---
title: "Fv51 through Valdres — complete cycling guide"
description: "Cycling guide for Fv51 from Gol over Golsfjellet, through Fagernes to Beitostølen and Valdresflya. 170 km of tarmac through all of Valdres."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [fv51, landevei, gjennomkjøring, etappeplan, valdres, nasjonal-turistveg]
date: "2026-03-16"
relatedRoutes: [valdresflya-rundtur, golsfjellet-panorama, fagernes-sentrum-loop, beitostolen-gravel-loop]
relatedPlaces: [fagernes, beitostolen, golsfjellet, oystre-slidre]
---

<AnswerBox
  question="Can you cycle Fv51 through all of Valdres?"
  answer="Yes — Fv51 (formerly Rv51) runs from Gol in the south over Golsfjellet, through Fagernes and Beitostølen to Valdresflya (1389 m asl) and on down to Vågå. The stretch through Valdres is approximately 170 km of tarmac. Most cyclists ride it over 2–3 days. The road is normally open from Gol to Beitostølen year-round, while Valdresflya is closed in winter from December to April."
/>

## What is Fv51?

Fv51 is the lifeline of Valdres. The road starts in Gol and ends in Vågå — 171.6 km of tarmac that takes you from Hallingdal through the entire Valdres valley and over Norway's highest national road mountain pass at Valdresflya (1389 m asl). The Valdresflya stretch is part of [Nasjonal turistveg Valdresflye](https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/no/turistvegene/valdresflye), one of Norway's 18 official national scenic routes.

For cyclists, Fv51 is a natural through-route — a long journey combining peaceful valley roads, mountain passes, and spectacular high-mountain scenery in one continuous sweep.

---

## The route — stage by stage

### Stage 1: Gol → Fagernes (approx. 65 km, 600 m elevation)

From Gol town centre (207 m asl), the first climb begins over [Golsfjellet](/omrade/golsfjellet). The ascent from Gol is steady — 4–6% through pine forest and mountain pastures. The top of Golsfjellet sits at around 800 m asl, where the landscape opens up into moorland and summer farms.

The descent towards Tisleidalen is swift and rewards you with views over [Tisleidalen](/guider/tisleidalen-sykkelguide) and the Tisleia river. Continue past Ormhamar bridge and through the valley to Leira.

From Leira the road splits — Fv51 continues towards Fagernes (approx. 15 km), the final kilometres flat along Strandefjorden. [Fagernes](/omrade/fagernes) is the natural overnight stop after day one.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Distance", value: "~65 km", sub: "Gol town centre → Fagernes town centre" },
  { label: "Elevation gain", value: "~600 m", sub: "Mostly over Golsfjellet" },
  { label: "Highest point", value: "~800 m asl", sub: "Golsfjellet" },
  { label: "Surface", value: "100% tarmac", sub: "Good quality" },
  { label: "Traffic", value: "Moderate", sub: "Lower than E16" },
  { label: "Services", value: "Fagernes", sub: "Shops, hotel, bike service" },
]} columns={3} />

### Stage 2: Fagernes → Beitostølen (approx. 35 km, 500 m elevation)

From Fagernes (360 m asl) you follow Fv51 northward along Slidrefjorden. The first 20 km are relaxed — a steady climb along the water with sparse settlement and little traffic. You pass through [Øystre Slidre](/omrade/oystre-slidre) with Hegge stave church by the roadside.

After Heggenes (520 m asl) the steady climb towards [Beitostølen](/omrade/beitostolen) (900 m asl) begins. The final 15 km are the most noticeable climb — 3–5% through birch forest with gradually more open terrain.

Beitostølen is the natural base camp — good infrastructure for cyclists with accommodation, a grocery store, and [bike service](/guider/sykkelreparasjon-service-beitostolen-fagernes).

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Distance", value: "~35 km", sub: "Fagernes → Beitostølen town centre" },
  { label: "Elevation gain", value: "~500 m", sub: "Steady climb throughout" },
  { label: "Start", value: "360 m asl", sub: "Fagernes" },
  { label: "Finish", value: "900 m asl", sub: "Beitostølen" },
  { label: "Difficulty", value: "Medium", sub: "Long, but never steep" },
  { label: "Hegge stave church", value: "Km 18", sub: "Worth a stop" },
]} columns={3} />

### Stage 3: Beitostølen → Valdresflya → Hindsæter (approx. 70 km, 600 m elevation)

The king stage. From Beitostølen the road climbs towards [Valdresflya](/guider/valdresflya-sykkelguide) — Norway's highest national road mountain pass. You pass Bygdin and Eidsbugarden (approx. 1050 m asl), where the Jotunheimen massif opens up before you.

