This is the story about the greatest bikepacking adventure of my life. Set in the land of the midnight Sun. Starting in the scenic and hospitable Lofoten Islands and ending where the road ends. At the northernmost point of Europe. The North Cape. An 1100 kilometer long ride going along jaw- dropping fjords, sandy white beaches, snow covered peaks, crystal clear water and some of the most spectacular roads you’ve ever seen. All these things combined makes this an adventure of a lifetime.
My Gear List For My Bikepacking Trip To The North Cape
Panniers:
Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Handlebar Bag
2 x Ortlieb Back-Roller Plus 20L https://amzn.to/40eKsf2
2 x Ortlieb Front-Roller Plus 12,5L
Clothes:
Adidas Adilette Flip Flops – https://amzn.to/40eKFyQ
Haglöfs Scree Rain Pant
Haglöfs Esker Rain Jacket
Craft Velo Convert Jacket
Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Travel Organizer Cubes Set – https://amzn.to/3Rfd3wF
Forclaz Merino Wool T-Shirt
Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt – https://amzn.to/3j2aq1w
Padded MTB Shorts
Helly-Hansen Men’s LIFA Merino Crew – https://amzn.to/2YJ5bfQ
Helly-Hansen Men’s Merino Pant – https://amzn.to/3RhYZm9
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants – https://amzn.to/3jalGfE
2 Pair of Socks https://amzn.to/40dU4H6
Merino Underwear – https://amzn.to/3XRU9hZ
Merino Wool Buff – https://amzn.to/409sYkd
Merino Wool Beanie
Giro Fixture Mips Helmet – https://amzn.to/3XKHsoZ
Science In Sport Water Bottle – https://amzn.to/3WLLsV9
Northwave Cycling Shoes
Sunglasses
Cooking Gear:
Primus Ets Express Stove + Cookset
2 Primus Gas Canisters (230g)
Sea To Summit X Mug – https://amzn.to/3Hg7GJ1
Light My Fire Spork – https://amzn.to/3Dncn2J
Thermacell Backpacker
Tools:
Lezyne HV Bicycle Hand Pump – https://amzn.to/3lHxnJc
Park Tool VP-1Vulcanizing Patch Kit – https://amzn.to/409NhOC
Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool – https://amzn.to/3j0A86D
Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube – https://amzn.to/3iWqYIf
CTC Plastic Bag + packaging
Inner Tube – https://amzn.to/3Dq1oFP
Bike Lock – https://amzn.to/3HHcWqs
Toiletries:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shaving Gel
Mach 3 Razor – https://amzn.to/3j2bYsm
Contact Lens Case
Travel Schampoo bottle
Camping Equipment:
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Tent – https://amzn.to/3aA1MTp
Sea To Summit Collapsible Backpack – https://amzn.to/3RvanLP
Aegismax Nano 2 Ultralight Sleeping Bag – https://amzn.to/3RcZcqR
Sea To Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner – https://amzn.to/409RLVs
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad – https://amzn.to/3Y98qGC
Nabaji Microfibre Towel L – https://amzn.to/3Y3KDbh
Electronics
Samsung S20 – https://amzn.to/3Y544jR
Dji Mavic Pro Drone – https://amzn.to/3FKsVBk
GoPro Hero7 Black – https://amzn.to/3JoetTC
Canon G7X Mark II – https://amzn.to/3XO7lnY
Zoom H1N Recorder – https://amzn.to/409ewZA
Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier – https://amzn.to/3RcZcqR
2 Anker PowerCore 20000 mAh – https://amzn.to/3JpPxvg
Bag Of Cables and Extra Batteries
DISCLAIMER: This description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Foreign this is the story about the greatest bike packing adventure of my life set in the land of the Midnight Sun in the scenic and hospitable Lofoten Islands [Music] and ending where the road ends at the northernmost point of Europe the North Cape
[Music] an 1100 kilometer long ride going along jaw-dropping fjords sandy white beaches snow-covered peaks crystal clear water and some of the most spectacular roads you’ve ever seen [Music] all these things combined makes this an adventure of a lifetime [Music] hi there my name is Michael and I’m
Also known as Bike Touring Mike so I’ve been backpacking for the last 10 years or so and for the last three years I’ve been planning on going on this trip but the state of the world caused me to change my plans for the previous two summers but they say that third
Time’s a charm so I was actually able to go on my dream bike packing trip this summer to the North Cape I live in the very northernmost part of Sweden but rather than starting my journey here in my familiar surroundings I decided to start in the more picturesque Lofoten
Islands and make my way up to the North Cape the distance from the Lofoten Islands up to the North Cape is about 1100 kilometers and I had given myself 12 days to reach the North Cape but let’s start from the beginning and I’ll explain more about the irony as the ride
Continues in order to get there I decided to take the Arctic train from my hometown in Swedish Lapland all the way to the City of Narvik in Arctic Norway one of the northernmost train lines in the world with towering mountains dramatic waterfalls
And fantastic views of the fjord this journey goes through a beautiful and wild Arctic landscape and it was the perfect start to my dream backpacking trip after an eight hour long train ride I changed to a seven hour bus ride taking me the last stretch out to the southern tip of
The lafollin islands the bus ride gave me a glimpse of all the beauty that lied ahead of me I finally reached the small town of Å right around midnight assembled my bike and rode for a few minutes until I found a decent wild camping spot for the night
