NorCape

About CarChallenge

For over 15 years, CarChallenge has been orchestrating automotive journeys across the globe, all year round. These are Challenges you undertake with your own vehicle, where driving, adventure, and luxury are the focus.

During a Challenge, we seek out unique routes and challenges that aren’t always obvious, requiring creativity and ingenuity. But it’s also about boundless enjoyment of the earth’s most beautiful places, marveling at unique cultures, and reaching destinations tourists rarely see.

Since 2007, we’ve organized over fifty events on every continent, from Amsterdam to Singapore, Mumbai to Tokyo, Anchorage to Panama, Perth to Sydney, and Dar es Salaam to Cape Town—just to highlight a few of our many Challenges over the years.

CarChallenge participates with an organization vehicle, dedicated to ensuring everyone has delightful, carefree days. We communicate through briefings, WhatsApp, and for safety, everyone receives a GPS device to keep track of your location. This way, we can quickly assist in case of trouble or emergency.

Every Challenge is meticulously prepared, not just in the office but by predriving each route ourselves. This ensures the most scenic path, a well-balanced stage, and hotels that have been personally inspected and approved by us.

NorCape

This exclusive journey is made up of beautiful routes, special hotels, dinners, and excursions. Picture yourself in a convertible, top down, soaking in the breathtaking surroundings. Each stage is uniquely memorable. After every leg, rejuvenate in the sauna or unwind at the bar.

With 18 years of experience exploring Scandinavia and 12 winter Challenges to the North Cape under our belts, we have secured 12 hotels for March 2025. Each one offers the comfort that can be described as quintessentially Scandinavian.

We’re excited to show you the best of Scandinavia!

Jan

Willem & Thom Koudstaal

North Cape

Lofoten

Alta

Umeå

Oslo

Day to day

The winter journey to the North Cape is a classic in the CarChallenge program, a challenge you’d want to embark on every year! Scandinavia is beautiful, but in winter, it becomes magical. The skies are clear, the landscape intensely white, and the light, mesmerizing.

Sweden and Norway each have their unique charm. Both are beautiful and worth visiting. During this challenge, we’ll get acquainted with snowmobiling, let huskies pull our sleds, and drift on a frozen lake…

The route is designed to showcase the best of Scandinavia, though we’re at the mercy of the weather. Scandinavian winters can be harsh, and driving conditions heavily depend on the weather. Most of the journey will be on snow and ice, which is manageable with a good set of (studded) tires, but it does require a skilled driver.

Nearly any car is suitable for the NorCape journey, even a convertible, adding an extra layer of adventure. There’s nothing quite like driving through winter in Scandinavia without a roof. Of course, a closed car, especially a 4x4, offers more comfort!

This Challenge utilizes the best Scandinavia has to offer, including beautiful hotels and excellent restaurants. However, it’s worth noting that options may be more limited in the northern regions.

CarChallenge has meticulously planned and driven the route multiple times. Every kilometer has been evaluated, and each hotel pre-visited. The Challenge is personally supervised by Jan Willem or Thom.

Day 1 Göteborg to Tällberg

We gather in Ljungskile, just off the highway north of Gothenburg. Ljungskile is conveniently on our route, and we meet over a cup of coffee.

Our journey takes us through the picturesque Swedish countryside to Tällberg, a tiny village with just a handful of residents but rich in history and beloved by Swedes. Tällberg is home to Sweden’s largest private art collection and the Åkerblads hotel, where we will be staying tonight, is managed by the 22nd generation of its owners. The history of Åkerblads hotel traces back to the 1400s when it was originally a farm. This charming small hotel marks the beginning of our NorCape adventure!

Day 2 Tällberg to Åre

We continue through Sweden’s snowy interior, heading north to finish in Åre. In this cozy Scandinavian village, we seek out the oldest hotel, Åregården. Established in 1895, it was Åre’s first hotel. For those wanting to enjoy a fine glass of wine before dinner, the adjacent wine bar offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Day 3 Åre • Restday

Today, we’ll be ice driving on a lake near Åre. Johnny, a local rally hero, will provide us with expert guidance. We’ll also have access to the latest models from Volkswagen and Porsche, making this the perfect opportunity to practice ice driving. We’re quite familiar with Åre, which boasts several delightful restaurants. For tonight, we’ve booked a restaurant we frequently visit, conveniently located within walking distance from the hotel.

