Riding Beyond the Arctic Circle with scrambler ducati

Craig Stuart’s Arctic adventure: beyond the Circle, where raw nature, breathtaking landscapes, and pure freedom embody the Scrambler spirit.

Joy stories

Arctic adventure starts here

Craig Stuart recently embarked on an unforgettable journey through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, riding his Scrambler Icon Dark. Not just any itinerary, but an endurance rally bringing together riders from over 19 countries: miles of spectacular roads, breathtaking landscapes, and shared passion.

The adventure began in Denmark “It is beautiful and sunny in Copenhagen, all the motorbikes are currently being offloaded at the classic car museum. I’m picking up my Scrambler Ducati Icon dark, my plan is to ride into Central Copenhagen and find the perfect location for a photo shoot, just me, my cameras and a tripod. While riding into central Copenhagen, I found these beautiful orange houses. They are former naval barracks. They were built for the personnel of the rapidly growing royal Danish Navy. The Scrambler fits the composition perfectly. The custom orange face plates match the houses. The Icon dark attracted a lot of attention; many locals looked at the bike as they cycled passed.”

Back at the classic car motorcycle museum, riders from over 19 countries gathered for registration. Robert from Malle London held the briefing, explaining that the route would stay secret and be revealed only the evening before. After team introductions, I was happy to discover friends and fellow Ducati riders alongside me. The first checkpoint was Lund Cathedral, where a hundred motorcycles lined up as riders grabbed quick lunches. The ride continued through farmland at harvest time, even alongside a massive combine harvester. Later, winding woodland roads with twisty corners became the perfect playground for the Scrambler, its engine sound and pops reminding me of my Desert Sled.”

We ended our day on a private beach in Sweden on the coast, all the bell tents set up facing windy flags, so beautiful to be in front of the open water, picture perfect opportunity for my Scrambler Ducati.

Sweden to Norway

Leaving Sweden behind, Craig and his Scrambler Icon Dark crossed into Norway, ready for the next chapter of the rally.

“I got up at 6am to wheel the Icon Dark onto a pier with vibrant Malle Flags blowing in the wind. An ideal opportunity for a photo shoot before the second stage of the rally, crossing the border into Norway. The Scrambler is light and easy to maneuver as I walked it down the pier. Some riders were also up early, visiting a sauna and jumping straight into the North Sea. Day two was all about the route. My Beeline was simple and fun, I put in each town and checkpoint to match the drawn line exactly. Malle always select the best roads and research years in advance, so you have to respect the route.

The roads through Norwegian woods were full of signs for deer and moose. Sometimes unexpected turns and bumpy asphalt put my Scrambler in its element. By day two we found our rhythm as a team. After congested motorways around Oslo, we reached fast roads along railways and lakes — back in our element. The final off-road path with deep ruts and stones showed why I love the Icon Dark: quick, fun, light, and flickable. After 13 hours in the saddle, we arrived at the Viking village, warmed by fire and food.”

The norwegian mountains and fjords

Among the most breathtaking landscapes in Northern Europe are its mountains and fjords — unique to this experience, they made this adventure even more unforgettable.

“Leaving the Viking village under the rain, the ride opened up to towering mountains, glaciers, and dramatic fjords. Hairpins, tunnels carved into the rock, and cascading waterfalls made the journey both challenging and thrilling. Despite the cold and wet, the Scrambler handled every turn with ease, its heated grips a true relief. Between moody skies, iridescent lakes, and winding roads through dark green valleys, every kilometer revealed breathtaking Northern landscapes — an unforgettable endurance ride.”

We then arrived at the Norwegian Fjords, with mountains and cliffs towering on both sides and glaciers with cascading waterfalls along the way. Fast rivers, winding roads, and ferry crossings offered breathtaking views and moments to catch up with fellow riders. Riding to mountain tops and hopping across twisting bridges, every turn felt connected, the Scrambler responding perfectly, before we reached camp overlooking a fjord with a massive cruise ship — a stunning end to the day.

Crossing the Arctic Circle

The penultimate stage of the journey took us across the Arctic Circle, into the vast, untamed landscapes of the far north.

“Our ride to the Arctic Circle was met with heavy rain and ferry delays. Navigating around trucks in the poor visibility tested both skill and teamwork, with every drop and foggy tunnel adding to the rally’s endurance challenge. The Arctic tundra revealed a desolate, rolling landscape with sparse trees and glimpses of reindeer — one even allowed me to follow it for a photograph. Reaching the Arctic Circle was wet and windy, but crossing it felt like a real achievement, even with over a thousand kilometres still to Nordkapp. At each camp, we found warmth in drying rooms and roaring fires, recovering from soaked gear. Even the small struggles — finding tents or late dinners — became part of the adventure, with the support of the friendly Malle crew making every moment memorable.”

Arctic off-roading

We’ve reached the final part of the story — the last chapter of this unforgettable journey.

“After more than 4000 km in the saddle, it was time to rest and find a different kind of peace. Mine was in a small town called Skarsvåg, about 16 km from Nordkapp. I took my time here — the deer walked the streets like locals, and everyone seemed to know each other. I had a relaxed photoshoot over breakfast, watching boats nestle in the harbour. On the way back to Alta, I noticed a couple hiking down a small off-road track towards a fjord. One last detour to capture a few portraits of the bike and the landscape — just rocks, waterfalls, and wildflowers all around.

Near Alta airport, I spotted a wooded area with off-road tracks leading from the main road. Curiosity won. I rode deep into the woods, finding soft, wood-chipped trails perfect for some fun. Shane Benson offered to take riding shots — sliding the Scrambler through the trees under golden light. The Icon Dark stood out beautifully against the greens and browns. So versatile, it feels like you can take it anywhere.”