ESCAPING Lofoten - Is Vesterålen better for motorcycle touring? [S5-E15]

June 24th : I might have woken up on the wrong side of the bed today! Or at least, on the wrong side of my sleeping mat 😂 It's a chilly morning, and I head further into Lofoten with the plan of checking out a few more locations before heading north. The amount of traffic on the road quickly makes me change my plan - I head straight to the nearest camping, book a cabin for the day and spend my day and evening just working, drinking coffee, and relaxing instead. Some days are better spent indoors doing productive things!
The next day was far better - the 25th of June I headed further north to check out more of Vesterålen. It is far less traffic, and in my opinion, just as lovely and scenic! It turned out a great day 😃
________________________________
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[@gjvanlaar]

Nice episode Runa! And don't we all have those days? Likely you had already had a gut feeling about this destination, and then you see all those negative things that will only confirm this feeling. Please keep showing us the non-touristic parts of the world!💚

[@badshahgulgul7887]

❤

[@kenhoward3512]

Thank you for showing us that you, Runa, are a real person, with real feelings about good days and bad (or, shall we say, less-good). Judging by the nicely-creative editing, I'd say you made good use of your "productive" day in the hotel. Beautiful Norway certainly attracts the tourists. You passed one large RV with the name, "Road Surfer," which I thought was particularly funny in comparison to a motorcyclist.

[@ShahbazAkhtar]

I just watched your latest video about your trip to Vesterålen, and I have to say, the scenery is absolutely stunning! I love the way you capture the beauty of Norway in your videos. You really make me feel like I'm there with you, sitting on the motor tank lol and enjoying the views. I'm also a big fan of the way you engage your viewers. You're always so informative and entertaining, and I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos in the future. Enjoy your trip!

[@simonwyatt1161]

I agree with you on the "too many people "!! Its so much nicer with hardly anyone around

[@NefariusDeus]

Very sympathetic stay that open and honest! And don't go where you don't want to be 🤘

[@jonathantrexel4299]

Runa, hearing your frustration reminds me of your bloopers video. Just being real is appreciated. Your videos are experiential, and personal, not documentaries.

[@adventurechannel67]

Hello Runa Bear 🐻 @6:30 So true about city driving vs. Country roads. Now imagine living in a city with 6M people and it takes you over an hour to drive 15 miles to get home from work. This is why I quit my job, sold everything and plant go travel the world's back roads

[@steveray8056]

Hi Runa, you do not need to apologize for taking your time to plan your routes. I enjoy all the scenery and roads you travel. Do what you need to do to stay safe and have fun on your bike. Thanks for taking us along.

[@suek.1507]

Hi Runa. What beautiful scenery. The color of the water is stunning, and the fog hanging over the mountain tops paints its own kind of beauty on the landscape. I dont blame you for being ticked off, and we've all woken up on the wrong side of the bed! Thank you for taking us along on your journey through some pretty spectacular views. Happy camping and safe travels. See you in the next one.

[@runeburdahl7141]

Well done Runa. So much to see and explore. Totally agree on Lofoten, it is a nightmare during the main tourist season. All the best.

[@wilsonjoseribeiro5884]

Já chego dando like antes de começar a ver o vídeo! Obrigado Runa!!

[@andrewnichols9853]

Thank you for another excellent episode. I must say I noticed how well you frame the shots as you ride. Making sure we get amazing views and the mundane. Plus I'm enjoying your soundtrack. This has made my morning.

[@barryhammond9839]

Thanks for the great video! You do such a fantastic job of showcasing your beautiful country!😊

[@paulbarton7886]

i like your calm style and relaxing music and i agree, keep away from the main tourist areas. all the best.

[@natalijabasiak5537]

Thank you Runa :) You're the best! I know such days... they happen to me too, but they also pass. You are so strong and motivated - and of course, good mood and weather will lead you! :) Wish you a good day!

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

Superb,serious.shamim🤝🕊💚

[@tishdressen8680]

Hoi Runa ! Sometimes, things just go wrong. But let's have a deep breath and relax ! You did it right, changing your way to Vesterålen much less crowded and quieter for sure ! The view is just as magnificent, even with big black clouds above, and still those high mountains and fjords around !... Nice Sandvika beach👍! Takk igjen !

[@johnjunge6989]

When you love mountain views, beautiful lakes, and quiet scenery, heaven can't be far away!! ❤

[@banyantree8618]

We have the same issue in NZ…..without judging driving ability, the fact people are on holiday and distracted by the views on narrow twisty roads leads to an awful amount of near misses and accidents.

