To the travel report week 6 07.September - 13.September

Noon 14 °C

Evening 11°C

Monday, September 7

The Norwegians know how to turn a simple rest area toilet into an architectural highlight. More pictures, especially the interior, can be seen on Instagram:

womo_chnuschti

So, will we see the Northern Lights on this trip? Activity is still very low for a while and clear nights are not exactly on the cards either.

Instead of hunting the Northern Lights, we hunt wild animals.

Hunting is, of course, a gross exaggeration. Or to be more specific, it is often pure chance that the animals are discovered.

Several sea eagles flew over our heads and of course we had to observe them closely with our binoculars.

But we are also quite happy with the weather. There were some wonderful sunny periods today.

So far no northern lights, but today we actually saw moose number 10, 11 and 12!

Most of the time it's pure chance when you discover them. These three were no exception. And since it's difficult to make an emergency stop in a motorhome without rearranging everything in the vehicle, you first have to turn around somewhere and drive back.

Our three were a bit shy today and quickly hid in the bushes. So the photos aren't particularly sharp.

But it was still an experience to be able to observe these shy animals, even if only briefly.

Our overnight spot today is in front of the closed Gratangen Hotel. The view and the atmosphere are simply great.

Who says it always has to be radiantly beautiful!

Day route: Andenes - Gratangen Hotel

about 15 km north of Bjerkvik

Distance: 291 km

Travel time: 5 hours 39 minutes

Average consumption: 8.8 liters

Average speed 51 km/h

Pitch costs: 0 NOK without everything

Noon 15°C

Evening 12°C

Tuesday, September 8

Today is quickly told.

It's just a pure driving day.

Only interrupted by a larger shopping trip, as our fridge needs to be refilled and the wine supply is also running low.

Finally we reach Alta. Since we don't feel like looking for a free parking spot, we check in at Alta Strand Camping. A campsite that we already know.

And the dinner is excellent and the best thing - the dishes have already been done!

With the Omnia oven we once again conjure up a delicious dinner.

Today we have salmon on potato gratin and a green salad.

Day route: Gratangen Hotel - Alta

Distance: 438 km

Travel time: 6 hours 35 minutes

Average consumption: 8.9 liters

Average speed 66 km/h

Pitch costs: 230 NOK incl. water/electricity

Noon 14 °C

Evening 7°C

Wednesday, September 9

The way to the North Cape!

After 12 moose, today we finally have the first reindeer in front of the camera lens.

Here is the proof - it is no joke - after exactly 6,606.6 kilometers we are at the ticket office of the North Cape!

And since we have been members of "The Royal North Cape Club" since 2015, we are given a friendly welcome, a parking ticket and a sticker for entry to the North Cape Halls - free of charge.

At the North Cape you can now decide whether you just want to park or also visit the North Cape Halls.

Parking costs 350 NOK and is actually valid for 12 hours, but this is hardly ever checked and the majority of motorhomes also spend the night here.

If you also want to go to the Nordkapphallen, this costs another 250 NOK per person.

As members of the club we don't have to pay anything more. Membership cost us 160 NOK each.

For us, it is the warmest and windiest visit here. The underpants, hat and gloves stay in the box. We enjoy the atmosphere to the fullest and we definitely boost sales in the souvenir shop a little.

It's almost a tradition for us - we have raclette at the North Cape!

Day route: Alta - North Cape

Distance: 249 km

Travel time: 4 hours 21 minutes

Average consumption: 9 liters

Average speed 57 km/h

Pitch costs: 0 NOK without everything

Noon 11°C

Evening 7 °C

Thursday, September 10

Not only is the evening atmosphere magnificent. The morning also greets us with a beautiful sunrise. Shortly after 5 a.m. we are outside for the first time.

Thanks to the exceptional lack of wind, the Quadi is also used.

The night was starry, so it was a unique opportunity to see the Northern Lights. But darn it, activity is still exceptionally low for most of September.

