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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.

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What is the best cycling route for families with children in Valdres?

The Valdresbanen Cycling Path is perfect for families: 12 km, flat, car-free railway trail. For older children (10+), the Slettefjellrunden (45 km, easy) or routes from Beitostølen are ideal. With an e-bike, children can manage much longer distances.

Valdres is one of Norway's best destinations for a cycling family 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

3–6 years (preschool)

These children need short trips on flat, safe roads:

Valdresbanen Cycling Path (12 km total, flat)

  • Recommendation: Cycle shorter sections only (3–5 km)
  • Child seat or trailer: Yes, necessary
  • Best section: Fagernes → Otta section
  • Car-free railway trail, no traffic
  • Rest stops and toilets along the way

Tip: Start early in the day, take it easy, plan several rest stops. Bring food and water.

6–10 years (primary school)

Children this age can cycle themselves, but still need short trips without major climbs:

Valdresbanen Cycling Path full stretch (12 km)

  • Perfect for those cycling independently now
  • Flat and safe — no traffic
  • Suitable for a full day out

Slettefjellrunden (45 km, easy · 500 m elevation)

  • For those accustomed to cycling
  • Beautiful moorland and a relaxed pace
  • Split over two days with an overnight stay at Vaset

Mjølkevegen shorter sections (10–20 km segments)

  • Gravel, but accessible and safe
  • The mountain farms along the route sell food
  • Children enjoy the gravel — it feels like an adventure

10–14 years (middle school)

Now children are ready for proper rides — significant climbing is fine if it is spread out:

Fagernes to Beitostølen (47 km · 680 m elevation)

  • Classic day trip that teenagers handle comfortably
  • Varied terrain, great views
  • E-bike makes it easy; regular bike is possible for experienced riders

Mjølkevegen stage 1 (60–70 km, one day)

  • Gravel, fine terrain
  • Visit the mountain farms, meet people
  • Overnight at a mountain lodge — the experience itself

Stølsviddarunden (38 km · 420 m elevation)

  • Perfect for finding your own pace
  • Active children love exploring the mountain farm valley
  • A one-day trip, or split over two days

14+ years (teenagers)

Now they can cycle almost everything adults can:

Over Valdresflya (72 km · 1250 m elevation)

  • Epic trip for those ready for the challenge
  • Without e-bike: experienced riders only
  • With e-bike: achievable for most

Mjølkevegen multi-day tour (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 an e-bike, Valdres opens up for children. Routes that were otherwise "too difficult" suddenly become fun. A trip to Beitostølen that takes 6 hours on a regular bike takes 4 hours on an e-bike — and children are far less tired.

E-bike rental: Beitostølen and Fagernes have rental services in season — check visitvaldres.no.

Practical Info for Families

Accommodation

Valdres has excellent 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 agencies have a wide selection

Food along the way

  • The mountain farms on Mjølkevegen: Rakfisk, brunost, home-baked goods — children enjoy it
  • Cafés in villages: Fagernes, Beitostølen, Gjøvik along the routes
  • Pack a 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
  • Reflectors and lights even on daytime rides (the sun is low in summer)
  • Children under 10: do not let them cycle alone on main roads

Best season for families

  • June–July: All routes open, mountain farms in full operation, warm weather
  • August: Still great, less crowded, children often prefer less busy routes

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)

  • Rest day with activity
  • Children want a shorter trip; head to the Valdresbanen Cycling Path section or explore Beitostølen

Day 3: Beitostølen → Fagernes (47 km)

  • Same route back, but downhill at the end
  • Children handle it better with fitness built up from day 1

Alternative for experienced riders: Replace day 2 with Stølsviddarunden (38 km) — gravel, but fantastic for children.

Tips from Experienced Families

  1. Start early in the day — children are at their best in the morning
  2. Don't plan too far — 50 km is the absolute limit without an e-bike, and it's tough
  3. Rest stops along the way matter — schedule them just before children get tired
  4. Check the weather forecast — rain makes gravel difficult
  5. Have a plan B — if it gets too hard, take the bus or find another activity
  6. Take photos along the way — children remember more when you stop to photograph the mountain farms, the views, themselves

Updated March 2026.

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