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. 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.

Plan your trip

Featured

Cycle on National cycle routes

Halden

Halden is an idyllic small town nestled down by the Iddefjord, just on the border to Sweden. Above the town looms the mighty Fredriksten Fortress. Read more

Halden

Oslo

Between the Oslofjord and the forests lies Norway’s capital and largest city, with its vibrant social scene and special combination of nature… Read more

Oslo

Larvik

Water has always been important in Larvik, from the time when the Vikings sailed in to build Norway’s first town at Kaupang and Colin Archer… Read more

Larvik

Telemark

From one of Norway’s most charming coastal towns to tall mountains and highlands, the county of Telemark is as diverse as it is beautiful. Go on… Read more

Telemark

Kristiansand

Kristiansand is the southernmost city in Norway. Kristiansand is also declared the children's city, because of all the funny activities… Read more

Kristiansand

Lindesnes & Åseral

The official webpage for the southern most part of Norway, the Lindesnes region. Find out what to do, what to see, where to stay, what's… Read more

Lindesnes & Åseral

Setesdal

The Setesdal valley is centrally located in Southern Norway and easily accessible from continental Europe. In the winter you can choose between… Read more

Setesdal

Elverum

Its extensive forest and a host of walking, hunting and fishing options right on your doorstep makes Elverum well worth a visit… Read more

Elverum

Hamar

Get to know this charming, medium-sized city on the banks of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Experience a rich cultural life and one of the… Read more

Hamar

Trysil

Family-friendly Trysil is Norway's largest ski destination. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, Trysil was one of the first holiday spots in Europe to… Read more

Trysil

Geilo

Geilo is one of the first alpine resorts in Norway and offers fantastic winter outdoor adventures, from alpine and cross-country skiing to… Read more

Geilo

Stavanger

Breathtaking surroundings with fjords, mountains and long, white beaches. Stavanger and Sandnes also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and… Read more

Stavanger

Hardangerfjord

From Trolltunga and the Folgefonna glacier to the Vøringfossen waterfall – the Hardangerfjord region offers some of the best experiences… Read more

Hardangerfjord

A man standing on a mountain with a view of Fjord Norway

Sognefjord

The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and it’s famous arm the Nærøyfjord has World Heritage status. The… Read more

Sognefjord

Bergen

Even though Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it has the vibe of a small town, packed with charm and urban character. Read more

Bergen

Voss

If you are craving thrilling adventures, extreme surroundings and Norwegian food specialities, Voss will not let you down. Read more

Voss

Røros

The traditional town of Røros, which is known as one of Norway’s sustainable destinations, is a modern community in which people live and… Read more

Røros

Oppdal

The charming mountain village in Mid-Norway stretches from Dovrefjell in the south to Trollheimen in the north, and our nature gives every season new… Read more

Oppdal

Trondheim

The vibrant city of Trondheims is home to some of Trøndelag’s most popular attractions, cosy shopping streets and a myriad of restaurants… Read more

Trondheim

Kristiansund

Kristiansund has a stunning location, reaching out into the sea on the four islands of Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet. Read more

Kristiansund

Molde

Molde is located in between several impressive tourist attractions like Romsdalseggen, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road. I Read more

Molde

The North Cape

Far above the Arctic Circle, the North Cape offers arctic adventures like dog-sledding in the winter and months of never-ending sunlight in… Read more

The North Cape