[Music] the next morning I quickly made my way to the small fishing town of Reine where I got the first great photo opportunity if you come across photos from the foden they’re likely taken right here in the Reine with the traditional red fisherman huts and with
The impressive backdrop of the Granite Peaks shooting up on the Fjord this place has been named one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s easy to understand why nowadays most of the red Huts called Rorbu have been turned into accommodation for tourists
But during winter low foreign is still the center of the cod fishing industry here in Norway since Lofoten has some of the richest fishing waters in the world foreign you see and definitely smell these dried cod fish that hangs on these wooden structures
They’re called stockfish and the name comes from the sticks that they are hung from so these fish are caught in February and left to hang here for a couple of months so that they’re cured and then they ship all these fish down to Italy where it’s served as an Italian specialty called bacalao
[Music] foreign [Music] Lofoten has this unreal beaches with white sand and turquoise crystal clear water you almost feel like you’re in the Caribbean sometimes that is unless you actually go down to the water and feel how extremely cold the water really is
[Music] wild camping can be a bit tricky in Lofoten since tourism has basically exploded during the last couple of years but if you just take off the main road for a while and head for a less traveled road you’re sure to find an abundance of amazing wild camping
Options is it just me or can you see all the flies Day 2 started out with the same great weather I had on the first day and my first goal of the day was to make it to the small picturesque fishing town of Henningsvaer well known for its fishing industry architecture and museums
[Music] foreign [Music] however none of these things were the reason that drew me to this place instead of what drew me here was the town’s football field [Music] in 2021 the headings were football field was named the most beautiful football field in the world by none other than FIFA
Here the local players are able to practice 24 7 under the Midnight Sun during the summer months foreign [Music] i found myself cycling late into the evening trying to make it to the very top of the lofoten islands my very intense two days of cycling around these islands was about to end but
The island still had one epic surprise in store for me the road that I’m cycling on right now is called midnattssolveien or the Midnight Sun Road a pretty fitting name to a fantastic Road here along the Arctic Ocean I just have three words to say this is magical just a couple of kilometers later I made it to my Camp spot for the evening a secret bike shelter that somehow wasn’t much of a secret anymore however I made it just in time to
Pitch my tent sit down in a chair and enjoy a glass of red wine as I enjoyed the midnight sun over the sea a great ending to a fantastic day my days in the Lofoten Islands were coming to an end but I wasn’t in despair since I knew my adventure had just started
After about an hour’s ride in the morning I caught the ferry over to the Vesterålen Islands [Music] and after a 30-minute ferry ride I entered a new chapter of this adventure the Vesterålen Islands after cycling for an hour or two I stopped and enjoyed a nice lunch overlooking the impressive
Architecture of the hurtigruten museum in Stokmarknes and lo and behold just as I sat there one of the hurtingruten ships actually entered the harbor the wind picked up in the afternoon but thankfully I was enjoying a nice tailwind so I wasn’t really complaining however I must
Admit that it was a bit scary going over these impressive bridges in the mighty wind on day four the clouds were back again plus the wind seemed to have changed and I was now facing a nasty headwind instead of a tailwind
The west coast of andaya is home to one of Norway’s scenic routes a number of carefully selected beautiful roads signed to showcase Norway’s natural wonders amplified by art design and architecture this specific road displays a wide mix of terrain
Everything from a jagged coastline to white sandy beaches and even though it was a bit overcast on this specific day it was still an incredibly beautiful landscape to ride through just imagine what this would look like on a sunny day Foreign [Music] there later in the afternoon I hopped aboard a ferry that would take me to the island of Senja and after about two hours on the ferry the weather had totally changed from the cold and misty weather back on Andöya to now a sunny and lovely evening in Senja
In Senja and some other places around Norway they have this really smart system for cyclists going through tunnels you push a big red button as you enter the tunnel and then lights outside and inside of the tunnel blink in order to alert people driving cars that there’s one
Or a couple of cyclists inside of the tunnel [Music] foreign [Music] foreign Cycle for about an hour more that evening until I found yet another great wild camping spot overlooking the nearby fjord foreign [Music] foreign There’s a fair share of ferry hopping included in this bike packing trip to the North Cape but as long as you’re prepared and have studied the ferry times ahead of time the ferry rides themselves are actually a welcome break from all that time in the saddle
