Foto: Arnau Lumeras Lloret

The Heritage Gravel Ride

7 Days | Self-guided | Summer | Gravel Cycling | Mjølkevegen & Rallarvegen

Experience la crème de la crème of gravel cycling on Mjølkevegen and Rallarvegen! For this unique adventure we have combined both these epic rides while we take care of the luggage transportation. This one combines two beautiful cycling routes from the heart of Norway to the Norwegian fjords.

Highlights

  • Most beautiful cycling routes in Norway
  • Mjølkevegen & Rallarvegen
  • From the heart of Norway to the fjords
  • Luggage transportation

Included

  • Bus transport from/to Oslo
  • Luggage transport
  • 7 x Accommodation incl. breakfast & packed lunch
  • 6 x Dinner
  • Boatcruise with M/B Bitihorn
  • Transfer from Geilo to Haugastøl
  • Tour description, GPX tracks and all travel documents in our app

Excluded: Bike transport, when bringing own bike

Season and Price 2025

June – September

First arrival: 25 June 2025
Last arrival: 29 August 2025

Arrival days in September:

3-5 September and 10-12 September 2025

(Other arrivals possible on request, with a tailormade itinerary.)

Price:
Adult (double room):
NOK 20.900
Single room suppl.:
NOK 6.300

Description

Embark on Norway’s ultimate gravel bike adventure as you ride two of the country’s most scenic and legendary routes, the iconic Mjølkevegen and the historic Rallarvegen.

This week-long journey takes you deep in the heart of the Norwegian mountains, from lush valleys and alpine lakes to dramatic highlands and down to the majestic fjords. All this while we take care of transporting your luggage from hotel to hotel.

Your journey starts along Mjølkevegen, a gravel dream winding through the stunning landscapes of Valdres and Jotunheimen. Pass high mountains, summer farms, shimmering lakes and rolling plateaus with views that stretch for miles before continuing your adventure on the Rallarvegen – Norway’s most famous cycle route. Originally built for railway workers over 100 years ago, this gravel masterpiece offers an unforgettable ride along waterfalls, glaciers and high-mountain terrain.

This is a tour for experienced gravel cyclists who seek for challenge, reward and pure nature experience, whilst travelling lightweight and comfortably. From the mountains to the fjords, this is gravel biking at its best. 

Map

Day to Day

Day 1

Transport: Bus from Oslo to Lemonsjøen

Enjoy the trip from the big city towards Valdres and Jotunheimen. Our busses take you straight from the capital to the heart of Norway. On the way you pass mountains, valleys, rivers and beautiful farms. The busses are well equipped with power outlets for USB chargers and toilets.

Accommodation: Lemonsjø Fjellstue

Included meals: Dinner

Day 2

Cycling Lemonsjøen – Bygdin

Distance: 82 km, ↑ 1300 meters

On your first day, you cycle on a gravel road through the wooded valley of Murudalen and along mesmerizing rivers until you arrive above the treeline. Here you follow the beautiful “Jotunheimvegen offering you stunning views. You cycle along Vinstre lake while you can see the mountains of Jotunheimen National Park on the horizon.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 3

Transport: Boat cruise with M/B Bitihorn from Bygdin to Eidsbugarden 

Take your bike on the boat and enjoy a scenic trip on beautiful lake Bygdin, before continuing by bike.

Activity: Cycling EidsbugardenSyndinstøga 

Distance: 75 km, ↑ 1270 meters

Today is quite a tough day on the saddle but you get rewarded with spectacular views and five-star gravel roads. After reaching Eidsbugarden, you follow first a beautiful gravel road along Tyin lake before getting some kilometres with a mix of asphalt and gravel until Ryfoss. From here, you start climbing to Syndin plateau which might be the most challenging leg of the Mjølkevegen route. At the top of the hill, you have reached your destination of the day, Syndinstøga.

Accommodation: Syndinstøga

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner

Day 4

Activity: Cycling SyndinstøgaKamben via Vaset 

Distance: 48 kilometres, ↑ 695 meters
 

Enjoy the beautiful gravel roads of the Valdres region offering views over the mountains of Hemsedal and Jotunheimen. Here you cycle in a rural area with many summer farms where farm animals graze freely. It is more than likely that you will see animals grazing along the road. On the way, you’ll find several cosy places to have a break with a coffee and a waffle.

