Leave Mainz around 07:00 for the A3 northbound, joining the A7 toward Hamburg. The drive is roughly 5.5–6.5 hours without long stops; allow closer to seven with motorway works, coffee, and a proper lunch break. A practical stop is a service area around Göttingen or Hannover rather than trying to eat in Hamburg traffic. On arrival, avoid driving into the center looking for a space: leave the car at your hotel or use a P+R such as Horner Rennbahn and continue by U-Bahn. The U3 takes you toward the harbor area, with Baumwall or Rathaus useful stations depending on your accommodation.
After checking in, begin at Speicherstadt, where the red-brick warehouses, canals, and iron bridges are at their most atmospheric in the softer late-afternoon light. Wander along Am Sandtorkai, Auf dem Sande, and the canal edges for about an hour; the district is especially photogenic when the water is high enough to reflect the façades. Most outdoor areas are freely accessible at any time, and the nearby Elbphilharmonie plaza is a worthwhile optional detour if you still have energy—entry to the plaza is generally free, though a timed ticket may be required.
Continue to Miniatur Wunderland, just a few minutes on foot within Speicherstadt, and allow around two hours. It is much larger and more absorbing than the name suggests, with detailed miniature regions, changing day-and-night effects, and plenty for adults as well as children. Pre-book a timed admission slot; prices are usually around €20–€25 for adults and evening demand can be high. If you arrive before your slot, browse the surrounding warehouse lanes rather than waiting in the entrance area.
Walk roughly ten minutes to Deichstraße for a short, atmospheric look at Hamburg’s surviving merchant houses along the Nikolaifleet. It is a compact stop—about 30 minutes is enough—and quieter after the main sightseeing crowds thin out. Finish at Vlet an der Speicherstadt, a convenient dinner choice near the warehouses, for modern North German cooking; budget approximately €35–€60 per person, and reserve ahead for an evening visit. From there, Baumwall or Rathaus stations provide easy U-Bahn connections back toward most central hotels.
Take the planned DB/SJ train via Copenhagen around 07:00; the journey takes roughly 6–7 hours, so you should reach Gothenburg in the early afternoon. Keep your ticket and passport or ID handy for the cross-border section, and allow a little flexibility for the connection in Copenhagen. From Gothenburg Centralstation, Haga is about a 15-minute walk west, or a short tram ride to Järntorget followed by a few minutes on foot. If you have luggage, leave it at your accommodation or use the station lockers before exploring.
Start in Haga, one of Gothenburg’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, where the pedestrian stretch of Haga Nygata is lined with wooden houses, independent shops, and small courtyards. Give yourself about an hour to wander rather than rushing from shop to shop. Then settle at Café Husaren, the classic fika stop on Haga Nygata, for its famously oversized cinnamon bun; expect roughly SEK 100–180 for coffee and a pastry. It is popular, so a short wait is normal, especially in the afternoon. After fika, walk uphill through the neighborhood toward Skansen Kronan—the climb is brief but steep, and the reward is one of the best broad views over the rooftops of central Gothenburg. The fortress exterior and hilltop area are ideal for an unhurried early-evening stroll; check current access times locally, as the interior is not always open.
From Skansen Kronan, walk downhill toward Rosenlund in about 15 minutes to reach Feskekôrka, the distinctive former fish-market building beside the canal. Its restored interior and waterfront setting make it worth visiting even if you are not buying seafood; opening hours can vary, so treat this as a short atmospheric stop rather than relying on it for a full meal. Continue by tram or walk roughly 20 minutes east toward Vasastaden for dinner at Kometen, a much-loved address for traditional Swedish comfort food and home-style dishes. Allow around 1½ hours and budget SEK 300–500 per person. Reservations are sensible in August, particularly for dinner; afterwards, Vasastaden is pleasant for a quiet evening walk, with cafés and bars close by if you still have energy.
Start at Gothenburg Botanical Garden in Änggården around 09:00, when the paths are quiet and the glasshouses are not yet crowded. Allow about two hours for the Japanese valley, rock garden, herb beds, and the excellent greenhouse collection. Outdoor areas are generally free; the greenhouses usually charge a modest entrance fee, around SEK 20–30. From central Gothenburg, take tram 1, 2, or 8 to Botaniska Trädgården; by car, parking is available nearby but fills quickly on summer mornings. Walk or take a short tram ride afterward to Slottsskogen, entering from the Linné side. Spend roughly 90 minutes among the beech woods and meadows, and make time for the free Nordic animal enclosures, particularly the elk and Gotland ponies.
