A Blue nosed visit

In May this year after 12 months planning we set out for our second trip to the Arctic.  The first occasion was in 2000 only this time we wanted to go as far as possible.  We crossed to Holland and then drove through Germany into Denmark across the Great Belt Bridge and then across the bridge to Sweden. The return cost was about £188 for both bridges. We then travelled across Sweden and along the coast in lovely sunshine until we crossed into Finland. The temperature dropped and the snow started. We found a nice site at the Rova Motel and they opened the site just for us and put the sauna on, which was most welcome.

Moving on we stopped at Rovaniemi to visit Father Christmas and take pictures as we crossed the Arctic Circle. As we moved on further through Finland we were told that Finland had had its worst snowfall for May for some years and the roads were blocked. We decided to push on as far as possible and made a site in Norway where the owner told us to stay until she found out if the roads had been cleared; this we did.  Three days later we moved to one more stop. On Friday we started the final run to Gamvik, a fantastic ride with the snow often higher than the caravan. Arriving at Gamvik we were told that the site had closed two years ago but the locals made a clearing in the snow along the road to Sletness near the world’s most northerly lighthouse.  The local people made us most welcome and we stayed a couple of days but the bitter cold and winds made us decide to head back. The reason we went to Gamvik and not North Cape is that all the locals told us they are the true most northern tip of mainland Europe not the North Cape, which is an island connected by a tunnel. By the time we were back in Sweden the weather was hot and dry.

A few facts that might interest anyone going for the first time:

1. Find someone to go with (we went on our own);

• The journey was 5,113 miles using 829 litres of diesel costing £1,046;
• We used 39 sites, average cost £13 per night (this did include some free camping; remember the pound is weak in Scandinavia and our exchange rate in May 2008 was 8.84 in Denmark, 9.56 in Norway, 11.55 in Sweden and 1.226 for the euro;
• The good thing is the scenery comes free so the only expense is food and we took plenty of warm clothing;
• The people were very friendly and helpful, in particular the Sami.
• This was more an adventure than a holiday but great fun.