Go on a mountain bike holiday in Norway and experience that tremendous sense of freedom you get from scraggly MTB trails. Ride down a single track in the mountains, or take your bike deep into the forest, but keep to bike parks and designated trails.
Dodging rocks, roots and twigs equals … happiness? The answer is yes, at least according to the people who have raced along mountain bike trails and experienced an adrenalin rush that isn’t easily matched.
Norway’s topography lends itself fabulously well to MTB, what with mountains and vast forests and the dramatic vistas that accompany them. And it seems only logical that you must endure hours of agony climbing the Norwegian mountains before you can enjoy the fun of freeride mountain biking or racing downhill.
But more and more ski resorts in the Norwegian mountainside turn into bike arenas in the summer, so that you can take a lift to the top before you surge down prepared runs of varying difficulty. Want to test your skills on man-made obstacles? Go for it! Prefer single tracks with or without a guide? No problem!
Most of these bike parks have options for beginners and children as well as for experienced thrill seekers, so the whole family can join in.
Bring your own full-suspension or hardtail bike, or rent a dedicated downhill bike and all the equipment and safety gear you need when you get here.
And a hot tip to get the most out of your holiday: Many freeride and downhill venues are situated close to other sports facilities, like skateparks, high rope courses, via ferrata climbing areas, or kayak rentals.
Single track mountain biking
Most designated mountain biking areas have a vast network of single tracks. The single track (as the name implies) is about the same width as the mountain bike itself – anything larger simply won’t fit. It’s not to be confused with a service road or fire trail. Also, note that single tracks typically double as hiking paths through forests or across mountains and plains.
Some trails are incredibly smooth and accessible no matter your age or skill – though they can still pose a challenge for experienced mountain bikers who take them on at higher speeds. Others are more inherently challenging.
If you venture out of the bike parks, bear in mind that Norwegians care a lot about nature, and spending time outdoors comes with responsibilities. Only ride on designated mountain biking trails. Avoid making new trails, watch your speed, and be nice to hikers and fellow bikers. Remember that it’s the smiles, not the miles, that count.
And remember – always wear your helmet!
Mountain biking destinations in Norway
Downhill trails and bike parks
ÅlHallingdal Bike Park
Bicycle park in Hallingdal Holiday Park. This has been built to suit all ages and levels. Ål in Hallingdal is famous for cycling and its many bicycle opportunities. The bike park is a diverse cycling area for the whole family. Everyone will find suitable challanges, no matter if you need support wheels or if you have been biking for many years. The park will be a great arena with play in focus and practice your basic mountain biking skills. The park is for the eager teenager, daddy riding the Birkebeinerritt, mum bicycling to work, and the youngest girl with a balance bike. It is free to use for everyone and it is always open! This is a good addition to the existing bike park at Ål School, which has been newly renovated.
FlåSauvallsvingen bike ride
A machine-built "trail trail" with large doses and various jumps and b-lines. The trail is wide and kind for the little ones, and works well for everyone regardless of age and cycling experience. The first half is a nice and in some places hike through fantastic high mountain terrain, before the second half brings more speed and flow. There are fantastic views of the Gulsvik trees and the Høgevarde area, as well as several picnic areas along the way. If you want a little more excitement then you can include a top trip to Hesteleinnattan, or find a nice singletrail down from Sauvallnatten in the northern direction. You must cycle / walk to the starting point. You can park along Gulsviksetervegen, and then cycle the same road to end where the starting point of the trail is. Alternatively, you can park at the end of Fjellseterhaugen, and thus get a small shortcut (must be ripped off by the less experienced cyclists).
Experience it for yourself!
The Hedlunds in Hafjell
Glamping and mountain biking in Nissedal
Girl trip to Trysil
Mountain biking in Geilo
Nesbyen trail camp
Trail biking magic in Trysil
Biking in winter
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