Cycling from the Netherlands to the North Cape through Finland

[arctic-cycler]

Hi,
Firstly, sorry, but I am not that good in Finnish.. :-)

In summer 2013 I am planning to cycle from the Netherlands to the North Cape via the Baltic countries and Finland. In the past, I have found that if you don't plan an approximate route, it is easy to end up on main roads, and miss the nicest parts. I am putting together a planned route for the trip. The Finnish part is here: http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/biking-2013/finland-2013/

I am keen to hear your ideas on this route, and any suggestions that you might have! :-)

Thanks for your help!!

Matthew

[HallinenK]

If you want to see real Finland it is lakes and there are many lakes in easter Finland. Thats not like anywhere else in the world
Saimaa

[arctic-cycler]

If you want to see real Finland it is lakes and there are many lakes in easter Finland. Thats not like anywhere else in the world
Saimaa
Hi HallinenK. Thanks for your comment! Indeed, the east of Finland is beautiful. I went there 2 years ago (with my father by car), passing through Savollina, Ruka and then further north to Lappland. When I was there, I heard that the coast near Turku is also beautiful and quite different. That's why I chose this route.

You are lucky living is such a beautiful country!

Matthew

[Pikuski]

Yes, The Archipelago of Turku is worth to see by bike! Check Turku tourists information, ferries, roads etc.

[rjrm]

Hello Matthew

It sometimes need to have a contact with somebody like you telling our country is beautiful. Just now, in the end of November it's hard to remember.

I wouldn't choose a western coastal route you have selected. To exaggerate a bit I'll sum up your first 600-700km of etape Finland.

From Helsinki to Turku - forest, field mustard fields, small villages and town

Turku - maybe to most beautiful and definitely the oldest city. Most beautiful castle, a worth of seeing what comes to Finnish castles

Turku-Vaasa -flat terrain, finnish-swedish-people, tomatoes, cucumbers, a bit of mink urine, tomatoes, another breath of mink urine.

Vaasa- next country north of.... 300 km of another flat terrain, a small river at every 80km, potato fields, potato fields, small villages

OK, maybe I was a bit of pessimistic :) The most important is going! And cycling! However I'd choose a different route. Openstreetmap/opencyclemap could be helpful. Eastern Finland is more variable. Lakes, small hills, more lakes, more small hills, lakes and crees.

You have a lot of time to plan. I don't know what are you personal interests. Most of our cities are small. Only Helsinki region is a "metropole". Other cities are small enough to be easily visited by bicycle.
This could be another route, a very rough plan:
Helsinki-Porvoo-Lappeenranta-Parikkala-Punkaharju-Kontiolahti-(Lieksa) Koli-Kajaani-Muhos-Oulu

Not a short route, but easily visible by openstreetmap/opencyclemap. Oulu is a natural waypoint on the way to North Cape. And If you want a shower with bed, don't hesitate to contact. I'm situated in Oulu. Contacting via warmshowers is possible as well as here with private message. If my personal calendar allows it's even possible to put my panniers to the rack and cycle together for some days.

By the way, this discussion could be moved to the subdivision "pyörämatkailu" (bicycle travelling). If you don't find it anymore, look for there.

edit: I didn't notice you were goint to ship from Vaasa to Umeå/Uumaja. If that's your plan Helsinki-Turku-Vaasa is most logical route!

[arctic-cycler]

Yes, The Archipelago of Turku is worth to see by bike! Check Turku tourists information, ferries, roads etc.

Hi Pikuski. Are there lots of ferries in that area that I need to watch out for? On my trip in Norway this year, there were quite a few and you had to plan the timing quite well.. I like ferries. A good place to meet cyclists and have a rest.. :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Hello Matthew

It sometimes need to have a contact with somebody like you telling our country is beautiful. Just now, in the end of November it's hard to remember.

I wouldn't choose a western coastal route you have selected. To exaggerate a bit I'll sum up your first 600-700km of etape Finland.

From Helsinki to Turku - forest, field mustard fields, small villages and town

Turku - maybe to most beautiful and definitely the oldest city. Most beautiful castle, a worth of seeing what comes to Finnish castles

Turku-Vaasa -flat terrain, finnish-swedish-people, tomatoes, cucumbers, a bit of mink urine, tomatoes, another breath of mink urine.

