Four-month Scandinavian road trip by campervan / Adventures of Sigi, Lisa and Martin
The four-month Scandinavian trip by campervan continues.
Part 3 through Norway
Four months traveling through Scandinavia in a campervan – that sounds like freedom, nature, and unforgettable moments, and that's exactly what we wanted to experience. My wife Sigi, our dog Lisa, and I set off together to discover Scandinavia. In this blog post, I'll take you along on our journey, showcasing highlights, challenges, and practical tips for anyone who wants to experience a Scandinavian trip themselves.
After the adventurous day with mosquitoes and all the other worries in Finland, we set off early on July 9, 2026, at 6 a.m. Our sole aim initially was to escape the mosquito pests. (see Part 2)
Our journey took us across the border into Norway after just a 10-minute drive. We soon left the damp area behind, and there were fewer of those pesky insects. The route led us from Utsjoki to Vardø, our destination for the day. First, however, we drove 140 km to Bugøyfjord, where we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and admired the "stone artwork, monument." The entire drive was a great adventure through breathtaking scenery. You could have taken a new photo every 10 meters. It was fantastic, and our Lisa must have thought those two up front were crazy.
Scandinavia travel photos from Utsjoki to Bugøyfjord in Norway
After a hearty breakfast, we set off from Bugøyfjord to Vardø, a 180 km stretch along the coast. Once again, breathtaking scenery unfolded before us, but the wind prevented us from taking drone photos. The drive was straight, undulating, past small villages, until we needed to refuel. And lo and behold, our gas problem was solved immediately. In northern Norway, they don't refill gas cylinders, but you can exchange a Finnish cylinder for a Norwegian one without any loss of capacity. A fantastic day full of joy and excitement.
Scandinavia travel pictures from Bugøyfjord to Vardø in Norway
First, we traveled under the sea towards the island. Arriving at our destination, Vardø, we admired the beautiful old fishing village. It was clear to us on the very first day that one day wouldn't be enough. This village, with its unique character, boasts a modern indoor swimming pool and fitness center, yet also has many houses that are dilapidated and crumbling. Many houses in the village have been taken over by thousands of seagulls, and you have to expect to be attacked. Sigi experienced this firsthand. The campsite, organized by the tourism board, is beautifully situated on the waterfront in the fishing harbor. The pitches are very spacious, and electricity is available. A new feature is that you can now use the toilets and other facilities for 24 hours with a code. We really enjoyed our stay and were able to see a lot on the island. You can see a few examples in the gallery.
Vardø on the Scandinavia trip in Norway
On July 11th, we continued our journey from Vardø to Mehamn, about 330 kilometers away, in heavy rain and wind. This stretch takes approximately 5 hours. From the plains, we entered the mountains. Driving through the mountains, we felt as if we were crossing the Albula Pass: impressive cliffs, patches of snow, and no trees, as if we were at an altitude of 3000 meters. But in reality, we were only 160 meters above sea level. The high plateaus with their wide expanses simply make a Swiss person say: "Wow, our little country is quite small."
Photos from a Scandinavian trip from Vardø to Mehamm in Norway
Arriving in Mehamn, we settled into the picturesque Nordic Safari Wildlife Adventures AS campsite . Since the weather forecast was good, we decided to stay two nights to allow ample time for the lighthouse. We were so glad we did, as the drive there was magical. During the 30-minute journey, we experienced a diverse and simply beautiful landscape. The Slettnes lighthouse and the drive to it are an absolute must-see. We also saw the most beautiful reindeer herd we've seen since our time in Scandinavia.
The fishing village of Mehamm in Norway
Pictures of Mehamm in Norway
On the way to the lighthouse, we encountered some reindeer. Beautiful animals with their large antlers on their heads.
