The road to the North Cape - Day 6: A Day of Epic Roads and Arctic Adventures

A Fresh Start

After the challenging previous day, I was ready for a fresh start. The morning began with a hot cup of coffee and a sense of optimism. The rain had eased up, and with my gear finally dry, I packed everything back up and prepared to hit the road. The bike was fixed, the phone and battery bank were charged, and I was feeling more energetic. The forecast seemed promising, so I was hopeful for a good day ahead.

Back on the TET

I rejoined the Trans Euro Trail, and it was like a breath of fresh air. This day turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. The roads were in great shape, and the weather cooperated—mostly dry with just a few clouds hanging around. The scenery was absolutely stunning. I rode through some of the most beautiful landscapes I’d seen so far: lush forests, rolling hills, and expansive views that made me feel like I was riding through a postcard.

One of the best parts was the smooth, high-speed roads. It felt incredible to open up the throttle and let the bike really stretch its legs. The weather and road conditions combined to make this day one of the most enjoyable rides of the whole trip. I managed to cover about 500 kilometers this day, and every kilometer was a treat.

Food and Fumbles

By the time I reached Arvidsjaur, I was ready for a break. I stopped at a local store to stock up on some supplies. With a full tank of fuel, food and a few snacks in hand, I decided to drive a bit outside of town to find a place to set up for a meal. I found a windshelter that seemed perfect for a quick rest and refuel.

I picked up some sausages and bread, planning a simple meal. But here's where my planning went a bit sideways. I had bought a can of "Bullens pilsnerkorv," which are Swedish canned sausages, but forgot one crucial item—a can opener. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you need it.

Luckily, I wasn’t alone! A couple from the Netherlands had parked their motorhome nearby. They had a can opener I could borrow, albeit a bit of a questionable one, but it did the job. I was able to open my can of sausages, cook them up, and enjoy a meal with a great view over the lake.

Reaching the Arctic Circle

After finishing my meal and enjoying the scenery, I continued my tour towards the Arctic Circle. The trip to Jokkmokk was exciting, knowing I was getting closer to this iconic landmark.

The roads in this area were absolutely amazing. It went fast and I had lots of fun! I could have kept driving all night long, but by the time I finally reached the Arctic Circle it was quite late, and I simply had to decide that was enough for the day.

The Arctic Circle landmark was an exciting place to visit. Large signs marked the place and they were completely covered in a patchwork of stickers from previous travelers. I walked around for a while looking for famous stickers, before adding a couple of my own stickers to the collection. I took a few photos of the place and took a moment to absorb the performance.

It felt great to reach this milestone, even though I was quite tired after a long day of riding.

Setting Up Camp

Just a few hundred meters from the Arctic Circle landmark, I found a spot to set up camp. I hung my hammock between two trees, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep. However, the wind picked up as the night went on, and it got pretty chilly. Despite my efforts to stay warm and comfortable, the wind made it difficult to get a good night’s rest.

I tried to make the best of the situation, but the combination of cold wind and exhaustion made for a restless night. As I lay there in my hammock, I reflected on the day and the journey so far. Despite the chilly night, the day had been filled with incredible moments—amazing roads, beautiful scenery, and the satisfaction of reaching the Arctic Circle.

Reflecting on the Day

Day 6 was a rollercoaster of experiences. From the thrill of riding some of the best roads of the trip to the small hiccups with food and camping, it was a day packed with memorable moments. The joy of cruising through stunning landscapes and reaching the Arctic Circle made it all worthwhile, even if the night didn’t bring the best sleep.

Sometimes the days on the road are about more than just covering miles—they’re about experiencing the journey, adapting to challenges, and celebrating the achievements. Day 6 was a testament to that. As I drifted in and out of sleep, shivering but satisfied, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the adventure and the incredible experiences it had brought me.