---
title: "3 days cycling in Valdres — complete day-by-day plan"
description: "Ready-made day plan for a 3-day cycling trip in Valdres. Routes, accommodation, food and practical tips for an unforgettable cycling weekend."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [itinerary, multi-day, planning, gravel, road, accommodation]
date: "2026-03-10"
area: valdres
relatedRoutes: [mjolkevegen, panoramavegen, beitostolen-gravel-loop, golsfjellet-gravel, valdresbanen-sykkelvei]
relatedPlaces: [beitostolen, fagernes, vaset, golsfjellet]
---
Three days is enough to experience the best of Valdres by bike. This day plan takes you from paved valley roads to mountain gravel tracks — with good food and comfortable accommodation each evening. The plan works for road bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes.
<AnswerBox question="What is the best 3-day cycling trip in Valdres?" answer="A classic 3-day tour starts in Fagernes, rides the Valdresbanen Sykkelvei on day 1 (30 km, flat), takes Panoramavegen and Vaset on day 2 (45 km, moderate), and finishes with the Golsfjellet Gravel Loop on day 3 (35 km). Total: approx. 110 km with varied terrain, overnight stays at hotels or camping along the way." />
---
## Day 1: Fagernes → Beitostølen (30–40 km)
**Route:** Valdresbanen Sykkelvei + RV51 to Beitostølen
**Terrain:** Asphalt and gravel, flat to gentle climb
**Time:** 3–5 hours (incl. breaks)
Start the day in Fagernes town centre. Fill your water bottles and grab a packed lunch from Meny or Rema 1000 — this is the last large supermarket on the route.
### Route options
**Option A — Valdresbanen (recommended for families)**
Follow the old railway line north from Fagernes. The route is flat, partly paved, and completely car-free. A perfect warm-up for the days ahead.
**Option B — RV51 (faster, more direct)**
The main road is well maintained with a wide shoulder. More efficient, but more traffic — best for experienced cyclists.
### Lunch
Stop at Leira for coffee and svele at one of the local cafés. Alternatively: pack a lunch and eat by Slidrefjorden — one of Valdres' most beautiful lakes.
### Accommodation in Beitostølen
- **Beitostølen Resort** — Full-service hotel with spa, pool and restaurant. Bike service available.
- **Beitostølen Hytter og Camping** — The budget option. Cabins from NOK 800/night, tent pitches from NOK 250.
- **Bergo Hotel** — A quiet alternative with a good dinner menu.
**Tip:** Check the Trail Arena map at Beitostølen for a short evening session on the MTB trails — free to use.
---
## Day 2: Beitostølen → Vaset via Panoramavegen (40–50 km)
**Route:** Panoramavegen (Fv255) + road to Vaset
**Terrain:** Asphalt with gravel sections, moderate climb (600–800 hm)
**Time:** 4–6 hours
This is the highlight of the trip. Panoramavegen offers some of Norway's finest views from the saddle.
### Morning routine
Breakfast at the hotel, fill both water bottles (no shops for the next 30 km), and pack an extra layer — it can be cold above 1000 moh.
### Route step by step
1. **Beitostølen → Bygdin (20 km)** — Steady climb through birch forest. The road is well signposted and lightly trafficked. Views towards Jotunheimen gradually open up.
2. **Bygdin → Panoramavegen plateau (10 km)** — This is where the real climbing begins. Take it easy and enjoy the views. Stop at Bygdin for a photo over the lake.
3. **Panoramavegen → Vaset (15–20 km)** — Descent and gentle gravel road. Easy terrain after the day's climbing.
### Lunch
Nøsen Fjellstue along the route serves hot lunch. Alternatively: pack cheese sandwiches and find a rock with a view.
### Accommodation at Vaset
- **Vasetdansen Camping og Hyttesenter** — Cabins and campsite by Vasetvatnet. Stunning evening views.
- **Nøsen Fjellhotell** — Boutique mountain lodge with sauna and local food.
- **DNT cabin** — For those who want it simple. Self-service.
**Tip:** Evening light at Vasetvatnet is magical — bring a camera.
---
## Day 3: Vaset → Golsfjellet → Fagernes (35–45 km)
**Route:** Golsfjellet Gravel Loop (partial) + return to Fagernes
**Terrain:** Gravel and asphalt, moderate
**Time:** 3–5 hours
The final day takes you across Golsfjellet's gravel roads — wide, well-maintained farm tracks with views towards the Hemsedal mountains.
### The Golsfjellet loop
Follow the gravel road south from Vaset towards Golsfjellet. The terrain is open mountain plateau — summer farm landscape, alpine meadows and long vistas. The route is well marked and suitable for gravel and hybrid bikes.
### Food stops
- **Storefjell Resort** — Café with waffles and coffee. A good stop halfway.
- **Seter shops** — Several mountain farms sell brunost, sour cream and flatbread in summer (June–August).
### Return to Fagernes
From Golsfjellet you follow the road down towards Aurdal and on to Fagernes. The final 15 km is paved valley road — an easy finish.
Arrive in Fagernes in time for dinner at Scandic Valdres or pizza at the town centre.
---
## Practical info
### Packing list for 3 days
- Cycling shorts (2 pairs — wash one in the evening)
- Windproof jacket and rain cover
- Warm fleece or wool mid-layer (nights above 1000 moh. are cool)
- Helmet, gloves, sunglasses
- Inner tube, puncture repair kit, multi-tool
- Water bottles (2 × 0.75 l)
- Charger for phone and e-bike if applicable
- Map or Komoot app with routes downloaded offline
### Getting there
- **Train + bus:** Take the train to Hønefoss, bus to Fagernes (approx. 4 hours from Oslo)
- **Car:** Fagernes has free parking in the town centre. Approx. 3.5 hours from Oslo.
- **Bike as luggage:** Valdresekspressen takes bikes — book a space in advance.
### Season
This route works best **mid-June to mid-September**. The mountain passes usually open in June, but check yr.no for snow conditions. July and August are the safest choice.
### E-bike tips
With a 500 Wh battery you will comfortably cover all three days — day 2 (Panoramavegen) is the most demanding. Use Eco mode on the flat sections and charge fully each evening. Most accommodation options have power outlets available.
---
## Alternatives and adjustments
**Shorter variant (2 days):** Skip day 3 and take the bus back from Vaset to Fagernes.
**More demanding:** Replace day 1 with the Valdresflya loop (1389 moh.) and day 3 with the Stolsvidda Gravel Loop. Total elevation gain: 2500+ hm.
**Family variant:** Stick to Valdresbanen Sykkelvei on day 1, Vaset Family Loop on day 2, and Aurdal Family Loop on day 3. Flat and safe all the way.