When we first decided to cycle the Rallarvegen, we knew we were in for some stunning landscapes, but nothing could have prepared us for the sheer beauty of this iconic Norwegian gravel route.
Starting from Haugastøl, we only made it to Finse on our first day (thanks to a very late start). The scenery was incredible right from the start. And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we hit Finse and were absolutely blown away by the glacier views.
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Lysebotn, a small village nestled at the end of the Lysefjord in Norway, is a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts. The area offers a unique combination of climbs, breathtaking fjord views, and remote gravel paths. Whether you’re drawn by the challenging climb or gravel cycling in Lysebotn on lesser-known backroads, Lysebotn provides an unforgettable outdoor experience. This guide will take you through the must-do rides and practical tips for planning your trip.
Lysebotn is perhaps best known for its iconic climb, a must-ride for any serious cyclist. The road winds up from the fjord in a series of 27 hairpin turns, rising to an elevation of 932 meters over 8.9 kilometers. This climb is a true test of endurance and skill, with an average gradient of 10%. The Lysebotn climb is famous in the cycling world, revered for its challenging switchbacks. Those who reach the top are rewarded with the stunning views of Lysefjord from the Kjerag Cafe & Restaurant Øygardstøl.
But while the climb is the star attraction, real adventurers go gravel cycling in Lysebotn just north of the fjord. Accessible via a service road used by a hydroelectric company, this route offers rough asphalt and an entertaining section of gravel/singletrack, with virtually no traffic. The ride begins with a climb, but the effort is well worth it as you pedal through one of Norway’s most serene landscapes.
A highlight of this route is the tunnel leading to Strandavatnet Lake. It’s unlit, so be sure to bring lights and a wind jacket—the temperature inside the tunnel drops significantly. Once you reach Strandavatnet, the road continues towards Breidavatnet, offering more stunning views. Although the road ends here, the journey back is equally beautiful, with new perspectives on the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Expect a bit of adventure as the road quality deteriorates on the return along Strandavatnet. A section of the route turns into a true “hike-a-bike” experience, where you’ll likely have some friendly sheep guiding your way. The effort is rewarded with a thrilling descent on a smooth, traffic-calm road back to Lysebotn.
The Lysebotn climb is just a small part of the much longer and equally spectacular Lysevegen road. This popular tourist route stretches from Lysebotn to Sirdal, offering an epic 30-kilometer journey through some of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes. Built in the 1980s as a service road for the Tjodan hydroelectric plant, Lysevegen was once the only link between Lysebotn and the outside world, apart from the fjord.
Due to snow conditions, Lysevegen is usually accessible between May and October/November, making it a seasonal treasure. The narrow, single-lane road is shared with cars, campers, and motorcyclists, so stay alert. The views along Lysevegen are nothing short of breathtaking, but they can become distracting for fellow motorised road companions.
With such an abundance of natural beauty, it would be a crime not to explore the famous hikes around Lysefjorden. The area is a paradise for hikers, offering trails that range from gentle walks to challenging treks. Popular hikes include the trail to Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged between two cliffs, and the hike to the Kjerag viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lysefjord. Another must-see on the other side of the fjord, is the iconic natural landmark Preikestolen: a unique flat-topped cliff formation at 604 meters above sea level.
For the best experience, take the ferry from Lauvvik to Lysebotn. The ferry ride itself is a scenic journey through the fjord, offering a preview of the stunning landscapes you’ll explore on your bike. Be sure to check the timetable, as the ferry runs daily but doesn’t always take cars. The car ferry runs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
We opted for a rental car from Stavanger Airport, driving to Lysebotn with our bikes packed in the back. Once in Lysebotn, you’ll find a small village with more tourist beds than residents. We stayed at the Lysefjorden Tourist Cabin—simple yet comfortable. Besides tourist cabins and B&Bs, there’s ample space for tents and campers.
Plan to spend 3-4 days or a long weekend in Lysebotn to fully enjoy the cycling, canoeing, hiking, perhaps even base jumping and of course the tranquility of the fjord.
We didn’t need to choose between road or gravel cycling in Lysebotn, as we brought our Fara F/All-Roads. This bike seamlessly blends the speed of a road bike with the toughness needed for gravel adventures. Its lightweight carbon frame, wider tire clearance, and stable geometry make it a reliable choice for cycling in Norway.
