474km
Distance
8500m
Elev. Gain
3-8
Days
80%
Unpaved
8/10
Difficulty
40-50mm
Ideal Types
National Gravel Route 5: Fønhusruta
Route 5 leaves Oslo along the historic King’s Road through Lommedalen towards Hønefoss, following a route once used by kings, traders, and officials long before modern transport existed. Leaving the lowland forests behind, the route gradually enters the quiet valleys of Vassfaret and Vidalen, where forestry, timber floating, and resistance activity during the Second World War have all left their mark.
Further north, the landscape begins to open as you enter Hallingdal, where Gol and Ål act as gateways to a high mountain gravel loop connecting Ål, Hol, Hemsedal, Gol, and Torpo. Here, dam roads, old farm tracks leading to mountain pastures, and long gravel forest roads reveal a landscape shaped by hydropower, farming, and more recently, tourism. The route eventually returns to Ål or Nesbyen, completing a journey that moves from royal roads and hidden valleys to high mountains, modern infrastructure, and some of southern Norway’s finest gravel riding.
Route map
When?
- Stage 1: This section should normally be snow-free by June, and potentially earlier depending on spring temperatures and snowmelt.
- Stage 2: This section climbs above 1200m in places. A completely snow-free route should not be expected until mid to late June, although conditions vary from year to year.
Getting there?
You can start this route in Oslo, Hønefoss, Nesbyen, Gol, or Ål, all have a train station that the Oslo-Bergen train stops at. Book using the Entur app.
Hazards
- Stage 1: There are sections of singletrack and short hiking trails where you may need to get off and push your bike.
- Stage 2: A 3.5km hike-a-bike section at 1200m requires pushing or carrying your bike for most of the way. Expect wet, boggy terrain in places. Avoid this section in poor weather.
Bike Rental
Gol/Nesbyen
- A good overview of all options available in the surrounding Hallingdal area.
Oslo
- Sorensen Sykler Oslo (Gravel): https://www.sorensensykler.no/
- Oslo Velo (Gravel): https://oslovelo.no/pages/sykkelutleie
- Rouleurs of Oslo (Gravel): https://www.rouleuroslo.no/
- Oslo Bike Rental (MTB, Road, E-bike & Gravel): https://oslobikerental.no/
Done Mjølkevegen and Rallarvegen? Then this is what you ride next.
Local recommendations
The Fønhus Cabin
The Fønhus Cabin is named after writer and cyclist Mikkjel Fønhus, whose stories helped shape how generations of Norwegians viewed wilderness and nature. A strong critic of roads, cars, and hydropower development, Fønhus spent much of his life exploring these valleys. The cabin is a must-stop along the route and an ideal place for your first night.
Hemsedal Ski Town
For the bikepacker passing through, Hemsedal is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a welcome pause in the high mountains. This alpine village offers everything a weary cyclist might need: a well-stocked grocery store, good coffee, and a chance to rest the legs without losing the sense of adventure. If you’re staying the night, take the ski lift and ride one of the purpose-built mountain bike trails or spin out your legs along quiet gravel roads leading into side valleys.
Wild Camping on Hallingdal Plateau
It’s a challenging climb up onto the plateau, and by the time you reach the top and cycle the gravel roads along large hydro lakes, you might feel you want to make the most of this experience. There are private cabins in the area, so ensure you are at least 150m away and pitch your tent in a wild and remote environment. Isn’t this what bikepacking is all about?
Panaroma Road
Cycling Norway’s Panorama Road is a dream ride for bikepackers, starting on smooth asphalt, then escaping the buzz of cars for a breath of fresh solitude on a hidden single‑track section. That narrow trail winds through alpine pastures and birch woods, giving you quiet time and scenic reward. It’s that blend of polished route and secret off‑road detour that makes this stretch unforgettable.
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 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 data, 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.
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