Foto: Visit Valdres

Mjølkevegen: North Route 

6 days, self-guided

This week-long adventure will see you cycling through beautiful mountain landscapes along popular Jotunheimvegen, and you’ll see plenty of the traditional farm life and landscape in this stunning region of Norway.  You will cross Jotunheimen by bike and boat and experience delicious local food along your way. The length of the route is almost 200 km. 

 

Highlights

  • Jotunheimen National Park

  • Boat ride with M/B Bitihorn

  • Delicious local food

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • Luggage transport
  • Boat transport on Bygdin
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
  • Detailed tour description

Excluded

  • Bike transport, when bringing own bike

Season and Price

June – September

Daily departures between:

27.06. – 24.08. 2023
29. – 31.08.2023
05. – 07.09.2023

Price:
Double room:
NOK 12 495
Single room:
NOK 14 995

Mjølkevegen – a cycling adventure

The beautiful route Mjølkevegen has been named one of the best cycling routes in Norway. The full route stretches over 250 km, from Vinstra to Gol. We have prepared a variant of the Mjølkevegen tour that takes you over the north side of the well-known, long route. The northern route is a great cycle ride that will take you from Lemonsjø to Beitostølen (around 200 km) within a week.

This great cycle tour is perfect for cyclists with some experience who are in good shape, and who want a fantastic cycling experience in one of Norway’s most beautiful areas. The northern route will take you through beautiful mountain and mountain landscapes such as Jotunheimvegen, and can offer great nature experiences. This great week-long tour is perfect for a real Norwegian holiday where you get to experience the best the Valdres region has to offer.

Map

This is the route you will cycle!

Day to day

Dag 1: Oslo - Lemonsjøen

Transport

Arriving by bus from Oslo to Lemonsjo

Accommodation: Lemonsjø Fjellstue

Day 2: Lemonsjøen - Ruten

Cyckling from Lemonsjøen to Ruten

Time: 3-6 hours, Distance: 59 km, ↑ 750 meters

On your first day, you will travel on a gravel road through wooded Murudalen and along several mesmerizing rivers until you come to the village of Skåbu. From there it is not far to your next accommodation.

Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue

Day 3: Ruten - Bygdin

Cycling from Ruten to  Bygdin

Time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 63 km, ↑ 870 meters

Today you will follow “Jotunheimvegen”, cycling from wooded Espedalen towards the mountains above the treeline. You will pass many summer farms along the way and follow the big lake Vinstra. On the horizon you can see the mountains of Jotunheimen and the summit of Bithorn.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldhotell

Dag 4: Bygdin - Tyinkrysset

Hiking suggestion: Sysnhorn

Time: 1-2 hours, Distance: 5 kilometers, ↑ 450 meters

Synshorn is located at 1457 m.a.s.l. and offers a fantastic view of Jotunheimen. The trails are easy to walk and vary between some soft terrain and more rocky terrain near the top.

Boat: (M / B Bitihorn) Bygdin → Eidsbugarden

Cruise with the historical M/B Bitihorn over lake Bygdin (1,5 hours).

Cycling from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset

Time: 2-3 hours, Distance: 23 km, ↑ 400 meters

After you reached Eidsbugarden by boat you can follow the gravel road to Tyin along the big Tyin Lake. You can do a detour into Koldedalen from Tyinholmen crossroad, to come closer to the iconic mountains like Falketinden, Uranostinden and the impressive glaciers along the way. From Tyin you cycle down the paved road to Tyinkrysset, where you can find Filefjellstuene.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene

Day 5: Tyinkrysset - Beitostølen

Cycling Tyinkrysset to Beitostølen

Time: 5-8 hours, Distance: 65 km, Ascent meters: 987 meters

This is probably the toughest stretch on the Mjølkevegen. You will follow the main road and the “Kingsroad” down to the lake Vangsmjøse. From there you will cycle on a gravel road along the lake and impressive steep hillsides with many waterfalls. Then, the most difficult climb takes you to the highest point on the tour, Slettefjell. It is not particularly long, but it is steep. At the top of Slettefjell, you reach 1315 m.a.s.l. From there you can enjoy a gentle downhill ride towards Beitostølen.