Vaasa- next country north of.... 300 km of another flat terrain, a small river at every 80km, potato fields, potato fields, small villages

OK, maybe I was a bit of pessimistic :) The most important is going! And cycling! However I'd choose a different route. Openstreetmap/opencyclemap could be helpful. Eastern Finland is more variable. Lakes, small hills, more lakes, more small hills, lakes and crees.

You have a lot of time to plan. I don't know what are you personal interests. Most of our cities are small. Only Helsinki region is a "metropole". Other cities are small enough to be easily visited by bicycle.
This could be another route, a very rough plan:
Helsinki-Porvoo-Lappeenranta-Parikkala-Punkaharju-Kontiolahti-(Lieksa) Koli-Kajaani-Muhos-Oulu

Not a short route, but easily visible by openstreetmap/opencyclemap. Oulu is a natural waypoint on the way to North Cape. And If you want a shower with bed, don't hesitate to contact. I'm situated in Oulu. Contacting via warmshowers is possible as well as here with private message. If my personal calendar allows it's even possible to put my panniers to the rack and cycle together for some days.

By the way, this discussion could be moved to the subdivision "pyörämatkailu" (bicycle travelling). If you don't find it anymore, look for there.

edit: I didn't notice you were goint to ship from Vaasa to Umeå/Uumaja. If that's your plan Helsinki-Turku-Vaasa is most logical route!

Hi Pikavastaus.
Goodness, it has been dark for too long already this winter in Finland, I see.. :-) You'll have to come to visit me in the Netherlands. We still have enough light to cycle a bit..

Thanks for the tips, though. I understand now that my planned coast route is not that exciting. I had thought it was a nice route as it was part of the EuroVelo network. Given the fractal nature of the coastline, I thought it might be interesting with lots of little beaches - even nice places to swim. On a different note, are there any naturist beaches there? I guess it might be a bit cold for that.. :-)

The route you suggested is close to what I did with my father 2 years ago when we went through Savollina, Koli, Ruka and then north to Lappland. It was indeed very pretty but taking that route would be a big detour.

Two thinks spring to mind with your suggestion.
- The first one is that maybe it would be nice to cycle through St Petersburg and then up the Russian, Finnish border. This would be quite similar to the route from 2 years ago, but, I have not been to St Petersburg, and not all the places you suggested. It is also not critical that I end up at the North Cape. I would be just as happy ending up at Kirkenes, which means I could continue up the border right to the northern coastline.
- The second option would be to make my way across to Sweden straight from Turku. Would that be more interesting? I imagine the Swedish side of the gulf is similar to the Finnish side..

What do you think of my idea of catching the boat at Vaasa? Which side of the gulf is nicer? Would be be better to stay on the Finnish side all the way to Oulu?

Thanks for your help, and I wish you all the best surviving the winter!! :-)

Matthew

[Pikuski]

Hi Pikuski. Are there lots of ferries in that area that I need to watch out for? On my trip in Norway this year, there were quite a few and you had to plan the timing quite well.. I like ferries. A good place to meet cyclists and have a rest.. :-)

Hello Matthew,
I made a trip by bike about 15 years ago in Archipelago and they stopped transportation quite early in the evenings, but the situation might be different nowadays. Anyway check the link here: http://www.saaristo.org/index.php?page=113&lang=2

[rjrm]

Hi Matthew, of course you can choose western route as well. Flat countryside is easy to cycle especially in tailwind! However, there is a possibility of constant headwind of several hundreds kilometeres :) What comes to ferry to Sweden. I haven't been to that side of gulf much. What I know is important.

Try to avoid E4 highway in eastern Sweden. http://goo.gl/maps/Xf1IM
You see reason in pictures. Swedish E4 is made for cars with all those fences and lanes.

[arctic-cycler]

Hi Matthew, of course you can choose western route as well. Flat countryside is easy to cycle especially in tailwind! However, there is a possibility of constant headwind of several hundreds kilometeres :) What comes to ferry to Sweden. I haven't been to that side of gulf much. What I know is important.

Try to avoid E4 highway in eastern Sweden. http://goo.gl/maps/Xf1IM
You see reason in pictures. Swedish E4 is made for cars with all those fences and lanes.

