When
July - September
Written by
Matthew Tolley
Distance
581km
Days
3-8
High point
1343m
Difficulty
8/10
Unpaved
25%
Total Ascent
8157m
Ferries
0
Tunnels
4
If there is one place in Norway made for riding then this area would be it. The Rallarvegen – Skarvheimen section consists of glaciers, picture perfect fjords and valleys, epic climbs, gravel roads to dream of, and nordic forests to get lost in. Not to forget the stunning lakes, medieval churches, the pretty fjord villages and several powerful rivers that cut their way through narrow gorges. Have I sold you it yet?
Yes, this place is very special, but it’s also very tough, with several mountain passes to climb and suffer over. Your legs will be tired, but the endless incredible views will keep you going. The Drammen – Geilo part doesn’t look as interesting on the map but there are a number of forest gravel roads to explore and as you get further north the valley gets deeper and more impressive. This is the sort of ride where you’ll be looking over your photos for years to come.
This scenic cycling route begins in Asker or Drammen, following the Drammenselva River towards Hokksund. The journey initially winds through populated areas, with well-maintained cycle lanes and quiet roads making for an enjoyable start. Along the way, signposted sections help guide cyclists through this peaceful stretch. Once you leave the urban surroundings, the landscape shifts dramatically. Quiet gravel roads lead through dense, serene forests, offering a tranquil escape from city life.
Gulsvik to Nesbyen
Between Gulsvik and Nesbyen, the route largely runs parallel to National Highway 7. While much of the cycling is on quieter roads, there are a few unavoidable sections where you’ll need to ride directly on the highway. Fortunately, these stretches often feature a shoulder, providing some buffer from passing vehicles but overall this is not a pleasant experience if the road is busy. Try to avoid peak traffic times if you are.
Photo: Lars Storheim Visit Norway
Nesbyen to Geilo
From Nesbyen to Geilo, the route tracks the Hallingdalselva River on peaceful roads with minimal car traffic. This section is a highlight, as the path runs along the opposite side of the river from the main Road 7, immersing you in nature. With gentle river views and the occasional sight of small farms or cottages, the ride offers a perfect mix of solitude and scenery.
Gol to Geilo and Beyond
Between Gol and Geilo, the route follows National Cycle Routes 4 and 5, merging the best of both paths. Once you reach Geilo, you have the option to continue towards Haugastøl and the famous Rallarvegen. However, be aware that this extension along Road 7 can be busier with summer traffic, and alternative routes are not available. To ensure a seamless journey to Haugastøl, consider booking a train or bus from Geilo—just be sure to reserve in advance if you’re traveling with a bike.
Overall this stage offers an unforgettable introduction to Norway’s diverse cycling terrain, combining urban accessibility with peaceful forests and stunning riverside trails that immerse you in the beauty of the natural landscape.
This stage begins at Haugastøl, the gateway to the iconic Rallarvegen, Norway’s most famous cycling route. As you pedal through this historic trail, you’ll encounter glistening waterfalls cascading from towering cliffs, rushing rapids, and crystal-clear mountain streams. Every turn offers breathtaking views, making it a haven for photographers and anyone seeking to revel in nature’s grandeur. For more details, visit our dedicated page on Rallarvegen.
Thrilling Descent into Flåmsdalen
The descent from the mountain plateau into Flåmsdalen is as exhilarating as it is challenging. Gravel switchbacks wind their way down steep slopes, putting your brakes and riding skills to the test. For those looking for a unique alternative, Norway’s longest zipline provides an exciting way to descend to the valley floor, delivering stunning panoramic views along the way. The road to Flåm is extremely beautiful and very popular with cycle tourists. On reaching the village of Flåm you may be overwhelmed by the amount of people and either want to leave straight away or soak up the energy of this busy tourist town. Great local food is on offer here and would recommend treating yourself to a well-deserved meal.
