Berlin to Kirkenes, Norway

[lupus.sine.fabu]

Hi all,

I'm thinking of cycling from Berlin, Germany, to Bugoynes, close to Kirkenes, in Finnmark, Norway. I'm not too concerned about reaching Bugoynes itself but it's more the Berlin-Stockholm bit that worries me: big roads, lots of tourists, especially since this would be in late August and the roads would be full of Scandinavians going back home from their holidays in Malaga, Naples and Mikonos. Any tips? Any roads to avoid, etc.? Any information is appreciated, especially from people who've cycled up there already! All the best,

LSF

[Johnny_Monkey]

Try asking this question in the Touring sub-forum as well.

[skovsen]

Not sure which way you plan to go, but it should be possible for you to take the smaller roads all the way (bar a couple of bridges)...

[Leif in Lund]

Hi there!

I haven't done the route myself, but these links might help:

http://www.bike-berlin-copenhagen.com/

http://www.cykelframjandet.se/?page=66 (scroll down to the english translation)

http://www.buyit.se/skanskabok_eng/defaultOpen.asp?page=lista.asp?kategori=57 (scroll down to the bottom and there are two maps for the northern and southern parts of Skane county in southern Sweden)

Good luck!

[filtersweep]

Most people fly to Malaga, etc. and there is less and less traffic the further north you go.

The main concern that I would have is biking through mountain tunnels--- they are everywhere. Many, but not all, have detours for bikes, but these are often more suited for a mountain bike than a road bike.

[automatic_sheep]

berlin-copenhagen cycling route is great, but not suited for road racers. cross&touring bikes won't have a problem, no traffic :)
At least in germany on that route, I'm assuming through denmark, you could also take country roads with little traffic. Transit traffic (though there's certainly no heavy traffic coming through by scandinavians - just doesnt happen) uses the autobahn (highways).