Ouch! That road in Sweden looks horrible. I will definitely avoid that!! :-) Thanks for the tip!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Hello Matthew,
I made a trip by bike about 15 years ago in Archipelago and they stopped transportation quite early in the evenings, but the situation might be different nowadays. Anyway check the link here: http://www.saaristo.org/index.php?page=113&lang=2

Ah. I see what you mean now with the Archapeligo. The road I have chosen doesn't go through the archipeligo, but, I think your suggestion looks really cool. Thanks for the tip!

Matthew

[rjrm]

Matt, Turku is a worth of seeing. It's former capital of Finland. We surely have sometimes difficulties understanding each other what we and others would like to see.

A hiking tourist from Netherlands liked very much flat Lappland with no buildings, no churches, no cars. Only trees, small mountains and rivers. He said "In my home town I see 17 churches from my balcony". However, we often travel to those odd cities with so many churches :)

Turku-Stockholm-ferry is a good place to rest between countries. Beware E4 (=E75) is Sweden and in Finland as well. However I believe in Finland is mainlly boring, not so dangerous :)

[lai]

If you deside to cycle the westcoast route read this:http://www.rantatie.com/?lang=en
Under the municipalities link you can find information about the towns and places to visit on the westcoastroad.

[Jake_Kona]

I think you wound see the sea in seaside roads. Its offen behind forrest 1 km or more away. Stay on roads numbers 4 digit or 3 digit ( like road n:o 3213)
I would go fast from a to b and then go and see places there more diteled. If citys are not what you dont want to see. There are nice old historycal places in weastcoast. Casles and staf

[Giusto]

You should publish a schedule of your whereabouts at a given time, as you could benefit from locals riding with you.

[arctic-cycler]

Matt, Turku is a worth of seeing. It's former capital of Finland. We surely have sometimes difficulties understanding each other what we and others would like to see.

A hiking tourist from Netherlands liked very much flat Lappland with no buildings, no churches, no cars. Only trees, small mountains and rivers. He said "In my home town I see 17 churches from my balcony". However, we often travel to those odd cities with so many churches :)

Turku-Stockholm-ferry is a good place to rest between countries. Beware E4 (=E75) is Sweden and in Finland as well. However I believe in Finland is mainlly boring, not so dangerous :)

Hi Rjrm.
Yes. Turku is certainly on my list. I think the idea of the Turku archipelago also sounds cool. I will see how time is coming along when I am there to decide whether or not to go there.. I very much agree with you that the main roads should be avoided at all costs! It is not pleasant cycling along a kind of freeway.

I was not planning on taking the ferry from Turku to Stockholm. It would add a lot of distance to my trip, and I have been in Stockholm several times before. (It is one of my favourite cities, though.) I want to cycle up the Finnish coast to Vaasa, and then catch the boat to Sweden, or, alternatively, cycle up to Oulu and further, staying on the Finnish side. Any opinions on which of these options is better is welcome.

Thanks!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

If you deside to cycle the westcoast route read this:http://www.rantatie.com/?lang=en
Under the municipalities link you can find information about the towns and places to visit on the westcoastroad.

Thanks Lai. I will use this to decide on which side of the Gulf to cycle and what to see.. :-)

[arctic-cycler]

I think you wound see the sea in seaside roads. Its offen behind forrest 1 km or more away. Stay on roads numbers 4 digit or 3 digit ( like road n:o 3213)
I would go fast from a to b and then go and see places there more diteled. If citys are not what you dont want to see. There are nice old historycal places in weastcoast. Casles and staf

Hi Jake. I hope to see some sea and nice forests following the EuroVelo route (http://www.eurovelo.org/routes/overview-route-database/) which keeps off the main roads where possible, I believe. Castles sound good!

[arctic-cycler]

You should publish a schedule of your whereabouts at a given time, as you could benefit from locals riding with you.

Hi Giusto. That would be great cycling with locals.. This year I cycled from Bodø in Norway to the North Cape and kept a daily blog which people were able to follow (http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/biking/bodo-nordkapp-norway-2012/). I intend to do the same this year. I also intend to tweet from time to time.
I don't know exactly when I will be where, but, as people can follow my trip on my blog, I hope to be able to meet up with people that are interested in cycling a bit with me.. :-)

Matthew

[rjrm]

Couple of castles, couple of ruins to be realistic.