Day 4 Åre to Umeå

Today, we’re heading east. Umeå is the cultural capital of the north and also the fastest-growing city in Sweden. We’ll be staying at a unique hotel. Stora Hotellet has a rich history and exudes a maritime past. Tonight, we’ll be dining outside the hotel at the delightful Hunger Og Torst for some fine dining.

Day 5 Umeå to Luleå

We’re moving on from Umeå to Luleå. This town, situated on the Gulf of Bothnia, has been known as a port since the 13th century. Its climate is milder than the Swedish interior, leading to more economic activity. This is where iron ore from Kiruna is shipped, alongside the logging of production forests inland. The town has over 45,000 residents, and we’ll be staying in a historic hotel right in the center. For dinner, we’ll venture out to our favorite restaurant in town, once again dining outside the hotel.

Day 6 Luleå to Kautokeino

We continue north, with daylight hours shortening. Traveling through the border region between Sweden and Finland, we finish in Norway. Tonight, we stand a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights! Kautokeino is the unofficial capital of Lapland, where reindeer outnumber people... While the hotel isn’t remarkable, the location certainly is.

Day 7 Kautokeino to Honningsvåg

This stage brings us closer to the North Cape. We complete the final kilometers northward and finish in Honningsvåg, the northernmost town on the European mainland, with the North Cape within reach. It’s the furthest north you can go by car in the world. The hotel is decent but won’t leave a lasting impression. Weather permitting, we might attempt to reach the North Cape tonight!

Day 8 Honningsvåg to the North Cape and Alta

We might have visited the North Cape last night, but it’s worth seeing again in daylight.

Then, we head to Alta, staying not just in any hotel but the beautiful Sorrisniva Hotel! Tonight, we dine at Johnny Trasti’s intimate restaurant, Trasti Og Trine, for an exceptional fine dining experience.

Day 9 Alta • Restday

This afternoon, we’ll personally take to a dogsled, pulled by Huskies. You’ll harness the dogs yourself and receive thorough training on handling these animals.

Tonight involves an extensive snowmobile journey. We’ll head into the mountains, dine in a mountain cabin, and then return to the hotel by snowmobile, with everyone having their own snowmobile.

Day 10 Alta to Mestervik

Following Norway’s rugged coast, we hope for favorable weather. We drive a beautiful mountain pass, ending in Mestervik.

DAy 11 Mestervik to Nusfjord

We set our course for the Lofoten Islands, arguably the most beautiful archipelago in the world. Near the southernmost point of the Lofoten, we stay in typical fisherman’s cabins, the Rorbuer. Our accommodation features a lovely spa, complete with a sauna and jacuzzi.

Our accommodation for the next two nights: A collection of historic fishermen’s cabins set in breathtaking surroundings. The perfect spot for a rest day.

Day 12

Nusfjord • Restday

No mileage to cover today. Perhaps you’d like to explore the beautiful Lofoten by car? It’s a day for relaxation, hoping for good weather, and maybe even catching the Northern Lights… Or, would you like to brave the rough waters to fish for cod?

Day 13

Nusfjord to Mosjøen

We start early today as the ferry from Moskenes departs in the morning. Once we reach Bodø, we continue south via the A6. The road climbs to a plateau, and we cross the Arctic Circle—it feels like the North Pole here! Our day ends in Mosjøen, at a typically Norwegian hotel steeped in tradition.

Day 14 Mosjøen to Brekstad

Today’s stage ends west of Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. We navigate a mix of back roads and a segment of the E6, a famous route that stretches from Sweden, across Norway, to the Russian border in the north. Tonight’s hotel also has a rich history; we’re staying at a former domestic science school.

Day 15 Brekstad to Oslo

The final leg of NorCape takes us to Norway’s capital, Oslo. We’ll spend our last night enjoying Scandinavian cuisine at a luxurious five-star hotel.

