13 scenic bike rides

Cycling holidays

You don’t have to be in peak condition to go on a cycling holiday in Norway, even though the country is both long and mountainous. The best thing about lengthy cycling trips is that you can decide exactly how long each stage should be and how often you want to stop.

We have compiled a list of long-distance cycle routes that can be shortened, or extended, depending on what kind of holiday you want. The tours are doable for most people, but if the road seems a little long and the luggage a bit too heavy, you can rent an electric bike to help you along. Why not go for a package with accommodation and meals, and maybe even luggage transport, included?

The Norwegian tour operator Discover Norway specialises in biking trips in Norway and offers several excellent packages with luggage transport.

1. Rallarvegen to Flåm

Season: mid-June to late September
Nearest train station: Geilo or Finse

The navvies’ road, called Rallarvegen in Norwegian, has been voted Norway’s most beautiful cycling route multiple times. More than 25,000 people cycle the gravel road from Haugastøl near Geilo in Eastern Norway to Flåm in Fjord Norway every year. The route follows the Bergen and Flåm railway lines, which makes perfect sense, as the road is named after the navvies who used it to carry materials when the tracks were first laid around 1900.

The most popular route is 82 kilometres long and starts in the mountains at Haugastøl, 1,000 metres above sea level. It winds its way past Finse, Hallingskeid, and Myrdal before ending in the charming village of Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord. Rallarvegen’s highest point is Fagernut at 1,310 meters above sea level. Fortunately, there is a café there that serves freshly made waffles with jam and sour cream!

You can cover the entire stretch in one day, but most people split it into two or three stages. You need to be in good shape to cycle Rallarvegen, as the terrain can be challenging in some places. To avoid the crowds, go outside the peak summer season, but check conditions first as there may be snow quite late in spring and early in autumn at such high elevations.

See where to rent bikes and where to stay during your trip:

Want to ride with the whole family? Book a family-friendly 5-day Rallarvegen bike tour!

2. Mjølkevegen in Valdres

Season: June to October
Nearest train station: Vinstra

One of the best areas in the country for cycling is Valdres in Eastern Norway. Here, you can cycle along hundreds of kilometres of marked routes that mostly run on low-traffic mountain roads. The 250-kilometre-long Mjølkevegen is the longest, but you don’t have to cycle the whole way all at once, of course – you can plan your own stages, whether you want them short and sweet or long and challenging. You can also stick to one base from which to embark on day trips.

The route between Vinstra in Gudbrandsdalen and Gol in Hallingdal is considered one of Norway’s most beautiful rides and is part of National Cycle Route 5. It is signposted in both directions and passes through an area of ​​summer mountain farms and lodges, where you can stop for a treat or stay overnight. There are also a few hotels along the road.

Two alternatives to the entire Mjølkevegen route are the route from Lemonsjø to Beitostølen (205 kilometres), and the shorter, more family-friendly route from Vaset to Storefjell (35 kilometres).

You can rent regular bikes and electric bikes in several places along the route, and tour operators offer bike packages that include accommodation, food, and luggage transport.

Find routes, tours and accommodation along Mjølkevegen:

Book a round trip in Golsfjellet mountain and Valdres here.

3. The Telemark Canal

Season: May to September
Nearest train station: Lunde or Bø

The Telemark Canal isn’t just for boats. From the canal, called the eighth wonder of the world when it first opened, bike paths branch out in every directions. The routes are signposted and marked with difficulty levels, and you can choose between asphalt roads, gravel trails, or a mix of both.

The 115-kilometre-long Canal Route takes you through wild and dramatic scenery in Telemark. It follows National Cycle Route 2 from Ulefoss to Dalen, and you should plan to spend at least two days on the trip. At Eidsfoss, you can cross the lock with your bike, and if you get tired, you can hitch a ride with one of the canal boats.

Along the way, you’ll find bike-friendly accommodation, like the fun sleeping boxes in Bandaksli and Fjågesund. If you don’t want to plan the whole trip yourself, you can buy packages that include accommodation, meals, and boat tickets.

The Canal Route is marked as challenging and not recommended for kids or inexperienced cyclists. However, many of the other trails are easier and suitable for the entire family. The little ones might even be happy to go a few extra kilometres to spend the day in the water theme park Bø Sommarland!

Find cool things to combine with your trip and check out bike-friendly accommodation:

4. Tour de Dovre

Season: early June to mid-October
Nearest train station: Dombås

Ride the Tour de Dovre and cycle through the three national parks Rondane, Dovre, and Dovrefjell, with fantastic views of mountains, fjords, and valleys.

There are numerous accommodation options along the way, so you can spend as many days as you want on the trip. Take the train to Dombås and rent a bike there, and take the Nasjonalparkveien road to Hjerkinn. The journey continues through Folldalen valley before you approach what many consider to be Norway’s most beautiful valley, Grimsdalen. From there, pedal back to Dovre and Dombås.