[arctic-cycler]

Thanks for all your tips. I have received some documentation from the Turku Archipelago tourist office (in paper form!), and have added a detour through the archipelago as an option. I am planning several optional detours on the way, which I can choose or not depending on the time, weather etc. It certainly looks like a pleasant detour. And: I like islands.. :-)

I intend to blog on my trip. If I pass by anyone, let me know, and maybe we can cycle together for a bit.
Here is my latest finnish route:
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/biking-2013/finland-2013/

[Tapsal]

Because you like the islands and ferries should run this through:
http://www.saaristonrengastie.fi/index.php?page=8

[JackOja]

Here is my latest finnish route:
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/biking-2013/finland-2013/

In Vaasa you could visit Kvarken Arhipelago, the UNESCO world heritage site (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/898), (Kvarkenguide.org (http://www.kvarkenguide.org/indexen.html)).

Unfortunately it is like there-and-back -route (http://goo.gl/maps/RzPSh), but nice extra trip if only you have time.

[arctic-cycler]

Thanks for the tips on the Turku and Vaasa archipelagos. I didn't realise there was a UNESCO site there.. Looks nice!

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all.
It is now a month until I leave the Netherlands for the North Cape via the Baltic countries and Finland. It would be good to meet up with some of you if I am passing nearby. I will be keeping a blog (http://arctic-cycler.com) and tweeting on @arcticcycler.
Here is my route through Finland: http://arctic-cycler.com/biking-2013/finland-2013/

See ya!

Matthew

[NikoL]

As it was mentioned above by JackOja, while you are at Vaasa region, reserve some time to visit Raippaluoto!
You can find more information from here: http://www.korsholmsskargard.fi/index.php?sprak=eng

Views from the Raippaluoto bridge (the longest bridge in Finland) are quite awesome and it's only about 20km from centre of Vaasa.

[arctic-cycler]

As it was mentioned above by JackOja, while you are at Vaasa region, reserve some time to visit Raippaluoto!
You can find more information from here: http://www.korsholmsskargard.fi/index.php?sprak=eng

Views from the Raippaluoto bridge (the longest bridge in Finland) are quite awesome and it's only about 20km from centre of Vaasa.

Hi NikoL,
I looked at the bridge on google maps. Looks good! Thanks for the tip!

Matthew

[JackOja]

...Here is my route through Finland: http://arctic-cycler.com/biking-2013/finland-2013/


Just in case you are camping or otherwise spend time on the grass :) ... I don't know if you have them in the Netherlands (or Down Under) also, but we have one nasty insect here in Finland, in the coastal areas particularly: The wood tick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick)

If you happen to meet them you should remove them off your skin. I recommend to check out yourself thoroughly in the evenings.

It is not a real danger or threat to be afraid of. But it is good to be aware of.

Have a nice trip! Blog went into the bookmarks.

[A R:nen]

If you're planning to follow the EuroVelo route, please be prepared to do your own navigation. The routes are in principle signposted as national cycle tourism routes (brown and white signs with bicycles) but the signage isn't consistent or actively maintained in most municipalities. Also, some of the routes make some pretty weird road choices, but the ones you have picked are certainly among the sane ones. Some of the strange loops around Helsinki make sense from a sightseeing point of view (like the southern harbour and the Otaniemi Alvar Aalto campus) but feel free to optimize away some of the others. (And please use Koukkuniementie rather than the official route, unless you want to climb a flight of stairs...)

[arctic-cycler]

Just in case you are camping or otherwise spend time on the grass :) ... I don't know if you have them in the Netherlands (or Down Under) also, but we have one nasty insect here in Finland, in the coastal areas particularly: The wood tick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick)

If you happen to meet them you should remove them off your skin. I recommend to check out yourself thoroughly in the evenings.

It is not a real danger or threat to be afraid of. But it is good to be aware of.

Have a nice trip! Blog went into the bookmarks.

Ouch. The tick looks nasty! We have ticks here in the Netherlands, and, indeed, I have been bitten by them before. Had to have one removed once at the doctor's.

Thanks for the tip!!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

If you're planning to follow the EuroVelo route, please be prepared to do your own navigation. The routes are in principle signposted as national cycle tourism routes (brown and white signs with bicycles) but the signage isn't consistent or actively maintained in most municipalities. Also, some of the routes make some pretty weird road choices, but the ones you have picked are certainly among the sane ones. Some of the strange loops around Helsinki make sense from a sightseeing point of view (like the southern harbour and the Otaniemi Alvar Aalto campus) but feel free to optimize away some of the others. (And please use Koukkuniementie rather than the official route, unless you want to climb a flight of stairs...)

