National Gravel Route 8: Østlandsviddene

June – September

+39 images

+37 images

638km

Distance

11061m

Elev. Gain

4-10

Days

76%

Unpaved

7/10

Difficulty

40-45mm

Ideal Types

National Gravel Route 8: Østlandsviddene

Route 8 is the hidden gem of the National Gravel Routes: a long, demanding loop for serious bikepackers wanting to disappear into challenging, seldom-visited terrain deep in Norway’s interior. Beginning in Dombås, a rare purpose-built cycle path leads safely between national parks before the route climbs onto historic seterveier, old summer farm roads crossing remote mountain terrain toward the UNESCO-listed mining town of Røros.

From Røros, the route heads southeast to Femunden, where a century-old ferry crosses Norway’s third-largest lake before entering some of the country’s most isolated landscapes. Roads narrow, forests stretch endlessly, and reindeer often replace traffic. Gravel continues almost to the edge of civilisation before a return boat takes you back to a more familiar area.

The final section back to Dombås crosses vast mountain gravel, quiet forests, and the open landscapes of Grimsdalen before closing the loop. With over 600km of riding and more than 75% gravel, Route 8 feels like an older Norway, and for many riders, this might be your new favourite gravel adventure.

Route map

Download GPX GPX Help Video Full Size Map

When?

Most of the route is usually rideable by early to mid-June. The boat across Femunden Lake operates from mid-June until the second week of August, then on a reduced schedule (3 days per week) until early September. You can find the full timetable here.

If riding in September, you can skip the boat section with a pleasant detour away from the lake.

Getting there

Røros:

South: Oslo – Hamar – Røros train (bike space can not be booked in advance). You must change trains in Hamar
North: Trondheim – Røros – Hamar train (bike space can not be booked in advance)

Dombås:

The town is connected by the Oslo – Trondheim Rail line. The company that runs this line (SJ) has limited bike storage (5 max). You should book your tickets well in advance to ensure a space for your bike.

Hazards

There are no busy or main roads to worry about on this route. However, there are some short hike-a-bike sections and small streams to cross. Sections of the route can be flooded, and wet feet may be expected at times.

Bike rental

Bike Rental Options – Only MTB Bikes are available in this area. If you’re looking for something else consider renting in Oslo or Trondheim and taking it on the train.

- Røros
- Elgå – Femundsmarka National Park Visitor Center (MTB)
- Dombås – hjerkinn.no

This should be a world-famous gravel route, yet it remains largely unknown, with so much untapped potential.

Matthew Tolley – Founder of Cycle Norway

Local recommendations

MS Fæmund II

MS Fæmund II has operated on Femunden Lake for over 100 years and remains an important connection across Norway’s third-largest lake. Originally built to transport people, supplies, and goods between isolated communities, the ferry still follows much the same role today. For riders on Route 8, the crossing is more than just transport. It’s a living museum and a welcome break to refuel and enjoy the incredible scenery

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DNT Svukuriset

Located at the edge of the wilderness near Femundsmarka, DNT Svukuriset is one of Norway’s most remote mountain lodges that can still be reached by bike. Surrounded by forests, lakes, and endless gravel roads, it provides a rare chance to sleep, eat well, and experience a part of Norway where life moves at a very slow pace. For many riders on Route 8, it becomes one of the journey’s must-overnighters

Discover more.

Grimsdalen

Grimsdalen is often considered one of Norway’s finest mountain valleys — a long gravel corridor surrounded by high peaks, old summer farms, and open landscapes that seem untouched by time. With very little traffic and views in every direction, it is the kind of place that reminds you why long-distance gravel riding in Norway is so special.

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Røros

Founded as a mining town in the 17th century, Røros is one of Norway’s most unique places to arrive by bike. Its wooden streets, historic buildings, and industrial history create a striking contrast after days spent in remote mountains. For riders on Route 8, it offers the perfect place to rest, resupply, and slow down before heading back into the wilderness.

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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

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.