Norway TRAVEL
Northern Europe was in the grip of a stifling heatwave at the end of June (or so it seemed, confined to a tin box on wheels) as we drove across it from Calais. With a sigh of relief, we arrived at Hirtshals, on Denmark’s northern coast, to cold beer and a refreshing sea breeze. We were more than ready for our ferry to Norway the next day - getting there is a big commitment and we’d already driven around 1,000 miles from home in Lincolnshire!
Leaving Denmark’s blue skies, we arrived at Kristiansand’s ferry port, on Norway’s southern coast, to a distinct threat of rain. No matter, we were beyond excited to be there. Norway had been in our sights since we’d given up our jobs to travel in our ’van almost three years ago.
We’re keen walkers, and the opportunities for hikes there seemed endless. We just hoped the weather would play ball!
We’d heard that Norway is very welcoming to ’vans and motorhomes. The right to roam (allemannsretten), is enshrined in the Outdoor Recreation Act and applies to campervans, motorhomes and caravans, as well as tents. Abide by a few simple rules, and it’s possible to park and sleep overnight in lots of scenic locations, either for free or for a small fee.
Thus, our first night in Norway was spent in a secluded layby at the side of the busy E39 road that runs along the west coast of the country, connecting Kristiansand to Trondheim in the north. It sounds inauspicious, but it was pretty and
