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Self Guided Tours

Self-Guided Norway & Arctic Circle Motorcycle Tour

A 22-day self-guided motorcycle tour from the UK to the Arctic Circle on dates you choose. Fjords, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road, with ferries, hotels and GPS routes all arranged.

22-Day Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour of Norway & the Arctic Circle

Tour at a Glance

📍 Duration:
22 days, including 20 riding days with 3 optional rest days

🏍️ Total Distance:
Approx. 3,795 miles (6,100 km) including optional ride-outs

🗺️ Countries:
Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway

🧭 Tour Style:
Self-guided – ride at your own pace

🏔️ Highlights:
Arctic Circle, Geirangerfjord, Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, Låtefossen Waterfall, Lillehammer

🛣️ Iconic Roads:
Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, Eagles Road, FV17 Kystriksveien Coastal Route

⛴️ Ferries:
Harwich–Hook of Holland overnight and Hirtshals–Kristiansand, both ways

📲 Navigation:
GPS route files emailed and printed daily guide posted before departure

💰 From:
£3,995 per person

📅 Dates:
Your choice – any start date June to September

📞 Support:
Phone and tour WhatsApp group

Choose Your Dates

Why Choose Our Self-Guided Norway & Arctic Circle Motorcycle Tour?

This self-guided Norway and Arctic Circle motorcycle tour is the ride of a lifetime: 22 days through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, from the fjords and waterfalls of western Norway to the Arctic Circle itself. Ride Trollstigen, the Eagles Road above Geirangerfjord, the Atlantic Road and the island-hopping FV17 coastal route, all under the long light of the Scandinavian summer. You choose the dates, we plan the route and book every ferry and hotel, and you ride it at your own pace.

Everything is paid for in advance, so there are no vouchers to juggle and nothing to sort out on the road. Before you leave, we email GPS files for every day and post you a printed daily guide that matches them, complete with coffee stops, lunch suggestions and the sights worth stopping for. With two-night stops at Hardangervidda, Geiranger and Mo i Rana, and three optional rest days, you can ride every day or take time off the bike whenever you like.

How Your Self-Guided Tour Works

1

Choose your dates
Pick any start date between June and September and complete the booking form.

2

We book everything
Your North Sea and Skagerrak ferries and all your hotels are booked and paid for in advance.

3

Receive your tour pack
GPS files are emailed and your printed daily guide and packing list are posted before departure.

4

Ride with backup
Call us or message your tour WhatsApp group if you need advice while you’re away.

TOUR DATES

Choose Your Own Dates – June to September

Tours start from June, when Norway’s mountain roads such as Trollstigen are open and you’ll enjoy long summer days, with daylight late into the evening the further north you ride. Tell us your preferred start date on the booking form and we’ll confirm availability and book your ferries and hotels.

Read reviews from previous riders  |  View our trip reports

Your adventure begins at Harwich with an overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland. From there you ride through the Netherlands and across northern Germany, with overnight stops in Lower Saxony and near the Danish border, before crossing Denmark to its northern tip at Hirtshals. A short sea crossing over the Skagerrak brings you to Kristiansand and your first night in Norway, near Stavanger.

Trollstigen hairpins in Norway on a self-guided Norway and Arctic Circle motorcycle tour

Next you head north past the twin falls of Låtefossen to two nights near the Hardangervidda National Park, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Your free day gives you a choice of ride-outs, the chance to take the famous Flåm Railway, or simply a day off the bike.

From Hardangervidda you ride to Geiranger for two nights at the head of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with its sheer cliffs and the Seven Sisters waterfall. Spend your free day riding the hairpins of the Eagles Road to the Ørnesvingen viewpoint, or relax and soak up one of the most famous views in Norway.

Leaving Geiranger, you take on the eleven hairpins of Trollstigen, the Troll’s Ladder, before finishing the day on the Atlantic Road, where the road leaps from island to island across the ocean on a series of curving bridges. Next you ride past Trondheim and through the village of Hell on your way north.

Geirangerfjord in Norway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a self-guided Norway motorcycle tour
UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord

Your northern base is Mo i Rana, gateway to the Arctic, for two nights. From here you ride north across the Saltfjellet mountains to the Arctic Circle Centre at 66°33′N, the high point of the tour in every sense. Ask at the centre for a free Arctic Circle stamp in your passport, and take a photo you’ll treasure.

Turning south, you follow the FV17 Kystriksveien, Norway’s coastal route, hopping between islands on local ferries past Brønnøysund. You then cross central Norway to Lillehammer, host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, and on to the Telemark region and Rjukan, famous for its WWII heavy water sabotage story.