It allows you to charge your batteries as well as sit down and have a bit to eat and the best thing all the ferries here in Norway are completely free foreign Foreign [Music] [Music] foreign [Music] foreign Tromsö is the largest city you’ll pass through on this trip and it’s even regarded as the northernmost city in the world the series very widespread and very hilly in the city
Center so it took me quite some time to get through it I did however take advantage of what the city had to offer two things you can experience without having to get off or leave your bike for a long period of time or the Arctic Cathedral and the Arctic Botanical Garden
I found the Botanical Garden in particular very interesting foreign [Music] flowers and plants that only grow in Arctic regions around the world which makes it rather unique perfect for lunch stop either if you brought your own food or if you choose to order something from their cafe foreign
To just as much time as entering the city although leaving the city to the east turned out to offer magnificent views of the nearby fjord Unfortunately I wasn’t able to stop as often as I wanted since I knew that there were two fairies coming up that I really needed to catch and I started to feel a bit stressed that I had spent too much time in terms to be able to catch them in the evening
But I made it just in time to catch both of them [Music] thank you after leaving Tromsö say you could definitely feel a shift in the number of cyclists along the road gone were most of the lightweight backpacking crowd that
Were so common in the Lofoten islands and left were only the hardcore ones with what seemed like a lot of gear strapped to their bikes what united them all was that they had set their minds to climb the mountain passes and conquer the mighty winds the barren Norwegian
Landscape that lay ahead of them had to offer foreign already been a very long day in the saddle but somehow I was still feeling fresh and the wonderful backdrop of the Lyngen Alps short helped me to try to put in a couple of extra miles late in the evening foreign [Music]
Extremely lucky with the weather so I guess I had it coming on the seventh day I was supposed to make it over the Kvaenangen pass which in good weather offers magnificent views of the Fjord below unfortunately this was not going to be one of those days instead I had
To seek shelter a number of times in bus stops and roadside toilets to be able to avoid the worst of the rain it was one of those days where you just have to dig deep and get the job done I think we’re finally at the top now up in the clouds here
And here we have the first reindeer of this trip [Applause] I started the next day with a little bit of bike service after yesterday’s constant raining the weather looked really promising with clear blue skies in the morning
Little did I know that this would soon change and turn into one of the most challenging days both due to the weather and the terrain that laid ahead as I was approaching the town of Alta the rain was upon me again and it hit me hard foreign [Music]
For almost the rest of the trip as I left the town recovering from the rain a fantastic rainbow symbolized that I was entering the wildest and most remote part of my journey I was entering Sennalandet Highlands Sennalandet is Norway’s largest highland area and it’s classified as Arctic tundra
Characterized by cascading rivers snow-covered hills and high bushes and I say bushes since trees can’t really grow around here This region is very exposed to the elements and the road is regularly close during winter due to strong winds and heavy snowfall [Music] Thank you the next day I had finally completed my journey over Sennalandet Highlands and made my way down to the Porsangerfjorden the fjord that would accompany me for the rest of the trip all the way to the North Cape when you reach the small town of all the Fjord it feels like
You’ve reached another world or been thrust back to the foreign again gone is the landish tundra-like Wilderness with lichens bushes and birches and it’s replaced with picturesque small fishing villages and further on rough crags escorting the coastal road foreign
The two major roads leading up to the North Cape converges the road that you’re already traveling on and the road coming from Finland and Sweden even though it initially felt like I had arrived at a more inhabited part of Norway it was
Easy to forget that I was still basically in no man’s land with over 100 kilometers to the next town and virtually no shaded flat space to put up my tent I knew I’d be in some serious trouble if a thunderstorm were to catch up with me again and just as I had that
Thought I heard the first sound of thunder coming from behind I continued to fight the storm for another hour until I finally found a somewhat flat space that was a bit shaded from the window quickly pitched my tent in the pouring rain and jumped inside of the tent
The final day had arrived and even though I only had about 60 more kilometers to cover I knew I was in for quite a challenge the first order of business was to conquer the infamous dreaded seven kilometer long Nordkapptunnel it’s finally come to this the dreaded Infamous
