I seem to always dream up wacky and out of the norm adventures to average person.  For those of you who are also 02 obsessed you are most likely of the same nature.  Before embarking on my journey I really didn't know what to expect.  I had a friend who was going to ride shot gun with me, but then due to a family emergency couldn't make it.  Bummer.  

 

I have to admit I was a little timid for a brief moment and wavered whether I should go, but there is no tomorrow; less thinking more doing.  Once I got myself back on track for planning my solo trip I reached out to the Norge 02 group on Facebook.  All the members were supportive and gave tips where they could which I found so very helpful.  (Thank you Norge 02 Group!).  

 

My journey started on June 17th and concluded on the July 1st.  I wanted an adventure and I got one.   

Sunday morning before arriving in Kristiansand, Norway.  HollandNorway Ferry

 

 

Packed in like sardines, preparing for unloading in Kristiansand, Norway

Southern Norway with a goal of getting to Stavanger to meet up with Johannes.  

Roadside Assistance! Thanks Johannes

Johanne's clean 02.

Incredible generosity and hospitality.  Not only did Johanne's help adjust my wheel bearing he and his wife invited me to stay.  Truly grateful.  

First hella long underwater tunnel of the trip.  I would have hated to be behind me with my exhaust! 

One of the many ferry required to reach my destination.  Often times I'd adjust my travel plans based on speaking with other people on the ferry or at campsites.  

These views are everywhere, but felt compelled to take advantage whenever I could.  

The reward at the end of my day.  The beer wasn't as expensive as I'd read.  Granted it is expensive, but just a bit more than in the Netherlands.  

Took the train in Flåm up the mountain.  This is a massive water fall that the train stops at on the way up and down.  

Took a side route that got me off the main highway, wasn't disappointed.  

The true adventure begins.  Camped most of the trip, unless is was raining cats and dogs.  The costs varied, but affordable.  Little cabins were also available, but you'd need to call ahead to reserve.  

Was recommended to check out this very unique boutique hotel in Laerdal.  

Johannes Einemo has created a motorsport focused hotel that was built in the 1800's.  The classic stying and vintage feel made me feel right at home.  If you are anywhere near Laerdal, I'd highly recommend going to stay there.  

That there is a real spare Testarossa motor.  Better than keeping it in the garage where no one can see it. 

The bar on the side of the hotel reminds of something you'd find at the Nurburgring.  If you notice on the ceiling above the bar there is a small door.  That door is for passing beer upstairs so you don't have to come down.  Awesomeness! 

Twists and turns galore, but short lived...

This camper blocked the road in both directions.  They did their best to "try", but I decided to take a different route.  Bummer.  

On Kristan's recommendation I took this little independent ferry, which was tiny in comparison to the others.  Only 3 cars onboard.  

Fast slow going

 

This was awesome to get up to altitude and due to being late in the day it was empty.  

Had heard that you could go skiing up on the mountain so went to check it out.  Didn't ski, but next time I will! 

Glacier skiing at it's finest. 

 

Just missing the ski rack.  

Can you recognize this spot? Look at how small the cruise ship looks from up here.  It's the highest drivable motor parking lot in Europe.  

Not often I drive my 02 to frozen lakes.

Climbing out of Geiranger Fjord.

The Trollstigen, just before descending into the valley.  

Dooood, how dope does that look??! Recommended to drive it in the evening to avoid buses. 

 

I stayed at the first campground I could find and this was it. 

Sven invited me over to check out his very clean almost complete project in Ålesund.  Thanks for having me over Sven.  

Makin Norwegian friends! 

Ålesund, Norway

Yet another ferry crossing. 

Heard about this little town that had a bunch of of WW2 bunkers.  The site was closed, but this was not such a bad place for lunch.  

Initially I wasn't going to try and drive this road, but I was so close I had to.  It's pretty short, but definitely scenic.  

This is the first dinosaur bridge on the Atlantic Road. 

Starting to head back South to catch the ferry back to Emden, Germany.  

 

These types of churches, Stave Churches, have survived since the Middle Ages.  Incredible that they still stand.  

 

Fun! 

I didn't stay when I rolled through the first time and when I had chance to spend the night in their "Garage Room" I had to do it.  

Taking the whole experience in at the Laerdal Hotel.  

 

Even from the toilet you can see your car!

Bedroom views!

What a rad experience! Johannes knows how to make something unique.  I can't wait to go back.  

The "Garage Room" used to be a butcher and still has many of bits inside from that time.  Small cues that do not forget the heritage.  

This is the old port in Laerdal.  You may have seen some photos of Magnus Walker here.  

 

Doin the good work.  Johannes and Erik puttin in the time to clear out the old window factory walls to make more parking space! The plan for this space is car store, restoration and body/paint.  In the middle of the building they want to put in a bar that has glass on all sides so you can watch what is happening.  So dope.  

Laerdal Tunnel - Longest car tunnel in the world.  

Oh oh, this isn't good.  

This really isn't good. 

 

Makin more Norwegian friends

I was stranded and had to hitchhike to get to my rental car.  I stood out there for a long time.  

My parking garage for the next month.  My insurance which is great, sent up a transport to bring her back to the Netherlands.  

After picking up my rental car I stopped by to see Torleif.  This is only one of his BMWs and the work he does is impeccable.  Thanks for having me over Torleif! 

Handed over the car keys to the rental and getting ready to board the ferry back to Emden, Germany.

Decent room and only 19 hours to get back.  Too bad this service recently went bankrupt.  I'm seriously lucky to have gone already.  I heard over 75,000 people have lost their money.  

 

What an amazing adventure.  The people, the scenery, the roads, the breakdowns... it's all part of the story and feel very lucky to have these types of experiences.  I can't say enough thank yous to the all the people who helped me along the way and especially before I left.  Jeffery Kok was an essential part of me being able to do this trip! Without his expertise and advise I would have been stuck.  

 

Hope it wasn't too long and boring for you to get through.  If you made it to the end here, leave me a comment.  

 

Look forward to meeting other 02ers in future adventures across Europe! 

 

Peace, 

 

Evan