From Slottsskogen, take tram 3 or 9 toward Klippan—the ride is about 15 minutes—or drive if you have a car, though street parking around the waterfront can be limited. Have lunch at Sjömagasinet, beautifully set beside the Göta älv in a former warehouse. This is the day’s splurge: expect approximately SEK 500–900 per person, and reserve ahead for the à la carte restaurant. After lunch, continue west along the river to Röda Sten Konsthall, an atmospheric contemporary-art space in a former boiler house beneath the Älvsborg Bridge. Allow about 90 minutes; exhibitions often change, and opening hours are commonly Tuesday–Sunday from around 12:00 to 17:00, with admission usually around SEK 60–100. Check the current exhibition and closing time before setting out.
Finish with Nya Älvsborg Fortress, reached by the sightseeing boat departing from Lilla Bommen or another scheduled central pier, depending on the day’s timetable. The round trip and visit take roughly 2½ hours, so check the boat schedule early and arrive 15–20 minutes before departure; tickets are typically around SEK 250–350. The island is exposed, so bring a light layer even in August, and wear shoes suitable for uneven stone paths. After returning, keep dinner easy around Långgatorna—the short tram ride back toward the center puts you near plenty of casual bars and small restaurants—or simply take an evening walk along the Göta älv before turning in.
Take the planned Vy bus from Gothenburg around 08:00; the journey to Oslo takes roughly 3.5–4 hours, usually putting you in the city around midday. Keep your passport or EU ID accessible for the international journey. Oslo’s central area is easiest on foot, but with roof-tent equipment it is worth reserving a hotel garage or using Q-Park Oslo Plaza near the station; check the vehicle-height limit before arrival. After dropping your bags, have a quick lunch near Frogner before walking to Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Spend about 1.5 hours among Gustav Vigeland’s granite and bronze figures, following the axis from the main gate through the Monolith Plateau to the Wheel of Life. The park is free and open around the clock, making it a good arrival-day choice, though the sculptures are best in the softer early-afternoon light. From Frogner, tram 12 toward the centre takes about 15 minutes; alternatively, a taxi is practical if you are carrying luggage.
Continue to The Royal Palace in central Oslo, about a 20-minute walk from the park or a short tram ride. Walk up Karl Johans gate through the palace grounds, then visit the state rooms only if an interior tour is operating that day—summer opening times and ticket availability can vary, so check the Royal Palace website before setting out. Allow roughly an hour, including the gardens and the view back down toward the city. A 10-minute downhill walk brings you to Aker Brygge, where you can spend the late afternoon wandering along the harbor, watching ferries cross the fjord, and taking a break on the waterfront terraces. For dinner, walk or take tram 12 toward Vulkan and settle into Mathallen Oslo; most stalls serve dinner until around 20:00–21:00, but individual hours differ. Budget approximately NOK 250–450 per person, and arrive by 18:30–19:00 for the widest choice before the market begins winding down.
Take bus 30 from central Oslo toward Bygdøy after breakfast; it takes about 20–25 minutes, while the seasonal ferry from Aker Brygge is the more scenic option if operating. Start at the Fram Museum around 09:30, allowing 1½ hours for the original Fram polar ship, expedition galleries, and immersive displays. Admission is roughly NOK 180–200 for adults. Continue on foot for about ten minutes to the Norwegian Folk Museum, where two hours disappears easily among the open-air farmsteads, town buildings, and stave church. It generally opens around 10:00 in summer; check the exact 2026 schedule, and wear comfortable shoes because the grounds are extensive. A light lunch at the museum café is convenient, though bringing water is sensible.
Return by bus 30 or ferry to Aker Brygge, then take tram 12 or walk roughly 25 minutes east to Bjørvika. Head first to The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, where the sloping white roof is open to pedestrians and gives broad views across the harbor—no performance ticket is needed for the roof, and an hour is enough for the walk and photographs. Continue along the waterfront to MUNCH for the late afternoon, when the building is often calmer than midday. Allow about two hours for the collection, especially the rotating presentations of Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Timed admission is usually around NOK 180–200; reserve ahead for a busy August day. The museum is typically open into the evening, but confirm hours before setting out.
