When
May - September
Written by
Matthew Tolley
Distance
1148km
Days
8-20
High point
1152m
Difficulty
8/10
Unpaved
<5%
Total Ascent
14168
Ferries
8
Tunnels
50+
This incredible route is broken into three sections and you can cycle them all by combining other national routes or public transport to bridge the gaps. You will get to experience a wide array of terrain and nature and pass several of Norway’s most famous fjords and high mountain passes.
My favorite section includes the incredible Norangsdalen (Norway’s narrowest valley) which is one of the best roads to cycle in Norway. Furthermore, the old road around Hardanger Fjord is for many a must to ride with its famous sloping orchards selling fresh fruits in July and August. If you have the legs to push up the many mountain passes and the resilience to deal with possible wet and cold weather then you will be rewarded with riding one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Setesdal is a long valley that cuts through the center of Norway’s south region. The way of life here is slower and more traditional than in other areas. It’s perhaps an area of Norway that will surprise you. The route will give you a feeling of stepping back in time as you pass old farms and meet locals going about their business along the way.
The route is signposted all along the valley. In the southern part of Kristiansand and Bjåen, you cycle along the river Otra. The route follows a disused railway road with little traffic that runs parallel to national highway 9. Further north you have no other option but to join road 9 but there is usually little traffic during the week. At weekends you may find some traffic as you pass many mountain cabins that locals visit during their days off. At Haukeli you can cycle eastwards via Arabygdi to inner Telemark and Rjukan, or you can follow the E134 west over Haukelifjell with impressive high mountain scenery.
This 300-kilometer-long stretch between Haukeli and Stavanger through Ryfylke offers everything from mountains, dense forests, great lakes, and lastly fjords. For large parts of the route, you are on a national tourist route with several interesting stops. At present, the route is not signposted but is easy to navigate.
From Haukeli, the road rises towards Haukelifjell on the E134 where the highest point is well over 1000 meters above sea level. Here you have to share the road with the cars, but up on Haukelifjell the cars follow the European road into tunnels. Cyclists on the other hand follow the peaceful old road. If you prefer you can also take a bus between Haukeli and Røldal and continue on the route from there.
From Haukelifjell, the road plunges down towards Røldal, before you come to a considerable climb up county road 520 towards Sauda (only open in the warmer months). Here you escape the cars and can enjoy the Westland high mountains.
After the mountains, you will reach a pleasant forest area that offers a lovely rest stop by disused zinc mines in Allmannajuvet. From Sauda, you have the option to take a ferry direct to Stavanger or continue down the beautiful fjord road. Unfortunately, while the views are stunning there are many tunnels to cycle through and some heavy hills to climb up. In general, the stretch from Sauda to Stavanger is manageable for most people but you have the ferry option if required.
There is a lot of traffic around the towns on the southern part of the route, but the footpaths and cycleways are well-developed, and there is a good distance between the cars. When you have passed Tau and Jørpeland, you can take a detour to Preikestolen or continue on towards Stavanger. From there you could take a ferry to Bergen and then a bus to Nordheimsund and continue the route over the mountains to Ålesund.
The almost 550-kilometer-long trip in the interior of Vestland and Sunnmøre offers a diversity of nature unparalleled anywhere else on the planet. The combinations of high mountain passes, fjords, and valleys mixed with the small towns and villages that nestle in between make this more than just a cycle route.
Hardanger is an experience in itself. The route follows parts of the national tourist route through Norheimsund and Jondal to Utne. This section is relatively easy to cycle. You take the ferry from Utne to Kinsarvik and then cycle on toward the fruit farms. Further along the fjord, you reach the impressive Hardanger Bridge where you’ll find a separate cycle path that leads you around a long tunnel and on towards Voss. From here you cycle over the Vikafjellet and cross Norway’s longest fjord Sognefjorden.
The adventure continues along the national tourist route Gaularfjellet and the stunning innermost part of Nordfjord. The last part of the route takes you through the enchanting and eerie Norangsdalen valley before cycling the old road along Hjørundfjorden that leads you to Ålesund.
Traffic conditions on the route vary somewhat. Large parts of the route go on roads with little traffic. Unfortunately, there are also main roads that can have some traffic in places. The route is mainly paved, but there are many big climbs, and you should allow plenty of time to get over them. There are also several ferry crossings and some tunnels.
We have given this a rating of 5/10. The first section is reasonably flat and keeps on quiet roads where possible. The second section becomes more challenging as you head towards the mountains. The main road becomes your only option and during certain times there will be some traffic passing by.
We have given this a rating of 7/10. There are some steep climbs over the mountains and many tunnels along the coast. The weather can be wet and cold in this region. This is a beautiful but challenging route.
We have given this a rating of 7.5/10. There are several tough climbs and some sections on main roads with traffic. Recommend for experienced cyclists only.
If you wish to combine part of route 3 with a section of route 2 this is the route that does that. We have given this a rating of 4.5/10. It is a short section on a quiet back road but has a 400m climb that reaches up 900 meters above sea level
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Stage 3:
Cities: There are good cycle lanes entering the cities of Stavanger, Kristiansand, and Ålesund. There are several tunnels in Ålesund keep away from them by following the cycle paths/lanes.
Setedal close to Kristiansand (Stage 1) has probably the best climate on the route. Once you reach further up the valley expect weather patterns to change and it to become colder. The Stavanger – Bergen – Ålesund region (Stages 2 & 3) is one of the wettest in Europe. You should expect some wet days but hopefully not too many. When the weather is settled in the mountains it is paradise. On unsettled days expect mist and changing weather patterns. On the mountain passes it can be very cold and good wind and waterproof clothing are essential. It will get very cold at night camping in the highlands.
Finnmark too has a certain mystique. Being about the same distance from Oslo as Istanbul, in some ways, it’s basically the last stop before the North Pole. The undoubted highlight of the journey is simply cycling the wild expanse of Europe’s last great wilderness. It will feel very lonely up here but isn’t that a reason to cycle it? The cycling heat maps of the world are full of well-ridden roads. Here you will join a small group of cyclists seeking something extraordinary. Passing wild herds of reindeer and perhaps not seeing another human for many hours is why you came – right? The ride comes to an end in the town of Kirkenes which has Russian road signs. This will indicate you have reached the boundaries of the Western world!
Finnmark too has a certain mystique. Being about the same distance from Oslo as Istanbul, in some ways, it’s basically the last stop before the North Pole. The undoubted highlight of the journey is simply cycling the wild expanse of Europe’s last great wilderness. It will feel very lonely up here but isn’t that a reason to cycle it? The cycling heat maps of the world are full of well-ridden roads. Here you will join a small group of cyclists seeking something extraordinary. Passing wild herds of reindeer and perhaps not seeing another human for many hours is why you came – right? The ride comes to an end in the town of Kirkenes which has Russian road signs. This will indicate you have reached the boundaries of the Western world!
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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