I can imagine what you mean. I followed a EuroVelo route in France that kind of disappeared at times. Clearly in places it is more a plan for the future - some roads didn't exist at all - not just weren't signposted. I have the route stored as gpx on my phone, and will follow that. I know that signs can be unreliable or non-existant. Still, from what I have seen, the EuroVelo route is more advanced in Finland than in most other countries.

Climbing flights of stairs is not much fun with a heavily laden bike! :-)

Thanks for the tips. Looking forward to cycling through your country!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all.
Two weeks to go now before I leave Eindhoven on my bike, heading to the North Cape through Finland. I have been training a lot in the last months - in Holland, Belgium, France and the UK. Here is a little video of my trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttseFfEDtg

Looking forward to seeing Finland, and catching up with some of you!! :-)

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

With only a few days to go before I leave from Holland towards the North Cape in Norway, I have put together all the stuff that I want to take. It is all rather daunting.

Here is a list of what I will be taking: http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/04/my-equipment-list-for-eindhoven-nordkapp-2013/
Have I forgotten anything?

[hannupulkkinen]

Hi all.
Two weeks to go now before I leave Eindhoven on my bike, heading to the North Cape through Finland. I have been training a lot in the last months - in Holland, Belgium, France and the UK. Here is a little video of my trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttseFfEDtg

Looking forward to seeing Finland, and catching up with some of you!! :-)

Matthew
Your training roads are quite flat. ;) You should have small gears for Norwegian hills. Have a nice ride!

[hannupulkkinen]

Have I forgotten anything?
Balaclava?

[arctic-cycler]

Your training roads are quite flat. ;) You should have small gears for Norwegian hills. Have a nice ride!

Yes. It was mostly flat. In France there were a couple of hills. Still, I will get my training in Norway 'by doing'. :-)
Thanks for the best wishes!! :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Balaclava?

My plan was to use the hoods on my jackets. I never feel too cold on my head, and I don't think it should get below 5C - should it?? :-)
Its pretty warm up there now.. I hope it stays that way! ;-)

[hannupulkkinen]

My plan was to use the hoods on my jackets. I never feel too cold on my head, and I don't think it should get below 5C - should it?? :-)
Its pretty warm up there now.. I hope it stays that way! ;-)
A mosquito hood for camping?

[arctic-cycler]

A mosquito hood for camping?
No, no. A hood for the cold. I have a mosquito net to put over my cap if they get too annoying. And my tent is mosquito-proof.. :-)

[arctic-cycler]

21 days and 2653km after leaving Eindhoven in the Netherlands I have arrived in beautiful Tallinn in Estonia - by bike. Proud and satisfied, I admired the beautiful city in the evening light. After a cycle free weekend in Tallinn and Helsinki, I'll be continuing my trip in Finland. Looking forward to it! http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/29/day-21-107km-kergu-tallinn/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 24 and my first day in Finland. A lovely cycle along the southern Finnish coast, passing sparkling bays and sandy beaches on my way to Tammisaari. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/01/day-24-119km-helsinki-tammisaari/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 25 saw me experience the Finnish 'bumps'. Lots of fields, forests and lakes on my way to Turku. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/03/day-25-141km-tammisaari-turku/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 26. A lovely boat trip across the Turku archipelago and the hottest sauna of my life. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/03/day-26-116km-turku-pyharanta/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 27 on my cycle trip from Holland to the North Cape. Sun, strawberries, sand dunes and sunset. I'm at beautiful Yyteri beach. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/04/day-27-122km-pyharanta-yyteri/

[hannupulkkinen]

Keep going to tell here how your trip goes! And good wether to you!

[arctic-cycler]

Keep going to tell here how your trip goes! And good werher to you!

