities in the world. It, like the rest of Norway is very clean and friendly. I believe you would walk around with large denomination currency hanging out of your pockets and people would stop you to warn you it's about to fall out. Not the same experience in the US I'm afraid.

Did you tour the Nobel Peace Prize museum? Very interesting though not as good as I'd hoped. The highlight was a temporary exhibit on oppression in Iran. The book "White Torture" highlights the struggles of women in Iran.

The waterfront is indeed vibrant and busy. When we docked and overnighted there, the weather was beautiful and every restaurant was very busy.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by AlexC2er

It would be awesome for a group to go out together to enjoy these sceneries and carve some twists.

Out of curiosity. What would be a way to ship the car over the ocean?

Rent what you want from Sixt. Shipping is not a good value proposition. Only other option is Euro delivery from Porsche (or Volvo if you're so inclined). Sadly, BMW has discontinued that practice. We did BMW Euro delivery 3 times and it was fantastic each time.