Gol
Mjølkevegen is one of Norway's most beautiful adventure routes, where you can cycle through stunning valleys, mountains, and mountain farm landscapes, encountering steep hills and panoramic views.
The cycling tour is well-suited for families as the terrain is relatively flat, and road traffic is moderate or low. The entire route can be enjoyed in its entirety or divided into short stages. The whole cycling route is 250 km if you start from the train stations in Gol and Vinstra. Although it's a long journey, there are fantastic opportunities for detours, making it possible to cycle in stages.
Along the way, there are various opportunities to purchase provisions and plenty of dining establishments. Diverse accommodation options include hotels, mountain lodges, and rental cabins. Some of these have limited capacity, so booking in advance is advisable. There are excellent opportunities for wild camping, making it a great trip for youth and scouts who want to be self-sufficient.
Mjølkevegen mostly follows good gravel roads, but in some places in Valdres, you may have to traverse muddy trails during wet periods. An electric mountain bike is an advantage. There are three challenging stretches along the way that can be easily eliminated with taxi rides: first, the long ascent from Vinstra to Skåbu, then several long and steep ascents between Tyinkrysset and Syndin (some on E16), and finally, the descent to Gol on RV 51, where there is heavy traffic and no bike path (use a bus from Hallingen Høyfjellshotell to Gol).
Route:
Gol, Golsfjellet, Vaset, Syndin, Beitstølen, Tyin, Bygdin, Jotunheimen, Skåbu, and Vinstra.
Terrain and elevation difference:
The tour is on a relatively flat mountain with some steep and lengthy ascents. It's very challenging uphill to Skåbu and from Tyinkrysset to Syndin.
Tour highlights:
The Stølsvidda from Golsfjellet to Vaset is the most beautiful tour stage, where you can enjoy the scenery, mountain farms, and grazing animals.
Attractions and experiences:
On Golsfjellet, you have mountain riding, post hunting, donkey trekking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain cafe, summer-open chairlift, and a bike park. For those needing a refreshing day with swimming and fishing, Tisleifjorden and Lauvsjøen are recommended!
Panoramavegen is also a popular alternative route that closely follows Mjølkevegen (can be driven).
Provisions and dining:
Varied opportunities for provisions (poor between Slangen and Tyinkrysset). Plenty of dining establishments. On Golsfjellet, you have Kamben Høyfjellshotell, Storefjell Resort Hotel, Oset Høyfjellshotell, Vasskanten, Øynebråten Støl, Åttenkanten på Bualie, and Joker på Rorbu. Towards Valdres and Vaset, there are general stores at Langestølen, Gommobu, Sanderstølen, and Vasetdansen Kro, to name a few.
Accommodation:
All forms of accommodation, mainly mountain lodges, guesthouses (mountain farms), and cabins (should be booked in advance). Golsfjellet, Ulsåk Stølen, Oset
Great opportunities for wild camping along mountain lakes on Golsfjellet.
Road conditions and traffic:
Mostly good gravel roads and asphalt on Gol and Golsfjellet. Heavy traffic on E16 and RV 51. Otherwise, very little or moderate traffic. Asphalt to Slangen seter and gravel to Bygdin. Jotunheimveien is dry and hard. From Eidsbugarden to Tyin, there's some loose gravel. From Tyin to Vang is asphalt. If you cycle Gamle Kongevei from Tyinkrysset down to Øye, the surface is grass and streams that must be crossed. You must cross a small river without a bridge from Langehage to Syndingrenda, a tractor road. Between Syndin and Vaset, a rocky stage with a tractor road.
Transport/parking:
VY train or bus to Gol and Vinstra (reserve a spot for the bike). Nor-way bussekspress.
Transport along the way:
Taxi from Vinstra to Skåbu. Boat trip M/B Bitihorn.
Reserve a spot for both yourself and the bike in advance. Taxi Tyinkrysset to Syndin. Bus between Gol and Hallingen Høyfjellshotell.
Signage:
Mjølkevegen cycling route is marked with green milk pail signs and is frequently used along Mjølkevegen.
Difficulty level: Medium/Hard. Approximately 250 kilometers
Nature/scenery: Beautiful mountain and mountain farm landscape
Surface: Asphalt, gravel, tractor road (rocky)
Type of tour: Long-distance
Location: Europe, Norway, Eastern Norway
Traffic: Little car traffic
Transport: Train, bus, boat, taxi
Great opportunities for wild camping in Norway's most beautiful mountain areas.
Source: Hallingdal Reiseliv