Norway in winter – between northern lights and snow crystals

Winter camping with the HYMER Exsis-i 580 Pure and the HYMER T-Class S 585

Just when most tourists only dare to stay in hotels or only travel to Scandinavia for short trips to see the Northern Lights, the perfect time for Elisa, Ron and Marvin to go winter camping in Norway has arrived. The three of them are heading to the Lofoten Islands in Norway for the third time - this time with the HYMER Exsis-i 580 Pure and the HYMER T-Class S 585.

Elisa, Ron und Marvin

Authors

Holiday Destination
Norwegen
Model
HYMER Exsis-i 580 Pure I HYMER T-Class S 585

Arrival in Norway

After a long journey through Germany and Denmark and a three-hour ferry ride from Hirtshals to Larvik, Elisa, Ron and Marvin reach Norway. Arriving in the middle of the night, an official opens the barrier and waves both motorhomes through. Fortunately, Ron knows a quiet parking spot just a few minutes from the harbor on a small lake.

Once there, they fall exhausted into the comfortable beds of their two HYMER vehicles. The next morning is quiet. It was so quiet that you would think they had already left civilization several days' journey behind them.

Searching for musk oxen in Dovrefjell National Park

The next destination is Dovrefjell National Park. The fact that the three of them don't find any musk oxen in the wild there is no drama. The impressions they gather on one of the most impressive hikes of their trip at minus 18 degrees more than make up for it: the sparkle of the sun on countless ice crystals, the sound of the crackling snow and a phenomenal 360-degree view - simply wow. But hiking in such temperatures should not be underestimated: good equipment, warm clothing and a well-heated motorhome for afterwards are a must. It's a good thing that both the HYMER Exsis-i Pure and the T-Class S 585 offer plenty of storage space for winter clothing and hiking equipment, so that everything that might be important during such an adventure is on board.

Tip: If you are also looking for exciting adventures in such wintry regions, it is essential to buy a winter-proof motorhome and to familiarize yourself intensively with the topic of winter camping in a motorhome beforehand.

 

Because only those who start the winter camping adventure well prepared will enjoy it in the end.

 

The next morning, they head up to the Snøhetta viewpoint in the fog before continuing on. The wonderful thing about this type of travel is that the journeys between stops are just as exciting as excursions: within half an hour's drive, the entire scenery can change completely. The three discover icy snow slopes and green forests without even leaving their vehicles.

Børgefjell-National Park

When they arrive at Børgefjell National Park, it is snowing heavily. Instead of staying at the planned campsite, Elisa, Ron and Marvin end up on a farmer's property. Luckily, they meet the Norwegian. He is not only responsible for reindeer breeding in the national park, but also for closing the barriers to the national park in the event of heavy snowfall. After a short conversation in which he makes sure that the three travelers are well prepared, he assures them that he will leave the barrier open for the night. This allows the three of them to spend the night in the hikers' car park and explore the national park.

 

Tip: Norwegians are very friendly and helpful people. Elisa, Ron and Marvin found that they could rely on help in any situation! So just be brave and talk to people.
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After a long hike, Elisa and Marvin take care of the food. Meanwhile, Ron converts the T-Class S 585 into a workplace. All the equipment is transported in it, photos are viewed and saved, and the first videos are edited.

Since the trip is not only a vacation but also work, they are happy that they can split up into two spacious vehicles. Since it gets dark early, they have the afternoons to work and make themselves really comfortable in the vehicles.

Braving the winter with caravanning

The journey continues north. To ensure good progress, they repeatedly put on snow chains or simply adapt the route to the conditions. And it's worth it, because the following days are as magical as Norway itself. The three adventurers wake up in lonely but breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, use the few hours of light to explore the surroundings, hike and find the most beautiful places to sleep.

As soon as camp is set up, they wait excitedly for the Northern Lights and shooting stars and enjoy long nights by the campfire. The three cannot imagine any other type of vacation where you can get to know the country so intensively and still relax.

 

You no longer live in the stress of everyday life and in the fast pace of life of today, but find deep peace in the quiet, solitude and nature.

A tip for winter camping in Norway:

In wintery Norway, refilling the fresh water tank can sometimes be a challenge. Due to the low temperatures, many water taps are turned off. Check Park4Night for petrol stations with car washes. These often have heated water pipes and will definitely let you refill them - if you ask nicely.

 

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The crossing to the Lofoten

The travel group is set to grow for the next leg of the trip. Marvin's girlfriend and Elisa's sister will be joining them. But first we're taking the ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After three and a half hours the crossing is complete and we've reached the ferry terminal in Reine.

The landscape is breathtaking. High, snow-covered mountains tower above red fishing huts and the sea beyond. Of course the new fellow travelers also have to experience the unique landscape on a hike. Even though it's quite slippery, it's fun to explore the little town and admire its many beautiful corners. The sun sets early again and the sky is bathed in a soft purple.

At dusk, the travel companions enjoy the magnificent panoramic view - from the comfort of their warm vehicles through the large front windows. The integrated HYMER Exsis-i Pure, with its spacious driver's cabin and huge front window, offers a particularly good panoramic view that rivals any cinema experience.   You almost feel like you are sitting right in the middle of nature.

