Day 18. Solo Scandinavia bicycle touring Denmark Sweden Norway
Travel diary: Day 18 -Sunshine, tunnel and The Rock Highlights: The Ryfylke Tunnel stretches approximately 14.4 kilometers and reaches a depth of 292 meters below sea level, making it the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel. Woke up around 6:30 AM. I packed up and headed to the bus station, ready to make my way to Solbakk. There’s an underwater tunnel between where I was and the other side, and unfortunately, cycling through it isn’t allowed. I assumed I could just buy a bus ticket onboard, but it turns out they only accept cash. And I hadn’t brought a single krone with me—everything on this trip has been paid with Wise. The bus driver started saying something to me in Norwegian. I couldn’t understand, but he seemed insistent. I thought he was asking me to get off, so I started untying my bike from the rack. Suddenly, the bus started moving! It took me a moment to realize that he wasn’t kicking me off—he was actually helping me out. He told me I could just buy a ticket when I arrived at Solbakk station. What a legend. He dropped me off and left without even checking if I’d follow through. (Don’t worry—I bought the ticket. ????) The ride from Solbakk to Preikestolen Camping Ground was absolutely stunning. The road winds through gentle 3–5% inclines in the beginning, then ramps up to a solid 9–12% near the campsite. But under a bright blue sky and sunshine? Couldn’t ask for more. After setting up my tent, I started the walk toward Preikestolen car park—the trailhead for the famous Pulpit Rock hike. About 30 minutes into the walk, I met an elderly couple coming from the opposite direction. They stopped me and asked where I was headed. Turns out, I was walking the wrong way. The husband didn’t speak any English, and the wife only a little, but somehow, we understood each other just fine. Without hesitation, they offered to drive me to the trailhead. I was floored by their kindness. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. The 8.6km hike to Preikestolen Pulpit Rock itself took me 2 hours up (604meter) and 1 hour down. The trail is stunning, with dramatic views and just enough challenge to keep things exciting. After reaching the top and soaking in the view, I made my way back to the campsite—running and walking for about 30 minutes. Finally had my first meal of the day after 10 hours on the move. I was starving—but it was all so worth it. What a wonderful day ???? #bicycletouring #jomkayuh
Travel diary: Day 18
-Sunshine, tunnel and The Rock
Highlights: The Ryfylke Tunnel stretches approximately 14.4 kilometers and reaches a depth of 292 meters below sea level, making it the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel.
Woke up around 6:30 AM. I packed up and headed to the bus station, ready to make my way to Solbakk. There’s an underwater tunnel between where I was and the other side, and unfortunately, cycling through it isn’t allowed.
I assumed I could just buy a bus ticket onboard, but it turns out they only accept cash. And I hadn’t brought a single krone with me—everything on this trip has been paid with Wise.
The bus driver started saying something to me in Norwegian. I couldn’t understand, but he seemed insistent. I thought he was asking me to get off, so I started untying my bike from the rack. Suddenly, the bus started moving! It took me a moment to realize that he wasn’t kicking me off—he was actually helping me out. He told me I could just buy a ticket when I arrived at Solbakk station. What a legend. He dropped me off and left without even checking if I’d follow through. (Don’t worry—I bought the ticket. ????)
The ride from Solbakk to Preikestolen Camping Ground was absolutely stunning. The road winds through gentle 3–5% inclines in the beginning, then ramps up to a solid 9–12% near the campsite. But under a bright blue sky and sunshine? Couldn’t ask for more.
After setting up my tent, I started the walk toward Preikestolen car park—the trailhead for the famous Pulpit Rock hike. About 30 minutes into the walk, I met an elderly couple coming from the opposite direction. They stopped me and asked where I was headed. Turns out, I was walking the wrong way. The husband didn’t speak any English, and the wife only a little, but somehow, we understood each other just fine. Without hesitation, they offered to drive me to the trailhead. I was floored by their kindness. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
The 8.6km hike to Preikestolen Pulpit Rock itself took me 2 hours up (604meter) and 1 hour down. The trail is stunning, with dramatic views and just enough challenge to keep things exciting. After reaching the top and soaking in the view, I made my way back to the campsite—running and walking for about 30 minutes.
Finally had my first meal of the day after 10 hours on the move. I was starving—but it was all so worth it.
What a wonderful day ????
#bicycletouring
#jomkayuh
