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European Divide Trail - The end of Europe.

250km was left until I would reach the most North Eastern point in Europe, Grense Jakobsve. A point I’ve been heading to for almost 80 days. To not rush it, I decided to do this in two days: a 110km day to one more campsite just before the Norwegian border, and then the last day to the best campsite: The Barents Sea.


Inari - Norwegian Border

The road to Norway continued exactly as it had been the previous days. Straight tarmac with no real views. Trees lined the road on either side and it made for boring but fast riding. This continued for the remaining 150km till the border with Norway. 35km before the border I reached my campsite and I got to experience the Finnish hospitality.

With just me camping there I had pitched my tent on a flat grassy section, but after a few hours the owner told me grumpily that I couldn’t pitch my tent there because it was a car spot. No point arguing so I grabbed my tent and relocated to the designated, although rockier, tent location.



The final day

I woke up with a bittersweet but excited feeling. My European Divide Trail would end today, an achievement I worked towards for the past 3 months. I had divided this day in different sections:


  • 35km to the Norwegian border

  • 50km to the last grocery store near Kirkenes

  • 56km till Grense Jakobsve


Warming up on the last Finnish roads I crossed the border with Norway relatively soon. Inmediately the scenery changed. There were small climbs again, and almost instantly I was treated with a huge lakeside descent. The road then continued to curve next to lakes and rivers towards Kirkenes for a final re-supply of food.

The re-supply wasn’t much more than celebration cinnamon buns, two beers and instant ramen but what more could you really need at the end of an epic trip than your favorite snacks.



56km till Grense Jakobsve

The road towards Grense Jakobsve is one of the best sections of the whole trip. Starting just outside Kirkenes you follow the road till the gates of the Russian border. Here you turn left and follow the border across small mountains and arctic sceneries. Lakes, reindeers and rocks is all you have around you.

At some moments you ride so close to the river, which indicates the border, you see the border poles of Russia. On these parts there would also be signs explaining the code of conduct and that under no circumstance you were allowed to cross the river because that would mean you’ve crossed an international border which was under continuous surveillance. A surreal experience to ride here with a bicycle after so many kilometers.


The last 10 kilometers were gravel again and the sight of a small chapel told me I was nearly there. Not long after the road stopped and the only thing left was the sea. A few campervans were camped here too but it couldn’t bother me. In this moment I only cared for one thing and that was to swim in the Barents Sea, the unofficial ritual every EDT’er has to do.

Refreshed by the cold sea I pitched my tent on a small cliff looking out on the ocean.

Whilst I had my IPA, instant ramen I could see the midnight sun dip underneath the horizon for the first time again after months. A special moment in Scandinavia and luckily one I managed to experience. Emotional and tired I sat there for a few more hours.


A route that had been on my mind since December last year had and had taken me across some of Europes most desolate places had come to and end. I had done it.


Important stats of day 77-78


Amount of Km’s: 249km

Amount of Elevation: 1852m

Amount of calories: 8628

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Total Km’s: 7856km

Total elevation: 95.233m

Total Calories: 296.955cal


A few thoughts on the European Divide Trail


It’s difficult to summarize such a trip or to write down all the emotions that come with finishing this route. After cycling for 90 days towards one destination, it’s strange to reach it. Emotions overwhelm you and suddenly you find yourself without a goal. Pride, a sense of fulfillment, sadness and excitement all mixed together.


The European Divide Trail is a beautiful, brutal, and epic ride across Europe. Designed by Andy Cox in 2019, so far only 37 people have managed to finish the trail completely. Not only are you riding in some of the most remote areas in Europe, it’s also a challenging and tough terrain. You gain an elevation of more than 10 times the Mount Everest, burn more calories than you can eat, but it’s worth it.


But it’s not only a challenge, it’s also a route that shows a side of Europe you’d normally never see. Having a cold Fanta in a small local bar in rural Spain after climbing a hill in 40 degrees, fantastic. Finding a shelter in Scandinavia when you are wet from the rain, nothing beats it. It shows you the wilder, untouched, parts of Europe. You get to cross borders on old mountain paths, ride through vineyards and endless fields of olive trees, camp next to lakes in canyons, see gravel roads disappear in the distance and dodge reindeer.


It’s more than a route, it’s a bikepacking pilgrimage to physically and mentally challenge yourself. It’s rough, tough, stunning, surprising, even boring at moments and you’ll have to push yourself more than on any other bikepacking route in Europe.


It’s a legendary route, and maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. But ride the roads less ridden if you can, it’ll bring you more.


It’s worth it.



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2 Comments


Guest
Aug 12, 2024

Wat heb je een prachtige en onvergetelijke reis gemaakt!

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Guest
Aug 01, 2024

Congrats on finishing!!

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