Monday, February 26 Week 03

Tomorrow - 4 °C

Noon 3°C

Evening -5°C

Before we head north again today, we drive to the upper parking lot of Storforsen. The drone takes to the air and the camera also has a lot to do.

We reach Jokkmokk shortly after lunch. The route was once again quite icy and bumpy today. But it was still a good ride.

In Jokkmokk, the first thing we have to do is refill our fridge. We then have a small lunch in the ICA parking lot.

We are unsure whether we should continue driving or check in at the campsite just outside of Jokkmokk. It is now after 2 p.m. and the drive to Gällivare will probably take another 2 hours.

Ok, we look at the campsite and quickly decide - we're staying.

This means we have plenty of time to explore the area. The site is located on a lake. We also discover ideal locations for photographing the Northern Lights - if they should come!

Route: Storforsen - Jokkmokk

Distance: 107 km

Average consumption: 9.2 liters

Average speed: 46 km/h

Travel time: 2 hours 17 minutes

Pitch cost: 300 SEK, incl. water/electricity

Tuesday, February 27

Tomorrow -16°C

Noon -4°C

Evening -5 °C

That was the coldest night of our trip! Minus 16 degrees!!

The Northern Lights simply refused to show themselves, but we started off with a brilliantly beautiful day.

Shortly before Kiruna we turn right towards Jukkasjärvi. We visit the Ice Hotel. One part can be visited all year round, as it is in a hall that is constantly cooled to -5 degrees. But now in winter there is a second part that is rebuilt every year.

At just over 500 SEK, the pleasure is not cheap but we are totally thrilled.

The world you immerse yourself in is fascinating and unique.

We spend almost two hours in this ice world. It is already after 4 p.m. when we set off for Kiruna. We end up at the Ripan campsite. We have never arrived at an overnight spot this late on this trip.

Unfortunately, we won't be able to see the Northern Lights today either. Fog is taking over!

Route: Jokkmokk - Kiruna

Distance: 236 km

Average consumption: 8.7 liters

Average speed: 55 km/h

Travel time: 4 hours 13 minutes

Pitch cost: 350 SEK, incl. water/electricity

Wednesday, February 28

Tomorrow -5°C

Noon -1°C

Evening -4 °C

Today we drive extensively through Kiruna again. We can fill up with LPG here and do some shopping at Coop. Then we drive towards Abisko in increasingly nice weather. Of course we have to stop every now and then and enjoy the beautiful views.

At the end we drive back and forth a bit. The parking lot we actually chose is almost full of cars with trailers. That means they are driving around on the lake with their snowmobiles.

So we drive back a bit to a parking lot with a beautiful, open view, especially towards the north!

In any case, the stars are already shining brightly in the early evening.

And the stars continue to shine brightly later on. Even if a few clouds pass by now and then, we can admire and photograph the first beautiful northern lights!

Route: Kiruna - Abisko

Distance: 151 km

Average consumption: 8.1 liters

Average speed: 50 km/h

Travel time: 2 hours 58 minutes

Pitch cost: 0 SEK, including latrine and waste container

Thursday, February 29

Tomorrow -4°C

Noon 1°C

Evening 3°C

We start the new day with fireworks in the sky!

We haven't been on the road long when Hansruedi spots these moose just below the road.

The icy road makes the braking distance much longer. But at least the ABS works really well and thanks to the spikes we stay perfectly in our lane. We turn around, drive back a bit, turn around again and then we can take a photo of the two of them in comfort. They don't mind at all!

A wonderful ride through this beautiful day.

We have already driven the route between Kiruna and Narvik, but this time in the opposite direction. We also spent the night just before Abisko. That night, especially at night, we repeatedly heard the "honking" of the trains transporting iron ore from Kiruna to Narvik.

Last night we heard nothing. And today we know why. A train derailment has brought all rail traffic to a standstill. The clearance work is in full swing!