Stay in Bjørvika for dinner at Hrimthurs, allowing around 1½ hours for its modern Nordic menu. Expect approximately NOK 500–900 per person before drinks, with courses changing according to seasonal Norwegian produce. Book ahead, particularly for a weekend evening, and ask about the tasting or set-menu timing if you want a relaxed finish rather than a quick meal. From here, Oslo Central Station is only a short walk away, and the harbor promenade is pleasant for a final stroll after dinner.
Take the planned morning departure from Oslo and arrive in Lillehammer around late morning; the regional train journey is about 2 hours 15 minutes. From Lillehammer station, Maihaugen is roughly a 20-minute uphill walk, or a short local bus/taxi ride if you have camping gear. If you are driving instead, use the museum’s visitor parking and avoid moving the car again today. Allow around 2½ hours for Maihaugen, Norway’s superb open-air museum: the historic farmsteads, town buildings, and stave church are spread across a pleasant hillside, so wear comfortable shoes. In August, it is typically open from around 10:00 to 17:00; check the same-day schedule before setting out. Admission is usually approximately NOK 200–250 for adults.
Walk downhill from Maihaugen toward the center—about 15–20 minutes, with good views across Lake Mjøsa—for lunch at a café around Storgata before visiting the Lillehammer Art Museum. Its compact collection is ideal after the larger museum, with Norwegian art from the 19th century through contemporary work; allow about 1½ hours. It is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 11:00–16:00 or 17:00 depending on the season, with admission commonly around NOK 100–150. Afterwards, spend an unhurried 45 minutes on Storgata, the town’s preserved wooden pedestrian street. Look into the small independent shops and painted façades rather than treating it as a quick photo stop; this is also a good place to pick up breakfast supplies for the next morning.
Finish at Hvelvet, a short walk from Storgata, for dinner in a beautifully restored historic setting. The menu leans toward polished Norwegian cooking and seasonal local ingredients; budget approximately NOK 400–700 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead for an August evening. After dinner, take a brief stroll back toward the station or along the quiet central streets—Lillehammer is especially atmospheric once the day-trippers have gone.
Take a taxi or drive from Lillehammer to Sjusjøen after breakfast; allow roughly 35–45 minutes each way, depending on traffic and weather. The mountain village is a good place for an unhurried walk through birch woodland and open plateau, with views toward small lakes and rounded hills rather than dramatic peaks. Plan about three hours on the trails, carrying water and a packed snack—there are cafés in the village, but opening hours can be seasonal. Wear proper shoes even in August, as the paths can be wet and boggy after rain. Parking is generally available near the village and trailheads, though some areas use paid parking by app or card.
Return toward Lillehammer and continue to Lysgårdsbakken, the Olympic ski-jumping complex above town. Spend around 1½ hours at the Nevra Ski Museum and Ski Jumping Tower, where the exhibits put Norway’s skiing culture into perspective and the tower gives you a memorable look down over the landing slope and across the valley. Check the day’s opening hours before setting out; summer access and tower admission can vary, with a rough combined budget of NOK 100–250. If you are driving, use the signed parking near the Olympic facilities; a taxi from central Lillehammer is straightforward if you prefer not to deal with parking.
From Lysgårdsbakken, drive north to Hunderfossen in about 15–20 minutes. First allow roughly two hours for the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Seasonal rides and track experiences must normally be booked ahead, and operation depends on the summer timetable, weather, and minimum participant numbers, so confirm availability before leaving town. Afterwards, spend a relaxed couple of hours at Hunderfossen Family Park, Norway’s fairytale-themed amusement park. It is best treated as a gentle final wander rather than a race through every attraction; check the closing time because the park often shuts earlier than people expect outside peak dates. Return to central Lillehammer for dinner at Nikkers, a lively, informal choice near the pedestrian center, with Norwegian comfort food, burgers, fish, and local drinks. Expect about NOK 250–450 per person; booking is sensible in August, particularly if you want to eat around 19:00.