Hey. Thanks for the best wishes! I will definitely continue to write my blog. :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Day 28 and I am in Kristinestad / Kristiinankaupunki. Many of you warned me of the coastal route, as the 8 is known as the most boring road in Finland. Well, the Eurovelo route I am following does not go on the 8, and it is a beautiful route! :-)
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/05/day-28-120km-yyteri-kristiinankaupunki/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 29 on my cycle trip from Holland and I am in Vaasa in Finland. The fight against the wind was with it. I discovered beautiful forest roads and a meteor crater. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/06/day-29-124km-kristiinankaupunki-vasa/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 30 and my first day in Sweden. A nice talk on the boat trip. Another lovely forest road. And a youth hostel that kind of didn't exist. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/07/day-30-120km-vasa-anaset/

[arctic-cycler]

It was harder to enjoy day 31 with a headwind and lots of roadworks. Still, some nice parts and an interesting mega camping ground. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/08/day-31-140km-anaset-byske/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 32 was grey but with a tailwind. I was a happy chappy. Super friendly people in Luleå. This is where I decided to stay the night. :-)http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/09/day-32-137km-byske-lulea-3/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 33. Silence in the forest. Silence at the lake. Just the wind. Beautiful. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/10/day-33-107km-lulea-kalix/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 34. I passed the 4000km mark and crossed the Arctic Circle. All that cycling on magic forest roads and passing the finest lakes. Perfect weather. Perfect day. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/11/day-34-171km-kalix-pello/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 35. Long and straight through the eternal forests. Today I'm switching to night cycling - under the midnight sun. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/12/day-35-99km-pello-anttis/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 36. Night cycling in the Arctic. Beautiful, but, my goodness, these mosquitos are bad. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/13/day-36-189km-anttis-karesuando/

[Smo]

Cool .. really cool keep the spirit up

[Lauttis]

Day 36. Night cycling in the Arctic. Beautiful, but, my goodness, these mosquitos are bad. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/13/day-36-189km-anttis-karesuando/

Mosquitos, they are the best motivation for cycling, aren't they. Nice pics in your blog.

[arctic-cycler]

Cool .. really cool keep the spirit up

Hey thanks! My spirit is really up. It's cool here! :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Mosquitos, they are the best motivation for cycling, aren't they. Nice pics in your blog.

Mosquitos kept me going. Still, I won't miss them.. :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Day 37. Cloud watching over the spectacular Finnish arctic landscape. The North Cape campervan pilgrim traffic is increasing. Time for night cycling. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/14/day-37-90km-karesuando-leppajarvi/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 38. Amazing night cycling alone in the beautiful expanse of the Finnmarksvidda. Then dropping down and down a spectacular canyon into Alta. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/15/day-38-205km-leppajarvi-alta/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 39 was meant to be a rest day. None of that. Instead a spectacular road through the tundra. One of my favourite roads to date. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/16/day-39-100km-alta-canyon/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 40 was bleek and cold as I climbed up and over the Alta plateau. Tomorrow night cycling.
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/17/day-40-103km-alta-oldenfjord/

[arctic-cycler]

I've made it to the North Cape. 5057km and 41 days from Eindhoven, the Netherlands. I was interviewed on norwegian tv. Watch it live at 21:30 tonight. www.nrk.no. NRK1-direkthttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/18/geta4uve.jpg

[arctic-cycler]

Day 41. Night cycling in the orange light. 5000km passed in the North Cape tunnel. Interview with norwegian tv at the North Cape.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/18/day-41-149km-olderfjord-nordkapp/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 42. A power drive in a Maserati, taking 4 minutes to do what I took an hour to do with the bike. Then a walk through the Arctic tundra to Knivsjelodden - the most northern point of Europe.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/19/day-42-22km-nordkapp-honningsvag/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 44. Cycling in the rain. Yuck. Sun is forecast for midnight. Yet another midnight start. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/21/day-44-66km-olderfjord-lakselv/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 45. Coffee and cake with a friendly lady. Lunch with a breathtaking view over a tundra plateau. Organising a boat in the Veidnes community house. Crabbing in the fjord and camping in the 3rd most northern dairy in the world.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/22/day-45-133km-lakselv-bekkarfjord/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 46. Prefect day. Sun. Tundra. Tailwind. Perfect. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/23/day-46-70km-bekkarfjord-mehamn/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 47. A walk from Kinnerodden (the northern most point of mainland Europe) to Mehamn. Sun. Rocks. Swims in tundra lakes. Great company. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/24/day-47-24km-hike-kinnerodden/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 48. An overdose of tundra. All I want are 4 walls and a warm bed. It's all in the mind.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/25/day-48-95km-berlevag-batsfjord/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 49. Cycle, boat and cycle - to the end of the earth. And it is beautiful here! http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/27/day-49-54km-batsfjord-syltevikmyra/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 50. Beautiful hike in the sun. My own private valley. My own private fjord. Sun in my heart. The smell of cloudberries on my fingers. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/27/day-50-12km-hike-50km-cycle-syltevikmyra-vardo/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 51. I could have been cycling in Australia. Desolate plains - the mid north in South Australia. Then with trees - somewhere in New South Wales.
What was a sunny and warm day became exciting as the black clouds drew in.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/28/day-51-113km-vardo-vestre-jakobselv/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 52. A cloudy, slow day, ending at the most northern point in the EU. Hello Finland! http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/29/day-52-78km-vestre-jakobselv-nuorgam/