Accommodation: Kamben Høyfjellshotell 

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner 

 

Day 5

Activity: Cycling Kamben – Geilo

Distance: 78 kilometres, ↑ 1075 meters
 

Today, you start cycling down to Gol in the valley. The first part has some asphalt, but you will get back on gravel very soon. The rest of the journey takes you on a quiet gravel forest road along the river Hallingdalselve in the valley having the same name: Hallingdal. You pass the little town of Ål, before continuing to Geilo where you spend the night. Geilo is a well-known place for winter sports and here you can choose between several places to have dinner (not included). 

Accommodation: Highland Lodge, Geilo

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch

 

Day 6

Transport: Transfer from Geilo to Haugastøl 

Today, the journey starts with a transfer for your luggage, your bikes and you, as this stretch has no cycling road alternative. The only road available is the main road which usually has some traffic during summer, so we recommend doing it this way for your own comfort.  

Activity: Cycling HaugastølVatnahalsen

Distance: 62 kilometres, ↑ 790 meters
 

After delivering your luggage in Haugastøl, you continue your journey on your bike. Now, the famous cycling route along the Rallarvegen awaits you. This gravel road was originally used by workers who built the Bergen Railway back in the early 1900. It opened for cyclists in 1974 and quickly became a popular cycling route. Amazing views over the mountains, lakes and the Hardangervidda accompanies your journey today until you reach Vatnahalsen, your destination for the day.

Accommodation: Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch | Dinner 

 

Day 7

Activity: Cycling Vatnahalsen – Flåm

Distance: 19 kilometres, ↑ 60 meters
 

This is the last stretch on the bike and this one takes you down to Flåm, by the fjord. This stage is easy when it comes to distance, but you lose a lot of elevation in a short time and some parts are a bit steep. Take it easy down and enjoy the view. You pass impressive waterfalls and follow the river down to the valley before arriving in the little village of Flåm, nestled in a bay by the Sognefjord, also called the king of the fjords.

Transport: Bus from Flåm to Oslo

Included meals: Breakfast | Packed Lunch

 

Good to Know

Below you will find practical information about Mjølkevegen, Rallarvegen and gravel biking holiday in Norway.
Can not find what you are looking for? See our frequently asked questions page, or send us an email – we will help you!

 

Add-On

Gravel bike rental – 8 days: NOK 3.900

Olympia Handy 20S (or similar)

When you rent a bike from us, you can pick it up at your first accomodation and take it with you on the bus from Flåm. We will pick it up and take care of it from the bus station in Fagernes. The price includes a helmet, a lock and a rep kit. Pedals are flat, but you can bring your own if you wish. Please let us know in advance if you do so. 

Own bike transport on the bus from/to Oslo

If you wish to take your own bike, this is possible with a supplement and the space needs to be booked in advance. Price per bike: NOK 900

Extra night in Oslo or Flåm

Take some time to enjoy the capital of Norway or the fjords by adding nights, before or after your bike trip. Prices on request.

Important Details

To fully enjoy your gravel adventure in the area, it’s important to dress appropriately according to the weather. The temperatures can vary a lot during the day, especially when you cycle from the mountains to the valleys or fjord. We recommend having waterproof and warm layers with you that you can add and remove easily in addition to gravel cycling shoes, suncream and cycling glasses.

Luggage Transport

We will send your luggage from hotel to hotel, so you only need to fill the pockets of your jersey.

Accommodations

Lemonsjø Fjellstue:
This one offers a quiet and serene atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The air is crip and clean, with the sounds of birds and wildlife providing a peaceful soundtrack. The cozy cabins and warm hospitality of the staff will make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

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

Syndinstøga:
Syndinstøga is a charming mountain lodge nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Syndin, offering wide views of open landscapes and easy access to Mjølkevegen. The area has a long history tied to traditional farm life, and this heritage is still felt in the atmosphere of the lodge today. The lodge features both a café and a restaurant, where guests can enjoy meals made with local and sustainable ingredients. The host works closely with nearby producers and even grows some vegetables himself.

Kamben Høyfjellshotell:  
Located on Golsfjellet, Kamben is a charming mountain hotel with a long tradition of hospitality and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The welcoming hosts make sure guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. The hotel is known for its excellent cuisine, offering delicious five-course dinners made from locally sourced ingredients that reflect the tastes of the region. It’s a place where Norwegian mountain traditions are kept alive—while still offering modern touches for today’s traveler.

Highland Lodge, Geilo:  
This is a modern hotel and apartment complex centrally located in Geilo. It offers stylish accommodations and is well equipped with an indoor pool, sauna and gym. Guests can enjoy fresh pastries from the on-site bakery or a pizza from the in-house pizza restaurant. The lodge is as well within a walking distance of the village centre, where several shops and restaurants are to find.

Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell:
Only accessible by train via the Flåm Railway, Vatnahalsen is a mountain lodge with a rich history perched at 820 meters above the sea level close to Myrdal. During summer, you can reach the hotel by foot or bike from Myrdal or Flåm, while during winter you have no other choice than taking the train. Surrounded by mountains, the hotel offers cozy rooms and good meals to fill again after an active day outdoors.

Meals

All restaurants offer food based on local ingredients. For breakfast there will be a buffet. Here you also need to make yourself a packed lunch that you bring to lunch for the day. Dinner will be served in the afternoon/evening.

Route

Gravel

You will be given a tour description and GPX coordinates in an app that you can use on your mobile. Most of the route follows well-maintained gravel roads without any particular technical difficulties. There are also some brief sections on asphalt.

Difficulty

Medium

Distance per day: up to 100 kilometres
Ascent per day: up to approximately 1500 meters
Terrain: gravel roads or asphalt 

Trips are mainly on good gravel or asphalt roads, but there might be short sections where you must cycle a bit in rough terrain. Stages can reach up to 100 km and have some challenging climbs. Suitable for experienced riders with good endurance, but who do not want to rush between each destination.

Recommended age

Recommended for adults or from 16 years, depending on skills and training.

Equipment list

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

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 power outlets with USB chargers and toilets. 

 

Arrival / Departure

When travelling with us, the bus ride from and to Oslo is included in your journey. The buses start at Oslo bus terminal in the city center, next to Oslo Central Train station. The bus ride to the Jotunheimen and Valdres area takes approximately 4 to 5 hours depending on where your trip starts/ends.

Departure times from Oslo Bus Terminal vary depending on the season and the days. In general, you can choose from the following departures:

08.30 am*

10.20 am *

12.20 pm *

15.00 pm *

*Note: Depending on the season, your day of arrival and your final destination, there might be more or less departures, also there might be departures straight from Oslo Gardermoen airport to Jotunheimen and Valdres. This can apply also to the journey back to Oslo. Please share your travel plans with us and we will find the best possible bus departures according to your trip.

Sustainability - CO2 Emissions

Sustainability is at the core of what we do, ensuring that our adventures leave as little impact on nature as possible. By reducing emissions and making conscious choices, we strive to protect the environment for future generations. To provide transparency, we include this emissions breakdown on every product page, giving you insight into the carbon footprint of your trip. The number of CO2 in kg you can see in the graph, we add and offset every month for each activity that was undergone. Read more here on how we do this.

Graphic depiction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - The Heritage Gravel Ride
Graphic depiction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions - The Heritage Gravel Ride

Mjølkevegen – Norway’s Most Beautiful Gravel Bike Cycling Tour

 

Gravel cycling on Mjølkevegen gives you an unparalleled sense of freedom with open spaces and great views, perfect to turn off the tunes of a busy everyday life. Amidst the raw and untouched nature, pedal through stunning landscapes along spectacular gravel roads. The unassuming beauty of these rugged surroundings in the mountainous Jotunheimen, and the open and tranquil Valdres, inspire awe and adventure and let your mind roll around following the views.

Join us on an extraordinary cycling holiday meticulously crafted for gravel bike enthusiasts! Bring your gravel bike and discover Norway in the coolest way.

The journey along Mjølkevegen offers the ideal terrain for gravel bikes – rugged gravel roads and minimal traffic, set against the backdrop of the stunning Mjølkevegen landscape.

Rallarvegen – Gravel Cycling on Norway’s Epic Historic Route from Hardangervidda to Flåm

 

Gravel cycling on Rallarvegen in Norway offers an extraordinary adventure into the heart of Norway’s stunning natural scenery. Morever, it gives you a great insight into the exciting history of the region.

The name of The Heritage Gravel Ride has its good reason:
Originally built between 1895 and 1902 to transport materials and workers during the construction of the Bergen Railway, Rallarvegen now stands as a testament to Norwegian engineering and perseverance. Perfect for gravel bike enthusiasts, this route combines physical challenge with a fascinating glimpse into the country’s railway history.

Cyclists pedaling along Rallarvegen follow the same paths once traversed by railway builders known as “rallare.” These rugged gravel roads trace the railway’s course from the alpine plateau of Hardangervidda down to the picturesque village of Flåm. Along the route, you’ll encounter historic artifacts, railway workers’ barracks, and old station buildings, each telling their own unique story from a remarkable period in Norwegian infrastructure development.

Join us for a fully organized cycling holiday on Rallarvegen, crafted specifically for those passionate about gravel biking. With minimal traffic, varied terrain, and rich historical context around every bend, Rallarvegen promises a memorable journey filled with discovery and adventure.

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