The car

The NorCape Challenge can be undertaken with any car. If you’re driving a two-wheel drive vehicle, the tires must be studded. It’s important to note that driving with studded tires is not allowed in the Netherlands or Germany.

If you opt to have your car transported, you can purchase a set of tires in the Netherlands and have them fitted. If you’re driving to Gothenburg, you can arrange to have a set fitted in Gothenburg as soon as you disembark from the ferry. Such a set can be rented, provided the tire size is available for rental. “Normal” tire sizes are reasonably well stocked.

For those driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, a set of good, preferably new, winter tires will suffice. Ensure these tires have the snowflake symbol. Nokian SnowProof tires come highly recommended.

How to get there?

Driving Yourself

Gothenburg is entirely accessible by road. The distance from Utrecht is approximately 1,150 kilometers. A good option is to take the ferry from Kiel, which departs around 5:00 PM and arrives in Gothenburg the following morning. It’s a relaxed way to start the Challenge.

Transport

We can also arrange for your car to be transported. Depending on the number of cars being shipped, expect to pay around 3,500 euros excluding VAT for a return trip. You would then fly directly from Amsterdam to Gothenburg the day before the Challenge starts.

Rental Car

Another option is to fly and use a rental car. Expect this to be a Volvo V60/V90 or XC60/XC90. These cars always feature four-wheel drive and good winter tires. Renting a car offers several advantages. You don’t have to drive from the Netherlands or Belgium to Gothenburg, and you can easily fly directly from Amsterdam to Gothenburg.

Depending on your preference, we are happy to book transport, a rental car, studded tire rental, or a flight ticket for you!

Practical matters

GPS

Each team will be given a tracking device. With this tracker, the organization can monitor the location of every team from both the car and the Netherlands. The device operates via a satellite connection, ensuring it always works. Should a team remain stationary for an extended period, we will either contact them or head towards their location. This means assistance is always available, even without a mobile connection. In addition to the tracking device, the organization also carries an emergency transmitter to summon help if needed.

Checklist & wishlist

Before NorCape begins, you’ll receive two short lists from us: a wish list and a checklist. The wish list inquires about your preferences during the trip. For instance, you might prefer vegetarian dining, desire a bathtub in your room, or have allergies. We aim to know these details before NorCape starts.

The checklist outlines essential items to remember before departing. It also provides tips on clothing and what to pack in your car.

Massages & spa

Some hotels offer the option to book massages or spa treatments. We’ll ask about your interest in these services in advance.

Laundry Service

It’s possible to have your clothes laundered en route. We account for this before the event to ensure hotels have sufficient capacity to return your laundry on time.

“

We strive to offer our guests the most relaxing holiday possible.

Before you arrive at the hotel, we’ve inspected the room and checked in the participants. You’ll receive the room key from us, and we’re happy to assist with your luggage. We’ll park your car for you. Forgot to check out? We’ll advance any incurred charges without issue.

Price Breakdown

Included Excluded

Accommodation Car-related expenses (Fuel, tolls) Breakfast

Dinners Lunches

All drinks during dinner

Booking of massages/spa treatments

Roadbook & waypoints

Travel guidance

Full organization

Excursions (ice driving, dog sledding, snowmobiling)

Stickers and a souvenir

Personal expenses

Rental of studded tires

Prices are based on a team with one car and two people sharing a room.

*Rental car is based on a Volvo V60, including full insurance and unlimited mileage.

Additionally, CarChallenge offers extra services:

1. Arranging studded tires

2. Booking potential flight tickets

3. Extension: Svalbard

This booking is covered by the VZR Garant guarantee scheme. You can find the conditions of this guarantee scheme on the VZR Garant website. CarChallenge thus has the legally required protection to refund you and, if transportation is included in the package tour, to repatriate you in case of financial insolvency. More information about VZR Garant can be found at www.vzr-garant.nl.

© The text and photography by CarChallenge Version 1.0 CarChallenge and the CarChallenge logo are protected. Registered in the Netherlands. All rights reserved. It is not permitted to reproduce or use any form of information – whether text or imagery – without the explicit, written permission of CarChallenge.