Hi all, thinking about doing Best of Scandinavia 2020 - from the itinerary, this is the part that I am most concerned about - climb the highest road in northern Europe (4,600 ft.) to the windswept Jotunheimen for a panorama of glittering snow and 8,100-foot peaks. We'll then take a dramatic corkscrew drive down to sea level and hop aboard a ferry - highest road and corkscrew drive - YIKES! My blood pressure is rising at the mere thought. Has anyone done this tour, and what did you think about this drive - are we talking flatland or driving on the edge of the road. Tks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
You are in a bus with a professional driver. I don't see the concern. But we live at 6500 feet and look at peaks in excess of 14,000 feet so idea of a 4,600 foot road is not a concern for us. Or are you worry about motion sickness?
Posted by
OP
19 posts
People who are not afraid of heights can't understand the "concern" so no need to expand on my post.
tks
Posted by
Houston
3518 posts
We would like to help and by understanding your concerns maybe we could.
I took the tour. The road may be high in absolute altitude, but there were no hair pin curves or narrow spots where the wheels went off the pavement. In fact, it seemed more like an open mostly flat plain with a few snow topped peaks in the distance. Very beautiful.
There were lots of rest stops along the way and we stopped at a few of them to have a cup of coffee and take in the views.
Posted by
Tucson
4154 posts
Some flat land. Some curves. Some edge of the road. Since I can't post a link to my Facebook page with pictures from the drive, I'm sending you a PM with a link to that. I hope it works.
I was on that tour in June of 2018. In the spirit of full disclosure, the high elevation drive is not the only one with ascents or descents through deep valleys. At no time did I feel uncomfortable, but it was very cold at the highest elevations and indeed for most of the trip, at least for this Tucson resident. There was spotty snow complete with cross-country skiers. The Canadians wore shorts and Birkenstocks without socks. Hearty folk!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you Mark. I get very anxious being close to the edge of roads that are very high. It doesn't matter that there is a professional driver who has made this trek a bazillion times, I just have a genuine fear of being that high up. Flatlands are totally acceptable and i want so much to see this part of the world. I appreciate your feedback and info, it's helpful to know what to expect. tku.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thank you Lo from Tuscon. I appreciate your feedback and info regarding this tour. Very helpful.
Posted by
Fair Oaks, CA
39 posts
I am signed up for the tour that begins August 16, 2020. It will be my tenth RS tour. I absolutely am afraid of heights. On some tours, I have been nervous on mountain roads. When I know that the road will be a challenge for me, I try to seat myself on the side of the bus away from the edge, and further back in the bus so I do NOT have a great view. I selectively look out the windows. That said, the drivers are amazingly skilled and have experience driving the roads we are on. I have heard of no accidents involving RS tour busses. Some folks on tour are nervous about other aspects of travel such as finding their way around, or ordering food in restaurants during their free time. Each of us has his/her own challenges. Take a deep breath, and sign up!
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Hello Anne, thank you so much for taking the time to respond with such care and understanding. Much appreciated indeed. I have been on 8 RS tours and still counting. Tku