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Photos above provided by: VisitNorway
Cycling in Hardangervidda is a surreal experience on a barren and wild plateau, which is a world away from the lush green valley below. To reach the plateau, you can either walk your bike up a crazy steep path made famous as the escape route for the saboteurs in World War 2. Option two is much nicer, taking Norway’s oldest cable car (Krossobanen) to the top with your bike. This old cable car offers panoramic views of Rjukan, Gaustatoppen, and Vemork from its upper station at Gvepseborg. After a brief uphill climb, the 30 km journey to Kalhovd Tourist Lodge unfolds, marked by gently rolling terrain, scenic picnic spots, and fishing lakes.
For those seeking more adventure, an optional 8 km extension to Synken leads to Mårbu Tourist Lodge via boat. The return route, spanning approximately 30 km from Kalhovd to Atrå, features mostly downhill cycling and completing the journey back to Rjukan entails a 25 km stage along a paved road. If you’re in the area and the weather is settled, this is the route to do!
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Unfortunately, riding the gravel road to Kalhovd in May isn’t feasible. The road typically remains closed to motorized and cycling traffic until mid-June because of seasonal restrictions related to reindeer calving and lingering winter snow and thaw. Officially, the road opens for all users around mid-June; in 2025, that was June 12th. Snowfall will usually arrive in mid-October, closing the road for the season. Kalhovd DNT Cabin is staffed from 27.6 – 31.8.
From Oslo, there are buses to Rjukan (VY1 & 185) with a transfer in Nododden (bike allowed on both buses, book in advance for VY1). You can also cycle to Rjukan on mainly quiet roads from Oslo.
– We normally recommend taking the Krossobanen Gondola up and cycling the loop clockwise. However, it will be closed for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Instead, you’ll need to cycle the loop counter-clockwise, descending the steep path* at the end, challenging with a heavy or fully loaded bike. For some, it may be better to turn around and ride back the same way.
– Road 364 out of Rjukan can carry fast-moving traffic and gets busy at times. Make sure you’re clearly visible with lights and reflective gear.
– The weather on the plateau is unpredictable. It’s a different climate up there, expect strong winds, sudden rain, and rapid temperature shifts. Just because it’s warm in the valley doesn’t mean it will be on the plateau. Pack for all conditions.
Steep and rocky path* to the top of Krossobanen – Photo: Kristian Møller
– Rental options in other areas of Telemark
Bike Mechanics can be found in Rjukan at Intersport
Matthew Tolley, Founder of Cycle Norway
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
All cycling routes published on CYCLENORWAY.com are simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. All route guidelines were prepared under diligent research. However, we can never for certain insure the complete accuracy of the routes. Cycling in Norway is in general very safe. Nevertheless, should you choose to cycle this route you do so at your own risk.
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