Only a few reach the North Cape in their lifetime. The northernmost point of mainland Europe is known for its breathtaking Northern Lights and unique landscape shaped by ice and fjords.
In addition to its magnificent nature, the North is also characterized by harsh living conditions. Because: In winter, the temperature drops to minus 30 degrees, the days are extremely short, and plenty of snow and ice put people to the test. However, thanks to Norway’s excellent road network, Nordkapp is accessible by car – even with an electric car, despite the cold, which limits the performance of all types of batteries, including those in electric cars.
To prove it, 13 teams take part in the eNordkapp Challenge 2022 and embark on a long journey entirely powered by electricity. We accompany one of the teams: Nuria Spycher (27), Linda Lustenberger (22) (both Ringier employees) and Aileen Lakatos (27).
Linda explains: “On December 25 and 26 we went to Flensburg in northern Germany. We stayed there with the other twelve teams of the eNordkapp Challenge and got to know everyone. The next day we traveled all over Denmark and then took the ferry to Kristiansand in Norway. Now it’s heading for the North Cape along the west coast of Norway.» Nuria adds: “In total, we cover almost 8,000 kilometers.”
In the meantime, you can see where the three of them are (and how their batteries are). Here see live They are expected to arrive at the North Cape on 7 January.
Well prepared for the challenge
Candidates, their journey towards the cold Opel Zafira-e Life Silvaplana Camper, a powerful electric car. “All three of us are newbies when it comes to electric cars. We had to learn how it worked first,” says Linda. Nuria adds: “That’s why we bought Opel three weeks before the trip. So we were able to test it and find out what functions it has and how it works with the store.» The preparations are paying off: “We got along pretty well and are now in complete harmony with the store. We still have great respect for what can happen if we don’t find a charging station,” says Linda.
So, just in case, help came from Aileen’s father before she left: “My father has a car mechanic. He gave us a crash course in casting.” Nor does it help: Norway has an exemplary network of e-charging stations.
expectations and fears
The three friends are looking forward to the adventure. Linda explains: “It’s very different from the standard vacation you would otherwise go on. We are all very excited for this challenge and especially looking forward to the Northern Lights. Since I’ve never been to the north, the nature and scenery here is special to me.»
The adventure factor plays a big role for Nuria: «I am so grateful for the chance to try something new that I would never have been able to do otherwise. Super exciting adventure. It’s almost like a dream I didn’t even know I had.”
Still, challenges await: “Weather conditions are a big question mark. Both cold and dark will definitely test us. I’m slowly starting to feel the cold, especially on my feet. It’s time to take off those big shoes,” says Aileen.
Fortunately he offers Opel Zafira-e Life Silvaplana Caravan plenty of space for warm clothes. Because Nuria is also worried about low temperatures, so she took five big suitcases with her. “At first I was really scared of the cold, but now I trust I can handle it. I think it will still be difficult to get to North Cape. We’ve been three in the car for three weeks, plus snow, cold, lack of daylight and sometimes bad road conditions. It’s definitely going to be exhausting. But I’m sure which we will continue to do. We just have to try to keep everyone in a good mood.”
They’ve been successful so far. Linda says: “Everything is going well together, it’s great to be on the road with Nuria and Aileen. There are cool people on other teams as well. I find it very exciting to get out of my bubble and connect with new people.”