Challenges and Rewards Beyond Flåmsdalen
After Flåm you’ll cycle along the fjord for a few kilometers to the village of Aurlandsvangen. Here the route takes on one of Norway’s most grueling climbs – Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet. Over just 16 kilometers, you’ll ascend nearly 1,300 meters—a true test of stamina and determination. At the summit, brace yourself for unpredictable weather as you cycle the long flat section across the plateau before beginning the spectacular 17-kilometer descent to the fjord town of Lærdalsøyri. Lush landscapes and sweeping views reward your effort on the other side
The Historic Kongevegen
From Lærdal, you’ll join the Kongevegen over Filefjell, a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering and history. Built in 1793, this was the first road to connect eastern and western Norway, crossing the majestic Filefjell mountain pass. Today, it’s a serene mix of gravel paths and quiet roads, offering cyclists an immersive journey through natural beauty and historical significance. The main highlight is Vindhellavegen, a steep, winding detour that showcases stunning stonework and offers a thrilling cycling challenge. This historic section of the road is not on the main route. Refer to the POI map for Vindhellavegen and other key points along the route.
Mountain Road 52 and Hemsedal Ski Resort
Leaving the Kongevegen, the route continues along Mountain Road 52, a vital supply road connecting the E16 to Hemsedal and Gol. While the initial climb can be tough and the presence of supply trucks less pleasant, the plateau offers respite with flat stretches and even a gravel road option for part of the journey.
At Hemsedal Ski Resort, you may have the option to take a ski lift (if operational) to the mountain summit. From there, the scenic gravel road Fanitullvegen winds its way beautifully to Ål. If the lift isn’t available, be prepared for a steep and challenging climb. From Ål, you can take the train back to Haugastøl or cycle the final 45 kilometres to complete this remarkable loop.
We have given this a rating of 6/10. There are gravel section through dense forests areas and a small section is on the main Road 7. There is also a 600-meter climb towards Geilo
We have given this a rating of 8.5/10. There are two major climbs over a 1000m which are long and tough especially with bags on your bike. There is also a shorter but very steep 550m climb near the end. A good level of fitness and experience on the bike is essential for this route.
If you want to continue to Voss and then Bergen you can take a train at Mydal station through the long train tunnel to Upsete where a lovely gravel path leads you to a paved road and through a valley to Voss.
Ferries: There are no ferries on this route however you can take a scenic boat tour from Flåm to Aurlands and skip a small section of the route.
Train: There are train stations along many parts of these routes. The Oslo to Bergen line stops off at: Myrdal, Hallingskeid, Finse, Haugastøl, Ustaoset, Geilo, Ål, Gol, Nesbyen, Flå, Hønefoss, Vikersund, Hokksund, Drammen, & Asker.
There is also the famous tourist train from Myrdal to Flåm which is a nice alternative if you want a break from cycling.
Buses: There are two major operators that have buses running in these areas. Some of the buses will not allow bikes onboard visit the sites for more info.
In addition, there are many ski resorts in this area and in the summer they turn into summer resorts. Buses will travel to these resorts.
There are only 4 tunnels on this route and all 4 are easy and safe to pass through. Please note, around Flåm there are some dangerous tunnels prohibited to cyclists. Please stick to the cycling route and keep well away from them.
Stage 1
Stage 2:
You will pass many different climates and weather patterns on this route. Warm and mainly dry weather characterizes the start region around Asker. As you cycle further north and climb up on the highlands, expect a different world. The temperatures may drop, and the weather becomes more unsettled. I experienced 30 Celsius in Asker when I left and three days later was cycling with 5-degree Celsius over Rallarvegen. You must prepare for this contrast in temperature and weather patterns. Expect the mountain passes that climb above 1300m to be very cold on top, and water/windproof gear is essential. Gloves should also be in your bags even in peak summer. I’ve cycled over these passes in both warm and cold weather I always come prepared.
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.
Check out this helpful video to see how the routes can be uploaded onto your mobile device and cycling computer.
Cycling long distance is tough, and you should not attempt routes that are beyond your level.
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