157km
Distance
2600m
Dénivelé positif
1-2
Jours
25%
Non pavé
8/10
Difficulté
32-40
Types Idéaux
The World’s Greatest Day Ride
Describing this as the world’s greatest day ride might seem like a bold claim, but on a splendid day, few places globally can match the magnificence of this 150km route. What more could one ask for in a perfect day ride? Epic mountain roads, crystalline rivers, glacier-fed lakes, valleys steeped in mystique, a thrilling hike-and-bike segment, a leisurely fjord cruise along the most renowned fjord on the planet, and culminating with Norway’s premier 1500m ascent. The world’s highest fjord road offers unparalleled views of the region and inland sea below. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most extraordinary days of cycling I’ve ever experienced.
The ‘full story’ members page will break this route up, going through every part with POIs on the route map, detours, extensions, and all the must-know information from the hike-a-bike section, tunnels, and ensuring you catch the ferry on time. Rejoignez notre adhésion
Carte routière
Quand ?
Gamle Stynefjellsvegen opens on 15th June each year, and the route is good to cycle until late September when the road closes.
Y arriver
From Oslo, take the train to Otta, then a local Innlandstrafikk bus toward Stryn. Get off at Grotli. Bikes aren’t allowed on the main long-distance Vy146 bus, so check the alternative local bus options. Sometimes the bus won’t go all the way to Grotli, and you may have to cycle the last 20-30km.
Dangers
This route isn’t easy. Expect a tough hike-a-bike section, old tunnels to navigate, and stretches of road with tourist traffic. The full story breaks down each part so you know what to prepare for. A fully loaded touring bike is not recommended on the hike-a-bike section. The route map states 4363m of climbing – this is false, it’s around 2600m of elevation gain.
Location de vélos
Geiranger rents e-bikes, but these are not suitable for the Flofjellet mountain pass trail. Hellesylt has two companies: Fjord Guiding (E-bike & regular) Et Opplevhellesylt (E-bikes). If you’re looking for a good road/gravel bike, renting in Ålesund and taking the express ferry to Geiranger, where you can start the route, is probably your best option.
For 150 km, the landscape doesn’t drop below breathtaking
Recommandations locales
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.
Hjelle
A beautiful tunnel bypass leads you to Hjelle, a tiny lakeside village at the eastern end of Oppstrynsvatnet in Stryn, surrounded by steep mountains and deep blue water. It’s known for its historic Hjelle Hotel, family-run since the late 19th century, and for its peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from Norway’s busier tourist spots. With old boathouses along the shore, Hjelle blends tradition, scenery, and quiet charm in a way that captures the essence of rural Norway.
Flofjellet
Flofjellet is an old mountain route between Stryn and Hellesylt, once used by farmers and traders. Today it’s a mix of cycling and tough hike-a-bike, with steep uphill sections that can’t be ridden. The effort is rewarded on top, where open plateaus, lakes, and sweeping mountain views create some of the most striking scenery in the region. In bad weather, it might be wise to skip this and follow the main road around the mountain.
Geiranger Fjord Cruise
The Geiranger Fjord Cruise linking Geiranger with Hellesylt is a memorable break for cyclists, with bikes welcome on board and an hour of world-class scenery from the deck. As you glide past the Seven Sisters waterfall and abandoned cliff farms, live commentary in English, Norwegian, and German brings the history and legends of the fjord to life, making the crossing as rich in storytelling as it is in views. The price for 1 person and a bike is around 600-700kr. You do not need to book in advance.
Dalsnibb Climb
The Dalsnibba climb is one of Norway’s great cycling challenges, rising from Geirangerfjord up to the Skywalk at 1,500 m above sea level. The road twists through hairpins with gradients that test even seasoned riders, but the reward is unmatched: panoramic views back down the fjord and across snow-capped peaks that seem to stretch forever. It’s a climb that demands effort and patience, but reaching the top feels like standing on the roof of Norway. A cafe and refreshments can be found at the summit.
Liens utiles
Booking.com – pour les options d'hébergement dans toute la Norvège
Application Entur – pour planifier des trajets en transports en commun en Norvège
Ferry – itinéraires, horaires et informations par Statens Vegvesen
Étiquette du camping sauvage important à savoir
Lectures complémentaires
Garder à l'esprit
Tous les itinéraires cyclables publiés sur CYCLENORWAY.com sont destinés à des fins de planification et d'inspiration, à utiliser en complément de vos propres recherches et de votre jugement. Les itinéraires sont créés à l'issue de recherches approfondies, mais chaque cycliste a des capacités, des attentes et une tolérance au risque qui lui sont propres. Certains itinéraires peuvent inclure des sections où il faut porter le vélo, des sentiers boueux ou humides, des terrains techniques, des montées abruptes, des descentes ou des zones isolées qui pourraient ne pas convenir à tous. Les données d'itinéraire, les logiciels de cartographie et les conditions peuvent également changer ou contenir des inexactitudes. Le cyclisme en Norvège est généralement très sûr. Néanmoins, si vous choisissez de suivre ces itinéraires, vous le faites à vos propres risques.
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