Week 1 - NSCR - Bergen to Göteborg

We’re on the road again. This time for our last part of the NSCR, completing the entire 6.600 km, which we started several years ago. When we explored how to get to Bergen, it turned out that the easiest and by far cheapest way was taking a flight. We flew with KLM and total cost for the 2 of us + bicycles was around 500 euro. We’re not sure yet how and when we will be returning home from Göteborg as there are several options by ferry and train.

Day 1: to the Start

Arriving at Bergen airport, we already received a message from KLM that 1 of the bikes missed the flight and would arrive with the next flight. Not an issue as the missing bike would be delivered same day to the hotel.

Getting a taxi from the airport for the 2 of us, our luggage and 1 bikebox was not possible as you can only order taxis on a machine and an option for larger luggage items is not available. A friendly busdriver helped us out and drpped us with all our stuff close by our hotel. Thanks mr busdriver.

Day 2: day in Bergen

Looking at the weather forecast for the next coming days, it’s not a good idea to start camping for the next 10 days. When we planned the trip, average night temperatures for this time of the year were above 4 degrees, OK for the sleeping mattresses and down sleeping bags we are carrying. Forecasts give us still freezing temperatures so we start looking for some inside sleeping places along the way and we do not find a lot of affordable options. Visiting the tourist info center in the morning, we find out that for this trip, we will have to plan more carefully than what we are used to.

For tomorrow, we find a campsite with a cabin in Fitjar and decide to secure this spot.

In the afternoon, we’re walking up the hill to have a nice view over Bergen. 1 hour up, 1 hour down.

Day 3: Bergen to Fitjar - 52km

The sun is out but it’s also still very cold, forecast gives a maximum temperature during the day of 8 degrees celcius. As long as it does not rain, no problem.

We’re most of the time on bicycle tracks and enjoy the ride. Yesterday (sunday), all shops were closed and we stop just outside the city at an outdoor shop to buy some cooking gaz. It does not look like we will need it soon but better safe than sorry.

Day 4: Fitjar to Haugesund - 95km

Last night, we looked at the next possibilities for lodging and it just seems that we will have to go as far as Haugesund for the first availabilities. Hotel staff are on strike all over Norway and that decreases availability of rooms (and increases the price we suppose). It’s 95 kms to Haugesund and we also need to take a ferry. We decide to book a room as soon as we are on the ferry.

When we are checking Booking.com later in the afternoon, we find out that most of the hotels are not available anymore, and we just have a few apartments available. The cheapest one is still €160 for one night, no choice, lesson learned.

Day 5: Haugesund to Skjoldastraumen - 30km

We are trying to understand the Norwegian culture. We’re not sure yet whether they are not friendly, just shy or they only want to respect each others privacy. When we are cycling in the rest of Europe, someone always comes to us to chat. Here, it’s different, no one seems to notice us.

Yesterday evening, we received a code to enter our apartment. The owner must have seen that we were by bicycle and instead of just opening his door and tell us that we could store the bicycles in the apartment, he did the effort to log into Booking.com and send us an email. Strange.

Today’s ride is a very short one as we could not find the time schedules of the ferries to the different islands. We’ll decide tomorrow.

Day 6: Skjoldastraumen to Nedstrand - 27km -by fast E-ferry to Stavanger.

Could not find suitable ferry connections from Nedstrand to Olmø and further on to Hjelmestrand. They only seem to go early in the morning and without a place to sleep in Nedstrand, we decide to take the Kolumbus E-ferry diectly to Stavanger which goes in the afternoon. As we’re early ar the ferry landing, there’s time enough for lunch.

Day 7: A day in Stavanger

Nice city to spend a day, many restaurants and local shops. Of course, shopping can only be done for very small items as our panniers are full. I (Dirk) still need a sleeveless bodywarmer and Linda finds herself a tiny scarf from a Norwegian designer. Everyone happy.