Norway

This trip will provide a unique adventure for anyone who loves or is curious about travelling by bike. A typical group size is eight riders including two trip leaders.

The Norway bike tour is a journey of discovery. Spend two weeks bikiing the stunning coastal fjords and islands of northern Norway. Experience 24-hours of sunlight and feel the energy boost you get from the Midnight Sun. Enjoy the company of our local connections to make for an incredible travel experience. 

We have built and maintain strong personal connections with the people and places on this trip.

There will be a mix of hotels, lodges and home-stays along the way. This route offers opportunities to connect with locals, make new friends, and explore the arctic regions of Norway.  

Join this trip on your own or with a group of friends and we will take care of all the details including the bicycles and gear, guides and safety, local activities, route planning, meals and snacks, accommodations as well as helping you with getting to and from Norway.

Although the cycling is great, the emphasis is on fun, plugging into communities along the way and doing local activities with local people as you travel at the speed of life.

TRIP OVERVIEW

Trip START Date | Tromsø, Saturday, July 5, 2025

Trip END Date | Tromsø, Monday, July 14, 2025

Total biking distance: 6 days, 315 km | 195 mi 

Trip Cost: CAD$4,250 plus airfare (a $1,500 deposit is required to register)

10 days / 9 nights

Price Includes:

• • 9 nights accommodation 
  • All group meals (beer, wine, drinks, and snacks at your own expense)
  • Local ferry travel and Hurtigruten Coastal Cruise from Øksfjord to Tromsø.
  • Sightseeing days in Tromsø, Lyngseidet, and Storslett.
  • Expert guides

Safety is our top priority. Onavelo founder, Rick McFerrin has been successfully leading bicycle tours in Canada and abroad since 2003.

We will coordinate pre-trip orientation sessions and communication prior to the trip to make sure you are ready. Specific topics will include:

• Meeting the  trip leaders
• Safety and health information
• Packing and use of equipment
• Travel coordination and logistics
• Communication plans
• Emergency Medical and Travel Insurance
• and more

Onavelo Bike Packing Tour: Essential Information

Your Onavelo bike packing tour is a blend of a professionally guided and independent (self-guided) cycling trip. Onavelo takes care of route planning, lodging, group meals and on-the-road support services. 

Health and Safety: Prioritize your well-being through preparation, listening to your body, hydration, nutritious food, sun protection, and awareness of common cycling ailments.

Group Dynamics: Embrace teamwork, communication, adaptability, and patience. Participate in group activities that include daily check-ins, bike care, and shared experiences.

Communication and Check-ins: Attend morning and evening check-in meetings for daily plans and important updates. Enthusiastic and cooperative participation is expected.

A Typical Day:

 – Morning: Breakfast will be provided at a designated time each day. Pack personal gear and panniers, fill water bottles and plan/pack snacks and lunch, group check-in (ready to ride by 9 AM or earlier with bike loaded and personal needs addressed).

 – On the Bike: Ride at your own pace, taking breaks at your leisure for water and snacks. Maintain safe roadside stops.

 – Lunch: We will stop at cafes, roadside locations, or picnics.

 – Evening: Lodging check-in (contact leader if arriving early), room assignments and evening plans will be shared daily, check bikes, dinner, evening check-in (highlights, concerns, next day preview).

Meals: A daily breakfast is included. For lunch and dinner, we will have a variety of group and individual meal plans.

Where We Are Staying: Expect a mix of hotels, lodges and BnBs, prioritizing well-maintained local options. As noted in the pre-trip communication, the cost of the trip is based on double occupancy or shared rooms.

Challenging Conditions: Be prepared for varying weather and be highly aware of motor traffic (assume limited visibility for drivers, watch for large vehicles, be ready to leave the road). Be mindful of road hazards and changing road conditions and uneven road surfaces. Group cohesion relies on clear guidelines, positive feedback, and understanding/addressing problems.

