UK to Northern Sweden

Hi everyone,

The missus and I are planning a trip to northern Sweden this winter to (hopefully) see the northern lights and generally take a look around up there.

We are new to overland travel and will be using a brand new, currently standard Toyota Hilux.

I'm interested to hear thoughts of anyone more experienced that has done similar. Any recommended routes or tips would be much appreciated.

Plans for the truck are as follows:

-More suitable tyres
-Ally sump guards (a lot of the logging track are made up of loose rocks)
-Some basic recovery equipment (hi-lift jack, shovel, maybe snow/sand ladders, etc)
-Some wider/stronger/grippier side steps

Anything else recommended?

Thanks in advance!!
TK

Hi Tommy,

Have you thought about going up Sweden and down Norway (as a Norwegian I think this is a good option...).

We took the overnight ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg (Denmark), and then stayed a night in Denmark on the way up to Sweden and Norway. Ferry was good and very convenient.

If you are going mid winter, snow chains is a must. A winch might also be something to think about if you are going off the beaten track on your own. It might also be an idea of stopping past a hardware store/fuel station and pick up a bag of course gravel - this has helped me a few times in the past. Shovel is a must, as is blankets, torch and other survival items (burner and thermos for hot drinks) for seriously cold days and nights. The vehicle quickly turns to a freezer if you happen to get stuck! Sump/axle/steering guards will probably be more for snow and ice than for rocks.

Do some investigation into tyres, and what is allowed in winter in Sweden (http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/en/road/Vehicles/winter-tyres/) and Norway (www.naf.no). From what I can see M+S is a requirement in Sweden, though in Norway there is a requirement of 'sufficient grip' (no specific M+S requirement for vehicles under 3500kg). Please verify.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Happy travels.

VE

I wonder if they went --------I wouldn't go without a trial summer/autumn run first------the Harwich- Esbjerg ferry no longer run -----nor does the one to Bergen Norway------it means more road miles but no more expensive.
It would be good to know if they went-------I would love to travel there in winter but not to stay too long.
Nigel & Pamala

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