Heading North 🇳🇴 - Arctic Circle, Bridges and a Landslide

Sven Walther

July 7, 2026

Steinkjer

The decision is made: we are heading further north. But before we take on the next long stages, we treat ourselves to a hike near Steinkjer.

The route has been laid out with real care: all along it we find animals and trolls carved from wood. And of course there are plenty of Norwegians out too - evidently a popular local destination.

Carved wooden figures along the trail — Trolls everywhere

We are lucky with the weather once again: the day’s big downpour catches us exactly when we are back under cover.

Four suspension bridges

On the way north the next hike is waiting. This time the route takes us across four suspension bridges. Along the way we pass several impressive waterfalls - and the best part: we have almost the entire route to ourselves.

Suspension bridge near Storforshei — One of four suspension bridges

Only near the end, after crossing the last bridge and with the steepest climb almost behind us, do we finally meet a walking group.

Waterfall near Storforshei — Waterfalls along the way

And that is exactly where the day’s greatest challenge waits: an enormous field of mud. Dry shoes were no longer part of the plan at that point.

Landscape near Storforshei — Storforshei

Arctic Circle Center

Today we reach a very particular point on our journey. There was exactly one place in Norway where I absolutely wanted to take a photo: the Arctic Circle Center on the Arctic Circle. Mission accomplished.

It is of course considerably more touristy here than at many other places on our trip - but that comes with the territory, and it was definitely worth it.

Landscape at the Arctic Circle — On the Arctic Circle

Anyone who has been here before may remember the countless small stone cairns around the centre. Those are now banned and have been removed entirely.

Surroundings of the Arctic Circle Center — The stone cairns are history

Saltstraumen

Sometimes plans change faster than expected. The E6 north is closed because of a massive landslide - we knew that in advance. So we head west first, to the Saltstraumen.

Here the tides create enormous currents and whirlpools. Impressive to watch - but definitely not a place you want to fall into the water.

Whirlpools in the Saltstraumen — Not somewhere you want to fall in

Then comes the next big decision: the ferry from Bodø to the Lofoten - or the legendary coastal road 17 after all?