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Rallarvegen lets you set your own pace through 82 kilometres of mountainous scenery. No wonder it’s Norway’s most popular cycle route.
Following the outskirts of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Rallarvegen (The navvies’ road) leads you along the Bergen train line from Haugastøl to Flåm by the Sognefjord, or to Voss closer to the Hardangerfjord. On your way, you pass Finse, Hallingskeid, and Myrdal. The route was first opened for cycling in 1974, and the last few years about 25,000 cyclists from Norway and abroad find their way here every year.
You can cycle the whole distance in one day, or you can spend a few days and really see the sights along the road. You can also choose to cycle only parts of the distance if you so desire.
The construction route known as Rallarvegen was originally designed for transporting materials during the building of the most mountainous sector of the Oslo–Bergen railway line. Today, the road is a cultural and historical monument where you will discover painstakingly detailed work in stone and earth, line inspectors’ houses of high architectural standard, and scenery that spans from tall mountains and glaciers via high waterfalls and wild rivers to lush valleys and fjord views.
The best time to cycle Rallarvegen is from mid-July to the end of September. In the high season and on weekends it is wise to pre-book rental bikes, train tickets, and accommodation. Bike rental is available at Haugastøl, Finse, and Myrdal, and you can return the bicycle in Flåm. Or why not invest in a cycle package with everything included?
If you’re travelling with children – or are afraid of heights – note that Rallarvegen is pretty steep at times and that the road is largely unsecured and not always in the best condition. You will also have to cycle through some snow-covered stretches. Make sure to bring spare brake pads and necessary equipment in case of a puncture, as well as clothes for all types of weather.
The small town Geilo is a great starting point for the trip, and it is easy to get to Rallarvegen from Oslo or Bergen by train. There are a number of private hotels and mountain lodges along the route, as well as plenty of options for wildlife camping.
27 kilometres
1000–1222 metres above sea level
This stretch is recommended if you’re bringing children, as the road is in good condition. Rallarvegen starts by the Haugastøl tourist centre close to the Haugastøl train station. Here, you can rent bikes or buy a bike rental package.
The cycle route from Haugastøl to Finse rises 222 metres through scenic nature, with plenty of cultural artefacts from the time when the Bergen Line was built. At Finse, you can take a guided tour on Hardangejøkulen glacier, and a visit to the Rallar museum is mandatory.
21 kilometres
1222–1110 metres above sea level
At Finse, you can see the ice cap and icefalls of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. Don’t be surprised if snow covers parts of the road well into the autumn, and be aware that parts of the road are in poor condition. The route takes you into the Hardangervidda national park and up to Lake Fagervatnet (1,343 masl), Rallarvegen’s highest point. From here, there is more or less downhill all the way to Flåm. At Fagernut, you can stop and explore the exhibition on display and taste some yummy “Rallarvafler” (waffles) and “Sluskesuppe” (soup).
17 kilometres
1110–812 metres above sea level
Along this part of the route, the high mountain scenery changes gradually into the wilder and steeper landscape of the western part of the country. Between Hallingskeid and Myrdal, the railway creeps along a mountain shelf, a stretch troubled by avalanches during the winter months. The road follows a narrow shelf, so be careful – unmount your bike and walk. You also have to decide if you want to carry on to Myrdal and Flåm, or if you’d rather take the route to Voss.
17 kilometres
812–2 metres above sea level
From Vatnahalsen, a steep run through 21 hairpin bends will take you down to the Flåmsdalen valley. We strongly advise that you get off your bike at the steepest parts of the hairpin bends, as the road is rocky and in poor condition in places. From the upper part of Flåmsdalen, there is a pleasant winding road down to Flåm. The valley opens up to show you steep mountains, vertical waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers, and green valley terrain. Enjoy the ride, stop and look back, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the streams of crystal clear water and the fresh air.
43 kilometres
867–57 metres above sea level
From Myrdal, you can choose the route to Voss instead of cycling down to Flåm. Take the local train from Myrdal to Uppsete, where you continue along Rallarvegen to Mjølfjell. From there, follow the standard road to Voss.
Stay a few days extra and walk the Aurlandsdalen valley or the Royal post road along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. From Bakka at Gudvangen, you can hike up the Rimstigen path to Rimstigfjellet mountain, where you have a great view of the Nærøyfjord. Join a fjord cruise, rent a kayak, take a swim in the fjord, or go on a journey with the Flåm railway, one of the world’s most beautiful train rides.
Get tour cycling expert Øyvind Wold’s best tips on how to plan and pack for your cycling trip, and check out 13 of the most scenic bike routes in the country.
• an old-fashioned map (they don’t run out of battery)
• sunblock
• plasters, gel plasters to treat blisters, mosquito repellents
• power bank
• toiletries
• toilet paper
• enough food and drink
• coffee (obviously)
• helmet
• cycling gloves (protects your palms if you fall off the bike)
• cycling glasses (protects your eyes from road dust, wind, bugs, and to an extent rain)
• thin woollen clothes (can be used for more than one day before it starts to smell)
• lightweight sportswear
• rainwear
• compact and lightweight tent and sleeping pad
• inflatable pillow
• camping stove and cutlery
• bike tools
• patch kit
• spare tube
• bicycle pump
Learn more about how to plan your cycling trip.
People who exercise regularly, but are not used to biking: 30–45 km.
People who are fit and want a challenge: 70–90 km.
Children between the ages of 7 and 9: 15–20 km.
Children between the ages of 10 and 12: 20–30 km.
Remember that this is just an estimate. The distance you’re able to cover in a day will vary based on the road itself, hills, wind, and the weight of your luggage.
When cycling on the roads in Norway, the same rules 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.
• an old-fashioned map (they don’t run out of battery)
• sunblock
• plasters, gel plasters to treat blisters, mosquito repellents
• power bank
• toiletries
• toilet paper
• enough food and drink
• coffee (obviously)
• helmet
• cycling gloves (protects your palms if you fall off the bike)
• cycling glasses (protects your eyes from road dust, wind, bugs, and to an extent rain)
• thin woollen clothes (can be used for more than one day before it starts to smell)
• lightweight sportswear
• rainwear
• compact and lightweight tent and sleeping pad
• inflatable pillow
• camping stove and cutlery
• bike tools
• patch kit
• spare tube
• bicycle pump
Learn more about how to plan your cycling trip.
People who exercise regularly, but are not used to biking: 30–45 km.
People who are fit and want a challenge: 70–90 km.
Children between the ages of 7 and 9: 15–20 km.
Children between the ages of 10 and 12: 20–30 km.
Remember that this is just an estimate. The distance you’re able to cover in a day will vary based on the road itself, hills, wind, and the weight of your luggage.
See our selection of companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Enjoy gentle rides through quaint villages and magnificent nature or challenge yourself in one of the tough mountain biking trails. Here you can search for trails and bike rentals all over the country.
Geilo offers fantastic outdoor adventures, both on and off the slopes!
Each year, several hundred thousand visitors arrive in Flåm to ride the Flåmsbana Railway, cycle Rallarvegen, or go hiking in the dramatic landscapes surrounding the tiny village.
Cycling in Norway equals gentle rides through quaint villages and magnificent nature – but also tough mountain biking trails and big events like the Arctic Race.
Take part in numerous outdoor activities in stunning nature! Norway is a natural playground and a world-class destination for adventurous travellers.
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