DW and I just returned from a cruise that included visits to Norway and Iceland. I was surprised to see the large number of Class B and other rigs at our various port stops, some fairly isolated. We both remarked that we'd love to return for road touring. The roads we saw and/or experienced were all in great shape. The campgrounds appeared well organized and immaculate. Most we saw also offered cabins for rent. Roadside "wild" camping appears to be common, although some were posted "No Camping or Overnight". The scenery is spectacular. A large percentage of people speak english throughout both countries. It sure is inviting.
Fuel is certainly not cheap, approaching $8 per gallon in Iceland. Then again, nothing is cheap in that part of the world.
Has anyone had any experience road touring in either country?
DW and I just returned from a cruise that included visits to Norway and Iceland. I was surprised to see the large number of Class B and other rigs at our various port stops, some fairly isolated. We both remarked that we'd love to return for road touring. The roads we saw and/or experienced were all in great shape. The campgrounds appeared well organized and immaculate. Most we saw also offered cabins for rent. Roadside "wild" camping appears to be common, although some were posted "No Camping or Overnight". The scenery is spectacular. A large percentage of people speak english throughout both countries. It sure is inviting.
Fuel is certainly not cheap, approaching $8 per gallon in Iceland. Then again, nothing is cheap in that part of the world.
Has anyone had any experience road touring in either country?
We toured the Ring Road in Iceland in a rented Class C. It was one of our best trips ever. Highly recommended. Read about it here:
In 2010 we drove from Cracow > Berlin > Bergen > about 200 miles north > Oslo and back. Norway scenery is breathtaking, Bergen full of history, water everywhere, long tunnels, Vigeland Park in Oslo a must, museums, Vikings, etc. We stay in hotels, having an RV would be great but roads are very narrow and single lane passes frequent. Watch for speed and pay all road fees before leaving Norway at any gas station.
We have spent overall several months in Norway, all by public transport. A bit inconvenient at times, like when the only option is the school bus, but we have rarely wished we had a vehicle.
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2014 Promaster 136" Self-Build has passed 250,000 miles
Maybe times have changed, but my in-laws in the mid- 60s went to Germany and picked up a VW camper they had purchased. They then proceeded to travel and camp for 1 1/2 years throughout Europe from Scandinavia to Gibraltar and maybe even Morocco. Then shipped it back for another several years here to Mexico and Alaska. My take is they were only limited by lack of interest in a place to visit....which never happened. Great pics and stories of places, people and scenery. Love to get our 2000RT 290P over but still working on the America’s. Now at 275,000. Will put money into maintaining rather than pay current prices for B’s.
My wife and I are presently on a tour in Scandinavia using small class C’s. There are a total of 9 units in the group, and we travel between 100 - 200 miles some days, with frequent stops for all sorts of attractions (scenery, castles, historic places, even taking a Viking style out for a rowing/sailing trip). Small motor homes and caravans (trailers) are very popular in Europe. 95% of the motor homes are Ducato based (like the Dodge Promaster). I think there are more class C’s than B’s, but over here there are a lot of converted VW vans with pop tops. The Ducato c’s range from 6 to 8 meters (20’ - 25’). Class A’s exceeding 30’ are pretty rare. Most all the C’s are powered by a 2.3 liter diesel with a 6 speed stick shift. This engine really pulls well, with a good power band down to 1000 rpm. Fuel is expensive ($6-$6.59/gallon, but these little C’s get at least 22 mpg.
In Scandinavia the roads are well maintained, with clear, readable signage. There are plenty of “autobahn” style freeways that link the main cities, but most of the time we are on 2 lane roads. These seldom have much of a shoulder, and thus seem narrow. And in some cases they go to 1 1/2 lanes with pullovers. Big trucks and tour buses do not give much quarter, but the drivers are overall courteous and careful. Roundabouts are everywhere, and you learn to love them when you encounter traffic lights at intersections. There are tolls on bridges and in tunnels, but you register your vehicle prior to entry, and most all tolls are charged to your credit card.
The campgrounds are generally pretty nice... Pitches (campsites) are generally a bit cozy, and have electric only (optional). Never any water hook-ups, and black tanks are portable cassettes that you roll to the dump station. Gray is dumped by driving over a drain and pulling the valve (no hoses). Fresh water fill is done on the way in or out. The service infrastructure is much more elaborate, with nice showers where hot water is often paid for in 3-5 minute chunks. There are several full kitchens, often really modern, with ovens, cooktops, sinks, and microwaves. Most everywhere there is WiFi, but often you must pay for it. And many of the campgrounds have restaurants, mostly of above average quality. Pricing for a pitch is usually $25-$30, but the extras add up. WiFi can be as much as $5, the hot water is $1-2 for 3-5 minutes, and the laundry is just plain nuts, like $5 for wash, $5 for dry.
There are campgrounds near the big cities, like Oslo, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. With the public transportation so comprehensive in Europe, it is really easy to get into these places, and very cost effective. Many campgrounds rent bicycles, and there are bike lanes and dedicated bike roads all over the place.
English is taught in all the schools in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, so it is easy to communicate pretty much everywhere.
We are really enjoying this trip. Scenery, history, people and accommodations are all great!
Small motor homes and caravans (trailers) are very popular in Europe. 95% of the motor homes are Ducato based (like the Dodge Promaster). I think there are more class C’s than B’s, but over here there are a lot of converted VW vans with pop tops. The Ducato c’s range from 6 to 8 meters (20’ - 25’). Class A’s exceeding 30’ are pretty rare. Most all the C’s are powered by a 2.3 liter diesel with a 6 speed stick shift. This engine really pulls well, with a good power band down to 1000 rpm. Fuel is expensive ($6-$6.59/gallon, but these little C’s get at least 22 mpg.
Ducato is the basis of the Promaster. In Australia we have the 3 Litre version with an Automatic. Most popular Class C base is the IVECO Daily built by IVECO the Fiat Truck division it has a GCVWR of 23,000lbs, fully Automatic. Class C's here are from 23-29ft, but Japanese Truck based ones 31ft
Class B Touring in Far Northern Europe
Linear Mode
