Norway has many significant climbs over spectacular mountain passes. The mixture of rocky terrain, glaciers and fjords on serpentine roads is a unique experience for any cyclist. Unfortunately, many of Norway’s most impressive climbs are not well known and information about them is limited. Road or summit signs and any form of communication for cyclists tackling a tough climb are more or less nonexistent. Last year, Cycle Norway highlighted this fact to several organisations, resulting in 12 new signs on Northern Europe’s highest and longest mountain pass, Sognefjellet.

Cycle Norway and the Norwegian Scenic Routes have been pushing for new signs on other passes this year, but this has been challenging. Many mountain roads will pass through 2 or more local communes. Every commune must agree to the proposal, which can take some time. However, In early September, we finally got the go-ahead to install new signs on Aurlandsfjellet!

Aurlandfjellet:

At a length of 48km and an elevation gain of nearly 1500m, this is no easy road to cycle, and unlike Sognefjellet, both sides are challenging. However, the rewards are everywhere if you’re willing to suffer and struggle to the summit. A barren rocky world awaits, crossing 10km before you finally start to descend. Both sides offer stunning descents with fjords on either end of the pass. Nevertheless, having climbed both, I recommend climbing from Lærdal and descending Aurlandsfjorden. The views on the way down are breathtaking. Aurlandsfjorden is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding value of beautiful nature. The hardest part of descending is keeping your eyes on the road!

We recommend you stop off at Stegastein lookout point. There are great opportunities to get a great shot of your bike!

Where next should we push for new cycling signs or shelters? Gaularfjellet? Trollstigen?

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