Pictures of reindeer in Norway
The trip to the Slettnes fyr lighthouse
Pictures from the trip to the Slettnes fyr lighthouse
From then on, everything went differently than planned, and our nerves were put to the test, as was our teamwork on the road. When the electronics malfunction, they make it abundantly clear. We had to quickly replan our trip, as the nearest certified Fiat garage was several hundred kilometers away. We set off, sputtering and with frayed nerves, and the first day of the journey went relatively well with 13 stops. What about our car? Well, while driving, we lost power and simply had no energy to move. We had to stop in the middle of the road, turn the engine off and on again, and then we were off again. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, depending on how the electronics felt like playing games with us. We spent the night at a nice campsite in Lakselv. After a good breakfast, we continued our journey towards Alta. The first hundred kilometers went quite well, and the error message didn't reappear. We had a faint hope that everything had sorted itself out. But as we continued driving, our hopes were dashed, and suddenly we came to a standstill. This time the situation became serious, and as fate would have it, we found ourselves stranded far from everything on the side of the road, but were able to pull into a passing place. That pretty much ruined our day, and after 2.5 hours, we continued our journey one level higher. Yes, traveling is pure adventure, and in good spirits and with a sense of humor, we prepared dinner in the garage's parking lot. Tomorrow, July 14th, we hope the garage can help us as quickly as possible.
P.S. No, it wasn't the AdBlue that was insufficient.
The campervan is being towed away in Norway. The campervan is being towed away in Norway. The campervan is being towed away in Norway. The campervan is being towed away in Norway.
Find out what happens next, coming soon to this cinema :)
So, the adventure continues. After a long search and much back and forth, we had no choice but to accept the offer from the local garage that we could get an appointment no earlier than July 28th. The hope is that it won't then take two weeks to find the problem or order spare parts. The good thing is that it's a certified Fiat garage. So far, so good, and we're off again, not on foot of course, because we don't want to sit around doing nothing. Two hours later, we had a rental car, and this BYD is now our new companion. Now for the last step: find a hotel for the next few nights, pack our clothes, don't forget the dog, and off we go. Our first time driving an electric car, and wow, this smooth suspension and the quiet in the car. Okay, that's at least one advantage over our lovely camper van. A small consolation :)
The journey begins, and our destination was the city of Hammerfest.
Hammerfest is located on a stunning and sparsely populated coast and, with more than 10,000 inhabitants, is the northernmost city in the world!
Unfortunately, we had really bad luck with the weather for the first time here, but at least we were able to experience the vibrant city for a day. Besides the "rainbow" demonstration, there was plenty going on, and we enjoyed it very much. The hiking area was only accessible through fog and 9 degrees Celsius the next day. However, the misty atmosphere was fascinating, and a trip here is highly recommended. We were well taken care of at the Arctic Sea Hotel, both in terms of our room and the food. Unfortunately, as has been the case everywhere so far, bringing dogs isn't easy.
Pictures of the city of Hammerfest in Norway
Tomorrow, July 18, 2026, we continue our journey to Alta, where we will spend a few more days in the city. We don't plan to visit the North Cape until we have our campervan back, as the trip is meant to be an adventure by campervan.
The journey from Hammerfest to Alta
Pictures from the trip from Hammerfest to Alta in Norway
In Alta
Having arrived safely, we received a warm welcome at the Thon Hotel Alta . Alta is the largest town in Finnmark with 16,200 inhabitants. As we soon discovered, the surrounding towns and villages are all prepared for winter, and there isn't much to see. However, one thing is quite remarkable: our campervan in the parking lot by the garage, which still hasn't been inspected. Everything here runs according to a rigid schedule, depending on our mood, and if necessary, I'll light up a cigarette first. This is now the second experience of this kind, and we're resigned to having to spend the rest of July in this region.
We're excited to discover what culture and beauty the surrounding villages will reveal. Finding an affordable room is currently very difficult in other places, and it's even harder with dogs. It's striking how many people here are afraid of dogs. The argument in hotels and restaurants is always the same: some people have dog allergies. :(
Here are a few pictures of Alta. It's a very large city in terms of area, and therefore has essentially four centers that were built relatively recently. I think that makes it quite difficult to keep the city in good condition.
Northern Lights Cathedral Alta in Finnmark
Since hotel prices in Finnmark are constantly rising at this time of year, we decided to spend the long waiting times for our campervan in Alta.
Therefore, day trips are on the agenda in our area.
For example, from Alta to Kautokeino, the land of the Sami.
