Bikepacking-Adventure across Europe

A Guest Contribution by 'Highlights & Lavender'

There are moments in life when an idea takes hold and just won’t let go. That’s exactly how our bikepacking adventure began. Inspired by our time on the Te Araroa in New Zealand, where we rode a short section on a mountain bike, we started wondering:

What would it be like to spend four months on a gravel bike?

Having already embraced minimalism while thru-hiking, we wanted to carry that same philosophy onto two wheels. No bulky panniers—just lightweight, aerodynamic gear. That’s when we discovered CYCLITE, and there was no looking back!

The Journey Begins: From Gibraltar to Denmark

On April 1, 2024, we flew to Málaga, assembled our bikes, and set off full of excitement from La Línea de la Concepción. The first few kilometers took us along the Mediterranean coast on the EuroVelo 8—but then it happened:

Suddenly, we were on a highway!

Cars honked, drivers shouted things we couldn’t understand—clearly, we didn’t belong there. As quickly as possible, we took the next exit and continued riding on narrow shoulders behind guardrails, littered with shards of glass. A rough start! But soon, things calmed down, and we enjoyed empty promenades, the sound of the sea, and even spotted ibex on the cliffs.

Breakdowns Are Part of the Adventure

After weeks of sunshine in Spain, France and Switzerland greeted us with cold and rain—a tough adjustment. But reuniting with friends from Te Araroa made up for it.

After a zero day in Switzerland, we swapped out some gear:
✅ Fenders for the upcoming wet stages
✅ A small air pump—our new luxury item

In Germany and Denmark, a leaking tubeless valve caused trouble, forcing us to pump up our tires constantly. As a temporary fix, we installed an Aerothan tube, which got us through multiple stages.

Denmark surprised us with wooden shelters in the middle of nature, offering a brilliant way to choose our sleeping spots spontaneously—except for the tick infestation, which stressed us out every time we stepped into the grass!

From Frederikshavn, we finally took the ferry to Gothenburg—ready for our next big challenge: Scandinavia.

Scandinavia: The Far North

As soon as we arrived in Sweden, we experienced trail magic once again:

With no campsite in sight, we stumbled upon a small, members-only camping ground. The friendly people there welcomed us, provided water, chairs, and even turned on the shower—after seven days without washing our hair, it was pure bliss!

Sweden’s backroads were mostly gravel, making for an exciting ride. With little traffic, endless forests, sparkling lakes, and thrilling downhills, boredom was never an issue.

Breakdowns—Perfectly Timed

In Luleå, we visited the last bike shop for the next 1,000 kilometers. Just 50 km later, Lavender’s gear cable snapped! Luckily, a bus took us back to the shop—a lucky break, as this would have been a serious challenge in the wilderness. After that, we always carried a spare.

The further north we rode, the more important supply planning became. After a short detour through Finland (and a brutal mosquito invasion), we finally reached Norway—the North Cape was within reach!

Final Stretch to the North Cape

On the last 400 kilometers through the harsh northern landscape, we saw more reindeer than people. The headwinds grew stronger, the rain made us shiver—and then we faced the infamous Nordkapp Tunnel.

Just before reaching the finish line, a sudden gust of wind blew Highlight off the road—she had been trying to capture the final meters with the GoPro. But after 7,500 km and 84 days, we finally stood at the North Cape!

The howling wind didn’t let us stay for long—it was time for the journey home.

The Return: Norway’s Atlantic Coast

To skip the tunnel, we took the Hurtigruten ferry to Oksfjord. From there, we followed EuroVelo 1 down Norway’s coastline—2,600 km towards Bergen.

The Lofoten Islands captivated us with their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Of course, we couldn’t resist a plunge into the freezing Arctic Ocean! But paradise had its downsides: too many campervans made cycling on the narrow roads exhausting.

Norway kept surprising us:
🚴‍♂️ Countless ferry rides
🚴‍♂️ Steep climbs and thrilling descents (hitting 79 km/h!)
🚴‍♂️ A hilarious race—Lavender vs. a reindeer

But there were frustrating moments, too. Missing a ferry by seconds left us huddled—four people squeezed into a tiny, heated toilet shelter—waiting for the next departure.

The final stretch led us from Bergen to Oslo via the legendary Rallarvegen—a stunning alpine route that was the perfect way to wrap up our journey.

After four months, 10,500 kilometers, and countless experiences, we finally rolled into Oslo. 🎉

Final Thoughts: Bikepacking Changes You

Four months of intense experiences have taught us that the best adventures often happen unplanned. It wasn’t just the breathtaking landscapes but, above all, the people who helped us along the way that made this journey so special.

And if someone asks us what’s most important on a trip like this?

➡️ A reliable setup – lightweight, functional, and uncompromising
➡️ Flexibility and openness to the unexpected
➡️ And always carry a spare shift cable! 😉

Feeling inspired for your own bikepacking adventure?
Check out our setup and start your next journey with CYCLITE! 🚴‍♀️🌍

Thanks for your contribution, Highlights & Lavender!