Your final day in Norway takes you back to Kristiansand for the ferry to Hirtshals. From there you ride down Denmark’s Jutland coast and back through Germany and the Netherlands to the Hook of Holland and the overnight ferry home to Harwich.

Tour Highlights Summary

Four Countries: Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway
Iconic Roads: Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, Eagles Road, FV17 Kystriksveien Coastal Route
Fjords & Waterfalls: Geirangerfjord (UNESCO), Hardangerfjord, Låtefossen, Seven Sisters
The Arctic: Arctic Circle Centre at 66°33′N, Saltfjellet mountains, Mo i Rana
History & Culture: Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympics, Rjukan WWII history, Flåm Railway
Two-Night Stops: Hardangervidda, Geiranger, Mo i Rana
Flexibility: Choose your own dates, ride at your own pace, three optional rest days
Perfect For: Riders, couples and small groups of friends looking for the ultimate Scandinavian adventure

Guided or Self-Guided?

Prefer to ride with a tour leader, enjoy group evening meals and have someone else handle the navigation and ferries? The same route is also available as a guided Norway and Arctic Circle motorcycle tour on set dates. Choose self-guided if you’d rather pick your own dates and travel independently.

Choose your dates and ride this unforgettable 22-day self-guided Norway and Arctic Circle motorcycle tour.

Self-Guided Norway & Arctic Circle Motorcycle Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

How does a self-guided motorcycle tour work?

You choose your dates and we do the planning. We book and pay for your ferry crossings and all your hotels in advance, so there are no vouchers to carry and nothing to arrange on the road. Before you leave, we email your GPS route files for every day, and a printed daily guide that matches them is posted to you, which includes a suggested packing list. Then you ride the route at your own pace, stopping wherever you like.

Why do tours start from June?

From June, Norway’s mountain roads such as Trollstigen and the Eagles Road are open, and you’ll enjoy the long days of the Scandinavian summer. In June and early July there’s almost round-the-clock daylight in the far north, which makes for magical evening riding. You can start the tour on any date from June to September. Add your preferred start date to the booking form and we’ll confirm availability and book your ferries and hotels. Booking early gives the best chance of getting your preferred dates.

Which ferries are included?

Your main crossings are booked and paid for in advance: the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, and the ferry from Hirtshals in Denmark to Kristiansand in Norway, in both directions. Your two nights on the North Sea crossings count as part of your 21 nights’ accommodation.

Do I need to pay for any ferries during the tour?

There are some shorter local ferries in Germany and Norway, which you pay for on the day. In Germany you pay on board. In Norway, you can register your motorcycle and payment card with FerryPay before you go, so the ferry staff can scan your registration plate and you’re charged automatically. Or you can simply pay the crew on board.

Are there toll roads in Norway?

Yes, there are a few toll roads and motorways on the route, but motorcycles are exempt from Norwegian road tolls, so there’s nothing to pay.

What standard are the hotels?

You’ll stay in the same carefully selected hotels used on our guided tour, chosen for their comfort, location and, in many cases, spectacular fjord and mountain views. Every night on land is in a hotel. Breakfast is included every morning, and hotel parking is included throughout the tour.

What’s in the tour pack?

Your tour pack is the same one our guided riders receive. It includes GPS files for each day’s route, a printed daily guide that corresponds to those files with coffee stops, lunch suggestions and sights along the way, and a suggested packing list. It’s sent to you before departure so you have time to load the routes and get familiar with them.

Do I need to be good with a sat nav?

You’ll need to be comfortable loading routes and following them. The GPS files work with Garmin and TomTom devices and with smartphone navigation apps. If you’re new to route files, our sat nav set up guide walks you through the process, and we’re happy to help before you leave. The daily guide also describes each day’s route, so you’re never relying on the screen alone.

What happens if I have a problem while I’m away?

You can call us, and every tour has its own WhatsApp group so you can get advice quickly while you’re on the road. We don’t run a dedicated 24-hour helpline, so you must have your own European breakdown cover and motorcycle travel insurance. This is a requirement of our terms and conditions, and our insurance and breakdown guide explains what to look for.

Do I need a Green Card for Norway?

No. Norway is one of the countries where UK riders don’t need an insurance Green Card. You do still need valid motorcycle insurance, so check with your insurer and breakdown provider that your full cover applies in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway. Carry your passport, driving licence, insurance documents and V5C logbook.

What’s it like to ride to the Arctic Circle?

Riding to the Arctic Circle at 66°33′N is a genuine motorcycling milestone. From your two-night base in Mo i Rana, you ride north across the Saltfjellet mountains to the Arctic Circle Centre, where you can take photos at the Arctic Circle monument and ask for a free Arctic Circle stamp in your passport. It’s a proud moment, and not many riders can say they’ve ridden their own motorcycle all the way there and back.