A very varied route that initially led uphill through a rocky valley. On the plateau, the "small" stream soon revealed itself to be a large river and, in some places, a lake. We drove through forests with low-growing trees and repeatedly through wide open spaces that offered stunning views. Along the way, we already suspected what the many bodies of water meant, and upon arriving at our destination, we quickly realized that the mosquito repellent had been left back at the hotel. We first visited the church and then the old ski jump, but ultimately had to give up. We were at the mercy of the "beasts" and therefore had to cut short our exploration of the Sami village. Nevertheless, the trip will remain unforgettable.
Pictures from the trip from Alta to Kautokeino in Finnmark, Norway
Our next excursion, in stormy weather, took us from Alta to Storekorsnes. This picturesque village on the Altafjord is known for its diverse attractions. During the drive, I often felt like I was in Switzerland. The road ran along the sea, while on the other side, steep cliffs and the varied landscapes surrounding the fjords created a truly magical experience. We rarely encountered other cars, allowing us to enjoy everything in peace.
Furthermore, Storekorsnes was a strategically important defensive point during the Second World War. From 1941 onwards, the German Wehrmacht built heavy coastal batteries there to protect the German warships stationed there, such as the "Tirpitz", from Allied air attacks and to intercept American convoys.
Pictures from the trip from Alta to Storekorsnes in Finnmark, Norway
Unfortunately, our campervan is still sitting unused at the workshop. Therefore, I have no choice but to show you no new pictures, or only those from the immediate vicinity. For those who are interested, here's a trip from Alta to Isnestoften.
Kåfjordbrua-Alta-Norway
Another excursion took us from Alta to Øksfjord.
Before we reached our destination, however, we encountered a big surprise. Suddenly, we found ourselves in front of a narrow tunnel, 4.2 km long and only single-lane. The Øksfjord Tunnel was opened in 1988. Rockfalls have occurred in the Øksfjord Tunnel, and for various reasons, it was considered one of the most dangerous tunnels in Norway.
Øksfjord is a port of call for the Hurtigruten and an important transport hub for local shipping routes.
The Øksfjord Tunnel in Loppa Finnmark
Hello everyone,
July 28th has now passed, and the garage has connected the Fiat to the diagnostic laptop. Great, everyone's thrilled, and after a two-week wait for these 15 minutes, the result is... a catastrophe!!!!!
The particulate filter is defective and needs to be replaced, and to make matters worse, we have to wait another two weeks because it has to be ordered from Italy. Wow, we're thrilled! Now, after 14 days, we finally know what's going on, and now we know that because of their lack of interest in us, we have to wait just as long again. The additional costs are unthinkable, and most importantly, this whole thing is ruining our trip. We want to stay strong and achieve our goal: We want to reach the North Cape in our campervan. Another two weeks of planning with a car and hotels is on the agenda. First, though, we got some fresh sea air and took a trip to Neverfjord.
Photo documentation of Neverfjord in Norway
We decided to stick to our slogan, so we're now driving to Tromsø in the BYD. The drive along the mountains was beautiful, and we saw many receding glaciers, free-roaming sheep on the roads, and of course, the reindeer. However, you definitely notice that the further south you drive in Norway, the fewer reindeer there are, as much of the area is densely populated. To avoid having to drive the same route back in the campervan, we chose a route that included two ferry crossings. Having arrived safely in Tromsø, we then proceeded to check into our hotel.
Scandinavian pictures from Alta to Tromsø in Norway
Walking from the hotel to the Arctic Cathedral
After breakfast, we set off early and strolled leisurely through the harbor of Tromsø. The weather, as always, was changeable and could shift within minutes. In the harbor, you can see interesting old wooden ships used for fishing or longer excursions. Our path led us past an old dock, now an exhibition space. Yes, those were tough guys back then, building ships outdoors under these conditions. We then continued on to the famous Tromsøbrua bridge, which is currently closed to traffic. Since Tromsø is built on an island, there are two of these concrete bridges. From the bridge that opened in 1960, you can enjoy a fantastic view from a height of 38 meters. About halfway along, around 500 meters, you can already see the famous Arctic Cathedral in the distance. Full of anticipation, I paid for a ticket and went inside. I'm always fascinated by church architecture.