[@b.g.9404]

Super nice Video. Thank you and waiting for the next. God tur agan ❤😊

[@alex_from_texas_]

In The Wind 😎 👌 good night 🌞

[@armandomontano8964]

I Just started watching your videos!..and I cant wait for the next one,Just love'm so much!....keep riding safe !❤

[@oliverosswald]

Thank you for sharing all these impressions from Norway! Touring Norway with my bike is definitely on my bucket list! Best wishes from Switzerland! 🇨🇭

[@user-pd3vg3nn3y]

I Love the way you show things on map Love your motorcycle and show Places Awesome and amazing scenery 😊

[@kwik2008]

Again a great episode you shared with us. Thank you 😊👍🙏

[@famsteggink3887]

Nice to sea i did exactly the same. I arrived by ferry Bognes-Lodingen and went north. Took also the ferry Fiskebol-Melbu and stayd 3 days on Sortland around Myre. Indeed, much less crowded with tourists, beautifull scenery. I loved it. Was there 8 days ago.

[@mcaventyrpunktse]

Nice as always following your adventures Runa :-)

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

It's interesting to hear that drivers in Norway are as nuts as everywhere else (USA for example). I hope you always ride with your headlight on high beam, Runa. I do. Always. 😀👍❤

[@sucharitbiswas1233]

its awesome enjoyed as if I am in Norway. Keep posting. Thank you for everything,

[@chotuusian4127]

Nice trip and looking lovely🌹

[@lew3057]

Sadly, bad drivers are everywhere. When I ride my level of situational awareness usually means that I'm going a bit slower, so I don't want to be the cause of an accident. I don't enjoy the bigger highways at all and I stick to the smaller roads here. Your country looks beautiful. Enjoy and I love your videos.

[@billb2079]

Thank you for these videos. I enjoy evey one of them.

[@ManWithADream]

With those low clouds over the mountains I was expecting one of the huge giant Norse Gods like Skadi (goddess of the wilderness, associated with archery, skiing, winter, mountains) to come stomping out from a valley and bend down through the clouds and give you a huge smile to lift your spirits. Such beautiful mystical scenery Runa. We are right with you in your choice of exploring the country back roads and ditching the cities. Even when you are frustrated it's funny and entertaining. Go where ever you want to go, we will follow with eyes wide open ! Thankyou. 🤩🤩🎯🎯😄😄🦘🦘

[@paulrose576]

Hello again beautiful young lady I hope I find you fit and well loving the beautiful green scenery and the way tops of the mountain are covered with mist thank you for another amazing video looking forward to the next one stay safe xxxxxx

[@daniross2758]

I had a chuckle over your frustration with tourists I drove the Alaska hwy for many years. as a trucker . They see wildlife and slam on the brakes in the middle of the road to look park anywhere block travel lanes race so you can’t pass so I can relate be safe and have a better day tomorrow

[@sorinvictorascobzaru3581]

Very nice Runa. You are very strong.

[@robertmauter6493]

Your very inspiring, the place that your traveling is stunning, wish I could see it in person, but for time being seeing it through your eyes is good enough to me, thank you, Rob from U.S.

[@zancruise5734]

It's nice to see you again @runa hope y enjoyed always

[@_free_explorer]

I usually watch the sky and let it suggest me the direction. It works half of the times, but seems romantic.

[@jeffhennings6579]

We all have those days and I agree city ridding sucks Country ridding is far better love the videos like always

[@ROTV-DanLockhart]

Thank you, Runa. Beautiful vistas and a very nice video! Hello from Crested Butte, Colorado - USA.

[@Zonser2go]

It's just 4 days ago I was on the Lofoten and I fell in love with these Islands. As you say, the best way to avoid the mass of Rv's and tourists is to stay on backroads. I also stayed a night in my car at a loneley place. awesome. My Memories are fresh and when I saw your video, I had to comment. Wish you a nice journey all along an thanks for your videos.

[@markchristianson8178]

Hi Runa you were so funny at the beginning about the other crazy drivers overcrowded i get it what you are saying trust me . I love the back quite roads to . And when you are having a bad day you parked your bike relaxed got rest the next day way better . That's what i love about your vids you don't sugar coat it . Hang in there can't wait for ur next one . Besafe Runa !!

