Introduction
Logistics
Map
Photos
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| Logistics |
Norway's population -- 4.5 million -- is less than
that of the SF Bay Area. The country also spans a huge territory which means it
is sparsely populated outside Bergen and Oslo.
Getting to Norway
Besides the numerous ferry options, Oslo has built a new International Airport in a new location,
complete with high-speed rail link. Since it was built after my last visit,
I have not had an opportunity to use it, but the train supposedly has plenty of
luggage space so bringing a bike onboard should not be a problem.
However, unless you have a real burning desire to see Oslo, I would
recommend by-passing the city altogether and instead head straight
for the mountains. Besides being virtually impossible to leave by bicycle, Oslo is very expensive
and has few budget accomodations. My 'bed' at the city's Youth Hostel was nothing
more than a spot on a gymnasium floor for which they charged a small fortune.
Getting Around
Unless things have radically changed since my 1997 visit, Norway's highway department is
generally hostile to bicycles. One encounters lots of tunnels when going through the
mountains and many of these tunnels do
not allow bikes. The department does publish a
Tunnelguide
booklet listing those
tunnels allowing bicycles, but I was unable to
locate a copy. The department also has a web site providing bicycle information, but (last time I checked)
one needed to understand Norwegian to use it. I saw cases where bicyclists were not allowed
onto highways and instead had to ride on parallel side streets that climbed way up into
the hills. This might have been understandable if the major highway were a busy and
dangerous road, but this was done even in cases where the highway had almost no
traffic and very wide shoulders. Bringing a bike on the train can be a similarly
frustrating experience. While bikes are allowed on many trains, there is a limited
number of bikes allowed which means possibly having to wait several days for the
bike to be delivered. Perhaps the country should be renamed 'No-way'.
Lodging
Given the huge amount of wilderness, Norway is probably the easiest place in Europe
to bike camp. There are also a lot of huts which offer an excellent value. Usually
you find them in a person's backyard and at campsites. In addition
to a small cot, the huts usually include lighting,
a small stove and sink, and sometimes even a refridgerator.
Climate
The mountain chain running down the middle of the country blocks most of
the rainy weather; so Bergen will often be cloudy and rainy while the
eastern side is warm and sunny. Because of the high latitude, the sun
does not set until 10pm during summer months.
If biking at high altitude, come prepared with rain gear and
warm clothing.
Also see: Touring Tips
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