Onavelo Trip Participation and Individual Flexibility Policy: If a participant deviates from the planned itinerary or discontinues participation for any reason (including illness, mishap, unplanned event, or personal choice), they will no longer be entitled to included Onavelo services from that point. No refunds will be issued for any portion of the trip payment corresponding to the period of non-participation or deviation or unused portion of the trip, regardless of the reason, and Onavelo is not responsible for any extra expenses incurred due to independent arrangements or discontinuation, including alternative lodging, individual transport (including travel costs to rejoin the group), meals, or medical costs. 

Rules of the Road: Follow all traffic laws. Ride single-file in the direction of traffic. Be alert, use hand signals, and exercise caution at intersections. Check your bike before riding (fit, brakes, tires, secure components, lubricated chain). Be visible (bright/reflective clothing). Respect and adhere to Trip Leader riding requests for group safety.

Wearing a Helmet and Safety Gear: You AGREE to wear an ANSI, CPSC, or SNELL-approved bicycle helmet at all times while riding. Additional safety gear includes gloves, eye protection, and bright clothing.

Bike Maintenance for Safety: Inspect your bike before each ride (fit, brakes, tire pressure, secure parts, chain lubrication). Inform leaders of any issues.

Risk Management and Emergency Response Plan: Risk Management Documents will be reviewed pre-trip. Trip leaders carry these documents. The Risk Management Plan aims to prepare for and minimize the impact of critical incidents through awareness and cooperation. It outlines methods to handle and recover from such events.

COMMUNICATION ON THE TRIP

A WhatsApp group will be set up for the group prior to the trip start date. The daily trip plan and other important details will be shared on this messaging App each day. It is also a way for the group to share pictures and communicate with each other while on the trip.

……….

Acknowledgement: By participating on the trip, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the Onavelo Bike Packing Tour: Trip Essentials and agree to comply with its contents.

Download >> Packing List – Norway

Use this packing list as a guideline to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike. We want you to be prepared for your trip. If you are uncertain whether or not to bring something contact us for clarification.

Keep in mind that you have to carry everything on your bicycle. If you do not have your own panniers, OnaVelo can provide you with pannier bags once you get to Norway. Contact Rick for more information. To keep your personal items dry inside the panniers we suggest that you pack your personal items inside waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags. You can get waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags at an outdoor sports store or order online.

There is no support vehicle on this trip. However, if you have things you want for your travels after the bike trip, you can leave a bag in Tromsø with our local host.

Climate:

In Northern Norway during the first two weeks of July, you can expect mild and pleasant weather, perfect for a bike trip. On last summer’s trip, we wore shorts and T-shirts on many days. The region experiences the Midnight Sun, providing continuous daylight, which means you will have long hours to enjoy the scenic landscapes. Average daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 62.6°F), with cooler nights.  While rainfall is more frequent than snowfall, it is advisable to bring layers and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable. The long daylight hours and refreshing breezes make it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful fjords and coastal areas.

Other Considerations:

Washing your clothes on this trip is not that convenient. There are no self-service laundry facilities along the way and very few homes use a clothes dryer so it takes time to have your clothes washed. On past trips, there has been an opportunity on the rest days to do laundry. You can always hand wash your clothes (underwear, cycling shorts, etc.) in a bucket and hang to dry overnight or hang off your bike.

Tips for Packing:

Staying Warm and Keeping Cool: We recommend layering as the best way to stay warm and keep cool. Though we can’t guarantee perfect weather, we can guarantee that the sun may not always shine. To keep you protected from the elements and feeling cool on a warm day, always carry rain gear and start with a breathable synthetic shirt to layer under a vest, windbreaker, or fleece jacket. Avoid cotton fabrics while exercising–the absorbent qualities prevent wicking and insulate poorly when wet.

Cycling Clothing: To ensure your comfort on the bike, it is important to wear the appropriate clothing. Padded shorts or cycling specific shorts are recommended to help prevent chafing and soreness after a long day in the saddle. As well, we encourage you to wear a cycling jersey or a breathable synthetic shirt. This will help wick moisture away from your skin and prevent you from becoming chilled or overheated.

Many people wonder if they should bring things like cycling gloves and cycling shoes. Gloves provide much- needed padding for your hands and will prevent them from getting sore and tired as the day goes on. Cycling shoes that come with cleats and special pedals should only be used if you have been riding with them on a regular basis and are comfortable using them on long riding days. We encourage you to take the time to learn how to ride with them before using them on your trip.