On this trip we finally make it to Gjesaer. One of the last places on the island of Mageroya that we don't know yet. The detour was well worth it, especially since the sun bathes everything in a wonderful light.

As I said, the chance that we will see the Northern Lights on this trip is unfortunately decreasing day by day.

This is truly the journey of the animals.

By chance we pass by a reindeer herding area today. We watch the activity with fascination and chat with a local who actually knows the Emmental.

Tagesstrecke: Nordkapp - Russelv

Distance: 249 km

Travel time: 4 hours 21 minutes

Average consumption: 9 liters

Average speed 57 km/h

Pitch costs: 0 NOK without anything

Noon 12°C

Evening 8 °C

Friday, September 11

Today we experience once again the diversity that the Norwegian weather has to offer.

Otherwise there is nothing extraordinary.

Only a short shopping stop in Alta interrupts our journey south.

And of course there is also a lunch stop.

At the Gildetun viewpoint we meet a couple from the canton of Bern who are travelling north and we quickly spend half an hour chatting.

We already reach our intended destination for the day at 2.30 p.m. and really don't drive any further.

Today we are again planning our southbound route. It is not yet entirely clear.

Tagesstrecke: Russelv -Oksfjordhamn

Distance: 266 km

Travel time: 4 hours 2 minutes

Average consumption: 9.1 liters

Average speed 65 km/h

Pitch costs: 150 NOK incl. water/electricity

Midday 13 °C

Evening 10 °C

Saturday, September 12

We spontaneously turn on the indicator and drive a few kilometers towards Reisa National Park. The weather is at its best. Instead of hiking, we do some culture and stroll through a historic farm.

As we continue our journey, we enjoy the wonderful views that Norway has to offer.

Shortly before our destination Narvik we are stopped. Here too a reindeer herding is being prepared. The animals are even driven to the enclosures using a helicopter. A few quads support the herding.

Mixed feelings arise. We have read that this activity with helicopters is incredibly stressful for the animals, which is understandable. This is how accidents and emergency slaughters occur.

On our trip in 2018, this bridge was about to open, today we are driving over it. The cost is about 10 CHF.

The ski area high above Narvik has a new, state-of-the-art lift. And not only that - new roads, new parking spaces, new infrastructure and even a motorhome parking space. The view is really impressive. A perfect end to the day.

The site has been open since July 2020. Cost: 250 crowns including water/salt, including electricity.

Well, there isn't electricity at all sites yet. We certainly don't have any.

Day route: Oksfjordhamn - Narvik

Distance: 398 km

Travel time: 6 hours 32 minutes

Average consumption: 9.0 liters

Average speed 60 km/h

Pitch costs: 0 NOK incl. water/electricity

Noon 12 °C

Evening 8 °C

Sunday, September 13

Yes, the parking space in Narvik ultimately didn't cost us anything.

You can't get out of here without an exit ticket.

But neither of the two cash registers wanted to accept any of our credit cards. The message was always: rejected. Now we're at a loss. While Hansruedi is looking to see if the barrier can be unscrewed, I call the emergency number. And hey presto, I reach someone, I can explain our problem and the nice man on the phone tells us to drive to the barrier, press the help button and then he will open the barrier for us. Thank you!

So we reach the 11.10 a.m. ferry in Skarberget and this after a wonderfully comfortable and sunny journey.

Yes, the E6 is still interrupted by a 25-minute ferry ride. But in this weather it's almost twice as much fun.

There is a long lunch stop in Innhavet.

The weather is getting worse and then the rain front reaches us.

What can I say, the rest of the afternoon and evening are cloudy and wet. We've never had so much rain on our whole trip.

But luckily it is cozy and warm in our Pfüdi.

Day route: Narvik - Fauske

Distance: 245 km

Travel time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Average consumption: 9.6 liters

Average speed 57 km/h

Pitch costs: 196 NOK incl. water/gas, incl. electricity