Accommodation: Radisson BLU Mountain Resort Beitostølen

Day 6: Departure

Transport

Bus from Beitostølen to Oslo

Practical information

Below you will find practical information about this trip.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!

Bike rental

When you rent a bike from us, you can pick it up at your first accommodation and leave it at the last one. The price includes a helmet, lock, and a rep kit. All pedals are flat.

Extra costs for luggage tray and bag.

E-Bike, NOK 3.850 (4 days)

Gian Talon E+2 (or similar)

Mountain bike, NOK 1.650 (4 days)

Trek Marlin 5

Important details

To fully enjoy your cycling adventure in the mountainous areas, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and local temperatures. For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend wearing warm, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes for cycling, and bringing sunscreen and sunglasses.

    Luggage Transport

    We will send your luggage from cabin to cabin, so you only need to bring a daypack.

    Accomodation

    All the accommodations have double/twin beds with private bathrooms.

    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og hyttegrend:
    Lemonsjøen fjellstue og hyttegrend offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The air is crisp and clean, with the sounds of birds and wildlife providing a peaceful soundtrack. The cozy cabins and warm hospitality of the staff make for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

    Ruten Fjellstue:
    Ruten has been welcoming tourists since 1939. Berit and Arthur, who own and run the lodge today, are 3rd generation Hosts. The kitchen is the heart of our lodge, we preferably serve local ingredients, based on recipes that have been used here for generations, but with new twists.

    Bygdin Høyfjellshotell: 
    This hotel has a long tradition of hosting active mountain people who want to visit Jotunheimen. Even tho many rooms were renovated you will get a historical atmosphere. The food is sure to be the highlight of your stay. Dinner is made from local ingredients and comes to taste great.

    Filefjellstuene:
    Here you will get a cozy cabin feeling. Food is served in the main building close by. Once a traditional mountain farm, now a modern mountain lodge with comfortable rooms in cabins with en suite bathrooms, and a great restaurant in the main lodge.

    Beitostølen Raddison Hotel:
    Radisson BLU Mountain Resort is centrally located in the middle of the small mountain village of Beitostølen not far away from the bus stop, many shops and other services. A comfortable and nice place to enjoy your last day.

    Meals

    All restaurants offer food based on local ingredients. For breakfast there will be buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring to lunch for the day. Use your food scarf. It is possible to fill a thermos, check with the accommodation. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.

    Route

    Gravel/trail

    You will be given a physical hiking map, as well as gpx coordinates you can use on your mobile or GPS. Most of the trail runs on nice gravel roads, they can have some holes but are generally of a good standard. Short parts are on asphalt.

    Difficulty

    Medium

    Kilometers: 20-65 kilometres
    Altitude: up to 1000 meters elevation
    Terrain: fine gravel roads or asphalt, can be short sections with a path

    Trips are mainly on good gravel or asphalt roads, but there may be shorter sections where you will have to wheel a bit in rough terrain. 1-2 daily stages can reach up to 60 kilometers and over 1000 altitude meters. There may be somewhat longer climbing stages. If the Easy level suits you with a pedal bike, you can perhaps manage the Medium level with an e-bike

    Equioment list

    When you book with us, we’ll provide you with a packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing and gear.

    Transport

    Travel green.

    Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Valdres and Jotunheimen! The express buses take you straight from the capital to the heart of Norway. On the way you will pass mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful farms. The buses have free WiFi, power outlets with USB chargers and toilets.

    Experience the convenience of choosing from various departure times and travel destinations along our express bus routes. Share your travel plans with us, and we’ll take care of the arrangements, ensuring a stress-free experience for you.

    You may also like

    Experience Jotunheimen with us!

