NORDKAPP ON ROADS AMONG THE FJORDS AND SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
Nordkapp (North Cape), located in the far north of Norway, is a dream place for many motorcyclists! It is a small promontory on the island of Magerøya, Norway, jutting out into the icy waters of the Barents Sea at the northernmost point of the European continent. North Cape is a popular tourist destination that attracts many of them from all parts of the world, but above all, it represents the most coveted and dreamed destination for all European motorcyclists. In this tour, we will show you a very fascinating alternative route to get both there and back, to that faster but more boring one that crosses Sweden.
The starting point of this motorcycle tour: "Nordkapp on roads among the fjords and Santa Claus Village" is the city of Hamburg in Germany, easily reachable from all over Europe by fast highways. Crossing Denmark you arrive in Sweden where you will ride your motorbike on fairly fast highways (speed limits are not fixed but variable from 80 to 120 Kmh according to the climatic conditions) in a relaxing but a bit monotonous natural environment. Not far from the Finnish Swedish border, finally, you will get to Santa Clause Village which is a must to stop even if you are not a child! Of course, it would be much nicer to get there on Christmas day, but at that time of the year, this place is covered by snow so you would not be able to ride your motorcycle there. Anyway, even in summer visiting Santa Claus Village and the Home Cavern of Santa Claus is an exciting and unique experience.
From Santa Claus Village head north towards Norway, and keep on riding your motorbike to the island of Magerøya where Nordkapp is located. Before getting to the island you will cross the impressive underwater 6,875 meters long Nordkapptunnelen (North Cape Tunnel) that reaches 212 meters depth below sea level. Then a bit further, you will cross the 4,443-metre long Honningsvåg (Honningsvågtunnelen) tunnel.
If you like to spend some days in Magerøya island we suggest staying in the lively fishing village of Honningsvåg. As well as keep an eye on the weather conditions and temperatures since here you are on the Barents Sea and the weather could be rather unpleasant and foggy even during summer. Also, ride your motorcycle cautiously it is not rare to meet reindeers around the island and at Nordkapp.
The island itself presents barren landscapes since there are no trees in this extreme cold top of Europe whipped by winds and covered most of the year by snow. However, it has its own great charm and you will feel content to have come this far. This is why Nordkapp is a very popular destination among bikers, in fact, you will find many of them here!
When finally you will get to the rock overlooking the sea below, you will find the monument of the mythical trellis that supports the globe (Nordkapp Globe Monument). You should purchase a ticket that includes admission to everything on-site, such as museums, monuments, gift shops, parking, etc. It is valid for 24 hours. In the visitor center, you can discover the history of this place and buy some souvenirs. Do not miss the Nordkapp Museum at the North Cape Hall about the local flora, fauna, and lifestyles of Magerøya island.
When your visit is over it is time to get back on the road homeward. Unlike the roads you took to get here, the way back will be one of the most scenic and beautiful roads in the world where to ride your motorcycle! Now you will cross Norway and after passing the town of Tromsø, (where you can taste excellent pizzas prepared by the Italian pizza makers living here) you will enter the first paradise of Norway: the Lofoten Islands. This picturesque archipelago of islets formed by high mountains and golden sandy beaches are as beautiful as the Caribbean ones, except for the temperature of the water.
Left behind the Lofoten Islands, you will enter into the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, such as the scenic Geirangerfjord, the Hardangerfjord, and the Nærøyfjord.
Norway is also famous for its winding and panoramic roads that motorcyclists love so much. In fact, in this tour getting back from Nordkapp you will ride on three legendary roads that a motorcyclist cannot miss:
- Atlantic Ocean Road: it meanders for about 8 kilometers over the Norwegian Sea connecting various islets more or less close to each other by bridges featuring some sharp curves, steep climbs, and descents.
- Lysebotn Road: this is a dramatic road featuring 27 hairpin bends overlooking the Lysefjord below. Its highest point is 932 m.a.s.l.
- Geiranger road: it will take you up by curves and bends to a natural terrace overlooking Geirangerfjord where you can enjoy wonderful and unique panoramas
- Trollstigen road: meandering in a landscape with imposing mountains and turquoise fjords it features spectacular hairpin bends.