The port of Tromsø and the Arctic Cathedral in Norway
The trip to the Skulsfjord Viewpoint turned out differently than expected. Originally, we wanted to climb to the summit. The rocky path led up to an altitude of 285 meters. By Swiss standards, that doesn't sound particularly high, but it feels like you're almost at 2800 meters. The weather forecast wasn't very promising, but the view of the open sea was impressive.
Encounters along the way
Along the way, we repeatedly encountered robust-looking reindeer. Lisa calmly observed these animals and showed no reaction whatsoever. But then, as I had suspected, the weather suddenly became very threatening. A black, wet storm front was visible from behind.
The decision to reverse
Since none of us are twenty anymore, we weren't familiar with the local weather conditions, and we didn't want to take any risks, we decided to turn back. Hindsight is always 20/20, and we realized that the storm had passed us by due to the many shifting winds. Well, it is what it is, and it was still a beautiful and positive experience.
Pictured here is the Sandnessundbrua bridge in Norway near Tromsø.
A journey of discovery through Tromsø
Tromsø, a fascinating city, wonderfully blends old and modern architecture, standing close together to create a picturesque cityscape. One can easily imagine how idyllic this once tranquil town must have been. Today, Tromsø, excluding its incorporated villages, has around 40,000 inhabitants. Including the surrounding areas, the population rises to an impressive 80,000. Yet, strolling through the city streets, one hardly notices the hustle and bustle of a large city; everything seems calm, orderly, and stress-free.
A place of cleanliness and coziness
The city's remarkable cleanliness is particularly noteworthy, even if the nightly seagulls occasionally empty the trash cans in their own unique way. Tromsø pulsates with life, not least thanks to the numerous restaurants and hotels that are bustling every evening.
A must-see for every traveler
This city is a true gem of the North and a must-see destination. Tromsø offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and conviviality that captivates every visitor.
Pictures of the city of Tromsø in Norway
The journey from Tromsø to Samuelsberg
On August 6th, we happily continued our journey from Tromsø to Samuelsberg. We had planned a three-day stopover there while our campervan was still in the shop. Instead of the usual hotel comforts, we decided to rent a Norwegian wooden cottage – right by the sea! Who could resist that?
A day without rain - a miracle!
After what felt like an eternity without sunshine, we finally experienced a rain-free day! The enchanting landscape was like a giant postcard, just waiting to be admired. We soon left the E6 and cruised along charming back roads. It was so peaceful until a farmer suddenly approached me with his tractor. He objected to drones flying over his property – understandable, since nobody wants to disturb their neighbors while they're growing vegetables! Of course, I respected his wishes and apologized politely. So we got to chatting, using a lot of gestures and broken English – and thanks to Sigi's excellent English! It was like an international festival of gestures and facial expressions.
Fjord cruise and mountain views
Overall, it was a fantastic drive along the fjords, accompanied by the breathtaking mountain scenery that repeatedly took our breath away – but not so much that we couldn't continue! And now, without further ado, here are a few selected pictures from our trip and, of course, our charming little house overlooking the sparkling sea. Enjoy!
Photo documentation of the journey from Tromsø to Samuelsberg
A heartfelt thank you to the owner of Manndalen Sjøbuer , who spoiled us with excellent cuisine and hospitality.
The picture shows the wonderful food at Manndalen Sjøbuer The "Kafe" Manndalen Sjøbuer in Samuelsberg The picture shows the wonderful food at Manndalen Sjøbuer
An unforgettable day in the side valley of Samuelsberg to the Galggojohka waterfall
The next day, full of anticipation, we explored a side valley. The fresh air was filled with a certain excitement, even though the weather wasn't exactly on our side. It was very windy, and the rain came in irregular bursts, but that couldn't dampen our enthusiasm.
The impressive landscape
To the left and right, the slopes sometimes rose steeply, and then a bend would suddenly lead us into a wide plain. Here, shimmering lakes and numerous streams spread out, their gentle babbling bringing the landscape to life. You have to experience it for yourself, because these views are indescribable – the vastness, the grandeur, and the uniqueness.
The stillness of nature
The highlight of this adventure was the silence that enveloped us. Simply fantastic! Amidst this tranquility, we suddenly heard the sound of rushing water, and our hike led us to several waterfalls. Beautiful mountain streams flowed through the colorful rocks, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Family about technology
While taking photos, I realized I wasn't carrying any filters or a tripod. But for me, family is more important on this adventure. The shared experiences, the laughter, and the joy of discovering this breathtaking nature together are the true memories that will last.