    Day to day

    Day 1: Oslo - Lemonsjøen

    Transport

    Arriving by bus from Oslo to Lemonsjo

    Accommodation: Lemonsjø Fjellstue

    Day 2: Lemonsjøen - Ruten

    Cyckling from Lemonsjøen to Ruten

    Time: 3-6 hours, Distance: 59 km, ↑ 750 meters

    On your first day, you will travel on a gravel road through wooded Murudalen and along several mesmerizing rivers until you come to the village of Skåbu. From there it is not far to your next accommodation.

    Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue

    Day 3: Ruten - Bygdin

    Cycling from Ruten à  Bygdin

    Time: 4-5 hours, Distance: 63 km, ↑ 870 meters

    Today you will follow “Jotunheimvegen”, cycling from wooded Espedalen towards the mountains above the treeline. You will pass many summer farms along the way and follow the big lake Vinstra. On the horizon you can see the mountains of Jotunheimen and the summit of Bithorn.

    Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldhotell

    Day 4: Bygdin - Tyinkrysset

    Hiking suggestion: Sysnhorn

    Time: 1-2 hours, Distance: 5 kilometers, ↑ 450 meters

    Synshorn is located at 1457 m.a.s.l. and offers a fantastic view of Jotunheimen. The trails are easy to walk and vary between some soft terrain and more rocky terrain near the top.

    Boat: (M / B Bitihorn) Bygdin → Eidsbugarden

    Cruise with the historical M/B Bitihorn over lake Bygdin (1,5 hours).

    Cycling from Eidsbugarden to Tyinkrysset

    Time: 2-3 hours, Distance: 23 km, ↑ 400 meters

    After you reached Eidsbugarden by boat you can follow the gravel road to Tyin along the big Tyin Lake. You can do a detour into Koldedalen from Tyinholmen crossroad, to come closer to the iconic mountains like Falketinden, Uranostinden and the impressive glaciers along the way. From Tyin you cycle down the paved road to Tyinkrysset, where you can find Filefjellstuene.

    Accommodation: Filjellstuene

    Day 5: Tyinkrysset - Syndinstøga

    Cycling from Tyinkrysset to  Syndinstøga

    Time: 4-6 hours, Distance: 53 km, ↑ 974 meters

    From Tyinkrysset you will follow the main road and partly the “Kingsroad” down to Lake Vangsmjøsa. From here you will follow this beautiful lake along steep hillsides until you need to climb again to reach Syndin plateau and Syndinstøga at approx.1000 m.a.s.l. This stretch is the most challenging leg of the Mjølkevegen route.

    Accommodation: Syndinstøga

    Day 6: Syndinstøga - Vaset

    Cycling from Syndinstøga to Vaset

    Time: 2-4 hours, Distance: 29 km, ↑ 423 meters

    A shorter day awaits you and a more lively region with many summer farms, cabins, and farm animals on or along the gravel roads. You will reach today the Vaset region – a very popular cabin region amongst Norwegians.

    Accommodation: Gomobu Mountain Lodge

    Day 7: Vaset - Kamben

    Cycling from Vaset to Kamben

    Time: 2-3 hours, Distance: 35 km, ↑ 330 meters

    From Gomobu you will follow “Panoramavegen” – like the name says with a panoramic view over the rolling and cultivated landscape of Golsmountains.  In between you have the chance to visit a summar farm and the famous café Langestølen.

    Accommodation: Kamben Høyfjellshotell

    Day 8: Departure

    Departure

    We will bring you to the bus at Fagernes (30 minutes drive)

    Bus from Fagernes to Oslo

    Practical information

    Below you will find practical information about this trip.
    Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email - we will help you!

     

    Transportation

    The journey includes all transport to / from Oslo, and between accommodations.

    Luggage transport

    We will send your luggage (1x luggage per person) from accommodation to accommodation, to make your daily experiences as light and easy as possible. 

    Meals

    Tour pension includes breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. If you want another drink for dinner or snacks / chocolate on the trip, this can be bought at the cabins. It is possible to fill the thermos with hot drinks (for a fee) and drinking bottles with water (free of charge) at all accommodation.