Collect your rental car early and leave Lillehammer around 07:00, following the E6 north before turning west onto Rv15 and E136 toward Ålesund. The drive takes around 5½–6½ hours in ideal conditions, but allow a full day once you include mountain-road photo stops, possible ferry crossings, and slower traffic. Fill up before leaving town, download offline maps, and check Statens vegvesen for live road conditions—especially the status of Trollstigen, which can close temporarily in bad weather or after rockfall. Keep cashless payment ready for tolls and ferries, and pack breakfast or coffee because services become sparse once you are deep in the valleys.
Make Gudbrandsjuvet in Valldal your first substantial stop, allowing 30–45 minutes. The short, accessible viewing platforms sit above a narrow gorge where the Valldøla churns through polished rock; it is dramatic even in light rain, so a waterproof layer and grippy shoes are useful. Continue toward Trollstigen, allowing about 1½ hours for the winding approach, the famous hairpins, and the viewpoint complex. Park only in the marked area and walk out to the angular viewing platforms for the best perspective over the road and valley. Do not rush this section: coaches and campervans can make the bends slow, and the road is about the scenery rather than speed. If the pass is closed, follow the signed diversion rather than relying on older map routes.
After arriving in Ålesund, check in and leave the car parked; the compact center is easiest on foot. Take an hour-long first walk around Ålesund harbor and Brosundet, where Art Nouveau façades, fishing boats, and the narrow waterway make a particularly atmospheric introduction at dusk. For dinner, settle in at Maki in the center, a small seafood-focused restaurant pairing Norwegian ingredients with Japanese technique. Expect roughly NOK 500–900 per person depending on whether you choose à la carte dishes or a fuller meal; booking ahead is wise in August. Keep the evening relaxed after the long drive—the harbor is worth revisiting tomorrow in softer morning light.
Start early at Aksla and climb the 418 steps from Kongens gate to Fjellstua, ideally around 08:30. The ascent takes about 15–25 minutes at an easy pace, and the viewpoint gives you the classic panorama across Ålesund, the harbor, islands, and Sunnmøre mountains. Allow roughly an hour including photographs. It is free to visit; wear shoes with decent grip, as the steps can be damp. If you are driving, leave the car in central Ålesund rather than trying to make the narrow summit parking your main plan.
From the center, drive or take local bus 1 toward Tueneset for the Atlantic Sea-Park, allowing around 10–15 minutes by car or 20–30 minutes by bus. Spend about two hours here, especially for the large outdoor pools and feeding presentations featuring seals, penguins, and North Atlantic species. Check the day’s feeding schedule before setting off; admission is generally around NOK 300–400 for adults, with reduced rates for children and online bookings. The café is convenient but basic, so have a light snack before leaving if you want to save room for dinner.
Continue west by car to Godøy and Alnes Lighthouse, usually around 35–45 minutes from Ålesund, depending on the tunnel traffic and the Godøytunnelen approach. The lighthouse area is exposed and weather can change quickly, so bring a windproof layer even in August. Allow about two hours to see the historic lighthouse, browse the small visitor facilities when open, and take in the rocky Atlantic setting. Opening times can be weather- and season-dependent, so check locally before driving out; parking is available near the site, though spaces fill during bright afternoons.
Afterward, walk down to Alnes beach for around 45 minutes. This is more about atmosphere than swimming: expect pale sand, rolling surf, and a wide, open horizon. Keep an eye on the tide and wind, and do not leave valuables in the car. Return to Ålesund before the evening rush; the drive back is straightforward, but allow extra time if tunnel traffic is busy.
Finish at XL Diner in central Ålesund, where a reservation is sensible in August. Plan on roughly NOK 350–600 per person and try the bacalao, the region’s characteristic salted-and-dried cod dish, alongside other local seafood. Dinner takes about 1½ hours, leaving time afterward for a quiet harbor stroll around Brosundet if you still have energy.
Leave Ålesund around 06:30–07:00 for the planned southbound E39 drive. Allow 7–8 hours in good conditions, and longer if ferry queues, rain, or roadworks slow you down. The route includes several ferry crossings, so keep a card handy and check Fjord1 sailing times before leaving; most crossings are straightforward, but missing one can quickly add 30–60 minutes. Have breakfast before departure or pack something for the road—today is primarily a travel day. On arrival in Bergen, use a central garage such as KlosterGarasjen or ByGarasjen rather than trying to park around the harbor, then walk toward Vågen.
