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1

International / Re: Extended Solo European Tour on the Cheap

« on: December 31, 2010, 04:48:10 pm »

I'm glad you like my photos:) But believe me, in Scandinavia, especially in Norway, you can take beautiful photos with your eyes closed:) During one day you can swim in the ocean (at least if you like cold water;), pick up strawberries growing in the valleys, climb some 1500 m, see a Moon-like landscape, walk on a glacier and ride downhill again to the bottom of a fjord. The landscape is really differential, so it's impossible to get bored. Really, if only weather is nice, it's heaven for cyclists:)
And one more thing - cars. There are almost no highways in Norway, so you can ride on almost all roads, even the main ones. But even then you don't have to worry about traffic - it's NONE in comparison to other European countries. If you choose local roads, you can see more animals than cars;) And even when the traffic is heavier (in cities etc.), they really watch out for cyclists, never drive too close to them, always slow down etc. Generally, I've never felt unsafe in Norway - when you go shopping or sleeping, you can leave your bike and stuff unprotected, being 99.999% sure no one will steal it.
If only you have a chance to go there, do it - and I'm sure you won't regret:)

P.S. Have a look on this website: www.turistveg.no. It's about National Tourist Routes in Norway - the most charming roads going across the most beautiful landscape. Really really worth going there:)

2

International / Re: Extended Solo European Tour on the Cheap

« on: December 31, 2010, 03:06:41 am »

I can highly recommend you biking across Scandinavia. It might seem not the best place for cheap travelling, but it is really possible. Why? Because in Sweden, Norway and Finland you have a right to camp anywhere for one or two nights, as long as you don't camp on farmlands and closer than 150 m from the nearest house. In fact it means you can put up your tent anywhere, as the population density is quite small there. And if you happen to dream about a bed or warm shower, don't hesitate to ask local people if you can camp in their gardens. I'm sure all (or almost all) people will agree and many of them will invite you inside. It's a wonderful way to make friends and get to know local people, their culture, habits etc. And Scandinavian people are really very hospitable and helpful. I could tell you many stories about amazing and generous people I met in Norway and Sweden, but there's not enough place for it here;)
And don't forget about the landscape! Sweden is really charming, and Norway is just breathtaking. If you want, you can see some photos I took during my tours there: in Sweden, bad points and great points of biking in Norway

Don't worry about money, start riding and you won't regret;) And if you go to Scandinavia, just remember not to go there in winter;) I think it could be best to ride in Scandinavia in summer and spend winter in the south - quite obvious, but worth remembering. And in Norway - remember to check the ferries' timetables and tunnels banned for cyclists (I can send you many useful links if you want).

Anyway, good luck wherever you decide to go!