Riding above the Arctic Circle in the land of the midnight sun is an experience that cannot be adequately described. Majestic fjords, epic waterfalls, and impressive glaciers all combine to create breathtaking scenery that rivals anything seen elsewhere, and experiencing this from the seat of your bike is the cherry on the cake!
Lead guide was Billy Byfield and daily reports were written by the fantastic Lee Williamson.
DAY ONE
And we’re off! We met up at a local restaurant for a meet and greet, then headed to the ferry terminal to check in. A real mix of bikes and riders—always a recipe for a great tour. The forecast promises a calm crossing, so we’ll have time for a quick briefing and a drink in the bar.
DAY TWO
Woke up this morning to a warm 22 degrees—a perfect start to the tour! After disembarking from the ferry, we left Rotterdam, taking the motorways to make our way smoothly out of the city. Enjoyed some great coffee and lunch stops along the way before arriving at the hotel to a warm welcome and a fantastic meal with plenty of laughs. The weather’s looking superb again for tomorrow!
DAY THREE
Another beautiful start to the day! After a hearty breakfast, we left the hotel and took the first of two ferries—a short crossing over the Weser, followed by a 30-minute crossing over the Elbe. Enjoyed fantastic riding through Lower Saxony before arriving in the charming harbour town of Flensburg.
DAY FOUR
Today, we entered our third country—Denmark! The weather was on our side as we rode from south to north, following the scenic National Route 170 up the east coast to Horsens before heading inland. After crossing the Limfjord, we arrived at the port of Frederikshavn on Denmark’s northern headland, all set for tomorrow’s ferry to Gothenburg, Sweden.
DAY FIVE
A wet and windy early start to catch the ferry from Frederikshavn to Gothenburg. Three and a half hours later, we arrived in our fourth country of the tour—Sweden! What a day, riding along virtually empty roads by lakes, waterways, and through pine forests. Lunch was in Nybble (where else?). After a long day, we capped it off with a well-earned meal and some local beer—someone even went for a second round! Tomorrow, it’s a day off for some, with options for a ride out, a spa day, or exploring the town.
DAY SIX
Today was a day off to spend as we pleased. Some rode out from Mora, nestled on the shores of Lake Siljan, a stunning lake formed within a meteor crater and surrounded by smaller lakes. Others stayed in town to explore and relax. Amazing what discoveries everyone made!
DAY SEVEN
We’re having an absolute blast! Seven days of sunshine, with temperatures around 20 degrees! Incredible riders gliding along like majestic swans, reindeer sightings, stunning roads, and beautiful hotels—this trip is something special! I even kissed a bear! And we haven’t even reached Norway yet. Phil was so thrilled he managed to spill his beer across the dining table! Tomorrow, we’re heading toward the Arctic Circle 😳. If Carlsberg did bike trips, this would be it!
No bears or reindeer were harmed during this post…
DAY EIGHT
The Magellan weather gods worked their magic again, blessing us with great weather this morning. The Eldorado led the way, followed by the early starters. Our first coffee stop was a hit, with our resident American, Kamran, giving his seal of approval on the cakes. Today, we entered our fifth and final country—Norway—and suddenly, mountains were everywhere. We wrapped up the day with an all-you-can-eat buffet at the hotel.
DAY NINE
Another dry start to the day—how lucky are we! Today, we crossed the Arctic Circle, the point where winter brings 24 hours of darkness and summer, 24 hours of light! But first, we stopped by the Arctic Circle Raceway. It was closed (Sunday, of course), but with a bit of Scottish charm, Billy sweet-talked the guy in charge into letting us have a free lap.
Next, we explored the Motorcycle Museum, packed with classic bikes and memorabilia—perfect for some reminiscing. Starboard Dave couldn’t resist sharing a story about an old lawnmower he spotted, while Billy found his ideal ride. Then, we reached the Arctic Circle Centre, where the landscape shifted dramatically. It was too windy for the drone, but we still managed to get the essential group photo. After some playful sword fighting, shopping, and a quick bite, we returned to the hotel for another all-you-can-eat buffet.
DAY TEN
The weather gods have left us, so it was wet gear on! Today, we mostly followed the E6, ending in Verdal. Despite the rain, the scenery was spectacular—fjord after fjord, winding through pine and birch forests, with raging waterfalls brought to life by the downpour.
At dinner, everyone agreed it was one of the best days yet. The ride was unforgettable, especially the final stretch when the sun broke through, drying the road as we rode alongside the stunning Lake Leksdalsvatnet.
