Top 10 cycle routes in Norway
Norway offers a wide range of beautiful cycle routes across varying terrain. The magazine ‘Reiser & Frihed’ and Norwegian Cyclists Association have put together a list of the country’s ten best cycle routes. (Source: Visit Norway).
1. Rallarvegen (The Navvies’ Road), from Geilo to Voss
The most popular cycle route in Norway. This 210 kilometre route is a must for cycling enthusiasts. The route takes you from Geilo over Hardangervidda and down to either Voss or Flåm. In spring there may still be snow in the area, so check this before you set out. The easiest place to start is at Haugastøl. Here you’ll find a train station, a large car park and bicycle hire. You can also start in Finse.
Foto: VisitNorway.com / Sverre Hjørnevik
2. The coastal route
This route follows the coastal road from Brønnøysund to Sandnessjøen and back again. The Helgeland coastline in Nordland has stunning nature with mountains, beaches, archipelagos and islands. Here you’ll also be able to visit the Vega archipelago off Brønnøysund, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dønna off Sandnessjøen is known for its large sea eagle population.
3. Mjølkevejen in Oppland
This route can either be taken as a round trip in Stølsvidda or one-way from Golsfjellet to Fagernes. On the mountain plateau between Valdres and Hallingdal you’ll find one of the country’s most active farming communities, where you can cycle kilometre after kilometre on beautiful mountain roads with views of Jotunheimen and the Hemsedal peaks.
Foto: VisitRjukan.com / Mediateam
4. Dovrefjell and Rondane, from Hjerkinn to Dovre
On this tour you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the mountains in the national parks of Dovre and Rondane. You can also take a detour along the Snøheim road approaching Snøhetta, where you’ll be able see musk oxen.
Foto: visitnorway.com / CH
5. The Oslo fjord
An excellent starting point for this route is Sonsvejen station, where you can cycle through Son and Moss to Jeløya. From here you can take the ferry across the fjord to Horten. Further south you can ride through Åsgårdstrand, where you can visit Edvard Munch’s house, and then continue on to Sandefjord, Larvik and Stavern.
6. Mjøstråkk, from Lillehammer via Hamar to Gjøvik
The towns along Lake Mjøsa are connected by Mjøstråkk, a signposted cycle path that circles the lake. Start your ride in Lillehammer, visit Domkirkeodden in Hamar and continue on to Gjøvik.
7. Jæren, from Egersund to Stavanger
The area around Brusand is known for its special light and flat landscape. En route to Stavanger, you can visit Norway’s longest sandy beach, Orresanden. In Stavanger you can visit the Oil Museum and idyllic Old Stavanger.
8. The Telemark Canal, from Skien to Dalen
In Telemark you can choose between a real physical challenge and an easier route. The canal boat brings you up the canal from Skien to Bandaksjøen, where Dalen Hotel is located. This is a great place to set off for the more demanding route. For those who prefer an easier and shorter bike ride, you can start in Lunde (station on Sørlandsbanen).
Foto: visitnorway.com / Vidar Askeland
9. Numedal, from Geilo to Kongsberg
This route starts in Geilo. Remember to bring some warm clothes because you’ll be crossing three mountain passes. If you’d like an easier route, try the trip to Ånevatn. From here, you have a downhill ride almost all the way. En route you can visit Uvdal Stave Church and the silver mines in Kongsberg.
Foto: Visitnorway.com / Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS
10. Atlantic Ocean Road
The Atlantic Ocean Road meanders over bridges and islands along the coast of Møre and Romsdal. Visit charming fishing villages, Ona lighthouse, Molde and Kristiansund.
Foto: visitnorway.com / CH