This detailed route information gives more information about the story:
A Motorcycle Adventure Through the Unpredictable Baltic Soul

This is a 4-part information article about a round-trip Scandinavia. These articles describe the motorcycle route ridden from the Netherlands through Germany and Poland, the Baltic States, Finland, and finally from the North of Norway back to the South via the Lofoten and Fjords back into Sweden.

1. 1. This article
   2. Part 2: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from Helsinki to Tromsø
   3. Part 3: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from Tromsø to Lillehammer
   4. Part 4: Route Info Motorcycle Adventure from Lillehammer to The Netherlands

This five-week, multi-country route is designed for the adventurous rider ready to leave the highway behind. Starting in the Netherlands, this journey weaves through Central Europe and the Baltics to Tallinn before heading into the stunning wilderness of Finland and the Lofoten and majestic fjords of Norway.

Note on the Route: This guide details a path focusing on scenic B-roads and sometimes includes off-road sections (gravel roads), providing a true taste of wilderness riding. The provided GPX file divides the entire route into 20 tracks, offering rough guidance for day-by-day planning.

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Leg 1: The Dash to Central Europe (Netherlands to Poland)

From Home to Potsdam, Germany

The adventure begins with a dash across Germany. Unlike the rest of the journey, this section utilizes the German Autobahn for a quick transit toward Berlin.

• Roads: Primarily German Autobahn (Highway).
• Stopover Suggestion: Aim for Potsdam, near Berlin, as the initial target. Be prepared for unexpected delays; if the main route is blocked, as it was when I was traveling, consider a detour north. An unexpected highlight on a northern detour is the peaceful Laascher See campsite in Gartow, a perfect spot to pitch your tent and rest.

From Potsdam to Krugdorf (German-Polish Border)

Leaving the Autobahn behind, the route shifts onto scenic, open B-roads, winding through stunning nature reserves. This is where the true riding begins.

• Roads: Scenic German B-roads, avoiding highways.
• Roadside Tip: Plan for slower travel on Sundays, as many small-town businesses and services will be closed. A classic Bratwurst and fries make a perfect late-day meal.
• Stopover Suggestion: Stop near the Polish border in a tranquil spot like Krugdorf, often a campsite by a lake, a great final German stop before crossing into Poland.

Leg 2: Navigating Poland and the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia)

Krugdorf in Germany to Ustka in Poland (The Coast)

Your journey into Poland takes you toward the Baltic Sea coast. Be prepared for a slow-paced day, as Polish roads near the coast can be plagued by roadworks, traffic lights, and one-way sections that make detours impossible.

• Roads: Slow, but scenic, Polish regional roads.
• Stopover Suggestion: The area near Ustka is a beautiful section of the coast. Campsites here may not be open until later in the season, so be ready to switch plans and find a hotel for a much-needed hot shower. A peaceful walk along the beach is a perfect way to end the day.

Ustka to Barczewko, Poland

The route now cuts inland. It’s wise to use resources like the ACSI website for "confirmed" open campsites.

• Stopover Suggestion: Barczewko offers a pleasant, confirmed open campsite with the added bonus of a restaurant where you can enjoy an affordable meal, such as local pike-perch.
• Noticed Detail: Keep an eye out for increased military vehicles on the roads as you head further east.

Barczewko, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania

Today, you will head toward the Polish-Lithuanian border. As you cross into Lithuania, you will enter a new time zone (one hour ahead). This section of the ride takes you passing close to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad before you reach the first major stop in the Baltics: the capital city, Vilnius.

• Roads: A mix of Polish regional roads and major Lithuanian routes.
• City Highlight: Vilnius is a city rich in history. Spend some time exploring the vast UNESCO-listed Old Town, one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe. A must-see is Gediminas' Tower for panoramic city views.

Vilnius to Kaunas Area

Leaving Vilnius, the route takes you further north-east. Expect the weather to become a factor, with an increasing chance of intense, short-lived thunderstorms.

• Roads: Scenic Lithuanian backroads. While you leave behind the endless roadworks, you'll encounter stretches of rough roads instead—a true test of your bike.
• Stopover Suggestion: Aim for a campsite near Kaunas. Be ready to set up camp quickly between the short, heavy rain showers!

Kaunas Area, Lithuania to Rīga, Latvia

Start your day with a crucial detour to one of the Baltics' most powerful sights.

• Essential Stop: The Hill of Crosses, located about 12 km north of Šiauliai. This internationally renowned pilgrimage site is covered with an estimated 50,000 crosses, crucifixes, and religious statues, symbolizing Lithuanian resistance and faith dating back to the 1830s. It is a profoundly moving experience.
• Crossing: After the Hill of Crosses, you will cross into Latvia.
• Riding Conditions: Prepare for high temperatures and an early emergence of mosquitoes. You'll need to keep moving to stay cool in your riding gear!
• Stopover Suggestion: Find a spot near Rīga. Many campsites offer communal kitchens and covered terraces, which are a blessing if a storm rolls in while you're cooking.

Rīga, Latvia to Pärnu, Estonia

The route follows the scenic coastal road along the Gulf of Rīga, connecting to the Baltic Sea as you make your way to Estonia.

• Roads: Coastal roads that may not always offer a view of the sea, often leading through forests and fields.
• Stopover Suggestion: Pärnu is a charming coastal town. You might find unique accommodations here, such as smaller, backyard campsites specifically catering to cyclists and motorbikers.
• Town Highlight: Take a stroll into town for a meal. You might stumble upon an Irish pub for a pint and a surprisingly affordable dinner.

Pärnu to Tallinn, Estonia (Ferry Prep)

The final ride through the Baltics is fairly monotonous—Estonia's main roads are long, straight shots connecting vast areas of farmland and forest. It's a straightforward ride to the capital.

• Roads: Long, straight main roads.
• Stopover/Highlight: Tallinn. Check into a hotel near the ferry terminal for an early start.
  • Spend the afternoon wandering through the spectacular historic Old Town, including landmarks like St. Olaf’s Church.
  • For a unique piece of history, take a walk to the Linnahall. This massive piece of Soviet-era architecture was built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics and once served as a congress center and coastal fortification.

Leg 3: The Arctic Push (Finland and North)

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki, Finland (Ferry Crossing)

The journey continues with an essential ferry crossing.

• Logistics: The turnaround is efficient. Motorcycles are staged at the front of the line for quick loading. The crossing takes approximately two hours.
• Rider Connection: Take time while waiting to talk to fellow riders. You might meet locals who can offer invaluable advice and even scenic GPS routes for the upcoming Finnish and Norwegian section.
• Stopover Suggestion: Helsinki. Book a campsite near the water, ideally close to a metro station, for an excellent base to explore the city over the next few days. Take advantage of the sunny weather to do laundry and repack your panniers with fresh clothes.
• City Highlight: Explore Helsinki's city center and World Heritage Site Suomenlinna.