On a parking space near the famous Snøhetta Viewpoint, the five friends prepare a delicious dinner. The kitchen offers enough space and enables almost the same cooking experience as at home. You don't have to miss out on anything here.

Combining work and travel is no problem in this motorhome! From the equipment to the fashion collection of our partners, everything finds a suitable place. Thanks to the plenty of storage space and the spacious rear garage, it never gets messy.
Photographer Elisa, Ron e Marvin
Photographer
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A jewel in the north: Nusfjord

Nusfjord is one of Norway's oldest and best-preserved fishing villages. In summer, crowds of visitors flock here to see the village, which is also a hotel and a museum.

No wonder, because this unique village exudes a magical atmosphere. You feel like you've been transported to another time. Everything is peaceful and there is so much to discover, as the historic cottages are part of a museum tour that is open daily.

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For those who want to combine wellness with winter camping, there is even a small Arctic Spa that can be booked. Here you will find a sauna, a hot tub and, for the very brave, an ice bath in the harbor. Elisa and her sister try out the ice bath and are delighted. Ice bathing is an activity that is perfect for winter camping. It refreshes, invigorates and strengthens - even if the first few seconds take a little effort.

Just 400 metres from the entrance to the village there is a parking space that is perfect for an overnight stay. The only challenge is to position the two HYMERs in such a way that the beds of both vehicles have a clear view of the Northern Lights and that neither vehicle blocks the view.

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Climbing Offersøykammen

Another winter hike is planned for the following days. Early in the morning, we set off up to Offersøykammen to watch the sunrise. It's a tough hike. But equipped with spikes and motivated by the fantastic weather, even the 400-meter climb in deep snow is doable. The reward is overwhelming!

The HYMER Exsis-i Pure and the HYMER T-Class S are waiting in the parking lot.

 

Since you can work up a sweat even in cold temperatures when hiking in deep snow, it is a blessing that warm water and a hot shower are available when you arrive at the vehicle. Both vehicles are equipped with large water tanks, so that if you use water sparingly, you can be self-sufficient for up to four days.

Thanks to the good insulation values ​​provided by the PUAL walls, a reliable heating system and because all water tanks and installations are insulated and heated, there are no problems with pipes or tanks freezing in the two HYMERs, even in snowy Norway at freezing temperatures. After a fresh shower, the group sets off for the next parking spot near Henningsvær.

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Admire the Northern Lights through the roof window

During the trip, Elisa developed a real talent for putting on the snow chains and now only needs a few minutes. Luckily! Because after the drive through the snow, the tour group is rewarded with a spectacular northern lights experience, a moose in the distance and numerous shooting stars in the night sky.

The colorful northern lights dancing in the sky give you goosebumps every time. Experiencing this natural spectacle is so impressive that you can hardly believe that it is real and not a dream.

Even though the views are beautiful, watching this spectacle outside at minus 20 degrees is anything but comfortable. So the traveling companions retreat into their vehicles and continue to watch the spectacle in the sky through the rear and roof windows, snuggled up warm. The fold-down bed proves to be a particularly comfortable vantage point.

In the Norwegian winter, the days may be short and the nights long, but life in a motorhome and the proximity to nature offer a balance that is rarely found these days. It is easier to appreciate the little things and live in the moment.

Hello Henningsvær!

We continue to Henningsvær. The small town is also called the "Venice of the North" because of its many bridges. In addition to cafes, restaurants and a cute shopping street with a few shops, there is also probably the most spectacular football pitch in the world - at least for drone pilots. It is also worth taking a short walk to the lighthouse to watch the sunset and enjoy the view of the many small islands.

A trip to the Polar Park

Inspired by a sign on the side of the road, the next little highlight of the trip follows, which reminds the five of Sunday outings from their childhood: a trip to the Polar Park. Here, arctic animals live in large enclosures. The entire park is spaciously laid out in a forest and although there are only a few enclosures, it takes about two hours to walk through one. The best thing: the animals are visibly doing well there! Here you can observe happy arctic foxes, musk oxen, bears and moose in their natural habitat. Reindeer roam freely around the park because they are semi-tame pets in the north and stay close to their caretakers.

Tip:

If you are not pressed for time, be sure to follow the signs for attractions on your trip to Norway. Every time Elisa, Ron and Marvin dared to take a detour, they were rewarded with waterfalls, museums or, in this case, a wildlife center worth seeing.

Andøya

The group goes their separate ways. While Marvin, his girlfriend and the HYMER Exsis-i Pure set off for home, the remaining friends drive on to the final leg north, to the island of Andøya, in the T-Class S 585. There are even fewer tourists here than on the other Lofoten islands. Even in summer, only a few people find their way here, explains a local in the café. But you can watch whales from the coast and go on unique hikes. The three of them find a parking space in a nature reserve on the beach. Because the sand is frozen, they can drive almost to the sea. Who can say they have slept on a white sandy beach, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, under the pink northern lights?

Conclusion:

The simple routine during a winter camping trip to Norway makes you completely forget the stress and fast pace of life. All you need is a comfortable motorhome that you can rely on in any situation - like the HYMER Exsis-i Pure or the HYMER Tramp S.

Completely removed from everyday life, you will find deep peace in the quiet, solitude and nature.

Den HYMER Exsis-i Pure entdecken
Den HYMER Tramp S entdecken

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