Family Cycling in Valdres, Norway — Complete Guide with Kids
Best family-friendly cycling routes in Valdres, Norway. 9 easy routes for kids aged 4-14, practical tips for bikes, accommodation and what to do if it rains. Updated 2026.
Is Valdres good for family cycling with kids?
Yes — Valdres is one of Norway's best destinations for family cycling. There are 9 dedicated family routes from 5 to 28 km with virtually no car traffic, flat gravel roads and mountain scenery. Valdresbanen Cycle Path (15 km, 30m elevation) is the easiest, suitable for children from age 4-5. Routes along Slidrefjorden, Begna river and Fløafjorden offer nature experiences without demanding climbs.
Valdres is one of Norway's most underrated family cycling destinations. Quiet mountain valleys, old railway paths converted to cycle tracks, and farm roads through summer pasture land — this is where Norwegian families return year after year for cycling holidays without the stress of car traffic or challenging terrain.
This guide covers everything: the best routes for each age group, where to rent bikes, where to sleep and eat, and how to handle the inevitable rain.
Why Valdres Works So Well for Family Cycling
Most parents planning a cycling holiday worry about two things: traffic and bored children. Valdres solves both.
The best family routes follow old railway tracks, gravel roads along lakes, and paths through birch forest — far from the main roads. The terrain is gentle enough for children from age 4-5 to cycle independently, while the scenery provides enough variety to keep them motivated.
Nine dedicated family routes span from 5 to 25 km, all classified as "easy" — meaning consistent surface, moderate gradients and good accessibility throughout.
Key advantages:
- 9 marked family routes, all under 30 km
- Very little car traffic on gravel roads
- Bike rental available in Fagernes and Beitostølen
- Public transport connections from Oslo (bus, train to Gol)
- Accommodation at family-friendly mountain lodges throughout the valley
Best Family Cycling Routes in Valdres
1. Valdresbanen Cycle Path — The Easiest Route (15 km, 30m elevation)
The old Valdres railway line, converted to a cycling path, is the single best family route in the region. Virtually flat (only 30 meters total elevation over 15 km), excellent gravel surface, and completely car-free.
Perfect for: Children aged 4 and above
Distance: 15 km one way (Fagernes to Bagn), easily shortened
Surface: Packed gravel, smooth
Highlights: Old railway bridges, Begna river views, Bagn stave church area
Children on balance bikes or small pedal bikes handle this easily. For very young children, a bicycle trailer or child seat gives parents a backup option for tired legs.
2. Aurdal Family Loop — The Classic Half-Day Tour (12 km, 45m elevation)
The most popular half-day family tour in Valdres. A loop through farmland and forest above Aurdal, with a picnic stop halfway at a small lake.
Perfect for: Ages 7-12, mixed ability groups
Distance: 12 km loop
Surface: Forest track and gravel road
Highlights: Lake swimming, Aurdal village café
This is the route local Valdres families do on summer evenings. Manageable for younger children but varied enough to be interesting.
3. Fløafjorden Family Loop — Spectacular Fjord Cycling (22.5 km, 150m elevation)
The most beautiful family route in Valdres, following Fløafjorden through mixed forest and open farmland with constant water views.
Perfect for: Ages 9-14, families with older children
Distance: 22.5 km loop
Surface: Mix of paved path and gravel
Highlights: Strandefjorden beach stop (kiosk in summer), fjord views throughout
This takes 3-4 hours at a relaxed family pace. The beach stop at Strandefjorden is a highlight for children — combine cycling with swimming.
4. Vaset Family Loop — Mountain Farm Experience (25.3 km, 280m elevation)
The most demanding of the family routes, but the most rewarding. Vaset is a summer farm plateau at 900m elevation, with panoramic mountain views and traditional Norwegian farm culture.
Perfect for: Ages 10-14, fit families
Distance: 25.3 km loop
Surface: Mountain gravel road
Highlights: Vaset mountain lodge (waffles!), summer farms, reindeer sightings
This is the route for families who want a genuine mountain experience. The 280m of climbing is spread over the first 8 km and then it levels out on the plateau.
5. Lauvsjø Round — Shortest Option (5.3 km, 60m elevation)
When you need something very short and easy — perhaps after a long drive, or for very young children's first cycling experience — Lauvsjø Round delivers a genuine experience in under 2 hours.
Perfect for: Ages 4-7, first-time cyclists
Distance: 5.3 km loop
Highlights: Small lake, forest atmosphere, very manageable
6. Einarset Loop (12.6 km, 120m elevation)
A classic summer farm (seter) loop near Etnedal, through forest and open summer pasture landscape. One of Valdres' most atmospheric routes.