After checking in and taking a short break, begin at Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed row of narrow wooden Hanseatic buildings along the eastern side of Vågen. Allow about an hour to wander the passageways behind the colorful façades; the uneven alleys are much more atmospheric than the busy quayside. From here, walk a few minutes west to Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest surviving fortress complexes. The grounds are usually free and open into the evening, while the interior buildings have seasonal opening hours and separate admission, so check the official schedule if you want to enter Håkon’s Hall or the Rosenkrantz Tower. This harbor route is compact and best explored on foot.
Continue along the water to Fisketorget, where roughly 45 minutes is enough to browse the stalls and watch the harbor activity. It is tourist-oriented and prices can be high, so treat it as a look around rather than your main meal; seafood snacks and small tastings commonly cost NOK 100–250. For dinner, return to Bryggen and reserve at Enhjørningen, a long-established seafood restaurant in one of the historic Hanseatic buildings. Expect around NOK 450–750 per person before drinks, and book ahead for an evening arrival in August. The restaurant is a particularly good fit tonight: after the long drive, you can settle into one neighborhood and finish with a short walk back through the illuminated waterfront.
Start early at Fløibanen in Vågen, ideally around 08:30–09:00, before the tour groups arrive. The funicular takes only a few minutes from Vetrlidsallmenningen to Mount Fløyen, but queues can build quickly in summer; a return ticket is roughly NOK 100–150, with slightly different prices depending on the time and booking method. At the top, enjoy the broad view over the harbor and islands, then leave the busy terrace for the marked paths through Mount Fløyen forest. Allow about two hours for an easy loop through woodland and open viewpoints—wear shoes with decent grip, as the paths can be slick after rain. Return by funicular or walk downhill if you want a longer, gentler finish.
Walk back through the old center toward KODE Art Museums beside Lille Lungegårdsvann. The museum complex is spread across several buildings, so allow around two hours rather than trying to see everything; collections include Norwegian modernism, historic European art, and changing exhibitions. Check the exact opening hours before setting out—summer hours are commonly around 11:00–17:00, with some later evenings—and expect an adult ticket in the region of NOK 180–200. For lunch, the cafés around Marken or Torgallmenningen are convenient, but keep it light so you have time for the galleries. Later, stroll west through Nordnes to Nordnesparken, a peaceful place for an hour beside the water; the park is free and makes a welcome break from Bergen’s steep, busy streets.
For dinner, head to Pingvinen in Nygård, about a 15-minute walk from Nordnesparken or a short ride on the Bybanen/bus network. This relaxed, popular spot serves hearty Norwegian comfort food—look for dishes such as raspeballer, fish, or seasonal stews—at roughly NOK 250–450 per person. Arrive around 17:30–18:00 if you want a better chance of getting a table, as it is informal and often busy; reservations are useful where accepted. Bergen’s evening light is especially good for a final walk back toward the harbor, but keep a rain jacket handy: even in August, showers can appear suddenly.
The planned Bergen–Malmö drive is a very long day: roughly 10–11 hours of driving via E16, E6, and E20, before breaks and possible delays. Leave around 06:00, with fuel, coffee, and a proper lunch stop in mind; keep an eye on Swedish traffic and roadworks as you cross toward Gothenburg and then south to Malmö. This is considerably less practical than the planned flight, so if you are still able to change plans, flying via Oslo or Copenhagen is the sensible option. For the drive, reserve accommodation with parking or a nearby garage—street parking in central Malmö is limited and often paid.
After checking in, head to Västra Hamnen for an easy first walk around the waterfront and the Turning Torso. You cannot generally go inside the tower without a special booking, but the exterior view is impressive from the surrounding promenades, particularly in the soft evening light. Allow about 30 minutes, then continue west toward Ribersborgsstranden—a relaxed beach walk of around an hour and a welcome chance to stretch your legs after the drive. On a clear day, look across the Öresund toward Denmark; the wind can be strong, so bring a light layer even in August.
Finish at Malmö Saluhall in Gamla Väster, a short walk or quick bus ride from the central waterfront. The market hall is ideal after a travel day because everyone can choose something different, from Swedish comfort food and seafood to international dishes and local pastries. Most vendors operate from late morning into the evening, but closing times vary, so check the current listings before setting out. Budget approximately SEK 200–400 per person; arrive before the final evening rush, then take a quiet stroll through the surrounding old streets before turning in.
