Namsskogan to Storjord (The Letter O)

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After gliding through Snasa and completing the T, it was only 100 km further north to Namsskogen. This is where I would start the GPS and begin drawing the O. The planned route would take us north into the Arctic circle then east into Sweden. Once in Sweden, we would head ‘around and down’ through Swedish Lapland before crossing the border back into Norway.

The planned route

The sign welcoming us to Northern Norway!

Free Camping - Lakeside

With our sense of excitement building (and GPS recording), we left Namsskogen and headed north. Despite some initial good progress, it wasn’t long before the Norwegian scenery got the better of us again… Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Nordic Forest, we decided to explore. Katy and I were keen to recharge with a lakeside view so scoured Google Maps for any blue patches in the vicinity. A couple of false leads later, we finally hit the jackpot. Pulling up at Storesvenningvatn, it soon became clear we had uncovered a hidden gem on the road north…

Storesvenningvatn Campsite

Despite it’s proximity to the E6, we loved it here. The views are set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains (even in July), the lake is clean and surroundings tranquil. I set about lighting a fire before bedding in for the sunset with a couple of cold ones.

Views of the Lake

Mysterious Boat

Katy on the beach

Entering the Arctic Circle

Rising late the following day, we devoured some beans on toast and continued north. This was set to be a big day. I was hoping to reach the Arctic Circle. Full of excitement, the remaining 200 km whizzed by. It wasn’t long before we entered the Saltfjellet Mountains and were approaching 66°33′47.2″ N – the latitude of the Arctic Circle. 

Oblivious to our current latitudinal position (and with darkness descending), I was beginning to worry we might miss the boundary completely. As excitement turned to anxiety, a spec appeared on the horizon. Drawing closer, the words ‘Arctic Circle Center’ became clearly visible on an oddly shaped dome roof. Pulling into the car park, it quickly dawned us: WE HAD OFFICIALLY MADE IT! With victory at hand and smiles all-round, we set about exploring this remarkable site.

Pulling over outside the Arctic Circle Centre 

The Arctic Circle Marker

Officially opened in 1990 on the boundary of the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, the Arctic Circle Center is characterised by its unique architecture. The Arctic Circle is marked all the way through the structure and there are a number of memorial sites and landmarks to explore. 

Striking a pose outside the Centre

Views from the surrounding hills

Having spent a good deal of time roaming around the Centre and it’s surroundings, it was time to find somewhere to stay for the night. I drove 30 minutes north into the National Park and set up our first Arctic Circle camp near Storjord. We slept soundly and awoke to a landscape basking in the Arctic sun.

Comments (3)

3 Replies to “Namsskogan to Storjord (The Letter O)”

  1. Louise says:
    August 6, 2018 at 11:41 pm

    You look so joyful to finally be in the one of the places in this world of ours that you have always wanted to visit 😊

  2. Vincenzo says:
    August 12, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Just wanna say this is an amazing project! Go on Italy is with you! 🙂

  3. Johan Grootveld says:
    August 13, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    Norway is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes!
    I’m also impressed bij your great Stop Brexit project
    (both for political and for travelling reasons)
    and wished I would have planned and implement such a thing by myself !
    I will follow this absolutely (esp. the Low Countries part)
    Hope you will succeed your expedition and your country will get
    another opportunity to Remain with us.. 🙂

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