EP.5 CYCLING LOFOTEN Pt1: How to CYCLE 5 ISLANDS

[@peterforde9513]

Great. I (74 year old geezer) took my Brompton (from Florida, USA) and spent 10 days cycling through the Lofoton Islands from Trumso to Bodo. Love Norway.

[@matthewnorway]

That is a fantastic route! Clever idea bringing a Brompton!

[@jcoterhals]

Your videos deserve even more views than they have. This one is no exception. You're a kind of a one-man version of the Norwegian Tourist Board!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Jo!

[@alexandrawigingtonel-asfah208]

FANTASTIC VIDEO. Thank you from 🇨🇦

[@peterh5732]

Not only are you a cyclist and an explorer, you are a wonderful story teller. Thank you so much for making these videos. Beautiful and inspiring. Can't wait for more.

[@matthewnorway]

Glad you like them! 🙏 Many thanks Peter. More coming!

[@lyndahugill3284]

Thankyou for your inspirational videos Matthew. We are planning our 3rd visit to Norway using your brilliant trips. What is the music that accompanies this film of Lofoten please?

[@MrAlexanderAnders]

Great videos and storytelling. It is really something to be inspired of at least now when it is so cold and dark. I was biking from Moskenes to Svolvaer myself one day last summer as part of a longer tour. Remember very well how awkward it felt to go downhill on the left/"wrong" side. in the tunnel below the sea. At the bottom I switched over to the right side being afraid to meet someone if I stayed left. Traffic was horrible and I took a deep breath when I was out safe.The rest was nice :).

[@mihaimoiceanu3010]

For sure you have the gift of storytelling wich is essential in movie making. The narrative is the backbone of every film and you have a natural way of saying it. Congrats !!

[@Nabium]

I lived in Lofoten 17 years ago. There were tourists back then, but mostly just caravans and campervans from Germany and the Netherlands, and some Norwegians. It remained a secret for the rest of the world and Western Norway got most of the tourists. Now it seems like a completely different place thanks to instagram.

[@Biking360]

Wow! That was off the scale. Nice one.

[@mrsporty9669]

I like cycling and this channel 🚴🌟

[@helderfernandes6283]

Mattew, your ride videos around Norway are amazing. Hello from Oslo.

[@matthewnorway]

Glad you like them Helder!

[@erikmortensen1091]

What a amazing world.

[@ruthwenchegransjoen6462]

This was good. I was there in 2005. I would like a movie about the walking trail from Oslo to Trondheim.

[@JAMESFERNANDEZ]

Starting to watch your series of Lofoten Islands!! What a great footage!!! Amazingly done!!! Congrats!!! Can't wait to go there!!! 😎

[@matthewnorway]

Great to hear! Hope you get to visit next year!

[@wattkg]

Absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to visit Lofoten myself.

[@matthewnorway]

Note, go early or late in the season the campervan traffic is not ideal in peak season.

[@wattkg]

@@matthewnorway I bet! Copy and paste to all west coast mountain climbs in July 🥴 June and August are my preferred months for excutsions.

[@LordFata]

Fantastic imagery as always, and thanks for the laughs! What an amazing experience. In rain and mist, it looked like a fantasy world. Made me think of the Alien - Covenant or Jurassic Park. And Neverending Story, of course. Can confirm, the drivers were so considerate, never felt in danger. Route 815 away from E10 was my favorite part. Almost zero cars, just alone in the road, a bit of sun coming through. Some flat terrain to both sides and the greatest views beyond that. First undersea tunnel was an experience as well. Like decending into a freezer. I think that was Ryatunnelen, north east of Lofoten. Went 3 days of 180 km each in late august, in the other direction, on the way from Tromsø to Oslo. Saw plenty of cyclists - none of them in my direction though. Had the some brutal head wind most of the time, and felt like I was the only idiot in all of Norway who missed some critical information regarding most common wind directions :D

[@matthewnorway]

Your headwind - 😂 I think there is some truth to that! The prevailing winds are from the south east so if you're heading from the north you'll probably get more headwind. But the weather and wind patterns can change so quickly. I had some brutal days heading North so I know that feeling!

[@johnleenane4571]

Class as always matthew👍🇮🇪

[@matthewnorway]

Many thanks, John!

[@JaqueParisien]

Oh my god! I am without words, well, almost. Such beauty coupled to your wonderful shots of Lofoten make this one, if at all possible, my favourite. And that's not even mentioning your well thought narration and dwelling in the history of the island. You love Norway Matthew and that love transpires in every shot, every word, every ride. What more can I say? Well, let's wait for the next one.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Jaque! Now I feel the pressure for Part 2 😂😅

[@JaqueParisien]

Well I just get overwhelmed sometimes by your savoir faire and your to blame for it. Stop being so darn good at it and I might let you off the hook. :-)

[@shaunowen5829]

inspiring videos, chapeau matthew

[@angharadhafod]

Tørrfisk snacks are totally delicious. You just have to try them. As for Lofoten, I'm so glad I went there in the early noughties (twice). I'm not sure I'd cope well with the number of tourists there now.

