Scandinavia It’s a kind of blind spot for Dutch cyclists. It’s too cold, there aren’t enough altimeters and it’s too expensive. Just a few terms that are often mentioned when it comes to cycling in Norway. Norway knows that it has something to gain compared to other, more well-known cycling nations. Not for nothing did the city of Bergen host the World Championships in 2017 and the Arctic Tour of Norway is nowadays a well-known cycling race. Therefore, we have dug deep into some highlights and routes. Norway may not have a big cycling tradition, but the cycling routes are designed to make your fingers curl in delight.
READ ALSO: Cycling in Norway: Lysefjordstigen
Cycling along the fjords
If there is anything that characterizes the cycling routes in Norway, it is the fjords. No, not the horse breed, but the inlets in the mountainous coast. These naturally formed U-shaped inlets are protected by UNESCO and are undeniably connected to the Norwegian landscape. You can best discover this natural beauty by riding the classic fjord route. This cycling route is the best way to explore the northwest. In total, this route is almost 550 kilometers long. So make it a beautiful multi-day trip. On this cycling route, which runs from Molde to Ålesund, you will come across “the Atlantic Road’ along the Geirangerfjord (perhaps the most famous of all) and the Hjørundfjord. Of course, you will find many more beautiful sights along this route, including the Trollstigen, perhaps the most famous climb in Norway.
Beautiful route
You can divide the route into about 5 stages. If you start in Molde, you can drive from the fishing village of Bud to the beginning of the Atlantic Road. Just this phenomenon is already worth the effort. A road that seems to follow the sea like a kind of snake, with several bridges connecting the various islands. At sunrise and sunset, it’s pure enjoyment here.
If you get tired after 80 kilometers and decide to spend the night, you can take full advantage of all the local restaurants have to offer. The next stage takes you through the Atlantic Road to Vevang. There you will eventually continue on the ‘famously infamous’ Route 666, which leads along the Kvernesfjord to Angvika. As the route gets a little more inland, the landscape changes from a typical coastal landscape to a more wooded environment. You can also smell it in the air, where the salty sea air slowly transforms into the scent of grass and heather.
Cycling in Norway: it's getting better and better
After a good night's sleep (and maybe an hour in the local spa) the next day the King's Inner Circle is on the program, including climbing the Trollstigen. At 705 m at the top, it's not a major alpine climb, but many will still take a moment to take it in. The entire climb is 17.7 kilometers long. The first 7 km are somewhat hilly, but after that it's still 10 kilometers of almost 8% average elevation gain. That's no easy feat.
With only two stages left, you have to consider that you sometimes have to cross the river by boat. The penultimate route, 70 kilometers in total, has a crossing towards Geiranger and ultimately towards Dalsnibba. Here you come across a truly stunning area, because the Geiranger Fjord tops the list of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. The route is beautiful, winding along the water, and it also offers beautiful pictures. Don’t forget to take in the viewpoint at Dalsnibba as well.
Last pieces
The final stage of this ‘epic ride’ is 119 kilometers long and along the way you have to cross the fjord three times by ferry. Stay alert during your crossing because you will pass through the Geirangerfjord, among other things. So keep your camera handy. After the crossing towards Hellesylt, you will reach the section of the Norangsdalen known as the Queen’s Route. The narrow valley is very beautiful and there are plenty of cultural attractions. Definitely worth taking enough time to take photos or make a stop!
Arrival
Once you arrive in Ålesund, you can still return to Molde. Alternatively, you can drive on to Bergen, in search of the sacred ground where Peter Sagan became world champion (for the 3rd time) and where Tom Dumoulin put the competition to shame. The options are endless, as long as your budget allows it. Want to know more about cycling in Norway? Go to visitnorway.com. You can also check out our routes here via Komoot; there are even more inspiring routes there, such as the Lysefjordstigen route and some of the routes of the Arctic Race of Norway. Cool stuff, those last few routes, even in the summer!
Do you want to go to Norway on your own to cycle for a while, but do you need some guidance? Then take a look at the possibilities of joining a guided tour. European Bike Challenge Come along. Organizer Raymond has a lot of experience in Norway and you will be amazed by the beauty.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.