DISTANCE
ELEV.GAIN
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UNPAVED
DIFFICULTY
IDEAL TYRES
The renowned hard-packed gravel road linking east to west stands as one of Norway’s premier cycling experiences. Consistently ranking in my top three favourites, its vistas on clear days transport you back to the Ice Age. Constructed with painstaking manual labour in the late 19th century, this is not just a road but a narrative of human ingenuity from times past. Each section is imbued with history, making it not only a destination but an attraction in its own right. Protected and free from large vehicles, it offers cyclists a serene and uninterrupted journey through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. A must for any cycling enthusiast, this road is only accessible from June 15th to late September, so seize the opportunity to experience its wonders during the summer months.
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The road offically opens on 15th June each year and closes late September.
It’s in a remote location, and driving is the easiest option. Otherwise, you can take a train and a summer bus from Oslo/Otta.
Oslo → Otta: Train with pre-booked bike spot.
Otta → Grotli: Regional Innlandstrafikk bus (summer season), bike allowed if there’s room
The road is usually in great condition, but the descent off the mountain is fast on a single-lane road. Tourist traffic will be present during peak times.
None close by.
Nearest place Trollstigen
Matthew Tolley, Founder Cycle Norway
Perched at nearly 910 m at the start of the scenic road, Grotli Høyfjellshotell is the storied mountain retreat dating back to 1905. The hotel grew from an old mountain lodge into a respected mountain sanctuary with roughly 125 beds across 53 rooms, all layered with antique timbers, carved wooden furniture, and that unmistakable sense of Norwegian alpine comfort. A cafe serving hot and cold food is available during the day, and it's the perfect place to stay to hit the road early in the morning before any tourist traffic.
Perched at nearly 910 m at the start of the scenic road, Grotli Høyfjellshotell is the storied mountain retreat dating back to 1905. The hotel grew from an old mountain lodge into a respected mountain sanctuary with roughly 125 beds across 53 rooms, all layered with antique timbers, carved wooden furniture, and that unmistakable sense of Norwegian alpine comfort. A cafe serving hot and cold food is available during the day, and it's the perfect place to stay to hit the road early in the morning before any tourist traffic.
The road has several glacier lakes with beautiful turquoise water. It's a wild camping dream location if the weather is on your side side.
The road has several glacier lakes with beautiful turquoise water. It's a wild camping dream location if the weather is on your side side.
As you come to the end of the road and begin the long descent into the valley towards Stryn, you're met with a view that’s not just one of Norway’s greatest, but possibly the most perfect valley vista on the planet.
As you come to the end of the road and begin the long descent into the valley towards Stryn, you're met with a view that’s not just one of Norway’s greatest, but possibly the most perfect valley vista on the planet.
Along the historic road, granite “guard stones” (stabbesteiner) and low, hand-built drystone walls line the route as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Crafted between 1889 and 1894 by hand, these markers originally served as crash barriers for horse-drawn wagons, long before cars existed. Today they guide you through the landscape with the same care they offered travelers over 120 years ago, part of what makes the road feel like a living museum of alpine engineering.
Along the historic road, granite “guard stones” (stabbesteiner) and low, hand-built drystone walls line the route as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Crafted between 1889 and 1894 by hand, these markers originally served as crash barriers for horse-drawn wagons, long before cars existed. Today they guide you through the landscape with the same care they offered travelers over 120 years ago, part of what makes the road feel like a living museum of alpine engineering.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
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