Family guide to cycling in Valdres — routes for all ages
Cycling routes in Valdres suitable for families with children — from toddlers to teenagers. E-bike tips, safety, accommodation and everything you need to know.
What is the best cycling route for a family with children in Valdres?
Valdresbanen Sykkelvei is perfect for families: 12 km, flat, traffic-free railway trail. For older children (10+), Slettefjellrunden (45 km, easy) or routes from Beitostølen are ideal. With e-bikes, children can manage much more challenging terrain.
Valdres is one of Norway's best destinations for a family cycling holiday. Quiet roads, varied terrain and family-friendly infrastructure make it possible for everyone — from five-year-olds to grandparents — to find their perfect route.
Routes by age group
Ages 3–6 (toddlers)
These children need short rides on flat, safe paths:
Valdresbanen Sykkelvei (12 km total, flat)
- Recommendation: Ride only shorter sections (3–5 km)
- Child seat or trailer: Yes, required
- Best section: Fagernes → the Otta section
- Traffic-free railway trail, no cars
- Rest spots and toilets along the way
Tip: Start early in the day, take it easy, plan several rest stops. Bring food and water.
Ages 6–10 (primary school)
Children this age can pedal themselves, but still need short rides without big climbs:
Valdresbanen Sykkelvei full stretch (12 km)
- Perfect for those who now ride independently
- Flat and safe — no traffic
- Suits a full day out
Slettefjellrunden (45 km, easy · 500 hm)
- For children used to cycling
- Beautiful uplands and a relaxed pace
- Split it over two days with an overnight stay in Vaset
Mjølkevegen shorter sections (10–20 km segments)
- Gravel, but accessible and safe
- Mountain farm dairies along the route sell food
- Children enjoy the gravel — it feels like an adventure
Ages 10–14 (secondary school)
Now children are ready for real rides — significant climbing is fine if it's spread out:
Fagernes to Beitostølen (47 km · 680 hm)
- Classic day trip that teenagers handle comfortably
- Varied terrain, great views
- E-bike makes it easy, regular bike possible for experienced riders
Mjølkevegen stage 1 (60–70 km, day)
- Gravel, beautiful terrain
- Visit the mountain farm dairies, meet people along the way
- Overnight at a mountain lodge — the experience itself
Stølsviddarunden (38 km · 420 hm)
- Perfect for finding your own pace
- Children love exploring the mountain farm valleys
- One-day trip, or split over two days
Ages 14+ (teens)
Now they can ride almost everything adults can:
Over Valdresflya (72 km · 1250 hm)
- Epic ride for those ready for the challenge
- Without e-bike: experienced riders only
- With e-bike: within reach for most
Mjølkevegen multi-day trip (250 km)
- Perfect first bikepacking adventure
- 3–5 days in stages
- Children this age are often more enthusiastic than adults!
E-bikes for children — a game changer
With e-bikes, Valdres changes completely for children. Routes that were previously "too difficult" suddenly become fun. A ride to Beitostølen that takes 6 hours on a regular bike takes 4 hours on an e-bike — and children arrive far less tired.
E-bike rental: Beitostølen and Fagernes have rental during the season — check visitvaldres.no.
Practical info for families
Accommodation
Valdres has good family accommodation:
- Beitostølen Helsesportsenter — well-known, central, activities for children
- Camping in Fagernes — cosy and affordable
- Farm stays along Mjølkevegen — an authentic experience
- Cabin rental — Airbnb and local agencies have a wide selection
Food along the way
- Mountain farm dairies on Mjølkevegen: Rakfisk, brunost, home baking — children enjoy it
- Cafés in villages: Fagernes, Beitostølen, and other stops along the routes
- Pack lunch: Fruit, chocolate, energy bars — children need food more often than adults
Safety
- All children must wear a cycling helmet (required by law)
- Valdres has little traffic, but minor roads can be narrow — teach children to listen before crossing
- Lights and reflectors even on daytime rides (the sun sits low in summer)
- Children under 10: do not let them ride alone on main roads
Best season for families
- June–July: All routes open, mountain farm dairies in full operation, warm weather
- August: Still great, less crowded, children often enjoy the quieter routes more
Example: A three-day family trip
Day 1: Fagernes → Beitostølen (47 km)
- Not too steep, great views
- Overnight at Beitostølen Helsesportsenter
Day 2: Beitostølen → Valdresbanen / short ride (20 km)
- Active rest day
- Children want a shorter ride; head out on the Valdresbanen Sykkelvei section or explore Beitostølen
Day 3: Beitostølen → Fagernes (47 km)
- Same route back, but downhill at the end
- Children handle it better with the fitness built on day 1
Alternative for experienced families: Replace day 2 with Stølsviddarunden (38 km) — gravel, but fantastic for children.
Tips from experienced families
- Start early in the day — children are at their best in the morning
- Don't plan too far — 50 km is the absolute limit without an e-bike, and it's tough
- Rest stops along the way matter — take them just before children start to flag
- Check the weather forecast — rain makes gravel riding difficult
- Have a plan B — if it gets too hard, take the bus or find another activity
- Take photos along the way — children remember the trip better if you stop to photograph the farm dairies, the views, and each other
Updated March 2026.