Epic Road Trip to Northern Norway: A Winter Adventure Filled with Twists and Turns
Packing Up and Heading North: The Start of Our Journey
Our grand adventure began with days of packing, cramming everything we owned into two cars. Finally, the day arrived to embark on our 19-hour (or so we thought) drive to Northern Norway. With Ida behind the wheel of the studded-tire car and the "experienced" drivers (that's us!) in the other, we set off with high spirits, blissfully unaware of the challenges that lay ahead.
First stop: the weigh station. A slight discrepancy between the two scales we used resulted in a minor panic about being overweight. A quick photo of the more favorable reading and a plea to the holiday spirit (it was Christmastime, after all) saved the day. With a sigh of relief, we continued towards Røros, a charming town known for its festive Christmas atmosphere.
Røros: A Winter Wonderland
Røros was a welcome sight, a picturesque town adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The charming streets offered a much-needed break from the long drive. We strolled through the pedestrian area, soaking in the holiday ambiance before continuing our journey towards Trondheim, our goal for the day.
Sleeping in Sub-Zero Temperatures
As the temperature plummeted to -14°C, the reality of sleeping in our cars sunk in. Despite our ingenious heating system (a small compartment warmed by the car's heater), the cold was a constant companion. Waking up to sub-zero temperatures in the car was definitely an experience!
Day 2: Mechanical Mayhem and Scenic Stops
Day two brought new challenges. A warning light ominously flashed on the dashboard: "AdBlue Idle." This meant that in a certain number of kilometers, the engine would go into limp mode. With our destination still hundreds of kilometers away, the possibility of our entire move being derailed loomed large. We pressed on, hoping for a miracle.
Despite the looming car troubles, we managed to enjoy the stunning scenery. We crossed into Northern Norway, marked by a large sign, and continued our drive amidst snow-covered landscapes.
Day 3: Snow Chaos and a Near-Disaster
Day three brought a blizzard. Saltfjellet mountain pass, our route forward, was closed indefinitely due to heavy snow and high winds. Stranded, we searched for shelter, only to find the nearby mountain lodge also closed. Hours later, the road finally reopened, and we cautiously continued our journey.
The Final Stretch: A Nail-Biting Finish
With only 30 kilometers to go, disaster struck again. One car's engine started to fail, barely able to maintain speed. The other car, running low on AdBlue, was also on its last legs. In a heart-pounding finale, we limped our way to our new home, the cars struggling but ultimately making it. Exhausted but triumphant, we arrived, marking the end of our epic, chaotic, and unforgettable road trip.
Lessons Learned on the Road
- Always check your car's fluids before a long trip, especially in winter.
- Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions and road closures.
- Pack extra warm clothes and blankets if you plan on sleeping in your car.
- Most importantly, embrace the adventure, even when things go wrong!
Our road trip to Northern Norway was far from smooth sailing, but it was an adventure we'll never forget. The challenges we faced, the stunning landscapes we witnessed, and the sheer relief of finally arriving made it a truly epic journey.