[@fireman12464]

Nice scenery Runa , pity it was over crowded like you mentioned. Good luck 👌🏼🤩

[@HeimVegenAdvbike]

I like that you are true to yourself and not artificial to please others - it will be fun to see where that takes you! 👍✌😊

[@OffSheGoesADV]

Thank you Jeremy! Don't know how to be anyone else, and not gonna try to find out either 😃

[@johnjunge6989]

I totally agree, although I like back roads and what we call country roads (rock or dirt). Never enjoyed Interstates or major highways. Noraly only likes dirt, however she buys a lot of mirrors 😊 ha! stay safe

[@Simon-sf6dc]

A Runa-rant… I’m so glad you included that. It’s honest and real and so relatable❤. Reminds me of other world class tourist ride destinations like Queenstown in the South Island of N.Z and The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Aus.

[@Moto_Steve_Adventures]

I too struggle having patience with people that, probably mean no harm, but are so focused on what they are doing that they forget about those around them. At least, I’d like to give them the benefit of the doubt. Or, they could just be rude on purpose. Either way, you can only control how you react to it. That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway. I still loved the video. You’re so awesome to watch. Take care, Runa, and safe travels!

[@jeanpelletier2361]

Hi Runa. Hello from Canada! The crushed soda can for your kickstand: I carry a hockey puck! Eh Eh Eh. Works very well!😎 Riding is hit and miss this summer; our forests and much else are burning so the bad air to breathe is tricky...Many people have lost so much. It's refreshing watching your style of touring. Very relaxed. Calming, almost meditative. When in Norway (winter) I had always wondered about seeing it on a motorcycle. Thanks for sharing. All the best to you. cheers

[@stevhaurissa3292]

beautiful Norway, and also your beauty😊. i like your adventure

[@sebastravels2111]

Thanks to Google's algorithms I found your channel. It brings back memories of my tour through Norway, Finland (small part), Sweden and Denmark last year. I recognize the feeling you describe about the Lofoten. The scenery is beautiful whenever not driving through the clouds, but the business takes away some of that beauty and makes for a less than ideal and every now and then annoying riding experience. Especially the large number of camper vans was highly annoying in my opinion. There was hardly any place where a camper van didn't obscure a nice view. To overcome this feeling I took some extra days on the Lofoten for some hiking through the mountains. Not that many tourists left when a walk extends the 1 hour mark or the mountains become steeper. The views however are breathtaking (as are some of the climbs). I hope you keep on making these wonderful video's and most important do what feels best for you!

[@ravenzglmail3337]

Been binge watching for some time, to catch up. As an ancient moto-tourer/camper with half a million miles clocked on duel-sports, Adventure tourers, and finally Beamer R 12 RTs, how could I not tune in to a video of riding out-back Norway; which is quite like my homeland on steroids, here in the Pacific Northwest of Washington state and BC, Canada !! Love the videography, drone work and commentary style. However, FWIW I would offer this well intended advice with deepest respect and courtesy: take that windscreen to a carpenter/cabinet shop. Have them draw a shallow arc (sides downward) an inch or two above the oblong opening, and jig saw off the tall portion above. Then, the plastic cut on the shortened screen can be easily finished to OEM quality with a belt sander and fine no-fill, etc. The distraction of the distortion of the windscreen sucks all the joy out of the essential forward video feed (being able to virtually view the road ahead while traveling, etc.). With admiration for what you do. Happy Dayz, Rob

[@gregoryhogeweide4121]

Love the rant/honesty! Totally agree and understand. I do the same and stay away from the super touristy areas, way to dangerous is right. Amazing scenery is right.

[@antoniocoutinho511]

Smile when you ride...I did the same.All the best for you...😊

[@sydhardie9339]

Another day, another ferry ride.! I guess if you have beautiful scenery then you are sure to get traffic ! Although I can see by the tyre marks on the roads that there are some crazy drivers over there ! Anyway thanks again Runa for the video and Love from Australia 🇦🇺🏍🌹

[@GertjanZwiggelaar-mo4tz]