Lysebotn is a paradise for classic road cyclists, gravel enthusiasts and outdoor explorers alike. Whether you’re tackling the legendary Lysebotn climb, exploring the quiet roads, or hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, this spectacular part of Norway offers an adventure like no other. Pack your bike, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the beauty of Norway.
Oslo, with its close access to the gravel cycling paradise of Nord Marka and its vibrant cafe and culinary scene, has quickly become our favourite bikepacking weekend destination. While traveling with bikes can be challenging, choosing the right mode of transport can turn even this into a pleasurable part of the journey. Therefore, we chose to travel to Oslo by ferry from Copenhagen for the perfect bikepacking weekend getaway.
Our latest journey to Oslo started with a ferry ride from Copenhagen. After a short 5-minute bike ride from the Pas Normal Studios HQ, where Robin works, we boarded the ferry. The process was simple: roll up to the car entrance, receive a lane number, and once onboard secure the bikes with provided bungees. The ferry offered stunning views of Copenhagen and Malmö, and the 19-hour journey felt like a comfortable ride.
Traveling by ferry offers ease, especially for cyclists. Additionally, the opportunity to enjoy the scenic journey is a definite pro. However, it’s worth noting that ferry travel is slower compared to other modes of transport. Last-minute tickets can get expensive, so early booking for cost-effectiveness may be required.
For those seeking speed, flying to Oslo is the way to go. With good train connections from the airport to the city center, it’s an easy option for those traveling from mainland Europe and beyond. But packing bikes in cardboard boxes or bike bags can be cumbersome and may incur additional costs.
Norwegian has affordable ticket options and you can bring a bicycle for a reasonable price. However, e-bikes are not allowed.
While budget-friendly, traveling by bus comes with its own set of challenges. Not all bus companies allow bikes, and those that do (FlixBus for example) may have limited space. Furthermore, if you are very careful with your bike, keep in mind that the driver might not be as gentle when mounting and dismounting your beloved bicycle on the back of the bus. Yes, we’re speaking from personal experience.
It was the month of May, and we couldn’t believe that we could still encounter snow on some trails, even with temperatures of +20 degrees Celsius and wearing short-shorts. A stop at Ullevålseter for coffee and waffles provided a delightful break. After plodding some more through the snow, we made it back to the Fara Cycling clubhouse. It’s cool to see that Fara HQ isn’t solely a place to see their latest models; it is also a starting point for group rides and meeting fellow cycling enthusiasts.
Just like on our previous trip to Oslo, we followed the classic gravel route – called Ring 4 – with a scenic coffee stop at Kikutstua. Instead of returning to Oslo, we opted for a memorable stay at Kleivstua, indulging in locally sourced cuisine and capturing breathtaking sunset views over Steinsfjorden.
Kleivstua Hotel is a forest hotel situated on a hill with a magnificent location. From the hotel, you can overlook a lush forest landscape and the sparkling Steinsfjorden far below. It was an amazing ride getting there on a long, quiet gravel road through Krokskogen. It might be one of the prettiest gravel roads we’ve seen!
The benefit of staying up on a hill is that the way back is downhill! With the last views over Tyrifjorden behind us, we flew over rolling gravel roads with gentle turns. As we passed Lommedalen and approached the outskirts of Oslo, it was just an easy spin left alongside Bunnefjorden.
After a quick coffee at one of our personal favorites, Fuglen, before we returned to the ferry terminal for the homeward-bound trip. Our latest Oslo adventure had nearly come to an end. However, we had another 19-hour ferry ride ahead giving us plenty of time to relax and have a good night’s sleep dream-filled with gravel crunching under tires.
Our journey was made possible by our collaboration with Fara Cycling, maker of the F/All-Road. This fast bike is designed for both smooth pavement and gravel trails and has a clever integrated system for bikepacking bags. The bags snap on and off easily in seconds when not in use. Fara’s philosophy of crafting bikes specifically for long-distance bikepacking trips on diverse terrains resonates perfectly with how we explore. Fara/wayistan: a perfect match!
With more Norway trips on the horizon, we would love to hear about your favorite Norwegian cycling destinations in the comments.
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.
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.
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.
