Home › Forums › Specific Route Question › Bergen 4-day biking trip – Sept ‘23 – pro tips?
Tagged: Bergen Rallarvegen route advice
Hi All – After a family trip to Oslo last year and following Matthew’s YouTube channel I was inspired to visit Bergen and ride the fjords and the Rallarvegen myself. Looking for pro tips. Here’s my plan:
Coming from Boston, USA, arriving Monday Sep 4th, riding 4 days / 3 nights, returning to Bergen. Bringing my bike – Canyon Grizl w/ 40mm tubed tires, Apidura bags, tool kit, rain gear etc. Not camping – too complicated for a short trip. I’ve booked lodgings in Jondal, Eidfjord and Flam. I’m anticipating rain and cool weather. Noting the need for lights for the tunnels. Noting the HC climb from Eidfjord to Haugastol. I’m ok with the distance and climbing – I’m used to bikepacking in Vermont + I ride ~5K mi/yr. What am I missing though???
Day 1: Bergen to Jondal (65mi) – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41800212
Day 2: Jondal to Eidfjord (45mi) – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41821797
Day 3: Eidfjord to Flam via Rallarvegen (91mi) – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41800354 (long day!)
Day 4: Flam to Bulken via bus, then Bulken to Bergen (73mi) – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41785781
Thanks in advance @cycle-norway community!! Very much looking forward to the trip. Ping me if you’ll be in Bergen the week of Sept 4th!
Phil Brandish (Boston, MA, USA)
Hi Philip,
The first three days look great. When you climb up Road 7 from Eidfjord there are several impassible tunnels and the old road is ‘officially’ closed. Most people take their bikes around the temporary barriers and cycle the old road. You may have to climb over a few rocks but I’ve heard it’s more or less clear all the way. Just take extra care.
From Flåm I would suggest either riding back up to Myrdal train station or take the tourist train from Flåm there. From Myrdal you can take the regional Bergen train (R40) through the tunnel to Upsete (next stop). You can ride a nice gravel road that turns paved all the way to Voss.
Note: Upsete station has a small platform. Ensure you are situated in the front carriage. Tell the conductor you plan to get off at Upsete as sometimes the train will drive past if unaware of your departure. You can see the route and info here: http://www.ridewithgps.com/routes/39606831?privacy_code=E9Vjb0QdoUH3tbkG
Day 4: At Stanghelle you will need to jump on a train (R40) to Trengereid to bypass a series of tunnels that are prohibited to cycle. It takes 19 mins and costs around 115kr including your bike. The R40 runs every 1 to 2 hours and it is usually easy to get your bike onboard (best to book in advance but usually not essential).
Matthew – thanks again for the help and advice. I cycled from Eidford to Aurland today via road 7 and the Rallarvegen. No obstacles on the old roads around the tunnels on road 7 but the barriers are still there. Amazing weather! What a ride!! Back to Bergen tmrw. ?
Great to hear, Philip!
Hey Philip,
Just want to start to Vøringfossen tomorrow from Eidfjord and have to take the alternative route besides the tunnel. Is it the same route you mentioned in your gpsdata further up on the thread ?
All the best ,
Tobias
Cycle Norway is dedicated to making Norway, safer and more enjoyable to experience by bike and to inspire and inform a growing audience of the opportunities available.