Thank you, Runa for another excellent video of your trip. Norway truly is a stunning place to ride, especially since so many of your roads are paved. Here in Alberta it happens that you ride a long way on a fantastically high tech paved road only to end up with gravel at some point. Deep, dangerous gravel roads abound here in what could have been as rich a place as Norway but for the spineless, infected politicians many years ago who were responsible for negotiating oil revenues with the huge, entity owned oil companies. At the same time that Alberta instituted the peoples' savings account with the Heritage Trust Fund so also did Norway organize such a savings account but with much larger percentages paid off the net of the lucrative, environment destroying, overly technological and expensive oil companies and hence, most roads are paved and Norwegians are rich in comparison to Albertans in general. Yesterday I got up off my open air sleeping spot under a tree in BC at 5:30 a.m. I had not slept well but the night before arrived very late in the dark and I was tired from a long ride. I just did not want to set up a tent and ended up sleeping off and on beside a busy highway. Oh, well, it was free camping that night. Anyway, I got up, packed up my way too much stuff gear since I was expecting a different adventure from copious rain the night and morning before and my tent was wet, another reason not to set it up. So, anyway, I rode off at 5:30 and decided to head back home since the fires near where I was were so intense that inhaling smoke all the upcoming night did not appeal to me. Red Deer I am coming home. Little did I expect I would spend 18 hours with my bike. I got back at 11:30 p.m. Go hard or go home, eh, Runa? I am feeling it today and am taking a break from riding. Oh, yes. I wore out my rear brake pads and had no such extra comfort riding home. It was one finger braking the whole way, but only for complete stops and hard stopping on the highway. Got to love how a throttle and clutch work on a modern motorcycle. Btw, Runa, there is a bike like yours on display at the dealership where I bought my Kawasaki Versys. Close up looking at your bike confirms, that is a fabulous bike you ride. Ride safe and thanks again for your smile and the time you take to prep yourself with girl stuff like mascara and braided hair to make your pretty face even more lovely to look at. Truly, Runa, you are a gift and the joy you bring is immeasurable.

[@mehmoodnawaz8174]

Hi dear runa i watch your videos regularly Norway is very beautiful like runa.

[@chema1546]

Ok 👏🎉 Runa 👌

[@gunnarskarin5218]

Så intensivt vackert! HA-DE Gunnar

[@lucustodio4643]

Que imagens lindas! Perfeitas suas imagens e o lugar é magnífico. Parabéns pelo trabalho.

[@steve21332]

Hi Runa New subscriber here and all that I want to say is "Thankyou", keep doing what you are doing.

[@Mokhtartba]

we can't affroad that to Travelling there, so you help us to watch and see the World by your Eyes 😍 in my opnion i Enjoyed your videos wih Nature !

[@njpaddler]

You are a ray of ****ing sunshine !

[@danbartlett9963]

lol you crack me up. You low key lost your sh1t but on camera it doesn’t show at all. Keep up the amazing videos and amazing attitude!

[@irshadmuhammed7270]

amazing scenary friend keep goin❤

[@hendyprayoga7491]

Apapun yg bisa buat bahagia wajib dilakukan🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩❤happy raiding ladies stroong😁

[@jameseveson3599]

Completely agree with you about the standard of car drivers; even when I'm driving my car I continually see drivers on the wrong side; pulling out in front of me ( my lights are always on); I've even had drivers park in front of bike parking bays so they can't be accessed 🤬. Still love biking though 😁 Awesome country side you're showing off 😮

[@avinandanbhadra1274]

YOU JUST ROCK RUNA JI❤❤❤❤❤

[@karuemel3555]

Have we seen the first proper "runa-rant"? ;)

[@rabh6746]

I'm like you Runa, I hate cities with a passion and touristy places! I seek quiet roads as much as possible👍You made the right decision changing your plans, much better to be safe than sorry! Its just no fun at all when you are surrounded by idiots.... You didn't seem keen on your camping spot but what a beautiful area👌I said earlier I hate touristy places but I visited one today but only because it was a week day, I wouldn't go near it at the weekend! It was worth getting up at 4am for the early ferry and cycling round the beautiful Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland, narrow roads but perfect for cycling and its all ups and downs and twists and turns😁On the last descent I was doing 47mph (75kmph) and it was into a strong headwind😂

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

I camped in the Vesteralen as it was much quieter, then got the ferry from Andenes to the mainland. Definitely the antidote to the crowds of Lofoten.

[@magnusmikkelsen539]

Mainland? That ferry goes to Norwegian 2nd biggest Iceland.... 🤣

[@yoggabudiman]

the beautiful scenery never stops, I'm from Indonesia 🇮🇩 really enjoy watching your videos

[@bayzidmunshibayzidmohammed3754]

Love your Norwegian great bike journey ❤

[@DanielSgnaolin]

Superb!!👍👍👍

[@alialtay9843]

Greetings from Türkiye. You obey the traffic rules very well and behave respectfully. I think as Türkiye, we should take this as an example. Our traffic is chaos.

[@santiagoboglione2215]

jajajajajajaja!!!! I feel the same way on some days, but to see you lose your Shi, is priceless. 💐

[@lokesh745]

Super Akka😇

[@stahlbergpatreon6062]

I hope you came through the storm Hans alright. We have flooding here (in mid-Sweden).