If you take the shortest route, the trip is about 125 kilometres long. But do plan for a few detours if you have a couple of days to spare! You can go on a musk oxen or moose safari, see art at Hjerkinn, make a detour to Viewpoint Snøhetta (1.5 kilometres to walk), and hike to the top of Mount Snøhetta.

The trip is considered demanding but is manageable if you divide it into shorter stages. If you need a push, you can rent an electric bicycle, and you’ll find enough delicious local food along the way to keep you content.

Find a place to rent bikes and explore accommodation options below:

For a smooth ride, book a Tour de Dovre cycling package here, which includes luggage transport.

5. The North Sea Cycle Route through Rogaland

Season: May to October
Nearest train station: Egersund or Sandnes

The North Sea Cycle Route is 6,000 kilometres long and goes through the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Since 2003, the route has held the Guinness world record as the world’s longest continuous signposted cycle route. But you don't need to ride 6,000 kilometres to enjoy beautiful Norwegian scenery.

Choose one of the most beautiful stretches, between Egersund and Sola in Fjord Norway (also called Jærruta). You’ll cycle along the beaches of Jæren in a light that has inspired both painters, photographers, and writers. If you want a longer trip, you can continue north to Stavanger and Haugesund, or the opposite way towards Kristiansand in Southern Norway.

Spend the nights in hotels and small guest houses, lighthouses and cabins, or at campsites. You’ll find plenty of eateries along the way, many of which base their menus on local produce. And why not do as the locals do – buy a bag of prawns to peel and enjoy with bread, lemon, and mayo, while you dangle your legs off the pier.

6. The Helgeland coast

Season: May to October
Nearest airport: Brønnøysund, Sandnessjøen or Bodø

The Helgeland coast in Northern Norway is a cycling gem without crowds. Here, you can ride along the Coastal Route, named one of the world’s most beautiful roads, with views of majestic mountains, white beaches, and thousands of islands and islets.

Ride the many ferries and speedboats for some island hopping, for example to the UNESCO-listed archipelago of Vega, beautiful Herøy and Dønna, and Træna, whose mighty 338-metre-high peaks suddenly appear on the horizon two and a half hours out to sea.

You may want to invest in a bike package to be sure that you don’t miss any of the highlights along the way (like Mount Torghatten!) You can also get your luggage transported to the next stop if you don’t want to carry the weight.

Combine cycling with hiking, and stay the night in idyllic surroundings:

Book a cycling tour for island hopping on the Helgeland coast here, and check out a cycling holiday on the Coastal Route between Bodø and Steinkjer here.

7. Inderøy and The Golden Road

Season: May to October
Nearest train station: Røra train station

Ride at a leisurely pace between historic landmarks in a beautiful cultural landscape in Innherred. This route literally goes from plate to plate, and cycling here is suitable for most people.

The Golden Road is famous for its environmentally-friendly locally sourced food and many activities, and it's an excellent place to experience on two wheels.

You can start your trip at the Røra train station. Visit Innherred rents out both electrical and regular bikes, and can arrange to meet you at the station. And don't worry about your luggage! You can get it transported to your accommodation if you like.

The distances are short between the highlights on the peninsula and you can cover most of the area in an hour. But do make sure to explore some of the many different routes and roads you can take.

Find bike rentals and route suggestions:

8. The Classic Fjord Tour

Season: summer and autumn
Nearest airport: Molde or Kristiansund

If you want to experience the Northwest at its best, cycle the Classic Fjord Tour from Molde to Ålesund in Fjord Norway. If you’re tackling the whole 549 kilometres, you’ll get to experience the Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, the Geirangerfjord, and the Hjørundfjord, to name just a a few of the many highlights.

Cross bridges at the edge of the ocean, cycle along seemingly endless, beautiful fjord arms, ride through green valleys, and pedal up steep mountainsides – before coasting back down on the other side.

A variety of eateries serve delicious locally sourced food – the fjords providing fresh and tasty ingredients, in particular – and the accommodation options are many, whether you want to stay in a charming fisherman’s cabin or a luxury hotel.

The tour in its entirety is considered demanding and suitable for those who have some long-distance cycling experience. But the excellent public transport network in the area allows you to put together your own stages and skip the particularly heavy stretches if you wish. In addition, local operators are ready to tailor your route, and they also offer luggage transport and guides.

Rent an electric bike, get route suggestions, and check out the best places to see:

9. Around the Oslofjord

Season: May to October
Nearest train station: Moss, Oslo S, or Horten

All the way around the Oslofjord you’ll find coastal paths and small roads perfect for bike rides. The trip along the coast from Moss in Østfold to Horten in Vestfold is about 215 kilometres long, but in this area, you can pick and choose between shorter and longer distances – and spend as long as you want on the trip.