Sigi shows us where to go next
A trip to Kongsvoldtunet
Before returning to Alta, we took a trip to Kongsvoldtunet the day before. It was another impressive drive through diverse plains and valleys. We frequently encountered free-roaming sheep or cows, something almost unimaginable in Switzerland, where it would cause quite a stir. Each time, it's a wonderful encounter with the animals on the road, who seem to know exactly how to behave when a car approaches. As a result, hardly anyone noticeably slows down. The numerous potholes in the road also added to the excitement. This wouldn't have been possible in a campervan in that timeframe.
Meeting with locals
On our journey, once I was able to launch the drone, a farmer's son soon approached and asked what I was photographing. The boy, around 12 years old, was completely fascinated by the drone and my pictures. He happily told me that he had heard of Switzerland, but couldn't quite remember what it was. Shortly afterward, his grandfather joined us and told us about his large family, where everyone in the area has their own house. This way, they can support each other. We were soon his guests, and the stories continued. For example, he explained that about a hundred reindeer live in the mountains here, which are then stapled before winter and taken to Sweden. In the summer, reindeer from Sweden are the main inhabitants of this area.
Kongsvoldtunet : A place of community
After a while, we continued our journey to our destination, Kongsvoldtunet. It's a beautiful complex of houses, similar in style to those on Beatenberg. However, everything is privately financed, and everyone works together. Repairing windows, mowing roofs, baking waffles for guests, and so on. Everyone helps each other and enjoys each other's company. We were soon part of the group and spent two wonderful, interesting hours together. Thank you so much for your hospitality and the delicious coffee with homemade waffles. You absolutely must visit this place; it's a must-see. Photography wasn't allowed inside the houses, of course, but wow, what a piece of ancient Norwegian history is on display there! Amazing!
Norway pictures documentation from Samuelsberg to Kongsvoldtunet
To be continued... the nightmare continues!
Once again it proves true: trust is good, but control is better. As expected, so it happened, and soon I needed hard drugs. Well, we arrived at the garage and the car still hadn't been moved. I asked what was going on and if everything would be ready by tomorrow. The first worker had no idea and went to check. He came back and reported that not all the parts had been delivered yet.
The search for answers
I asked where the rest of the parts were and when they would arrive. He had no idea and called the workshop manager. After more than an hour, he came and looked at the part. After a whopping six hours of sitting around, he came back and said Fiat couldn't deliver until mid-September at the earliest. Wow, and we only find that out after four weeks! We're amazed, and here in Norway, nothing surprises us anymore. I never would have thought Norway worked and organized like this. They finally finished for the day at 4 p.m. and said we'd talk again tomorrow about how to proceed.
A glimmer of hope?
Meanwhile, the garage owner has had a similar part searched for in Norway, and I've also inquired in Switzerland. They will get back to me on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, to let me know if delivery is possible, assuming the particulate filter is in stock.
Good news on Tuesday, August 11th
Early at 8 a.m., the welcome news arrived: a filter from Switzerland was available for immediate delivery. Breakfast was saved, and we could continue with renewed hope. Later, with frayed nerves, we went to the garage. Lo and behold, today everything was different from the past few weeks. They worked diligently on our car, and after three hours, the good news: we could continue. A resounding "Yes!" and we received this news with great joy.
Change in driving style
We were then told that I needed to change my driving style. I had been driving leisurely on the long roads through Sweden and Finland. The engine hardly needed any power and, since it's an automatic transmission, was always running at low RPMs. That's obviously the worst thing for a diesel engine. Therefore, I now have to drive in manual mode at high RPMs for half an hour every 200 kilometers to clean the filter.
Preparations for continuing the journey without electric BYD
Now we need to set everything up again, do the shopping and check the gas, and then tomorrow, August 12th, we'll finally be heading to the North Cape in our campervan, true to our motto.
To be continued... In the sixth week in the city of Alta
Our nightmare is now entering its sixth week. See more in part four.
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Photographed with mobile phone, Sony A1 or DJI drone © Martin Schnetzler
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