Oslo gravel cycling – Exploring Scandinavia’s gravel capital + routes

While names like Girona, Tuscany, and Mallorca often dominate the world of gravel cycling, a hidden gem calls on to those seeking a different kind of adventure. Say hello to Scandinavia’s best-kept secret: Oslo, the gravel capital of Europe.

Nestled amid awe-inspiring natural beauty, Norway’s capital, Oslo, reveals a cycling paradise like no other; a network of endless gravel roads, a thriving cycling community, and a vibrant coffee and food scene. Join us on this unforgettable gravel cycling getaway.

Oslo – Europe’s gravel capital

While Norwegian tarmac also deserves its praise, we’re gravel enthusiasts at heart. Jørgen, a local gravel expert from Fara Cycling, dares to go as far to proclaim Oslo as Europe’s gravel capital. What set Oslo apart for us, is the vast forest known as “Marka,” covering thousands of square kilometers. In winter, it offers over 450 km of ski trails, but during summer, it’s a gravel paradise.

We escaped the city’s hustle and bustle just a few kilometers from downtown. To be exact, our Airbnb in Oslo’s Majorstuen was only 4.2 kilometers from the first gravel section, making the city an unique urban cycling experience.

Fara Cycling All-road bike, our gravel adventure companion

For fellow cycling enthusiasts exploring Oslo, a visit to Fara Cycling HQ is a must. This local bike brand, situated in the city’s heart, is more than an office and showroom; it’s a hub of cycling passion. We learned about Fara’s impressive range of bikes, including road, all-road, and gravel bikes. We opted for the F/All-Road, which turned out to be the perfect choice for our gravel rides.

Oslo’s finest coffee brews for cyclists

Just down the street from Fara Cycling we enjoyed an amazing brew at Fuglen. Scandinavians have a deep love for coffee, with Norwegians ranking second globally in coffee consumption. So coffee bars line nearly every street corner. Fuglen is an Oslo classic, serving coffee since 1963. The wallpaper and bar are still the original from the 60’s! 

During our Oslo trip, we also visited Tim Wendelboe, another haven for coffee connoisseurs. The place is runned by former World Barista Champion and houses a Micro roastery and coffee training centre too. The perfect spots for our coffee fixes, which fueled our gravel rides.

Traditional Norwegian “Tur Fuel” at Markastues on Your Gravel Ride

During our gravel rides we took part in another beloved Norwegian tradition: Kaffe og vafler på markastue. Dotted over Marka you can find mountain huts that offer coffee, delicious waffles and other treats to fuel the tur (tour). We loved the incredible views at Kikutstua and Skjennungstua.

Fueling Up and Dining in Style – Culinary Delights for Cyclists in Oslo

Cycling makes one hungry, so we were most pleased with Oslo’s cycling-themed culinary delights. Henrik Norre, former Team Sky chef, has created a cyclist’s haven in Oslo with his restaurant VeloChef. They cater to cyclists’ nutritional needs while offering gourmet dining and fabulous wines. It’s a must-visit spot for cyclists seeking both delicious cuisine and fuel for their rides.

Another highlight was Café Rouleur Oslo, neighbor of Candy Mountain Cyclery. Café Rouleur serves Scandinavian-style coffee and a wide wine selection, while Candy Mountain Cyclery, is a workshop where in-house steel bikes are crafted.

Izakaya: culinary highlight in the heart of Oslo

There is more in life than cycling. So our last culinary tip for Oslo is not cycling-themed but Japanese. Located in a cozy basement at St. Olav’s Square, we shared small Japanese dishes and enjoyed Japanese beers. The menu is inspired by authentic Japanese cuisine and it truly blew us away. Izakaya got its name from Japanese words that mean “stay,” “alcohol,” and “room” or “shop,” which perfectly captures what this great place is all about.

The best time to visit Oslo for cycling

“But isn’t Norway like, really cold?” we hear you thinking. The best time to visit Oslo for cycling is from May to August. We visited the last week of August, and although the weather was a bit gloomy due to more rainfall than usual, it was never uncomfortably cold. Actually, all the rain made nature look even more beautiful. The forests were greener, the waterfalls roared with an impressive intensity. Yes, the rain did wash out some of the roads, but the stunning scenery in Marka more than made up for it.

Nordmarka Gravel Routes from Oslo – Unforgettable Cycling Adventures

We handpicked some of the best gravel routes of Nordmarka, Oslo, in our komoot collection. These routes lead you through stunning scenery, offering an unforgettable journey through Oslo’s stunning natural landscapes. Because after this trip we have to agree with Jørgen, Oslo truly is a gravel capital you should add to your travel list!

Follow all our adventures on Instagram.