     

    Accomodation

     

    We choose our accommodations carefully with focus on cyclist specific services and delicious local food. 
    All accommodations offer a place to lock your bicycle, charge the battery and have some basic tools if you need to fix your bicycle.  

    Packing list

    You will need a light backpack for day trips, preferably between 20 and 30 liters. A waterproof "duffel bag" for the rest of the luggage is recommended. The luggage is moved from place to place and may be exposed to rain and other elements during transport.

    Wool socks, thin
    Wool underwear or track underwear
    Rain, and windproof jacket and trousers
    Shirt, or sweater of wool or fleece
    Rain, and windproof jacket and trousers
    Lue
    Buff / scarf
    Mittens / cycling gloves
    Cycling shorts / trousers
    Shorts
    T shirt
    Indoor footwear
    Extra underwear
    Extra indoor pants

    Toiletries
    Toilet paper and clogged paper bags
    Garbage bags
    Gnawing plasters

    Thermos and water bottles
    Seat pads
    Camera
    Mobile
    Charging bank
    Sunglasses
    Sunscreen

    For self-guided bike rides:
    Map and tour description
    Map app on mobile - eg Norway map
    Small first aid kit

    Bicycle:
    You are welcome to bring your own bike if you have one, or you can rent a bike from us.

    All the bikes we rent out are mountain bikes with front dampers that are well adapted to the gravel roads you will be riding on. You can choose between a regular bike or an electric bike. If you want to cycle Mjølkevegen Nord, it is only possible to rent an electric bicycle. Helmet and repair kit are included in the rent. When you have arrived at your last accommodation, we will take care of the bike for you.

    Do you have your own bike you want to bring?

    It is possible to bring your own bike, subject to free luggage space on the bus. Enter the desired when ordering.

    The roads along Mjølkevegen and Tour de Dovre mainly consist of gravel roads with some sections of path and asphalt. We recommend a so-called hardtail, ie a mountain bike with a front damper. We recommend tires with a little width and good studs. Electric bike is incredibly nice to ride Mjølkevegen with, then you get enough energy to enjoy the ride, and the nice surroundings around you. We also recommend having a mini tool set, patchwork for tires, and a mini bike pump. Then you have the opportunity to quickly move on if the injury should occur.

     

    Bicycle rental

    You are welcome to bring your own bike if you have, or you can rent a bike from us.

    Renting an electric bike (Giant Talon/Giant Raom) for the Grand Tour costs NOK 5 500
    Then you can rent a men's bike, a women's bike and/or a junior bike. Everyone costs the same. Junior fits height 145-165cm.

    It is also possible to rent a bike trailer for NOK 1 700.

    All the bikes we rent out are electric bikes with front suspention forks that are well suited to the gravel roads you will be riding on. A helmet and repair kit are included in the rent. When you have arrived at your last accommodation, we will take care of the bike for you. (It is not possible to use bikre trailer on thesse bikes).

    It is also possible to rent a mountain bike (Diamant Mogul) for NOK 4 400. On these bikes you can use bike trailer, it costs NOK 3 275)

    Do you have your own bike you want to bring? The roads along Mjølkevegen consist mainly of gravel roads with some sections of paths and asphalt. We recommend a so-called hardtail, its a mountain bike with front suspention fork. We recommend tyres with some width and good lugs. Electric bikes are incredibly nice to cycle Mjølkevegen with, then you get enough energy to enjoy the ride, and the nice surroundings around you. We also recommend bringing mini tool kits, patches for tires, and a mini bike pump. Then you have the opportunity to quickly move on if the accident should occur.

     

    Trails

    Mjølkevegen (the Milky Way) consist mainly of gravel roads. Partly you will cycle paved roads and as well single trails. You share the road with cars – but traffic is very limited. What you more often will meet are cows, goats and sheep along your way. 

    The route is well marked. However, you will get the original Mjølkevegen map from us and in addition gpx files for all routes for your own navigation.