Nordkapptunnel I’m just about to head in now but is it really as bad as people make it out to be well let’s put it like this going through the tunnel is basically like climbing an inverted mountain instead of climbing to the top you’ll descend to the bottom 212 meters
Below sea level without getting rewarded with a nice view at the top going down there meant going down at like 40 kilometers an hour freezing your hands off and now I’m at the bottom so in about 300 meters I think I see the road is starting
To go upwards again and once you enter the tunnel and start going down that steep slope at about nine percent grade the only way of getting out of there is to use your own two legs just after leaving the town of Honingsvåg there’s a sign saying that the North Cape
Is only 20 kilometers away don’t get fooled that you’ve only got about two hours of cycling left instead look at this as the final boss in a Super Mario Brothers video game [Applause] it’s gonna throw everything against you to keep you from reaching your goal insane
Wins heavy downpour construction work and crazy steep sense this is hard [Music] and did I mention the Goombas of the road the RVs [Applause] The 20 kilometers sign is just the way of deceiving you that you’ve got this but you do got this this is what you’ve been striving for during the past two weeks [Music] your legs have gotten so strong during this trip no matter what this final boss is
Gonna throw at you you’re gonna stand there at the globe with your hands raised and on the way there you’re gonna get rewarded with Incredible views so what’s wrong with you dig deep and start pedaling you’re almost there We’re finally here over the past several years of bike packing I realized that some of the greatest days of experience on my bike aren’t the warm and sunny days when you’re stopping for an ice cream break in the shade instead what I remember most are the challenging days with pouring
Rain endless headwinds and going through seven kilometer long tunnels under the sea days where you just have to dig deep and push yourself up that last hill I knew when planning this trip to the North Cape that I was setting myself up for a handful of those type 2 fun
Days an Arctic Norway sure lived up to the hype [Music] so I finally reached the north cap after a couple of really tough days here at the end with both a lot of hills and especially a lot of rain and wind getting up there you
Really feel a sense of accomplishment after reaching the top of the world so this video basically showcases the highlights from my trip up to the North Cape and I have a lot of more footage from the street in fact over 20 hours of footage that I’m gonna be
Releasing over the next 10 weeks or so so make sure that you’re subscribed to be able to follow along on this fantastic journey in the meantime you can watch another one of my bike packing trips in Northern Norway this time from the island of Senja a bike
Packing trip that I did about three years ago by clicking the link up in the corner here otherwise until next time have a good one
48 Comments
Wow!!!! Easily one of the most beautiful bikepacking videos I have ever seen. Thank you sooooo much! Can't wait to watch all your other videos. 🙂
Hi Mike! Thank you for a fantastic video! I am new to your channel but I really appreciate the content I've seen so far 🙂 I am also planning on doing a bike tour in Norway this summer starting out in Lofoten like you. I was wondering how your experience was bringing your bike on the train and bus? That is one of my main concerns since I have not done that before. Would appreciate any feedback on this! Thanks!
The ferry is free? For the bike? Or you too? I’m confused, because when I did a Google search there are costs involved according to the sites I visited.
Ciao Mike, this is Andrea from northen Italy. Beautiful video, as usual; you and other cycling traveller really inspired me.
In 2019, for my 50° birthday, I decide to experience something alone….but I had to wait for the Covid restrictions. So, last summer, for the first time in my life, I left my family, the two companies I manage, my friends and I moved alone towards NordKapp…of course by bicycle too. In 30 days (maximum I could achieve), I reached Nortkapp from Schio – IT, 4100 Km and 28.000 m. What can I say…I agree with you, a GREAT experience. If you want to have a look, this is my simple (I am not an expert like you with that) video of the trip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY5i1h7dqFM
Again…my congratulation for the video! Ciao from Italy.
PS: I come from the land where "baccalà alla vicentina" is a famous and very popular plate..here it's like an istitution! 🤩
What bike do you ride? 😅
Nice vide ride….from indonesia..https://youtu.be/c58bkbPd_E0
This is an amazing tour and now on my list. I live in the US but previously lived in southern Sweden (Helsingborg). I plan to go back and come north to do this ride. How long by train from Stockholm to Jorn? Tack!
In 2020 I cycled from Bergen to Tromsø through the Lofoten islands, with my girlfriend. We enjoyed it so much that in 2021 July and 2022 June we decided to cycle from Tromsø to Bodø. So I have some experiences about that beautiful area, especially because we didn't just cross in 2 days but cycled about 30 km / day to really enjoy it. And after this experience I disagree with 2 of your statements.