[Lauttis]

Welcome back to Finland!

[arctic-cycler]

Welcome back to Finland!

Thanks! I might be popping in to Finland again tomorrow. Just can't get enough of it. ;-)
Where are you from?

[arctic-cycler]

Day 53. Today was wet, and warm. Grey and uninspiring until the weather really got erratic. On the back road to Bugøynes, I had a downpour and a beautiful rainbow. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/30/day-53-96km-nuorgam-bugoynes/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 54. Vast open spaces. Sun. Heat. Flying salmon. Cheap groceries. Military zone.* A lovely day's cycling.http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/31/day-54-120km-bugoynes-kirkenes/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 55. Up and down under the warm sun through wooded steep terrain to a beach at the edge of Europe. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/08/01/day-55-69km-kirkenes-grense-jakobselv/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 56. My bike trip started with heat, and now, in the Arctic, it is ending with heat. Cycling and swimming in the bright sun, exploring the Russian border. Cycling along Pasvikdaken. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/08/02/day-56-130km-grense-jakobselv-holmfoss/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 57. Today was my last day cycling. A small stint in the sun to Kirkenes - where they are partying in the warm sun. It's the city festival - to say goodbye to a tired and contented cycler. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/08/03/day-57-36km-holmfoss-kirkenes/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 58. I cried. Cycling leaving Kirkenes. It's over. And the next adventure is in the planning.
Greeted at the airport by my wonderful friends. Welcome home to real summer. It's hot here. Now night has fallen, and it's dark! http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/08/04/day-58-eindhoven/

[JackOja]

Thank you for your nice blog. It has been a pleasure to follow your trip in it. Cheers!

[arctic-cycler]

Thank you for your nice blog. It has been a pleasure to follow your trip in it. Cheers!

Thanks, Jack. I'm glad people enjoyed it and were able to share some of what I saw and experienced. :-)

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

After cycling 6315km, I have had my first week of ‘normal life’. I miss the road, and its good to be back. Both at the same time.


Thinking about my trip, I am collecting and collating material from the trip. You will see some of the results of this in the coming weeks.


Today I have my final route for my cycle trip from 2013.


http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/08/10/final-route-cycling-2013/

[mutanaama]

Congrats for great trip.

[arctic-cycler]

Congrats for great trip.

Hey. Thanks, Mutanaama!:-)

[arctic-cycler]

Now that my cycle trip from Holland to the North Cape has finished, I am putting together some nice material to remind me of the trip. Here is the first of 3 videos I am preparing of the trip - this one from Holland to Tallinn. My passage though Finland will be on the next video. Stay tuned for that! :-)






https://vimeo.com/73643927

[JackOja]

^nice one!

Who's that Finnish cyclist with Bob Yak in Estonia, someone from this forum?

[arctic-cycler]

^nice one!

Who's that Finnish cyclist with Bob Yak in Estonia, someone from this forum?

That was Thomas - a Finn from Turku. I met him in Estonia at the end of his Estonian cycling holiday, and we cycled together for 1,5 days. I also stayed with him in Turku. He gave me a lot of helpful tips, and helped me plan my exact itinerary in Finland.
Here is his blog: http://gorebikeheart.blogspot.nl/
He is also very active on twitter: @dvlrnr
I think he mentioned once that he has an account here, but is not very active..