Perfect for: Ages 7-12
Distance: 12.6 km loop
Highlights: Traditional summer farms, farm dogs, stunning views
7. Vang Family Loop (11 km, 80m elevation)
Above the village of Vang, through birch forest with glimpses of Vangsmjøsa lake below. Short enough for a morning trip with time for lunch in the village afterward.
Perfect for: Ages 6-11
Distance: 11 km loop
Highlights: Birch forest, lake views, Vang village
8. Tisleifjorden Round (38 km, 150m elevation)
For families with older, experienced cyclists — a longer loop around Tisleifjorden on Golsfjellet, almost entirely on gravel roads with very little traffic.
Perfect for: Ages 12+, experienced cyclists
Distance: 38 km
Highlights: Golsfjellet plateau, fjord views
9. Panoramavegen / Golsfjellet Family Loop (42 km, 350m elevation)
The longest and most challenging family route — a full day on Golsfjellet with the best views in the region. Only for fit families with children who cycle regularly.
Perfect for: Ages 13+, experienced families
Distance: 42 km
Age Guide: Which Routes Work for Your Children
| Age | Recommended routes | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 years | Valdresbanen, Lauvsjø | 5-15 km |
| 7-10 years | Aurdal loop, Einarset, Valdresbanen | 10-15 km |
| 11-13 years | Fløafjorden, Vaset, Tisleifjorden | 20-38 km |
| 14+ years | All routes including Panoramavegen | Any |
Tip for younger children: The Valdresbanen works as a one-way route too — you can cycle as far as the children manage, then turn back. There's no pressure to complete the full distance.
Bike Rental in Valdres
You don't need to bring bikes. Several operators offer rental throughout the valley:
Fagernes:
- Intersport/Fjellsport Fagernes: Regular bikes, children's bikes, e-bikes, trailers and child seats
- Approx. 150-200 NOK per day for children's bikes
Beitostølen:
- Beitostølen Resort: Full range including cargo bikes and trailers
- Book in advance in July-August
One-way rental: Available between Fagernes and Beitostølen for families cycling sections of Mjølkevegen.
Bike trailer and child seat: Available at most rental shops. Essential for children under 5 or as backup for tired legs.
When to Go: Best Season for Family Cycling
July and August are peak season — warmest weather, all facilities open, but busiest on the most popular routes.
June is excellent: quieter, green and fresh, and the lower-altitude family routes are in perfect condition from early June.
Early September offers autumn colours and nearly empty routes. Temperatures can drop, but the lower-altitude family routes are comfortable through mid-September.
Avoid: Mountain routes like Vaset before mid-June (snow risk) or after early October.
What to Do When It Rains
Rain happens. Valdres summer weather is mountain weather. Have a plan:
- Valdresbanen is one of the few routes where cycling in light rain is genuinely pleasant — sheltered by the river valley and forest
- Fagernes swimming hall (indoor pool): 10 minutes from most family accommodation
- Valdres Folkemuseum at Fagernes: Open in summer with traditional farm activities for children
- Fagernes town: Bakeries, ice cream, indoor options for a day off the bike
Where to Stay
Fagernes is the most practical base — central location with access to 6-7 family routes within 15 km, and full facilities (supermarkets, restaurants, rental shops).
Beitostølen is ideal for families combining cycling with hiking or if you want a mountain resort atmosphere.
Vaset Turisthytte: A genuine Norwegian mountain lodge at the start of the Vaset family route — great family atmosphere, waffles and traditional food.
Camping: Several campsites along Slidrefjorden and Begna river, many with cycling access directly to the family routes.
Practical Tips for Family Cycling in Valdres
Pack light: Children's energy drops quickly if they're carrying heavy backpacks. Use panniers on one adult bike for snacks, extra layers and first aid.
Snack stops matter: Plan specific snack stops every 5-7 km for younger children. A known reward ahead ("we'll stop at that red barn for cookies") keeps motivation high.
Start early: Morning light on Valdres' mountain routes is magical, and children have more energy in the first half of the day.
Helmets: Required by Norwegian law for children under 15. All rental shops provide helmets.
E-bikes: Genuinely transform family cycling in hilly terrain. One parent on an e-bike pulling a trailer, one on a regular bike — this setup works on almost every Valdres family route.
Getting to Valdres
From Oslo by car: 2.5-3 hours via E16 to Fagernes.
By bus: Direct express buses from Oslo Bus Terminal (Nor-Way Bussekspress) to Fagernes and several stops in the valley. Journey time 3-3.5 hours.
By train + bus: Train from Oslo to Gol (2 hours), then connecting bus to Fagernes (40 minutes). Bikes transported on express buses with advance booking.
Planning Your Route
For GPS tracks, elevation profiles and up-to-date route conditions for all 9 family routes, visit sykkelvaldres.no/familiesykling.
All family routes are also available on Komoot and Garmin Connect. Search "Valdres family cycling" for the full collection.
Last updated: March 2026