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Rallarvegen

Norway Most Famous Route

A Journey over Northern Europe’s Highest Mountain Plateau – Glaciers Await!

When

Mid July – Sept

Written by

Matthew Tolley

Distance

79km

Days

1-2

High point

1342m

Difficulty

5/10

Unpaved

85%

Total Ascent

827m

Tunnels

2

The Old Navvy Road

Rallarvegen was originally constructed as an access road for workers building the Bergensbanen railway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and traverses the rugged terrain of the Hardangervidda Plateau. The route begins at Haugastøl and winds through picturesque locations such as Finse, Hallingskeid, and Myrdal, before descending into the idyllic fjord village of Flåm. Along the way, travellers are treated to stunning vistas of Norway’s dramatic mountains, tranquil lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The barren, rocky landscape gradually gives way to a lush green valley as the trail approaches the fjord, offering a remarkable contrast of natural beauty.

It can be cycled in a day or you can break it up and either camp or stay in one of the accommodation options along the way. The cycling season for Rallarvegen is brief, typically running from early July to the end of September. For up-to-date trail conditions, refer to the “Rallarvegreport” page. August & September are a popular time to ride, as the weather is often more predictable, and the trail is usually in good condition. To avoid crowds, consider cycling on weekdays, as weekends can be quite busy.

Most of the Photos from Rallarvegen are kindly provided by Nathalie Monnier, who cycled the route back in 2023. 

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