Here is my blog on the days that we cycled together:
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/28/day-20-139km-kuivizi-kergu-2/
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/29/day-21-107km-kergu-tallinn/
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/03/day-25-141km-tammisaari-turku/

Cool guy!

[dvlrnr]

Yup, that's me :)

[arctic-cycler]

Yup, that's me :)

:-)

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all. The second video of my cycle trip from Eindhoven in Holland to the North Cape is now ready. This is the segment where I pass through Finland, following the south and west coast. I'm interested in hearing what you think! :-)

http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/09/18/new-video-2013-cycling-adventure-part-2-helsinki-nordkapp/

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all. The third and final video from my summer cycle trip is ready. In this segment of the trip, I explore the far north peninsulas of Norway's coast. It it a spectacular coastline, and I have fabulous weather. I hope you like the video!
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/09/23/new-video-2013-cycling-adventure-part-3-nordkapp-kirkenes/ (http://Hi all. The third and final video from my summer cycle trip is ready. In this segment of the trip, I explore the far north peninsulas of Norway's coast. It it a spectacular coastline, and I have fabulous weather. I hope you like the video! http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/09/23/new-video-2013-cycling-adventure-part-3-nordkapp-kirkenes/ Matthew)


Matthew

[JackOja]

...I hope you like the video!


I did! As well as part two, too. :)

[arctic-cycler]

I did! As well as part two, too. :)
Yes. Part 2 with beautiful Finland! ;-)

[arctic-cycler]

I've made a summary of my 6315km bike trip from Eindhoven to Nordkapp and Kirkenes through Finland.. Take a look..
http://arctic-cycler.com/biking/eindhoven-nordkapp-kirkenes-2013/

Here is the summary of the finnish part:
http://arctic-cycler.com/biking/eindhoven-nordkapp-kirkenes-2013/cycle-trip-2013-finland/

[arctic-cycler]

Hey, my cycling friends in the Finnish cycling forum.
Thanks for all your advice last year with my cycle trip to the North Cape (via Finland) http://arctic-cycler.com/biking/eindhoven-nordkapp-kirkenes-2013/. It was also great to meet some of you.


I am really excited (and also quite scared) on what I am about to do. I will be giving up my job of 16 years, and cycling from Holland, where I now live, to my birthplace in Australia http://arctic-cycler.com/2014/01/07/life-is-not-a-dressed-rehearsal-cycling-from-holland-to-australia/.
This time I won't be cycling through Finland, but I will look back on my time in Finland. That bike trip gave me the inspiration to embark on this more adventurous trip.. :-)

[J.F]

Wow! Good luck with your "trip", that's a cool thing to do. Remember, you only live once! :)

[arctic-cycler]

Wow! Good luck with your "trip", that's a cool thing to do. Remember, you only live once! :)
Thanks, J.F. Indeed, we only live once. Just trying to make the most of it.. :-)

[Halloo halloo]

Quite a trip ahead. Bon voyage.

[arctic-cycler]

Quite a trip ahead. Bon voyage.
Thanks, Halloo!! :-)

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all,
After a really great trip through Finland last year on the way from Holland to the North Cape (http://arctic-cycler.com/biking/eindhoven-nordkapp-kirkenes-2013/), I am cycling this year from Holland to Australia (http://arctic-cycler.com/world-cycle-2014/).

I'll be meeting people. I will observe, and I will write. What are the sustainability issues people face across my path, and how do they deal with them? Who are the people? What are their stories? I will also support Green Pedals (http://www.facebook.com/greenpedalsforschools) to promote this dialogue, and use to realise sustainable infrastructure in selected schools on my route.

Take a look at my blog entry on Green Pedals: http://arctic-cycler.com/2014/08/18/green-pedals/

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all,
After a really great trip through Finalnd last year on the way from Holland to the North Cape (http://arctic-cycler.com/biking/eindhoven-nordkapp-kirkenes-2013/), I am cycling this year from Holland to Australia (http://arctic-cycler.com/world-cycle-2014/).

I'll be meeting people. I will observe, and I will write. What are the sustainability issues people face across my path, and how do they deal with them? Who are the people? What are their stories? I will also support Green Pedals (http://www.facebook.com/greenpedalsforschools) to promote this dialogue, and use to realise sustainable infrastructure in selected schools on my route.

Take a look at my blog entry on Green Pedals: http://arctic-cycler.com/2014/08/18/green-pedals/