Hi ,
I am planning to go cycling next July and August from Oslo up north then cross the borders to Finland and cycle to Helsinki where my trip will probably end. Please, if you have any suggestions, tips, recommendations ,I will be happy to get them.
Thank you so much dear
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Welcome to Finland!
We average 16 people / km^2 which is 1/10th of a typical European country. Most of us live in the southern part of Finland, meaning that Northern Finland (and Northern Norway) is one of the most sparsely populated regions of all of Europe. Consider this when planning your route and resupply. You should double-check if the services that you're planning to use are open and available. Some of those are open only during ski-season. The longest segments without services should be around 100-150km.
Overall the roads are in good condition and google maps is up to date.
Mosquito repellent doesn't stop this magnitude of mosquitoes up north so covering clothing and a mosquito head net is the way to go. Don't worry, you'll get used to that �. Mosquitoes are not spreading any diseases here but they are just plain annoying. Also, the wind ( even the headwind ) is your friend when trying to avoid mosquitoes.
During the summertime, the sun won't set in the north side of the polar circle. This might mess up your circadian rhythm so a sleeping mask might come in handy.
Eurovelo routes 10, 11, and 13 are all on your route. Since the prevailing wind on the west coast of Finland comes from the South, I'd rather pick a mix of EV11 & EV13 on the way back.
Take note also of https://www.bikeland.fi/en for touring tips in Finland.
I don't have too much knowledge of cycling in Norway, but I hope that someone else can advise you on that!
Thank you very much Pekka Lammi for the helpful information which I will take into consideration while cycling there. You are always welcome as well in Morocco, best wishes
Hi,
If you choose any of the long distance cycle routes in Norway https://www.biroto.eu/en/find-cycle-routes-and-tours-on-map you can't really go wrong. Norway is a beautiful country and generally cycle friendly. Most people tend to head for the fjords, so either to Stavanger or Bergen from Oslo, and then travel up the coastal route, but this is a longer route than going from Oslo to Trondheim (all routes lead to Trondheim) along the "Pilgrim's| route EV3". The EV3 is probably also the least hilly of the routes. Don't understimate how much climbing you will do in Norway, or the distances involved. The further north you get, the distances between shops can get quite far, so keep an eye on that. Water is generally not a problem, there are many mountain streams and rivers and the water is fresh and clean.
If you want to plan your own route off one of the long distance cycle paths most roads are fairly quiet up here, but there are a lot of tunnels which are restricted for cyclists - don't try to cycle through them! They can be several kilometres long and it is simply too dangerous. There is a website which shows all the tunnels in Norway, and restrictions and alternative routes: https://www.cycletourer.co.uk/maps/tunnelmap.shtml
There are not too many WS hosts in Norway, but there are a lot of campsites and wild camping is no problem.
Enjoy your ride!
see here www.eurovelo.com
Hello Mark, I really do appreciate your helpful tips and suggestions. Thank you so much
Bring mosquito repellent and buy mosquito hat when here . Also Summer days can be lovely but maybe not. Have a good sleeping bag not just a lightweight Summer one. You can free camp almost anywhere outside of cities, you can google Everyman's Right. Finland is very safe place. Look for kota and laavu in Finland which a free shelters were you can stay, usually they are by lake and have free firewood and pit toilet. There must be an app to show you were. Welcome to Pieksämäki on your way South from North Cape to Helsinki, we are about 80km South of big city Kuopio. Morocco is very special place for us, our daughters life began there. I like to say she is half Finnish, half English and a little bit Moroccan / African. Enjoy your ride. Best wishes, Jim, terhi and Isabel