A Journey North Begins (again!)
After two weeks back in Tirol, we were ready to re-start our trip to Tromsø. But to compensate we’d have to quicken our pace to reclaim those lost days.
The Road Through Central Europe
Our journey commenced with a brief pause in Germany, at the quiet town of Nörten-Hardenberg—a perfect stepping stone before crossing into Scandinavia.
Next came Denmark. We chose Aalborg as our Danish waypoint, allowing ourselves a moment to breathe before the sea crossing that would carry us onto Norwegian soil.
Into the Land of Fjords – (Some) Places We Passed Through
From Hirtshals, the ferry departed for Kristiansand, marking our official entry into Norway proper. What followed was a whirlwind of coastal highways and mountain passes: Lyngdal, Lindum, Eidfjord, Hemsedal, Dovre, and Langnes each offering their own slice of Nordic wilderness.
Then came (one of many) maritime leg that defines much of northern Norway: a ferry traversing Bodø–Røst–Værøy–Moskenes, before finally reaching our ultimate destination—Tromsø.
Perhaps a contrarian take: Norway’s beauty is so relentless that it loops back into repetition.
Let me explain…
When you traverse thousands of kilometres in such compressed time, you inevitably encounter fjord after fjord, waterfall after waterfall, red house after red house Each magnificent. Each worthy. But after a while, even perfection wears thin.
What I learned in this trip had nothing to do with Norway. Everything to do with me: staying longer in one place beats one night stays.
The Midnight Sun Paradox
The midnight sun is undeniably magical—until it sabotages your circadian rhythm entirely.
Time itself seemed to dissolve. I’d awaken, greet the bright, unrelenting sunshine, congratulate myself on a solid night’s rest, only to discover merely two or three hours had passed by. It turns out I do not enjoy daylight only; I require the night as well.
Those who call this land home, enduring months of unbroken light followed by months of profound darkness, command my utmost respect.
Chasing Quietude Over Crowds
In enjoy the most the quieter corners of any landscape.
In Denmark, guidebooks insisted the eastern side housed the essential attractions. Because of that we drove west instead.
Norway presented a similar revelation. We began along the classic touristic routes but quickle grew weary of them. So we detoured into silence. Again.
Wild Camping Triumphs
To name standout favourites from both countries, I must acknowledge our wild camping experiences. We stumbled upon facilities equipped with toilets and shelter in the absolute middle of nowhere—and they were immaculate. A stark contrast to our encounters on the Camino de Santiago—but that, dear reader, is a tale for another article and another occasion.
The Skagerrak Strait, Denmark — a part of the North Sea, and the Kattegat, which connects to the Baltic Sea, converge at this location.
Vega Islands, Norway— near the Artic Circle, it was our first wild camping (with benefits!) in Norway.
Final Thoughts
Some journeys teach you about the world. Others teach you about yourself. This one, I believe, did both. The north called to us, we answered, and somewhere between the fjords and the endless summer light, we learned that perhaps the greatest discoveries aren’t found on any map—they’re found in recognising what truly moves us, and what simply impresses us.
Until the next adventure – Safe hikes!
e.
If you missed the first part of our Nordic Trip, you can read it here.
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