[@GalymzhanKirbassov]

incredible video, great editing and captures.

[@matthewnorway]

Many thanks 👍

[@janmccann8081]

Fabulous video! Thank you.

[@ml22bike]

Hi Matt. Found your vids here a couple of days ago. I've been to Nordkapp myself in 1981... by VW camper with my parents :-) And I always wanted to go back again. And now I even know more, why. I did actually with my wife in 2008... again with a camper. Same mistake twice... but not a third time. Thanks for your inspiration, your great comments, reseach on the old roards an funny sidekicks with dragons, especially Fuchur and hobbits and so on. It's probably going to take another couple of years for me to finally make it up all the way north by bike, cuz family and job want let me out for three months... but who knows. I start planning now... so I am prepared :-) Hope my message finds you well - keep on riding. Beste wishes for 2024 - Martin - aka ml22bike

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Martin, thanks for reaching out. I wish you well with your adventure to Nordkapp. Planning now is a great way to ensure it does happen when the time is right! Cheers, Matthew

[@PilotChristophHansa]

I must say i am really enjoying your videos ever since, really wanna acomblished my goal to ride to the northcape (covid 19 situation) but your videos are scaling up, keep it up

[@matthewnorway]

🙌

[@david-pascoe]

What a stunning place! Thanks for the film. :-)

[@rascal6054]

Well done. E-10 got it! You did good Matthew. I just got see that “bad boy” in person. Thanks

[@matthewnorway]

That mountain is certainly a bad boy!

[@fparkes6]

Such great videos mate:)

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Fabian!

[@bergstool]

Amazing! Did the same route through Lofoten a couple of years ago. I remember that tunnel with the tiny strip to cycle on and the cars flying by you so well!😂 So fun to see all the places I remember in this video!

[@matthewnorway]

That tunnel 😅!

[@Kamihana]

Matthew, you should be sponsored by Visit Norway! You produce excellent quality videos with beautiful locations. Not just the famous spots. Tourists should really take their time and either rent a car, or ride a bike through the landscape. The landscape and nature is a huge part of the Norwegian identity. 🤗 Somewhat ironically, the Lofoten dried fish snacks you filmed sold in Lofoten is "produced in Iceland" for Lofotprodukt AS... 😲 Maybe we sell the good stuff to Italy, and import Icelandic crap to sell to curious tourists and for cat snacks. 😂

[@matthewnorway]

HAHA 😂 produced in Iceland!!! Sell the cheap stuff to the tourists (at an over inflated price) and export the good stuff to Italy! This is why Norway is so rich!

[@christopherhood9241]

your films of Norway (line the scenery) keep getting better & better

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Christopher 🙏 Part 2 coming this afternoon 🚴🏻‍♂️☀️

[@christopherhood9241]

@@matthewnorway fantastic - looking forward to it.

[@guidetonorway]

Great video. Definately too many cars in Lofoten in July!

[@matthewnorway]

I hope they will do something about it in the future.

[@Dryden39]

Excellent video Matthew! I sure hope things are “back to normal” by 2027 when I commence my around the world tour.....I will definitely find time for these islands....thank you for introducing us!

[@matthewnorway]

I hope you do Dryden39. Good luck with the planning of your epic ride around the world!

[@abcfreehkhk359]

Great cinematic videos!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks a lot!

[@jimmccorison]

I live on an island off the northwest coast of Washington State in the US. It's about 50 square miles (80km2) and a one hour ferry ride from the mainland. As you said, there is something magical about islands, and living on one is even more so. But the downside is that in the summer months we get inundated with tourists. Our island population triples and the roads are congested. The local joke is that you can see the island sink a little with each ferry load that arrives. Visiting Lofoten would be a great experience, but I'm afraid I would feel guilty for being one more interloper in their paradise. Perhaps in the off-season, when the crush of people has left, it would be more enjoyable. Thank you for all your videos. Fodder for my dreams.

[@matthewnorway]

Late spring or early fall will be quiet. And winter can be magical on a nice day. You also have the islands further north including Andøya and Senja that are less touristy and just as beautiful.

[@wonglipmeng3472]

That was a great video and very inspirational for potential cycle tourists far and near. Indeed it utmost important to use our effort to ride there instead of driving whenever we can so as to prevent it to be congested by RVs and cars during the high season especially. Once again THANKS for the brilliant video Matthew and look forward to your next episode. Meanwhile I have just shared out in my FB.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Wong!

[@yvesneise]

Matthew, I am so frustrated! I watched all your videos allready and they are fantastic - but it is only beginning of November, so 5-6 months before the biking season starts 😓 I guess I have to watch them all over again until then 😂. BTW I cycled from Å to Tromsø myself last summer. It was truely awysome.