We almost don't have the words to describe today's trip! Let the pictures speak for themselves, then maybe you'll understand us.

We end the day's ride in Lodingen. It's hard to believe, but it's stormy and raining here.

But the weather forecast is for lots of sunshine over the next few days! Perfect for the Vesteralen and Lofoten!

Day route: Abisko - Lodingen

Distance: 220 km

Average consumption: 8.4 liters

Average speed: 52 km/h

Travel time: 4 hours 11 minutes

Pitch cost: 280 NOK, incl. water/electricity

Friday, 01 March

Tomorrow 5°C

Noon 6°C

Evening 5 °C

Today we set off towards Vesteralen. A strong wind is our constant companion.

So it's just going to be a day trip to the island of Andoya. In Andenes we stop outside in the harbor. It's time for our lunch break. While we eat we think back and forth about what we should do next. The winter landscape has given way to an ice landscape. Everything next to the main road is pretty icy. We don't feel like going for a walk. So we chug south again along the east coast of Andoya and finally end up at the small, idyllic parking spot in Maurnes for today.

We position ourselves at the very front, the corner with a perfect view to the north, and wait for what is to come.

The weather got better and better throughout the day and the wind even died down quite a bit.

We await the things that are to come - and how they come!!

And this happens quite early in the evening. Shortly after 9 p.m. it is time for a break.

A hot tea to warm up is good now.

And the northern lights also seem to think that it's enough for today. They're slowly fading and we're finishing work pretty early. That's fine with us.

Day route: Lodingen - Maurnes

Distance: 252 km

Average consumption: 8.6 liters

Average speed: 51 km/h

Travel time: 4 hours 55 minutes

Pitch cost: 200 NOK, including disposal, no electricity, no fresh water

Saturday, March 2

Tomorrow 4°C

Noon 6°C

Evening 4 °C

The raindrops in the morning were forecast, so nothing surprising. After our departure we stop in Sortland and stock up on wine.

We skip the parking spot inspection in Stokmarknes so that we can catch the ferry in Melbu at 11.10 a.m.

Two "sneakers" almost prevented this, but we made it at the last minute!

Well, here we are. We've heard and read a lot about the parking spot at "Rolf's Bar" near Grunnfor. The first few meters of the driveway are a bit icy and then muddy, but no problem.

A Norwegian motorhome is parked in one corner of the site and we simply park in the other corner.

After a long lunch break, it's time to put on your rubber boots and explore the area, including the bar.

It really is a special place here. From early summer until well into autumn there are lots of motorhomes, buses, caravans, roof sleepers, etc. here.

And unfortunately, you also read about the usual problems. Everyone parks wherever they like, with the best view possible, without any consideration for anyone else. The two "toilets" are no longer usable, so there are things lying around everywhere, especially certain papers!

The two garbage bags are usually overflowing and the garbage is simply dumped next to them. etc. etc.

How beautiful it is here now at the beginning of March! No rubbish, no ominous paper - and unfortunately no northern lights so far!!

The forecast says it won't arrive until around 10pm. We'll know soon!

Day route: Maurnes - Grunnfor

Distance: 76 km

Average consumption: 8.4 liters

Average speed: 52 km/h

Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Pitch cost: 0 NOK, including NOTHING except a beautiful view!

Sunday, 03 March

Tomorrow -2°C

Noon 5°C

Evening 3 °C

Our shortest day's stage! After just 19 kilometers we are at the parking spot in Laukvik and we are staying here! We are enjoying this sunny day to the fullest.

We take the time to visit the famous and praised bistro and pub on the harbor. And what can we say - simply brilliant. Both the ambience and the food! Our toast is excellent and the cake for dessert is delicious.

With this refreshment, we walk to the fish racks. Only the heads of the fish are hanging here, but they are certainly special photo subjects.

We are also fascinated by the ice images created by the frozen water.

There is even enough time for a short afternoon nap, because who knows, maybe the Northern Lights will show themselves again today.