Scandinavia is something of a blind spot for Dutch cyclists. It is too cold, there are too few altitude metres and it is too expensive. Just a few terms that have been mentioned from time to time when the Dutch talk about cycling in Norway. Norway knows it has something to gain compared to other, better-known cycling nations. Not for nothing did the city of Bergen host the World Cup in 2017 and nowadays the Arctic Tour of Norway is a well-known stage race. We have therefore dug up a few highlights and routes. Norway may not have a great cycling tradition, but its cycling routes are there to lick your fingers.
READ ALSO: Cycling in Norway: Lysefjordstigen
Cycling along the fjords
If there is anything, which characterises the cycling routes in Norway, it is the fjords. No, not the horse race, but the inlets in the mountainous coast. Protected by UNESCO, these naturally created U-shaped inlets are undeniably linked 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 kilometres long. So make it a nice multi-day trip. On this cycling route, which runs from Molde to Ålesund, you will pass the Geirangerfjord (perhaps the most famous of all) and the Hjørundfjord, among others, on "the Atlantic Road". Of course, you'll find a lot more beauty on this road, which also includes the Trollstigen, perhaps Norway's most famous climb
Beautiful route
You can divide the route into about five stages. If you start in Molde, you can drive via the fishing village of Bud to the start of the Atlantic Road. This phenomenon alone is worth seeing. A road that seems to follow the sea like a snake, with several bridges connecting all the islets. With sunrise and sunset, it is pure enjoyment here.
If you settle down for the night after 80 kilometres, you can feast on all that the local restaurants have to offer. The next stage then leads you along the Atlantic Road to Vevang. There you will eventually continue on the 'famously infamous' Route 666 that leads along the Kvernesfjorden to Angvika. As the route goes slightly inland, the landscape changes from a typical coastal landscape to a more vegetated one. You can also smell it in the air, where the salty sea air slowly changes to the smell of grass and heather.
Cycling in Norway: it gets more and more beautiful
After a good night's sleep (and perhaps an hour at the local spa), the next day the King's Ride is on the programme, including climbing Trollstigen. At 705m at the summit, it's not an alpine col of stature, but many a person will still gulp. The full climb is 17.7km long. The first 7km are a bit more hilly, but after that it still goes up for 10 kilometres at almost 8% average. That is no mean feat.
With two more stages ahead of you, you should expect to have to make the occasional boat crossing. The second to last route, 70 kilometres in total, has a crossing towards Geiranger and finally to Dalsnibba. Here you pass through a truly stunning area, as Geiranger Fjord tops the lists of Norway's most beautiful fjords. The route is stunning, winding along the water and it also delivers beautiful pictures. Don't forget to also take in the viewpoint at Dalsnibba.
Last leads
The last leg on this 'epic ride' is 119 kilometres long and on the way you have to cross three times by ferry. Pay close attention during your crossing as you cross the Geirangerfjord, among other things. So keep cameras at hand. After the crossing towards Hellesylt, you enter the part of the Norangsdalen known as the Queen´s Route. The narrow valley is very beautiful and there are plenty of cultural sights. Definitely worth taking enough time for photos or a stop!
Arrival
Once you arrive in Ålesund, you can still return to Molde. Or you can drive on towards Bergen, in search of the hallowed ground where Peter Sagan became world champion (for the 3rd time) and where Tom Dumoulin crushed the competition. The options are endless, as long as your budget allows. Want to know more about cycling in Norway? Then go to visitnorway.com. Also check our routes below via Komoot, there are even more inspiration routes in there, including the Lysefjordstigen and some routes from the Arctic Race of Norway. Chilly, those last routes, even in summer!
Would you like to go to Norway to cycle by yourself for once, but need some guidance? Then take a look at the possibilities of travelling with the European Bike Challenge along. Organiser Raymond has a lot of experience in Norway and you will be amazed by the beauty.