DAY ELEVEN
After crossing the Arctic Circle, we enjoyed an incredible ride along winding mountain roads, over scenic bridges, and even took a ferry before our final, exhilarating stretch up to catch the boat across to Håholmen Island. Our cozy fishing cottages here are fantastic—a perfect spot to recharge. After freshening up, we gather in the bar for a debrief!
DAY TWELVE
Starting the day riding along the iconic Atlantic Road is always a treat! Though our planned shorter day was extended by a detour around the closed Road of Eagles, it only added to the adventure. With fantastic weather, everyone arrived in Geiranger grinning like Cheshire Cats—the ride couldn’t have packed in any more thrills! The views from our hotel rooms are breathtaking, and dinner was truly Michelin-quality. Today will be hard to top—well done, Magellan!
DAY THIRTEEN
We are all having a blast. Trish is clearly hiding the fact that she’s a professional photographer with her stunning photos! Mark gave a troll a run for its money with his walking stick and removing his teeth for effect! I found Goldmember from Austin Powers on a tractor! Lee did a Tarzan impression with wet hands on a nylon rope, which meant his teeth nearly shattered from holding on so tight! Between us, we carried a very unprepared and overloaded traveling student’s bag down a massive hill! There were epic ride-outs to mountain views! A few beers—okay, a lot of beers! Phil was so disgusted that he had an alcohol-free beer on his tray that he threw it off, all over us! And then we had a five-star dinner while discussing the various waterfalls and scenery from the day.
Man, I’m zonked!
DAY FOURTEEN
It’s getting a bit monotonous now—another great day starting with a mini-cruise up the UNESCO World Heritage Geiranger Fjord. Then onto tunnels, ferries, more tunnels, more ferries, a roundabout in a tunnel, and just fantastic roads. Churches, dealing with a fuel spillage, and tunnel closures—all par for the course. The day ended with a superb meal at the hotel.
DAY FIFTEEN
Options today were either to stay in the local area, visit Hardanger Fjord, take the secret biker’s ride-out (shhh, it’s a secret), or head to a glacier. Those who rode out weren’t disappointed. One brave soul went for a swim in the fjord 😳, and everyone enjoyed another fantastic evening meal. Looking forward to tomorrow already…
DAY SEVENTEEN
Our last day in Norway, and it’s been epic. Many words could describe it: stunning, breathtaking, powerful, awesome, and magical, to name a few. Norway never stops giving—every turn reveals something you’d want to photograph, linger at, or hold onto as a memory. Fjord after fjord, waterfall after waterfall, mountain after mountain… The roads are in such good condition; I don’t think we saw a single pothole.
Our route today takes us to Kristiansand to catch the ferry back to Hirtshals, Denmark. Let’s hope for a smoother crossing than yesterday…😳 What a ride.
Weary travelers boarded and soon had their heads down, taking the chance for a quick nap…until the cakes were found, bringing everyone back to life.
Off the ferry, it was just a short ride to tonight’s hotel for another amazing meal—portion control isn’t in their vocabulary!—and a well-earned beverage.
DAY NINETEEN
Penultimate day riding down through Germany. An easy but interesting day as we head to our final hotel, where a farewell dinner awaits. Smooth riding, though the temperature climbed back into the 30s at times—boiling . A choice of two or three ferries, depending on your route, or the sea tunnel. The hotel, Wardenburger Hof, delivered an amazing meal. Sadly, just one day left on what has been an incredible tour.
FINAL DAY
What a tour! Take 11 fabulous, like-minded people, a mix of motorbikes, add superb hotels, wonderful meals, jaw-dropping scenery, mesmerizing waterfalls, fantastic open roads, tons of laughter, and a sprinkle of banter 😁, and that’s what you get… we even found time to form a government. 🤔
Over the last three weeks, we’ve traveled through five countries, crossed the Arctic Circle, done a lap on the Arctic Circle Raceway (for free, thanks to our smooth-talking guide), and ridden alongside rivers, fjords, lakes, the sea, up and down valleys, and around a 370-million-year-old meteorite crater. We took on the Atlantic Road, slept in fishermen’s huts, topped mountains, explored secret roads, touched glaciers, swam in fjords, completed numerous ferry crossings, and tasted moose burgers—and apparently, the occasional fish soup.
Blessed with good weather we have so many fantastic images and memories to take home. Here’s to the next one!
