Cycling Packages in Valdres — let someone else do the planning

Want to cycle Mjølkevegen without spending half your holiday on logistics? A cycling package gives you accommodation, luggage transfer and often meals in a single booking. All you need to do is pedal — and enjoy the view.

What is a cycling package?

A cycling package is a ready-made arrangement where the operator has taken care of the practicalities: accommodation along the route, luggage transport between overnight stops, and usually breakfast and dinner. Some packages also include bike rental and guiding.

This means you cycle with a light day pack while your suitcase turns up at the next mountain lodge. Brilliant for families, couples who want to avoid arguments about route choices, and anyone who wants a holiday without the planning stress. Planning independently? See our complete stage plan for Mjølkevegen instead.

Who offers cycling packages in Valdres?

The biggest operator is Jotunheimen Travel, offering five different packages along Mjølkevegen — from a long weekend to an 8-day grand tour. All include accommodation at mountain lodges and farms along the route, luggage transfer and breakfast/dinner. Need a bike? See bike rental in Valdres.

The five packages compared

Grand Tour — the full Mjølkevegen (8 days)

The ultimate package. You cycle the entire Mjølkevegen from north to south (or vice versa) over 8 days. Includes accommodation at historic mountain lodges, luggage transfer and all meals. Suited to those with a full week who want to experience everything — from the foothills of Jotunheimen to the highland pasture landscape around Gol.

Suited to: Experienced touring cyclists and ambitious families. A moderate fitness level is required.

North Route — wilderness and mountain lodges (6 days)

Covers the northern half of Mjølkevegen, starting in the Vågå area. More dramatic scenery with closer mountains and wilder nature. 180 km over 6 days gives a comfortable pace with time to stop along the way. The route passes through Beitostølen — well suited for resupply and a rest day.

Suited to: Those who love mountain nature and have nearly a week.

South Route — highland pasture romance (5 days)

The southern section of Mjølkevegen is dominated by open pasture areas, farm tracks and views towards Jotunheimen. Easier terrain than the north route, perfect for families and those who want a relaxed pace.

Suited to: Families, couples and beginners on longer tours.

Weekend South — a taste over 3 days

Only have a long weekend? This package gives you the best highlights of Mjølkevegen south, starting from Gol. Accommodation, luggage transfer and meals included — you just need Friday to Sunday.

Suited to: Anyone who wants to try Mjølkevegen without using up the whole holiday.

Gravel Express — for the active (3 days)

Same long-weekend format, but tailored to gravel cyclists who want a bit more speed and challenge. Gravel roads, faster pace and a focus on the active experience.

Suited to: Gravel cyclists and fit recreational riders.

What does a cycling package cost?

Prices vary by season, package length and room type. Based on 2025 prices:

3-day weekend package (South/Weekend): approx. 7,800–9,500 NOK per person (double room), including 2 nights, all meals and luggage transfer
5-day South Route: approx. 12,000–15,000 NOK per person
6-day North Route: approx. 15,000–18,000 NOK per person
8-day Grand Tour: approx. 18,000–23,000 NOK per person

Single room supplement is typically 1,200–1,500 NOK extra. Bike rental (gravel or e-bike) costs 1,500–1,900 NOK for the full trip. Prices above include VAT and change from year to year — check updated prices directly with the operator.

What is included — and what is not?

Typically included in a cycling package:

Accommodation at mountain lodges, farms or hotels
Breakfast and dinner
Luggage transfer between overnight stops
Route description and map

Typically not included:

Bike rental (can be added as an extra)
Lunch en route (bring a packed lunch or stop at a farm café)
Transport to/from start and end point (see transport to Valdres)
Personal travel insurance

Tips: Getting the most out of your cycling package

Book early. Mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen have limited capacity, and July fills up fast. See the season guide for opening dates.
Check whether bike rental is available. If you don't have to transport your own bike, you save a lot of hassle.
Pack light. Your luggage is transported, but remember you carry your day pack yourself. Bring rain gear, sun cream, a packed lunch and tools.
Get fit first. Even moderate stages of 30–40 km on gravel with climbing require a base level of fitness.
Consider an e-bike. Several operators offer e-bikes as an add-on — removes the worry about climbs.

Tour de Dovre — the alternative outside Valdres

Jotunheimen Travel also offers Tour de Dovre — a 130 km loop along the national parks on Dovre. Self-guided with full board, the same concept as the Mjølkevegen packages. Relevant if you have already cycled Mjølkevegen and want something new, or if you want to combine both on a longer holiday.

Tour de Dovre is slightly easier terrain-wise than the Grand Tour, and suits e-bikes well.

DIY vs package — which makes sense?

Not everyone needs a package. Here is an honest comparison:

Choose a package if:

You want a holiday, not planning work
You are a group that wants to skip the logistics
You are cycling Mjølkevegen for the first time and want peace of mind
The family trip needs to run smoothly

Plan it yourself if:

You have a flexible schedule and want to improvise
You like travelling light (bikepacking style)
Budget is tight — see cycling in Valdres on a budget
You know the route already and want to set your own pace

For independent planning: our complete stage plan covers everything you need, and the hut-to-hut guide shows how to book mountain lodges directly.

Book at the right time

Mjølkevegen packages sell out — especially the Grand Tour in July. Based on experience:

January–March: Best availability. Choose date and room type freely.
April–May: Popular weeks in July start filling up.
June: Last chance for July bookings. August and September still have availability.

Check the season guide for opening dates and the spring guide for what is available early in the season.

Fitness level — what do the different packages require?

Many people book a cycling package without knowing what their body is actually in for. Here's an honest assessment based on average stage length, elevation and terrain.

Preparation tips for package buyers:

Start training 6–8 weeks before departure. Ride at least twice a week, gradually longer
Do one 40+ km ride with a daypack at least two weeks before — this reveals saddle issues
Gravel is harder than asphalt. Expect 20–30% lower average speed than on road
Saddle comfort matters more than fitness for most people. Good cycling shorts and a proper saddle do more than interval training

Rain and bad weather — what happens to the package tour?

Mjølkevegen sits at 700–1,100 m elevation in open mountain terrain. Rain, wind and temperature drops are normal — not the exception. Here's what you need to know before booking.

Practical rain rules for Mjølkevegen:

Pack rain gear at the top of your daypack — always accessible, never in the transported luggage
Wool next to skin, windproof outer layer. Cotton is banned above 900 m
Wet gravel roads are sluggish to ride — allow 30–60 extra minutes per stage in rain
Mountain lodges have drying rooms — ask at check-in. Wet clothes dry overnight

Booking a cycling package

Jotunheimen Travel is the largest operator for Mjølkevegen packages. Book directly at jotunheimentravel.com. You can also contact Visit Valdres for advice and an overview.

Prefer to plan it yourself? See our stage plan for Mjølkevegen and guide to accommodation for cyclists. All 322 cycling routes in Valdres are available with maps and data.

Cycling Packages in Valdres — pre-planned bike tours along Mjølkevegen