80km
Distance
2646m
Dénivelé positif
1-2
Jours
60%
Non pavé
8/10
Difficulté
35-45
Types Idéaux
Tusenmeteren
The road known as Tusenmeteren (“The Thousand Metre Road”) was originally built in the 1930s and 1940s during the great era of hydroelectric development in Årdal. Carved into the mountainside with limited machinery, it was a vital link for workers and materials heading up to the dam installations on the high plateau. Its construction was a feat of engineering, with steep gradients and exposed corners that still testify to the determination of the time. Though it began as an industrial road for hydropower, today it stands as both a historic landmark and one of the most remarkable cycling routes in the region.
Starting near Øvre Årdal, the gravel road climbs relentlessly through 42 tight hairpin bends until it reaches roughly 1,000 meters above sea level. From the top, you’re rewarded with a dramatic view over the fjord, the village below, and the high peaks of Jotunheimen in the distance. The route then follows the edge of the mountain ridge before winding down through a remote valley to rejoin the main road, where you can either descend back to Øvre Årdal or continue eastward. With its history, scenery, and sheer sense of achievement, Tusenmeteren is often called the finest stretch of gravel in Norway, a ride that rewards every effort you put into it.
Carte routière
Quand ?
Snow conditions vary from year to year, so it’s difficult to predict exactly when the route will be clear. The safest window is usually mid-July to September. Attempting it in June often means crossing large snowfields, which can be dangerous given the steep cliffs the road follows.
Y arriver
– Oslo → Tyinkrysset: Take the Valdresekspressen bus from Oslo Bus Terminal towards Fagernes/Øvre Årdal. Some departures go all the way to Øvre Årdal in summer. If not, get off at Tyinkrysset and transfer to the local bus down to Øvre Årdal. The long-distance buses (Nor-Way/Valdresekspressen) accept bikes if booked in advance. They charge a high fee, and space is limited to two bikes. Always reserve when buying your ticket.
– Bergen → Lærdal/Årdal: Take the Sognefjord Express boat (Norled) from Bergen to Sogndal (bikes allowed, but book space in advance). From Sogndal, take the local bus to Øvre Årdal (runs several times daily). Alternative: Long-distance buses also run from Bergen → Lærdal/Sogndal with connections to Øvre Årdal (bikes must be reserved).
Use Entur.no for local buses
Dangers
– The climb up to 1000 meters is tough, and the road is not in the best condition in places. If descending, take care, easy to come off your bike on the sharp corners.
– There is a pitch black tunnel on the plateau ridge, which requires good lights to navigate.
– Early in the season, snow can block the route, and crossing it may be dangerous with steep drop-offs beside the trail.
Location de vélos
- Visit Årdal / Bulder & Brak – Rent Merida bikes in Øvre Årdal (NOK 700/day, helmet & lock included).
- Bulder & Brak Adventures – Mountain/hybrid bikes with option for bike transport to the 1000 masl viewpoint route.
“It takes a lot to impress a Norwegian in his own country, but this road left me speechless”
Recommandations locales
42 Hairpin corners to the top
This century-old road is tough to climb, but the reward is worth it: a small sign at the summit and a stunning view over Øvre Årdal and the fjord below
Sitla Hotel & Apartments
Accommodation in this remote area is limited. Sitla Hotel & Apartments, centrally located in Øvre Årdal, is the best choice if you want a reliable roof over your head.
Detour the Hydro Dam
If you want extra distance, take the little-used road branching right off the switch backs toward the hydro dam. It’s a remote detour, ending in a dead end, but makes for a 30 km round trip few cyclists ever ride. See the route map for details.
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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