Tour de France is bygones and the summer has seen its last days. There is however no reason to hide inside before you have explored the cycling routes in beautiful autumn Norway.
05/09/2007 :: “It is only a myth that there is steep to cycle in Norway. It depends on the course”, the Institution for Cycle Tourism in Norway says. The foundation provides useful information that makes the biking trip, safe, simple and comfortable.
A complete tour
The landscape for biking in Norway is diverse, and there are numerous tracks that are suitable for everybody. There are enough tracks if you want to be a lonesome rider, or you could join in on one of the guided group tours.
Norway is a country with a varied nature, which will only add greater opportunities and enlarge your bike’s potential. There are popular tracks up in the mountains, along the fjords and canals, as well as you could jump on an historic ride.
“The Old Navvy Road”. Photo: Visit Flåm / Thor Andresen
The navvy road
“The Old Navvy Road” (Rallarvegen) is Norway’s number one cycling trail. The road functioned as a supply road during the construction of "Bergensbanen", which was built by hands between 1895 and 1902. The popular route is a scenic experience in incredible natural surroundings, as well as it is a part of Norway’s national heritage, where historic attractions are lined up along the way. The cycling route is parallel with the railway.
A hint of Ibsen
Fancy a trip in Peer Gynt’s kingdom? The trail in Gudbrandsdalen is perfect as a family excursion, with a view of both Rondane and Jotunheimen, two of Norway’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Here, in these surroundings, playwright Henrik Ibsen placed his Peer Gynt. At the journey’s end in the Olympic city of Lillehammer, there are several attractions to visit, such as Hunderfossen Family Park, Norwegian Road Museum, Norway’s Olympic Museum and Maihaugen.
At sea
The North Sea Cycle Route in Rogaland stretches from Haugesund to Bergen. Here, the sight is dominated by the ocean and the breeze from the North Sea. The Telemark canal offers a comfortable ride combined with a boat-trip.
The Telemark canal. Photo: Vidar Askeland/Innovation Norway
Well-planned
Most cycling routes in Norway are marked, and they go along quite roads with modest traffic. If you come without your own bike there are several opportunities to rent, as well as you will be able to sleep in-doors if the tent is not too tempting.
Routes on the the navvy road”. Photo: Armin Manno/ Norske bygdeopplevelser
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs