Across Norway

Routes

Norge på langs

Norway’s most famous long-distance bike journey connects the southern and northernmost points of the mainland. There are many ways to approach this journey but the most direct route is around 3000km.

3026km
10% unpaved
15-50 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

The pilgrimage awaits

Fjord Norway

This special and breathtaking route is full of climbs and descents… Spectacular views are everywhere, but you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy it. The highlights are never-ending, including many of Norway’s most famous roads.

1537km
15% unpaved
9-20 days
8.5/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

Wow Factor Route

Longest Across

The longest straight-line journey across Norway from East to West.

878km
10% unpaved
5-14 days
8/10 difficulty

Overview

Swedish Border to Atlantic Ocean

Bergen – Trondheim

The quieter roads of Fjord Norway, are not to be underestimated. Few people get to experience this area of Norway, which offers great ocean views, fresh sea air, and plenty of quiet islands to hop over and explore.

995km
<5% unpaved
6-15 days
5/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

The Hidden Part of Fjord Norway

Scenic Road Though Dramatic Norwegian Landscape

Røros – Ålesund

Cycle across Norway in one day? This is the Goldilocks route

470km
15% unpaved
2-6 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

The Goldilocks Route

Oslo – Stavanger

A classic route across Norway few have cycled or are aware of. This route has everything you want from Norway.

540km
15% unpaved
3-8 days
8/10 difficulty

Overview

Lesser known Epic

National Gravel Route 6: Klassikerne

Linking Mjølkevegen and Rallarvegen into one continuous crossing of the country. From high plateaus and summer farms to the Hardangervidda. For many riders, this is the route that defines gravel cycling in Norway.

516km
65% unpaved
4-9 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

Norway’s Premier 500km Gravel Route

National Gravel Route 1: Sentralruta

The 12th-century pilgrimage from Norway’s capital to the historic city of Trondheim and Nidaros Cathedral.

730km
75% unpaved
7-14 days
8/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

The Gravel Pilgrimage

Norse Odyssey

Combining the three top gravel routes—Mjølkevegen, Rallarvegen, and Tour de Dovre—to create a mega route traversing the vast central highlands.

754km
75% unpaved
5-14 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

Premier Gravel Roads

The Great Norwegian Divide

The ultimate long-distance gravel adventure through…

860km
70% unpaved
6-12 days
8/10 difficulty

Overview

3 years to map out this route

The Southern Explorer

The mighty southern gravel route offers a unique way to cross the country on remote roads and tracks across forest and rural areas.

787km
65% unpaved
5-12 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

The back roads through farms and forests

Bergen – Trondheim

995km
<5% unpaved
6-15 days
5/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

The Hidden Part of Fjord Norway

Road Route map

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Gravel route map

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Atlantic Coast map

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Pages from a Tolkien saga…

Norway’s heartbeat thrums along its coastal cities, where much of its population resides. But to truly embrace the essence of this unique country you must embark on a grand expedition across its varied landscapes.

In just 500 kilometers, you’ll encounter more diversity in terrain and scenery than anywhere else in Europe, or perhaps even the world. It’s not just a journey; it’s a revelation, an awakening. Nature becomes your mentor, guiding you through a land sculpted by ancient ice.

From the bustling streets of Oslo to the charming allure of Bergen or Stavanger; from the remote beauty of Nordkapp to the southern tip of Lindesnes; or perhaps from the historic charm of Røros to the coastal enchantment of Ålesund. These odysseys could leap straight from the pages of a Tolkien saga, with you as the intrepid protagonist. Embrace the adventure, and let the magic of outstanding nature unfold before you.

Author full name

Matthew Tolley

Founder of Cycle Norway, April 2023

Need to know here

Weather

Three words… Everything is possible. In 2021, I undertook an epic cycling journey across the entirety of Norway in a single day. As I pedalled away from the Swedish border, the heavens smiled upon me with clear blue skies and a gentle breeze, offering ideal riding conditions. But as I ventured deeper into the central highlands, ominous clouds gathered, and the wind gained strength. And by the time I reached the majestic fjords, nature unleashed a tempest of epic proportions!

Transitioning from pristine blue skies to a heavy downpour may seem extraordinary, but in Norway, such weather fluctuations can happen. To navigate this land of changing weather patterns, one must be prepared for anything.

From chilling mountain plateaus to balmy valley floors, Norway’s climate is as diverse as its landscapes. For a deeper understanding, delve into our weather and climate page. Prepare wisely, for in Norway, nature’s whims can shape your journey in unexpected ways. But that’s part of the fun!

Public transport

Information about getting around Norway can be found on the full public transport page. Nevertheless, in short, Trains run across the country from Oslo to Bergen and Stavanger and up to Trondheim and Bodø above the Arctic country. Local and national buses also connect every small town and village you may pass. If you need some transport traversing the Norwegian land mass, it won’t be a problem to hop on along parts of your route.

Local knowledge

Crossing Norway is a challenge on a bike. Not just a physical one but a logistical one. There are many tunnels, some of which are prohibited from cycling, and roads that only open during the warmer months. It took me days of research to plan my first route from Oslo to Bergen. Nothing is straightforward. If you’re unfamiliar with Norway and its roads, follow one of the many tried and tested routes on this site. Trying to build your own route across this mountainous country is unadvisable without the local knowledge or experience.