Leave Malmö around 07:00 for the planned E20/E47 route through Denmark, continuing to the Puttgarden–Rødby ferry and then south toward Bremen. Allow 7½–9 hours including the ferry, border formalities, fuel, and one proper break; confirm the ferry schedule before leaving, as sailings and vehicle capacity can vary. Keep some Danish kroner or a card available for road stops, and save the final approach into Bremen for the navigation app rather than relying on old printed directions.
After checking in and dropping the car, walk into Schnoor Quarter for an easy first look at Bremen. The narrow lanes and tiny historic houses are best enjoyed without a rigid route; allow about an hour to browse craft shops, galleries, and small courtyards. Most shops generally close around 18:00, so arrive as soon as you can. If you need coffee after the long drive, Konditorei Café im Schnoor is a convenient, atmospheric stop, though opening hours can vary by day.
From Schnoor, it is roughly a 10-minute walk through the Altstadt to Marktplatz. Spend around 45 minutes admiring Bremen Town Hall and the Roland statue, the city’s UNESCO-listed civic centerpiece; the exterior and square are freely accessible, while guided interior visits are normally daytime-only. Continue a few minutes to Böttcherstraße, where the dark brick Expressionist buildings, decorative entrances, and narrow passageways make for a compact but memorable stroll. Look out for the Glockenspiel House if it is near one of its scheduled chimes.
Return to Marktplatz for dinner at Ratskeller Bremen, beneath the town hall. Reserve ahead, particularly in August, and expect roughly €30–€60 per person depending on wine and courses. The menu focuses on hearty northern German cooking, including regional fish and meat dishes; it is a fitting final stop after a long road day. The historic cellar is atmospheric rather than quick, so allow about 1½ hours and keep the rest of the evening free for a relaxed walk back through the illuminated square.
Before setting off, take a final riverside stroll along Weserpromenade Schlachte for about 45 minutes. The promenade is especially pleasant early, when the restaurants are still quiet and the riverfront belongs mostly to joggers and commuters. Pick up coffee and something portable from Café Bar Celona Schlachte or a nearby bakery, then return to your car and leave Bremen around 07:00. Allow roughly 5–6 hours to Mainz via the A7 and A5, plus breaks; check the traffic situation around Hannover, Kassel, and Frankfurt before joining the motorway. If you have hired a car, confirm the return procedure in Mainz; with the roof tent, make sure everything is dry and securely packed before departure.
On the way out of the city, spend about an hour in Bürgerpark Bremen, just north of the center. Park near Parkallee or by Bürgerweide, then take an easy path through the lawns and woodland rather than trying to cover the whole park. The Parkhotel Bremen area is a good reference point, and the park is open around the clock with no admission charge. This is best treated as a final breather before the long motorway stretch—bring your coffee with you and leave plenty of time for the first busy section of the A7.
Break the journey in Göttingen after roughly two hours, allowing about 1½ hours for lunch and a short walk. From the motorway, follow signs for the center and use Parkhaus Hospitalstraße or Parkhaus am Bahnhof; both are more convenient than searching for street parking. Wander through the lanes around Jüdenstraße, Rote Straße, and the market square, keeping an eye out for the Gänseliesel fountain in front of the town hall. For a straightforward German lunch, try Bullerjahn, where regional dishes and hearty portions suit a travel day, or choose a bakery café around Weender Straße if you want something quicker. Plan to leave Göttingen by early afternoon: the remaining drive to Mainz via the A7 and A5 takes about 4½–5 hours in clear traffic, but roadworks and congestion near Kassel and Frankfurt can add significant time.
Continue south on the A7 past Kassel, changing to the A5 toward Frankfurt and then following the final approach to Mainz. Take a proper service-area break rather than pushing through, particularly if you are carrying roof-tent equipment or have been driving since early morning. Expect to reach Mainz in the late afternoon or early evening; leave a margin for the city approach and complete the vehicle return or unloading before dinner. If you still have energy, keep the evening simple—unpack, dry the camping gear, and record tolls, fuel, and ferry expenses while they are fresh.