Wheter you go by train or car a trip alongside the coast line of Norway to Sweden may be qui an idylic experience, at least if you take the time to stop and look.

ROUTE 1: Stavanger – Kristiansand
ROUTE 2: Stavanger – Sandefjord

ROUTE 2:

A; Sandefjord – Strömstad – Göteborg
B; Sandefjord (fly): Ryainair routes

 Introduction

As I mentioned earlier I would be featuring a pointer guide (or more like suggestions) to trips around the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, and Finland  - focusing on the southern coasts. This article mostly has references to driving by car, but a combination of train, buss, and ferry should make this mini travel guide relevant to people travelling without one also.

Getting to Stavanger; For most the easiest way to enter Stavanger is by airplane arriving at Sola Airport (SVG) which is about 20 min drive from downtown Stavanger. If you’re planning to stay in Stavanger I recommend the SAS Radisson Royal Hotel which is perfectly located and gets both thumbs up on service and food. People visiting from England might also want to consider taking the ferry from Newcastle to Stavanger. [ see Stavanger for mini-guide on the town ] now your ready for my travel tips.

ROUTE 1:

The most relaxing way to get to Kristiansand is of course by train, the other way is driving both offers nice scenery though you naturally have more freedom if you go by car. When you arrive at Kristiansand have the option of going both to Denmark, Sweden (arrives at Göteborg), Germany, and England by ferry. Some of the routes have limited departures and arrivals.

Kristiansand offers a big zoo and amusement park for families as every other such thing it’s rather expensive. For younger travellers (17 to 30) there is the annually Quart festival which is a huge music festival which in the past has been visited with many of the hottest band and artists.

ROUTE 2A:

Sandefjord and Strömstad is both old marine cites located in the idyllic scenery on the coast of Norway and Sweden. If you have some time on your hand there’s “Kafedroppet”, a small bakery and café just across the railroad station which serve’s delicious bakery and coffee as well as a rich break fast. The town also offers some historic sites and has many old building typical for most coast towns. If you came by car you’re heading E6 towards Göteborg and if you stick to that road it should be pretty easy driving which shouldn’t take more then 2-3 hours. The highway part of the road has a speed limit of 110km hour, and parts of it at 90km, expect some slower parts due to road-construction at least until autumn 2004. On the other hand if you didn’t bring a car on the Colorline ferry you have two option the railroad and the Orange Express to Gotebörg. [ get travel books here ]

TIPS FOR THOSE DRIVING:

• the gas is not cheaper in Sweden then Norway anymore so you may as well tank up your car before departure. (note; prices last checked on 3th of may)
• Get Microsoft Autoroute – a very useful road trip program w extensive maps and tips. [ get it at dopedir.com ]

PART II Strömstad – Göteborg

The road is pretty straightforward and not much to see. Except for a few water reservoir and a prehistoric site, there also some art gallery and old factory outlets on the way which might interests some, thus except that if you don’t go by car you won’t see them.

Tips: go to dopedir for travel books and software.

Coming next:

Alternative routes from Gothenburg: Finland, Germany, Estonia.

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