Evening Clothing: The evening activities on this trip will be casual. Bring something to wear in the evening that is not biking clothing.

Packing List

 Documents and spending money

• Passport and a copy of your passport for backup
• Travel documents: flight schedule and other logistics.
• Certificate of travel insurance for emergency medical services and optional trip interruption or cancellation coverages.
• Credit card(s) and a copy of the card numbers and phone numbers listed on the back
• Cash – US$ Dollar or Euros can be easily exchanged
• Cash Norwegian Kroner (NOK) (optional).

• Norway is an almost cashless society, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted for almost all transactions, from small street vendors to larger retailers and restaurants. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for emergencies or in more remote areas where card payments might not be accepted. ATMs are readily available throughout the country, so you can easily withdraw cash if needed.  Bringing a combination of cards and a small amount of cash will ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

Suggested clothing and gear packing list

• 2 Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks for packing into panniers – 20L to 30L dry bags/sacks available at outdoor stores or order online
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, brush, contact solution, razors, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, conditioner, feminine product, toilet paper
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• 5 Underwear: change daily and wash as necessary along the way
• 2 T-shirts or cycling jersey: quick dry, lightweight material
• 2 long sleeve type shirt layers.  One that that you would be comfortable wearing on the ride and one for after cycling, out to eat, or walking around town
• Long pants or cycling pants: lightweight, quick dry type pants that you can wear while cycling or for evening activities
• 2 short pants or cycling shorts: biking shorts or whatever you are comfortable cycling in
• 5 pair socks
• Bathing suit: sauna and hot tub opportunities on the trip route.
• Rain jacket: lightweight
• Rain pants: lightweight pants that you can cycle in
• Light to medium weight fleece or down jacket for cool weather.
• Gloves and toque (stocking hat): water proof
• Pajamas or something comfortable to sleep in
• Closed-toe shoes/sandals: something to wear when you are not cycling – wet conditions may exist
• Sunglasses: good to have eye protection while riding
• Phone/Charger/Adapters: Norway plugs are different from in the USA/CANADA. Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs so you can use adapter types “C” or “F” (often labelled as a Northern Europe adapter). Make sure to check the voltage labels on your appliances or chargers to see if you need to use just an adapter or a converter/transformer with an adapter.

Bike Specific Items

• Bike shoes: sturdy pair of closed-toe shoes for cycling
• HELMET: DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMET!
• Personal water bottles for the bike (2 water bottle cages per bike)

OPTIONAL BIKE SPECIFIC ITEMS

• Your own saddle/seat (only bring the seat, not the seat post)
• Your own pedals
• Cycling gloves
• Bike computers, mirrors, bar ends or other components specific to the way you ride

Other Items

• Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that you require
• Tablets (if using) e.g. Electrolytes, Vitamins, Hydration Supplements, Immune Support etc.
• Phone, Camera, USB drive, extra HD card, battery charger, plug adapters for Norway
• Pens: for writing in the group journal and your personal journal
• Bandana or wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks (COVID protocols change quickly, please bring a mask(s) for public spaces if required)
• Ball cap/visor

Gear provided by OnaVelo

• Bicycle (limited, please confirm for availability)
• Panniers for carrying your personal items while on the bike trip (please confirm for availability)
• Basic tools and equipment for bicycle maintenance
• Basic First Aid kit (bring your own over-the-counter medications or supplements that you require, e.g. Tylenol, ibuprofen, vitamins, sports tablets, etc.)

RENTALS

Tromsø, Norway, offers several excellent options for bike rentals. One popular choice is Tromsø Outdoor, located in the city center on Sjøgata 142. They offer a wide range of bikes, including e-bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes, and even tandems. Another great option is City Bike Rental, which provides city bikes equipped with mud fenders, a rear luggage rack, and other useful features. They also offer hotel delivery and pick-up services, making it convenient for travelers.

www.visittromso.no

www.tromsooutdoor.no

OnaVelo Bikes

We have a few bikes of various sizes in Norway that may be used on the trip. These bikes are limited and you must contact us directly to confirm availability.