71°10′N · 25°47′E · Nordkapp

Long Circle North

A solo motorcycle expedition through Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Arctic Circle, and remote northern regions.

The road ends. The journey continues.

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Long Circle North — aurora over Nordkapp, Experience Explore Extremes

71°10′N · 25°47′E · Nordkapp · field log

Mission overview

Following roads to the edge of habitation.

Long Circle North documents a solo motorcycle expedition toward the edge of habitation — where paved roads thin, weather dictates pace, and distance is measured in silence as much as kilometers.

This site is an expedition log: daily dispatches, navigation records, field photography, and live position when the journey is underway. Not a travel guide — a permanent archive of the ride north.

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Expedition route

Northern loop · planned track in steel · ridden track in arctic blue

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Daily journal

Latest dispatches from the road

All dispatches

Today's dispatch

Pre-departure brief

Segment 12

Segment 12Norway264 km

Geilo via Oslo

climb into mountain terrain

Geilo, Norway
1 GPX track on file

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Day 12Planned

Geilo via Oslo

Oslo, Norway — Geilo, Norway

Departure from Oslo and the first full day into Norway’s interior. The route leaves the Oslofjord behind, passes through Drammen and Kongsberg, and then follows the Numedal valley northward through forests, traditional farming communities, and increasingly mountainous terrain before climbing onto the plateau toward Dagali and Geilo. Highlights: Transition from Oslofjord to inland Norway Historic mining town of Kongsberg Numedal valley and traditional Norwegian landscapes Norefjord and Uvdal mountain communities Gradual ascent toward the Dagali plateau First sustained mountain riding of the expedition Arrival in Geilo, gateway to the high country Notes: The route via Numedal is longer but more rewarding than the direct Hallingdal connection Expect slower progress north of Kongsberg as the road becomes narrower and more winding Temperatures can fall significantly during the climb toward Dagali Mountain weather may change quickly even in June Watch for wildlife, gravel carried onto bends, and lingering road damage after winter Fuel and food options become less frequent beyond the main settlements Carry an additional warm layer and waterproof gloves Theme: The maritime opening chapter ends and the Norwegian interior begins. Forested valleys gradually rise toward open mountain country, giving the expedition its first real sense of altitude, isolation, and the landscapes that will define the journey north.

264 km4h 24m0

#phase-norwegian-mountains #priority-important

Day 11Planned

Oslo via Fjällbacka

Fjällbacka, Sweden — Oslo, Norway

Departure from Fjällbacka and the final stretch along Sweden’s west coast before crossing into Norway at Svinesund. The route continues through northern Bohuslän, passing granite landscapes, coastal settlements, and the harbour town of Strömstad before following the Oslofjord north toward the Norwegian capital. Highlights: Northern Bohuslän coastline and granite landscapes Strömstad and the Swedish–Norwegian border region Crossing the Svinesund bridges First views of the Norwegian side of the Oslofjord Optional stop at Fredriksten Fortress above Halden Arrival in Oslo, the first major Norwegian anchor of the expedition Notes: The planned 292 km route is considerably longer than the direct E6 connection and should be treated as a full riding day Allow seven to eight hours including stops and photography Coastal winds may be noticeable around Strömstad and Svinesund Norwegian speed limits are strictly enforced Fredriksten Fortress is the strongest optional stop, but avoid adding further detours if progress is slow Friday afternoon traffic can delay the final approach into Oslo Confirm secure motorcycle parking before arrival Theme: Norway begins. The sheltered fishing communities of Bohuslän give way to the Oslofjord and the first Norwegian landscapes. Arrival in Oslo marks the end of the coastal approach and the transition into the northern expedition proper.

292 km4h 52m0

#norway-entry #oslofjord

Day 9Planned

Gothenburg - Fjällbacka

Änggården, Sweden — Fjällbacka, Sweden

Departure from Gothenburg and the beginning of the Swedish west coast stage. The route follows the Bohuslän coastline northward through fishing villages, granite islands, and sheltered harbours before reaching Fjällbacka, one of Sweden's most picturesque coastal communities. Highlights: Swedish west coast scenery and archipelago landscapes Traditional fishing villages and maritime culture Coastal roads with frequent sea views Fjällbacka harbour and waterfront district Vetteberget viewpoint overlooking the archipelago Opportunity for photography and relaxed exploration on arrival Notes: Roads are generally excellent but speed enforcement is common in Sweden Expect slower progress through coastal villages during summer Numerous opportunities for coffee stops and waterfront breaks Long daylight hours provide flexibility for photography and exploration First true taste of Scandinavian coastal life before entering Norway Theme: The expedition leaves the urban environment behind and enters the rugged maritime landscapes of Scandinavia. Granite cliffs, fishing harbours, and the northern sea become constant companions as Long Circle North begins its gradual transition toward the fjords and mountains of Norway.

175 km2h 55m0

#phase-swedish-west-coast #priority-important

Expedition statistics

11,052kmKilometers planned

—Kilometers traveled

0 / 69Days on road

—Arctic Circle crossings

—Ferry crossings

—Weather events logged

—Countries crossed

Field conditions

Weather log · operational telemetry

Ferry crossings

5 logged

Forced reroutes

1 events

Storm exposure

2 days flagged

Gallery

Documentary field photography

View gallery

Field photographs will appear as the expedition progresses.

Lessons from the road

Leadership, resilience, uncertainty, and decision-making

Lesson 01

Distance

Scale rewrites judgment.
What feels urgent at sea level dissolves at latitude.
Plan for weather, not optimism.

Lesson 02

Uncertainty

The map is provisional.
Ferries fail. Roads close. Fog arrives without notice.
Decisions are made with incomplete information — and owned anyway.

Lesson 03

Resilience

Self-reliance is not bravado.
It is maintenance, rest, and knowing when to stop.
The archive exists so the ride can be understood, not performed.

Live position

Field notes

What is The Long Circle North?

A solo motorcycle expedition through the north — sister journey to Long Circle South. South followed roads through history; North follows roads toward the edge of habitation. A 71-day route skeleton is published here; GPX tracks and daily dispatches follow as the expedition is prepared and ridden.

When does the expedition depart?

Departure is targeted for 2027. Subscribe for calendar updates as planning is confirmed.

Can I follow the journey in real time?

During the expedition: live GPS via Garmin inReach, daily journal entries, field photographs, and newsletter dispatches on this site.

Are GPX navigation files available?

GPX bundles will be offered when planned segments are published — structured for navigation, not tourism.

What motorcycle is used?

BMW R 1300 GS adventure platform, configured for long-distance touring in remote and weather-exposed conditions.

Who is the rider?

René Gilvert — Switzerland-based motorcyclist documenting long-distance expeditions with route logs, photography, and field notes.