Thanks to Cycle Norway Member, Mario Deile, we can report that construction work has begun on Trollstigen, which may result in issues trying to cycle it in the near future. Cycle Norway has no knowledge of what construction work is currently being undertaken and for how long but as of the 16th of July this is Mario’s field report.
Trollstigen update (16.7.24): “I passed this evening (16th July) from Valldal to Åndalsnes (top to bottom). It has become more complicated because of road works in the straight section near the top. When I arrived in the late afternoon, there were 2 guards (not police, yellow vests, their car said something like Traffikregelen) who stopped everybody trying to descend. So I decided to wait.
Roughly when the visitor centre closed, 17:30, the guards went home, but the construction work continued. I thought the workers would surely go home by 18:00, but no. When at ~19:00, a helicopter landed to prepare some heavy lifting, I decided to ask the workers whether/when they could let me pass. It was the right moment: they said, go quickly now because in 15 minutes it will be too dangerous due to the helicopter work.
From the Trollstigen camping, I saw that they continued for at least another hour (20:00). If you want to cycle it, be prepared for surprises and waiting time. The workers are friendly, and with the guards I didn’t try to argue. I am relieved to be through; the experience was not pleasant. But given the mess with the banned Innfjordtunnelen, I took the risk.
The sign posts have not changed relative to earlier pictures in this thread. In particular, there is nothing written on the top end, just a barrier and flashing red closure lights. Of course, there are signs in Valldal telling you that the road is closed after the visitor centre.”
For those planning on cycling it at your own risk, you should consider alternative options should construction work cause you problems. UPDATE – As of the 19th of July, construction signs have been put up and this means you have no right to cycle it!
Further Update 19th July 2024 – Eileen Ray
“Friday evening 19th July we tried to bike up the road this evening in the north-to-south direction. We waited in the lay-by at the bottom of the climb till 8.30 pm when the workers had left and the helicopter finished. The helicopter was there for about 2 hours from 6-8 pm. We passed the first barrier and then were met with a second barrier warning of construction works, had a debate about whether to go past this one but decided to risk it. A few small stones and gravel in the road, but apart from that the road was fine.
After the first 4 hairpins and just before the bridge there was a further substantial barrier that blocked the road and was secured at both sides blocking access around it, there was a further barrier by the bridge just after this one. Not wanting to move barriers or climb over them this was the point we aborted the climb and turned round. Not sure whether these barriers are just here because it’s the weekend or more permanent.”
I would imagine these barriers will be here for some time and it is unfortunate to say you should look at other route options for the near future at least.
New Update 13.8.24 – Bastien Davous: So I did it today from the top to the bottom, for your information you can easily go through the first gate, but in the middle, they have put grills on the road and the sides, overlapping each other. There is even a mobile unit with a lady inside watching. She was nice and explained to me that she wouldn’t help me go through the barriers but if I want to try it’s at my own risk.
So I went through and went all the way down. There are a lot of rocks on the road.
Conclusion: it’s a pain in the ass to go through, I would recommend not to do it.
For those planning on going around following the coastal route from or to Åndalsnes here is some info from Mathis Lanzlinger.
“Hello everybody, I wanted to share some insight on what you have to face if you decide to cycle around Trollstigen. We came from the north and took the bus from Åndalsnes to Sjøholt. The tunnel between Åndalsness and Innfjorden is forbidden to cycle through. We then cycled from Sjøholt to Geiranger. The first two tunnels you can go around on the outside, but at the third and longest “Stordalstunnelen” the tunnel from the old road has collapsed. We got lucky and got a ride by a campervan through the tunnel. We could have cycled through, it’s 4km and there is a lot of tourist traffic at the moment on that road. The other tunnels before the ferry are no problem and are all downhill. Best option would be to take the bus all the way to the ferry or straight to Geirangen.” – Mathis Lanzlinger
Hope this helps. Have a nice summer and enjoy your riding!
Leave a Reply