South

Routes

Lysefjorden Loop

Embark on the ultimate escape to a breathtaking fjord and towering mountains, immersing yourself in nature’s grandeur and power before returning to the serene flatlands and civilization.

190km
0% unpaved
1-3 days
8/10 difficulty

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27 switchback monster awaits

Svinesund – Lindesnes

The southeast of Norway is the warmest and sunniest area of the country. It’s also reasonably flat along safe and quiet roads. If you’re looking for an introduction to Norway without too much hard work this is the perfect route to follow.

587km
10% unpaved
3-8 days
3/10 difficulty

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Norway’s Riviera

Telemark Canal Route

Telemark is a unique area of Norway and a hidden gem on the cycling radar. Bring a tent and explore the wonders of this vast forest and mountainous terrain. It’s the Norway you didn’t know existed.

379.5
20% unpaved
2-6 days
6/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

Norway’s Hidden Gem

Fjords and Mountains

For over 150 years people have been traveling to Norway to experience the magic of its enchanting fjords and majestic mountains. To cycle this area is one for the bucket list with sites and sounds that will leave you amazed and in awe.

1148km
<5% unpaved
8-20 days
8/10 difficulty

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Fjords, Mountains, & Cities

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

Lindesnes – Bergen

Three cities and plenty of adventure in between. This is where the warm south meets the unpredictable west. Fjords, beaches, and the ‘devil’s teeth’ are all on the menu in this contrasting region.

702km
10% unpaved
5-10 days
7/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

Three Cities One Route

National Gravel Route 3: Sørlandsruta

Southern Norway’s greatest gravel adventure across hilly terrain and unknown roads

610km
60% unpaved
5-12 days
8.5% difficulty

Overview

Southern Norway the hard way

Gamle Telemark

Champagne gravel in the heart of southern Norway, this loop exceeds all expectations. Proof of why a gravel bike is worth having

124km
75% unpaved
1-2 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

Unknown Local Gravel Treat

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

Agder Divide

The part of Norway you never planned to ride but glad you did. A lost world of forest and small villages north of the south coast.

322km
70% unpaved
2-5 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

Southern Norway’s best gravel adventure

Telemark Canal Loop

The extended version of this classic route. Heading back to complete a loop of this enchanting wooded area.

327km
31% unpaved
2-5 days
7/10 difficulty

Overview

Best Loop in Southern Norway

Telemark Canal Route

379.5
20% unpaved
2-6 days
6/10 difficulty

Full story Overview

Norway’s Hidden Gem

Road route map

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Gravel route map

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Norway’s Riviera

Down in the South, Norway takes on a whole new vibe. Along the Skagerak coast, summer has its headquarters! The coastal towns really come to life when the sun’s out. Come July, it’s like everyone in Norway flocks here to soak up some serious ‘riviera’ vibes.

For us cyclists, it’s a welcome change from the chillier areas further north. Nights are pleasant, and the sea’s just begging for a dip in July and August.

Sure, Southern Norway might not have the jaw-dropping scenery you find up further north, but the coastline, peppered with islands and peninsulas, is a dream to pedal along. And if you veer a bit inland, you’ll find yourself amidst vast, quiet forests in Telemark and Agder—perfect if you’re craving some solitude.

Back on the coast, towns like Kragerø, Risør, Tvedestrand, Arendal, Lillesand, and Kristiansand are all gems worth checking out. They’re where you can really dive into Norwegian culture at its best.

So, if you’re after the real deal Norwegian experience, don’t skip out on exploring the southern coast.

Author full name

Matthew Tolley

Founder of Cycle Norway, April 2023

Need to know here

Weather

As I mentioned earlier, the southern coast boasts some of Norway’s warmest and sunniest spots. We’re talking temperatures soaring over 25 degrees Celsius on sunny days, especially as you head inland toward Setesdal, Hallingdal, and Telemark. Along the coast, a gentle breeze makes cycling a joy on those toasty days.

But once you cross the end of the Scandinavian mountain range, things start to shift. You’ll notice the climate change, with lower average temperatures, more rainfall, and cloudier skies in the southwestern part. Stavanger has a climate similar to Bergen’s (wet), while Kristiansand’s is more similar to Oslo’s (drier and sunnier).

Public transport

Although a large portion of the population lives or travels to this region, public transport is limited for cyclists following the main cycle routes. The main train line Oslo—Stavanger heads inland and away from the coast. None of the coastal towns, with the exception of Kristiansand (Arendal with connection), has a train station. You will need to detour 30+ km away from the main coastal routes to reach a station.

In addition, unlike the West Coast, there are no express ferries or coastal liners connecting the towns, making it difficult to skip sections with your bike. Your best option is local buses that connect the towns and will allow a bike on board. The long-distance buses (e.g., Oslo—Stavanger) do not allow bikes on board.

Local knowledge

If you’re new to bikepacking or touring the southeast is the perfect place to begin with its favourable climate, quiet roads, flat terrain, limited tunnels, and easy access to accommodation and food. The beautiful towns you’ll pass will be perfect for rest days and time off the bike.

Once you have built confidence on the bike, it’s easy to head North through the quiet forests towards the central highlands, where the adventure really begins!