Journal

Basel - Maastricht

Overnight: Maastricht Phase: Positioning Move · Priority: transit-exception Landmarks: Maastricht deliberate long transit Notes: only planned >300km day

Rest — Maastricht, Netherlands

Maastricht - Afsluitdijk

Overnight: Den Oever or nearby Phase: North Sea Approach · Priority: important Landmarks: Afsluitdijk · IJsselmeer · Wadden Sea expedition begins at boundary Notes: first symbolic North Sea landmark

Afsluitdijk - Hamburg (via Groningen)

Overnight: Groningen Phase: North Sea Approach · Priority: light Landmarks: Frisian coast · Wadden landscape controlled northern Dutch exit Notes: keep relaxed after Day 1

Hamburg - Ribe

Overnight: Ribe Phase: Denmark Entry · Priority: important Landmarks: Ribe old town · Danish west coast arrival in Scandinavia through Denmark's oldest town Notes: good first expedition stop

Rest Day – Ribe (UNESCO Wadden Sea)

Arrival in Ribe, Denmark's oldest town and one of the most important historical stops on the Long Circle North route. Planned non-riding day focused on recovery, content creation, and exploration of the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea region. Highlights: Explore the medieval center of Ribe and Ribe Cathedral Visit the Viking heritage sites and old harbor district Ride light to Mandø Island and the surrounding tidal landscapes Sunset photography along the Wadden Sea coast and dike system Opportunity for drone footage, route planning, equipment charging, laundry, and blog updates Notes: Strong winds are common along the coast Check tide schedules before visiting Mandø Excellent location for photography and storytelling Ideal recovery stop before continuing north through Denmark toward Jutland and Norway Theme: History, recovery, North Sea landscapes, and preparation for the northern stages of the expedition.

Ribe - Skagen

Departure from Ribe following a rest day in Denmark's oldest town. The route traverses the Jutland peninsula northbound, passing through agricultural landscapes, coastal roads, and small Danish villages before reaching Skagen at the northern tip of Denmark. Highlights: Scenic ride through central and northern Jutland Optional stop in Aarhus for lunch and waterfront exploration Grenen: the northernmost point of Denmark where the North Sea and Baltic Sea meet Skagen Harbour and historic fishing district Excellent opportunities for photography, drone footage, and expedition storytelling Notes: Strong coastal winds are common approaching Skagen Expect increased tourist traffic near Grenen during summer months Allow time for the walk or tractor shuttle to the tip of Grenen Fuel and supplies readily available throughout the route Theme: Transition from the historic landscapes of southern Denmark to the northern maritime frontier. A symbolic milestone as the expedition reaches the northern edge of Denmark and prepares to cross into Scandinavia.

Skagen - Gothenburg

Departure from Skagen and the northernmost point of Denmark. The day begins at Grenen, where the North Sea and Baltic Sea converge, before continuing south to Frederikshavn for the ferry crossing to Sweden. After crossing the Kattegat, the route enters Scandinavia and concludes in Gothenburg, marking the official transition into the Nordic stage of the expedition. Highlights: Sunrise or morning visit to Grenen Skagen Harbour and coastal landscapes Ferry crossing from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg First views of the Swedish west coast Arrival in Gothenburg, Scandinavia's largest port city Notes: Confirm ferry departure times and arrive early during peak season Weather on the Kattegat can change rapidly; expect wind and cooler temperatures at sea Secure luggage and electronics before boarding Opportunity to recharge equipment and review route plans during the crossing Crossing into Sweden marks the beginning of the Scandinavian mainland portion of Long Circle North Theme: Leaving continental Europe behind and entering Scandinavia. A transition day defined by coastlines, open water, and the symbolic crossing from Denmark into Sweden as the expedition turns toward Norway, the Arctic Circle, and ultimately Nordkapp.

Gothenburg - Fjällbacka

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.

Oslo via Fjällbacka

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.

Geilo via Oslo

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.

Eidfjord via Geilo

Overnight: Eidfjord Phase: Norwegian Mountains · Priority: anchor Landmarks: Hardangervidda · Vøringsfossen · Hardangerfjord first major fjord arrival Notes: short day high landscape density