Norwegian national cycle routes

Are you an experienced cyclist, determined to see Norway with its many fjords and mountains from the seat of your bicycle? In that case, the national cycle routes may be just the thing for you.

Bike your way across Norway

Many countries, including Norway, have national cycle routes – a network of long distance cycling routes meant for those who seek a proper challenge. And when we say long distance, we really mean it. Some of these routes are for adventurers and experienced cyclists only.

If you’re not in the cycling shape of your life, you can still enjoy parts of a longer route, and though some of the routes are quite demanding, others are shorter and well suited for anyone who can ride a bike.

The national cycle routes guide you between cities and regions in Norway, avoiding most roads with heavy traffic. You can cycle along fjords, through forests and valleys, and even across mountains. On the way, you can visit exciting cultural and historical sites as well as small towns, scenic locations, and interesting attractions. Bring your fishing rod or eat your way through the local food culture.

The routes

If you are tempted to try one of the routes, we recommend that you contact the relevant tourist offices. They will tell you about the areas that specific route will take you through. It is also a good idea to check out Cyclists Welcome. Some of the routes are also part of the European cycle route network EuroVelo.

Bike your way across Norway

Before you hit the road, please note that it’s forbidden to ride your bike in many of Norway’s tunnels. cycletourer.co.uk has a useful map over which Norwegian tunnels you are allowed to cycle through.

The routes

Norwegian tunnels

1. The coastal route

Dynamic Variation:

2. The canal route

Dynamic Variation:

Safety on two wheels

When cycling on the roads in Norway, the same traffic regulations and road signs apply to you as to cars and other vehicles:
• Keep to the right.
• Give way to those coming from your right.
• Don’t drink and bike.

You may cycle on the pavement, but adapt your speed.

You may not cycle on motorways and dual carriageways.

Only children under the age of 10 may be carried as passengers.

Always wear a helmet when cycling. A high visibility vest is a good idea, especially on busy roads.

Your bike must have

Mandatory equipment:
• white or yellow light in the front
• red light in the back
• red reflector in the rear
• white or yellow reflectors on the pedals
• two brakes that work independently
• bicycle bell

3. Fjords and mountains

Dynamic Variation:

4. Rallarvegen (“The navvies’ road”)

Dynamic Variation:

5. The Numedal route

Dynamic Variation:

6. Sognefjellsvegen

Dynamic Variation:

7. The pilgrim route

Dynamic Variation:

8. The wilderness route

Dynamic Variation:

9. Norway from north to south

North Cape – Lindesnes

This route is one of the longest of the nine national cycle routes, and will take you from the northernmost point of mainland Norway – The North Cape – to the southernmost point at Lindesnes. Note that you’ll have to find alternative transport like train or local buses at some places because of tunnels that aren’t open for cyclists.

Cyclists Welcome makes it easy

The fact that cyclists are welcome is hopefully a given, but Cyclists Welcome is actually a scheme that can be found in many European countries, including Norway.

Companies in the collaboration – accommodation providers, tourist information centres, and destinations in Norway – commit themselves to be excellent hosts for cyclists. They will offer secure bicycle parking, repair kits, information about nearby routes, public transport, and where to eat along the way, and much more.

If you choose to spend your cycling holiday in one of these places, you will be well taken care of.

Plan your trip

Featured

Cycle on National cycle routes

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