30 degrees celsius above the arctic circle / Lofoten is not usual and not normal at all. I remember that day, it was 32 degrees i Bodø ( I was there) and it was a record. For all these years the temperature never even got close to 30. IT's rather between 10-20 degrees celsius.
Finding camping spot (wild camping) is not easy. If you cross the islands in 2 days then yes, you will find something, but if you want to take your time then it's not easy. Although Norway has the Allmensretten, Lofoten is an exception because at most places where it would be possible to camp, it's forbidden. OF course its a very popular place among tourists…so we know the reason.
Anyway, Lofoten is easily the most beautiful place I've ever been to.
Man, that was an amazing adventure in a dream route; and you made a wonderful video about it! Top! 🤩
Spectacular views
멋진 영상 감사합니다! ❤❤❤
Many thanks Mike for producing such a brilliant video I’ve just come back from a cycle tour Holland Belgium france and met some guys cycling to the cape they’ve just arrived in Norway today and heading North They but especially your video has inspired me to have a go at it next year but I’d take train to Bodo and start from there Looking forward to seeing your other videos and thanks again owen
Thanks
What a GREAT video of your trip. Thank you!!!
Amazing my friend !
Cycle Norway is hiring…?
My brother and his pal Scotty biked to Nordkap in 1981, surviving on bread and cheese mostly
Wow! Excellent video! Congrats for the editing and narrative! It was captivating!
The title says “bikepacking” but the video only shows asphalt roads. Did you use any of the bikepacking routes in the region, like the Arctic Post Road?
Hi Mike love you're video's.
It's a long shot you will read this can you put a bike in a thick plastic bag at Stockholm arlanda airport?
Or do they have a service that sells box?
Cheers.
Great video Mike. Are you on Strava? I love the teasers Ryan has been putting out 👍.
Congratulations on completing an epic tour and then producing this beautiful creation. Keep up the excellent work.
What a masterpiece.. Amazing ❤..Thank you for this incredible video mate .
Hello from Ukraine! My mom and I watch your adventure in translation by Good time media. We're admired by beautiful Nordic nature😍
Thanks Mike for this beautiful video. It brings me really beautiful memories of the time I lived in Norway. Beautiful country. Cheers!
Came here from Ryan's channel. I like your video style, safe adventures and keep it up!
All of your videos are really wonderful Mike but there is something extra special about this one. Well done and thank you!
Thanks for sharing..I admire your determination and courage to ' boldly keep on going..!
Brawo
Great style,so calming,but it really brings you along with Mike! That tunnel & climb after was really felt through your camera! Look forward to watching more!!😉👌
Nice Video
Fantastic video, I agree that I remember the days I had to challenge myself way more than the sunny days. Cant wait to do this journey myself. Thanks for the inspiration❤
What an amazing trip. Beautifully filmed. Now to go and watch your other videos. Thanks.
Absolutely wonderful! Your calm manner and soothing voice make your adventures the best. Thank you, Mike! I look forward to watching all your videos.
Hi Mike! Were you able to take your bike on the train and bus to Lofoten?
An amazing trip to be sure, thanks so much for sharing!
Incredible film, Mike. Great work. Keep them coming.
Thank you for the Journey. Great Filming and narration.
Hey Mike, I'm looking to cycle from Bergen to North Cape next summer, when you get to North Cape whats the best way back? Would ideally need to fly back to the UK
Jag upptäckte din kanal i samband med att du följde med Ryan v D på hans trip genom Sverige. Den här filmen var fantastisk att titta på. Vacker natur och ett skönt tempo samtidigt som det är informativt och ger uppslag till egna äventyr. Tack!
That was one of your best videos you have made, keep up the good work. It was really inspiring.
I appreciate tremendously your videos, are amazing. I admire you guys and I says "guys" because I follow Van Duzer as well, your are the best, good luck in your trips. Ole ole ole 🤣 God bless your heart.
very cool Mike!
So awesome sir! Greeting from Indonesian Bikepacking 🔥🤘
Great Video! Thanks!
YouGoGuy!
* Thank you for bringing us along!
Just wow! Thanks Mike. Subscribed 😊
Mike just wow! Amazing documentary. Have been to the lofoten last year and it's so hard to capture its beauty on film. You've done an exceptional job with your recordings. Would love to cycle this one day.
Thank you for sharing and best wishes for your future bike trips!