[@kaisercarl2307]

I'm only leaving after the Norwegian and Swedish summer holidays. Since I come from Germany, the holidays in most federal states (apart from Bavaria) are over. I accept that I don't always have the best weather, but at least the hotspots are not overcrowded. Lofoten certainly is one (along with Geiranger, and the like). Vesterålen has a very different landscape, but also impressing. And it may not that crowded at the time you travelled. Indeed, I will start my trip on Sunday - not the route you took ( more eastern part of Norway , then heading to the coast via Orkanger and up north part of RV17 , again in the interior up to Narvik. Then back through Sweden (partly on TET).

[@lysekilcarlsson81]

Väldigt fint

[@rumien1383]

Chin up girl.😊 If every day was the same, life would be boring. 👍

[@psantshrestha8258]

Wonderful 😍

[@staryjanek]

This is so much like the NC500 here in Scotland, roads clogged with camper vans or idiots in Lamborghini's trying to get round as fast as possible, it has been ruined :/

[@thieudtcvlogs6312]

Hôm nay lại theo bạn đi một hành trình dai với những còn đường dai vô tận ,thật tuyệt vơi khì được trái nghiệm khám phá những khủng cảnh mới lạ và đẹp mắt,tôi thích điều đó ở bạn,tôi luôn theo giỏi bạn tôi bỏ lỡ ngươi bạn dễ thương của tôi,chúc bạn luôn bình an ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@JWB-Bike-Hike-Carpfishing]

I love motor camp in nature😉

[@luukbvos]

To infinity… and beyond!

[@aditsonkro7818]

Watching from India🇮🇳❤ your trip videos are so sweet❤😊🌹

[@PIETROMACMOTO]

love it,, cheers from mexico.

[@robertgoetz2678]

Hey Runa, We met these days on lofoten, my experience with other drivers was not at all negative, at least on lofoten. Two days later around the geiranger fjord with all the tourist coaches from the cruise ships it was completely different…

[@robertkoch1936]

Great video, Runa. I have to agree with you, cities, crowds and traffic are the pits. Try finding a camping spot in the USA without a reservation, a year in advance. Not my idea of a vacation.

[@Gurin.S]

Привет)) Когда начинаешь быстро говорить, понимаю через слово)) А так очень прикольное путешествие) Удачи тебе, ни гвоздя ни жезла))

[@tonysatchwill3084]

My second trip to Trollstigen was much nicer, but I got there at 6 in the morning, worth the early start from Soknedal. The first trip to Trollstigen consisted of the campervan game. A: Block the road B: Stop suddenly C: Drive really slow D: All the above 😂. Now in Wales playing the same game😅

[@JoonesAdventuresMC]

You are so right about riding or even be in a city. I don’t like it either. This summer I rode down to “Bekkestranda” in Sandefjord and had to ride near Drammen, I wasn’t really happy that moment 🤔😊

[@OffSheGoesADV]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one 😅 I've never understood how people enjoy going on holidays in the city, it totally drains me!

[@JoonesAdventuresMC]

@@OffSheGoesADV I feel the same. It’s to many people at the same time and to many impressions 🤔

[@SKgeostrat]

Runa, not so bad. I think it would help, if you spent some time talking about the history of the region, the fishing, drying, etc and the dependance on the fish, exported to all over Europe, mostly to catholic countries, because of the fish on fridays. Also a littl about the Sami and the juxtaposition between the "Norwegian" pomulation and the locals. The landscape is a little monotonous, so a little history won't hurt. Also, talk a little about the troubles, or lack of such, of the new Norden! I am not sure where you are right now, but good luck.

[@Armoure10]

Lol den traktorn 😁😂😂

[@zihaduddin7726]

Strong & fresh energetic

[@lelanangingjagad...6350]

Camping in a such chilling weather...come to Bali, Indonesia...we have warm weather...🎉

[@andrewvanstaden8922]

My bucket list just got bigger.

[@muhammadirfanmuhammadirfan5259]

i am from Pakistan...i like your adventure and trip...

[@TheHdleif]

Jeg er som deg, når det gjelder turister, som ser mer ut av sidevinduet en der de skal.😐Ellers en fantastisk episode igjen Runa. Du gjør en fantastisk jobb! 😊

[@OffSheGoesADV]

Det er så fantastisk irriterende 😂 Jeg skjønner veldig godt at man helst vil se på alt man passerer - slik er jeg selv! Men ikke på bekostning av sikkerheten til seg selv og andre. Takk, Leif! Koser meg meg dette 😃

[@raheelabid2884]

​@@OffSheGoesADVhello runa