Scandinavia… Not a country, but a beautiful area. Scandinavia is the collective name for the following Northern countries; Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Looking at history, Finland and Iceland are also part of Scandinavia: according to the Norwegian council they are part of it. All in all, Scandinavia is huge (more than a million square kilometers), while approximately 24 million people live there. For comparison; The Netherlands is more than 41,000 square kilometers with about 17 million inhabitants.

Of all western European countries, the Scandinavian countries probably have the most more or less untouched nature. In addition, they are countries that are easily accessible from the Netherlands. Norway is characterized by, among other things, the fjords and the Trollstigen, known to many motorcyclists. And where Sweden is known for being wide and peaceful, everyone knows Finland as the land of 1000 lakes. All in all, legitimate reasons to traverse this beautiful nature in the north of Europe by means of a number of routes.

The route starts just outside Mysen at hotel Scandic Brennemoen and (again) goes north. In Skjønhaug it is possible to buy some food and drink for the road, as well as to fill up the tank if that is not already done. The route runs on beautiful, slightly smaller winding roads. You will not encounter many village centers in this route, you usually go around it. A lot of water that you pass, but that is simply not easy to avoid in this area (as if you wanted to!). A viewpoint is indicated in some places. Stopping at those places is of course not mandatory, but it does allow you to enjoy this beautiful nature that you drive through.

The first coffee stop is at a somewhat remote hotel in a beautiful location. The road to it consists of well-run gravel. Drive carefully, then little can happen to you.

After coffee you continue on a beautiful winding road through forests, meadows and along water, lots of water. All this beauty lasts until the next coffee stop in Skotterud.

After coffee, continue north towards Kongsvinger, where you can visit the Kongsvinger festning, or Kongsvinger fort. As you approach Kongsvinger you can already see it from some places, can't miss it on top of the hill. In the past, such structures were usually built in strategic places so that they could keep a close eye on the environment. And where better to do that than on top of a hill?

After Kongsvinger you will again pass a large lake, a great place to stop and take a photo. This is possible just before you sit down for lunch in Sand.

You don't have much time to exhaust yourself, because there are still a few kilometers to go in this route. Just before Stange you pass the Norsk motor historisk museum. There are about 200 vehicles and machines on display - mainly tractors and stationary engines, but also some vintage cars, motorcycles and construction equipment. Nice to stop and have a look. Check the website if they are open at the useful links.

The next waypoint on the route is Hamar, more specifically the Viking ship in Hamar. This ice rink was built in 1994 for the Lillehammer winter games. Since its opening, this has been Norway's main ice stadium.
You are here on the first coordinates that the participants of the Arctic Challenge (on which the tour of which this route is part is based) have been given to drive from Twente Airport in one stage.

Actually, just as soon as you entered Hamer, you are out again. Shortly after your 'visit' to the Viking ship, you will arrive at the last coffee stop of this route in Løten at a charming restaurant near the station. Delicious on the terrace for a good coffee.

After Levrum, you wind for a while along the Glomma, with a length of 621 kilometers the longest river in Norway. The catchment area of this river covers 13% of Norway, all in the southern part of the country.

At Rena you will find the last gas station of this route. It might be wise to refill the tank here, so that you can use it again tomorrow.
About 5 kilometers further you will reach the end of this route, the Østerdalen hotell. An outside hotel, but with all conveniences such as a restaurant, a sauna and a bar. Wonderful to discuss today's route with your traveling companions, whether or not in a steamy sauna or with a nice pot of beer.
Three campsites are signposted for campers in the vicinity of the end point: Rena Camping, Holmbo camping and Skramstadseter Fjellstue.

Have fun driving this route!