27km
Distance
256m
Elev. Gain
1
Days
75%
Unpaved
4/10 (From Grotli)
Difficulty
30-35mm
Ideal Types
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
The renowned hard-packed gravel road linking east to west stands as one of Norway’s premier cycling experiences. Consistently ranking in my top three favourites, its vistas on clear days transport you back to the Ice Age. Constructed with painstaking manual labour in the late 19th century, this is not just a road but a narrative of human ingenuity from times past. Each section is imbued with history, making it not only a destination but an attraction in its own right. Protected and free from large vehicles, it offers cyclists a serene and uninterrupted journey through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. A must for any cycling enthusiast, this road is only accessible from June 15th to late September, so seize the opportunity to experience its wonders during the summer months.
Route map
When?
The road offically opens on 15th June each year and closes late September.
Getting there
It’s in a remote location, and driving is the easiest option. Otherwise, you can take a train and a summer bus from Oslo/Otta.
Oslo → Otta: Train with pre-booked bike spot.
Otta → Grotli: Regional Innlandstrafikk bus (summer season), bike allowed if there’s space (which there should be)
Hazards
The road is usually in great condition, but the descent off the mountain is fast on a single-lane road. Tourist traffic will be present during peak times.
Bike rental
None close by.
Nearest place Trollstigen
The king of mountain roads is like nothing you have experinced before. Some people have cried cycling it!
Local recommendations
Grotli Høyfjellshotell
Perched at nearly 910 m at the start of the scenic road, Grotli Høyfjellshotell is the storied mountain retreat dating back to 1905. The hotel grew from an old mountain lodge into a respected mountain sanctuary with roughly 125 beds across 53 rooms, all layered with antique timbers, carved wooden furniture, and that unmistakable sense of Norwegian alpine comfort. A cafe serving hot and cold food is available during the day, and it’s the perfect place to stay to hit the road early in the morning before any tourist traffic.
Glacier Lakes
The road has several glacier lakes with beautiful turquoise water. It’s a wild camping dream location if the weather is on your side side.
Strynefjellet Valley
As you come to the end of the road and begin the long descent into the valley towards Stryn, you’re met with a view that’s not just one of Norway’s greatest, but possibly the most perfect valley vista on the planet.
Stabbesteiner
Along the historic road, granite “guard stones” (stabbesteiner) and low, hand-built drystone walls line the route as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Crafted between 1889 and 1894 by hand, these markers originally served as crash barriers for horse-drawn wagons, long before cars existed. Today they guide you through the landscape with the same care they offered travelers over 120 years ago, part of what makes the road feel like a living museum of alpine engineering.
Useful links
Booking.com – for accommodation options across Norway
Entur app – for planning public transport trips around Norway
Ferries – routes, timetables and information by Statens Vegvesen
Wild camping etiquette – important to know
Further Reading
Keep in mind
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are intended as planning resources and sources of inspiration to be used alongside your own research and judgement. Routes are created using careful research, but every cyclist has different abilities, expectations, and risk tolerance. Some challenging gravel routes may include hike-a-bike sections, muddy or wet hiking paths, technical terrain, steep climbs, descents, or remote areas that may not be suitable for everyone. Route mapping software, and conditions can also change or contain inaccuracies. Cycling in Norway is generally very safe. Nevertheless, if you choose to ride these routes, you do so at your own risk. If you are unsure about a certain route leave a comment below and we’ll advise you.
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