[@matthewnorway]

The long winter makes you appreciate the short time you have to cycle Norway 😉. I agree, Å to Tromsø is one of the best routes you can do👌! Great to hear you cycled it last summer 🙌

[@percival3830]

A world of fantasie, but only perhaps if you don't travel in a motor vehicle, or your perception will be off. For myself, I enjoy being diminished and humbled by Mother Nature, as this puts me in proper relation to Him.

[@mirosaw880]

WOW -------- YOU ARE THE BEST ------- TUSEN TAKK ;-}

[@matthewnorway]

🙌

[@pollinirurali392]

Hi Matthew, next summer I'll be in Lofoten (from Italy). Is it possible to download your bike tracks on Relive or other apps? Thank you very much, great job!!

[@matthewnorway]

cyclenorway.com/routes/atlantic-coast-route/overview/route-3/

[@pollinirurali392]

@@matthewnorway thank you very much!!!!

[@piakramer3723]

Amazing video! Where did you directly borrowed the bike? Die you just ask the tourist information or did you need to reserve it?

[@matthewnorway]

The bike is mine. You can rent bikes in Bodø or in Svalvær as far as I'm aware.

[@usstotts]

Looks fantastic, on my list for a cycling adventure. What time of year did you film this. Thanks for your effort and time in making the video.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Andy, late June I was there.

[@omare_biketonature]

@@matthewnorway Late June 2020? I cycled Trondheim-Lofoten-Trondheim early June 2020 🚴🏻‍♂️👌🏻

[@matthewnorway]

Which way E6 or RV17? I’m surprised we didn’t cycle past each other!

[@omare_biketonature]

@@matthewnorway I went north inland through the mountains, did some E6 sections and cycled as much as I could in small roads sometimes even closer to Sweden on my way back I cycled the coast FV17. The truth is that I didn’t want to cycle the same route twice but wouldn’t ride E6 again, it’s a cyclist nightmare! Other than that was fantastic, epic ride! My first long distance tour, I started in one of the most amazing routes in the planet! I’m moving to Trøndelag, so I’ll definitely keep riding in Norway.

[@torbenbaumbauer9654]

Hey, can you make a Video how you prepare your bike for a flight.

[@matthewnorway]

There are loads of great videos on this subject already. See here: kzbin.info?search_query=packing+your+bike+for+air+travel

[@torbenbaumbauer9654]

@@matthewnorway Greate Thanks

[@veritaspk]

I should be there in 3 weeks - by bike, of course 😁

[@abcfreehkhk359]

Hi, When is the best months to visit lofoten?

[@matthewnorway]

For cycling mid June to Mid August.

[@WestGoesEast]

Hi Matthew, avid watcher here. Apologies if you mention this in one of your videos but I hope you can help. I'm planning to cycle the bottom of Lofoten to Nordkapp. I will be flying from the UK. Which airports are best options to fly into for Lofoten and then Nordkapp (best priced ideally) Any tips would be welcomed. Thanks!

[@matthewnorway]

Bodø and then take the boat over to Loften. Alta for Nordkapp

[@trell2408]

Thank you for fantastic videos from Lofoten. Please allow me to make a small comment - the fish heads that was hung to dry will not be exported to Italy, it goes to Africa were they use it to make soup. Only the best quality of the fish body will be sold to southern Europe, and to South America i.e. Argentina and Brazil :-)

[@WheelsonaBike]

Another beautiful video. Thank you! Also... You could be a voiceover artist. Side hustle? 😉

[@matthewnorway]

I think I would be perfect for cheap second hand car commercials 😉

[@WheelsonaBike]

@@matthewnorway 😂😂😂

[@ankra12]

❤️🇳🇴

[@mortensandmoen5208]

Not loften but lo-fot-ten! 😉

[@alexmorgan3435]

I think the choice of your personal rock music is a mistake. I found it totally incongruous with the stunning scenery and distracting whereas the softer music was far more in keeping with the beauty of these islands. The sped up footage again and very short time intervals shots were on screen became annoying. There were far too many interruptions for ads in the video. I counted 8. But yes the Lofoten Islands are a beautiful place to visit and ride. The traffic is the thing that puts me off. Thanks for sharing.

[@h0pesfall]

Too bad I get seasick 😩😩😩

[@WanderABit]

+1 :-D This is both beautiful and sad. Even in this video I cannot stand car drivers, you showed us very attractive places and at the same very unattractive because of the car pollution -- constant noise, fumes, if car is not behind you it is already visible in front of you. Plus that fellow who simply cannot park car off the road, no, it has to be *on* the road... Of course this is just my preference, but I'd better be "nowhere" with no cars around, than in places like in the video, because I know I couldn't enjoy it (when I see so many cars my reaction is "run" :-) -- I want to see lakes, rivers, forests, not smelly pieces of metal).

[@matthewnorway]

I understand you Maciej, stay tuned for the journey north there are some beautiful quiet places away from it all :)

[@КостяЛопунов]

Matthew 12:34-37

[@angharadhafod]

Tørrfisk snacks are totally delicious. You just have to try them. As for Lofoten, I'm so glad I went there in the early noughties (twice). I'm not sure I'd cope well with the number of tourists there now.