What makes the Atlantic Road so special?

The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) hops between small islands across the open sea on a series of bridges and causeways. Its most famous section, the curving Storseisundet Bridge, appeared in the James Bond film No Time to Die and seems to launch you straight off into the ocean. It’s a short road, so take your time, stop for photos and enjoy the views.

What can I expect at Geirangerfjord?

Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering cliffs, snow-capped peaks and waterfalls including the famous Seven Sisters. Your two nights in Geiranger give you a free day to ride the hairpins of the Eagles Road up to the Ørnesvingen viewpoint, take a fjord cruise, or simply relax and enjoy one of the most photographed views in Norway.

What’s the FV17 Kystriksveien coastal route?

The FV17 Kystriksveien follows Norway’s Atlantic coastline, winding past islands, fjords and fishing villages, with short local ferry hops connecting the islands. You’ll ride it on Days 14 and 15 on the way south from the Arctic Circle. Allow plenty of time, as the ferries set the pace, and enjoy the island-hopping.

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included every morning at all hotels. Lunches and evening meals aren’t included on the self-guided tour, which leaves you free to eat wherever you like. Your daily guide includes lunch suggestions along each day’s route.

How much riding is there each day?

Most riding days are between 125 and 250 miles, with the longest day, across central Norway to Lillehammer, at around 260 miles. Days 7, 9 and 13 are free days at Hardangervidda, Geiranger and Mo i Rana, so you can ride the suggested ride-outs or take time off the bike. And because it’s self-guided, you can set off as early or as late as you like and take as many breaks as you want along the way.

What weather should I expect?

Expect temperatures of around 15–22°C in southern Norway and 12–18°C in the north, with cooler mornings and higher ground. Rain is always possible, and the weather can change quickly in the mountains and along the coast. Pack fully waterproof riding gear, thermal layers and waterproof luggage or liners, and you’ll be ready for anything.

What’s the difference between this and the guided tour?

The route and hotels are the same, but on the guided Norway and Arctic Circle tour you ride with a tour leader on set dates and four evening meals are included. The self-guided tour costs less, lets you pick your own dates and gives you complete freedom over when you set off.

Can I ride the tour as a couple or with friends?

Yes. The self-guided format suits couples and small groups of friends particularly well, as you can set your own pace and plans. We offer rider and pillion pricing, and pricing for two riders on separate bikes sharing a room. If you’re planning a larger group, get in touch and we’ll check availability.

Can I do the tour as a solo rider?

Absolutely. You can choose a single room or a twin room option. Riding solo on a self-guided tour means you set the pace entirely, and the WhatsApp group means help and advice are only a message away.

What type of motorcycle do I need?

Any reliable, well-maintained motorcycle is suitable. We generally suggest 500cc or above for a tour of this length. Your bike should be roadworthy, recently serviced and fitted with luggage for three weeks away, and your tyres need enough tread for nearly 4,000 miles. Our bike preparation guide covers tyres, brakes, chain and fluid checks before departure.

More Questions About Self-Guided Touring in Norway

  • What currency do I need? Norwegian krone in Norway, Danish krone in Denmark and euros in Germany and the Netherlands. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for small purchases.
  • Is fuel readily available? Yes, though fuel stations are more spread out in northern Norway, so fill up whenever you get the chance.
  • What about Norwegian tunnels? Norway has many tunnels through the mountains, some several kilometres long. They’re well lit and well maintained, but take sunglasses off before you go in.
  • Will I see reindeer? Quite possibly, especially in the north near the Arctic Circle. Ride carefully, as they can wander onto the road without warning.
  • Can I see the Northern Lights? It’s unlikely, as the summer nights are too light. Your best chance is a late-September start, but don’t count on it.
  • Should I book the Flåm Railway in advance? Yes. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys and gets busy in summer, so book before you travel if you plan to ride it on Day 7.
  • Are the roads busy? Traffic is light compared with the rest of Europe, although Geiranger and the Atlantic Road can be busy in high summer.
  • Will I have phone signal? Generally good in towns and along main roads, but limited in remote mountain areas.
  • Do I need to carry hotel vouchers? No. Everything is booked and paid for in advance.
  • Can pillions join? Yes. With fjord scenery, two-night stops and optional rest days, it’s a fantastic tour for pillions too.
  • Can I extend the tour? Yes. Contact us to discuss adding extra nights before or after the tour.

Have more questions? Contact us – we’re happy to help plan your self-guided Arctic Circle adventure of a lifetime.

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