Cycle through friendly villages like Son, Hvitsten, Drøbak, and Filtvet, and explore the country’s vibrant capital, Oslo. If you get hot, you can always go for a refreshing dip in the fjord.

One great advantage is that you don’t have to bring a lot of food, as there are plenty of eateries along the way. There are also countless accommodation options around the Oslofjord – hotels, hostels, cabins, and campsites. Or how about spending the night in a treehouse?

Explore the area:

Book a cycle package for a bike tour on the Oslo Fjord route here.

10. Andøya in Vesterålen

Season: May to September
Nearest airport: Andøya

In Vesterålen just north of Lofoten lies the island of Andøya. The charming former fishing village of Andenes is the main town, located at the northernmost tip. Here, you can rent a bike and ride the 100 kilometres around the island. While you are there, make sure to join a whale safari.

Cycle the beautiful Norwegian Scenic Route that runs along the sea on the west side of the island. It doesn’t matter if you get a late start, as the midnight sun provides enough light all through the night in summer. Visit the Space Center before you head on to picturesque Bleik, where you can enjoy an ice-cold dip on a stunning white beach. If you need another break, the picnic area at Bukkekjerka is worth a stop, and at Nordtun farm you’ll find lovely cheeses for your lunch and have the opportunity to pet a llama. Alveland in Dverberg has tasty cinnamon buns and fun soap souvenirs(!).

If you want to spend more than one day on your trip, you can spend the night in Risøyhamn or Dverberg. The route runs through fairly flat terrain and is suitable for everyone.

Find more cool things to do in Vesterålen and check out where to rent bikes:

11. Mjøstråkk around Mjøsa lake

Season: April to October
Nearest train station: Hamar, Lillehammer, or Gjøvik

Cycle around the largest lake in Norway. The Mjøstråkk route is 250 kilometres long and passes through both beautiful cultural landscapes and the cities of Gjøvik, Hamar, and Lillehammer.

Take the time to make a few stops along the way. There’s a lot to see and experience here, including the Lillehammer Art Museum, Norway’s smallest chocolate factory in Gjøvik, and Domkirkeodden in Hamar, where you can see the ruins of the 950-year-old Hamar Cathedral. If you brought the kids, a detour to the Hunderfossen amusement park north of Lillehammer is an absolute must!

If you spend a few days on the trip, you can stay at some of the farms and experience the region’s famous hospitality and fantastic traditional food, often made with a modern twist and based on farm fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Most of the trip is quite easy and suitable for most people. You can rent bikes several places along the route, and if you get tired, you can board Skibladner, the world’s oldest paddle steamer still in service.

Rent a bike and find more fun activities along the ride:

You can book a tour along the northern side of Mjøsa lake here, which includes a tour across the lake aboard Skibladner, the world's oldest operational paddle steamer.

12. The Majestic Fjord Tour

Season: spring, summer, autumn
Nearest train station: Bergen or Voss

Start pedalling in Bergen or Voss and cycle 303 kilometres through fantastic fjord landscapes. This tour is a round trip on the west coast that takes you through Voss and Myrkdalen, along the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet, through Førde on the Fjord Coast, and along the Sognefjord.

Set aside a few extra days to explore the area by, for example, staying at the historic Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand. Find hidden gems and hiking trails, go kayaking, or join a guided glacier hike, while enjoying a little break from cycling.

This route has both epic climbing stages and steep downhill slopes with hairpin bends, so you should plan your trip according to your cycling experience and physical fitness. If you think this sounds a little scary, you can rent an electric bike – or go with a guide.

Explore the Fjord Coast:

13. Lavkaløypa in Lyngenfjord

Season: late June to late September
Nearest airport: Tromsø or Bardufoss

The 68-kilometre-long mountain biking trail Lavkaløypa starts in Storfjord in the Lyngenfjord region and winds through the green Kitdalen valley before leading you up to an elevation of about 800 metres. As soon as you’re above the tree line, you’ll find that the view is worth the effort.

From the top, cycle down to the Skibotndal valley, before finishing the ride in Skibotn. This ride follows the same route as the mountain bike race Lavkarittet. Although you need a mountain bike, the trail is not particularly technically difficult. Downhill, you’ll cycle mostly on dirt roads, and the trails are quite manageable.

On the way, you’ll come across some war history, as POWs built parts of the trail during the Second World War. But nature is the highlight of this route. There are no accommodation or dining options here, so make sure to bring enough food and water.

The route is tough but manageable if you are in generally good shape and take your time. You can rent bikes in several places in the Lyngenfjord region.

Find the perfect bike, trail, and more things to do:

See tour cycling expert Øyvind Wold’s best tips on how to plan and pack for your cycling trip!