Cycling in Norway
Including Hafjell Bike Park, Jotunheimen National Park, and Lofoten Islands. On the map.
The vibe
Pedaling here means grinding up endless hairpin turns and coasting down past roaring waterfalls with spray on your face. Early autumn is magical when the lower roads quiet down and the hills turn amber, though you have to watch out for sudden weather shifts in the mountain passes. Motorists are generally used to two-wheeled travelers on the winding tarmac, but you will share the asphalt with heavy camper vans on the main coastal routes.
Hafjell Bike Park
Innlandet
Henrik søvang / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A world-class gravity mountain biking destination known for its long, technical downhill tracks and extensive flow trails. It is a frequent host of international downhill racing events.
Access. Located near Lillehammer, easily accessible by train from Oslo.
Notes. Requires full-face helmets and protective gear; best visited in mid-summer.
Jotunheimen National Park
Innlandet
Honza and Ivana Ebr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
High-alpine gravel riding through the heart of Norway's tallest mountains. The region offers rugged, remote tracks that traverse dramatic valleys and glacial landscapes.
Access. Best accessed via the Sognefjellet road from Lom or Sogndal.
Notes. High-altitude environment; requires self-sufficiency and preparation for rapidly changing weather.
Lofoten Islands
Nordland
Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Pedal through dramatic jagged peaks, crystal-clear fjords, and traditional fishing villages. This iconic route offers some of the most visually stunning coastal road cycling in the world.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Bodø to Moskenes or by flying into Svolvær; bike rentals available in Svolvær and Leknes.
Notes. Best from June to August; roads can be narrow with heavy tourist traffic in peak summer.
Rallarvegen (The Navvies' Road)
Hol
Giorgio Galeotti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Norway's most famous cycling route, connecting the high mountain plateau of Hardangervidda to the lush fjords of Flåm. It offers a mix of gravel and dirt paths with spectacular glacier and waterfall views.
Access. Accessible by the Bergen Railway to Finse or Haugastøl; bike rentals are available at the train stations.
Notes. Open only from July to September due to snow; high difficulty in sections, but popular for e-bike touring.
Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord
Møre og Romsdal
TomasEE / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
A bucket-list destination for road cyclists, featuring the legendary Trollstigen hairpin climb and the steep descent into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. The route provides intense elevation gain and unmatched fjord vistas.
Access. Best accessed via Åndalsnes; local tour operators provide support and bike transport.
Notes. Extremely challenging climbs; traffic is heavy with tour buses during the day; best ridden very early or late in the day.
Trysil Bike Arena
Innlandet
Trysil from Trysil, Norway / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Norway's premier mountain biking destination, featuring an extensive network of machine-built flow trails and natural singletrack. It caters to all skill levels, from family-friendly loops to technical downhill runs.
Access. Located near the Swedish border, accessible by bus or car from Oslo.
Notes. Lift-access available during summer season; excellent infrastructure for MTB travelers.