Above the treeline the world changes. You ride across arctic plateau at 1200–1389 m asl with Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind, and Besseggen as a backdrop. The wind can be strong and the temperature lower than you expect — bring extra layers.

The descent towards Hindsæter and Randsverk is long and fast. Total from Beitostølen to Vågå: approx. 70 km.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Distance", value: "~70 km", sub: "Beitostølen → Hindsæter/Randsverk" },
  { label: "Highest point", value: "1389 m asl", sub: "Valdresflya — Norway's highest" },
  { label: "Wind exposure", value: "Km 25–50", sub: "Exposed above the treeline" },
  { label: "Open", value: "June–Sept", sub: "Winter closure Dec–Apr" },
  { label: "Water", value: "Eidsbugarden", sub: "Last reliable water point" },
  { label: "Mobile coverage", value: "Variable", sub: "Weak signal on the plateau" },
]} columns={3} />

---

## Practical planning

### 2 or 3 days?

Most cyclists ride Fv51 through Valdres over 2–3 days:

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "2 days (demanding)", value: "Day 1: Gol → Beitostølen (100 km, 1100 m). Day 2: Beitostølen → Hindsæter (70 km, 600 m).", sub: "For fit cyclists" },
  { label: "3 days (recommended)", value: "Day 1: Gol → Fagernes (65 km). Day 2: Fagernes → Beitostølen (35 km). Day 3: Beitostølen → Hindsæter (70 km).", sub: "Time for experiences along the way" },
]} columns={1} />

The three-stage plan gives you time to stop at stave churches, explore side roads, and have energy in reserve for the Valdresflya climb on day 3.

### Which direction?

**South → north (Gol → Vågå)** is the most popular. You build up gradually — Golsfjellet first, then the Beitostølen climb, saving Valdresflya for last as the grand finale. The descent towards Vågå is long and rewards everything you've put in.

**North → south (Vågå → Gol)** gives you the Valdresflya climb from the Hindsæter side first — steeper, more dramatic. The rest is predominantly downhill. Suits those who want the toughest section early.

### Transport and logistics

Valdresekspressen runs buses between Oslo and Fagernes several times daily. Bikes are accepted by arrangement — call ahead. From Gol there are train connections to Oslo and Bergen via the Bergen Line.

If you're driving, there is free parking in Gol town centre and at Fagernes. Plan your return logistics — Vågå to Gol is about 3 hours by car.

### Equipment

Fv51 is 100% tarmac. A road bike or gravel bike with slick tyres works perfectly. For the Valdresflya stage: bring a wind jacket, buff, and gloves — even in July. The temperature can drop 10–15 °C from valley to mountain.

Stock up on food and water in Fagernes and Beitostølen. Between Beitostølen and Hindsæter services are limited.

---

## The weather window — when and how to time your trip

Fv51 from Gol to Beitostølen is open year-round. The Valdresflya stretch is closed in winter, typically from November to May. Snowmelt and road opening vary — check Statens vegvesen for current status.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Gol → Fagernes", value: "Year-round", sub: "Winter maintenance, ploughed road" },
  { label: "Fagernes → Beitostølen", value: "Year-round", sub: "May have ice and slush spring/autumn" },
  { label: "Beitostølen → Valdresflya", value: "June–October", sub: "Depends on snowmelt" },
  { label: "Best month", value: "July", sub: "Long days, best weather, least wind" },
  { label: "Early season", value: "June", sub: "Colder, snow patches by the road" },
  { label: "Autumn season", value: "September", sub: "Colours, quiet traffic, shorter day" },
]} columns={3} />

**Wind strategy:** Valdresflya is exposed. The wind most often comes from the west and southwest. Riding south → north, expect headwind on the plateau. Check the wind forecast on [yr.no](https://www.yr.no) the evening before — if winds above 10 m/s are forecast, consider postponing the Valdresflya stage.

**Temperature tip:** Expect 8–12 °C lower temperatures on Valdresflya (1389 m asl) than in Fagernes (360 m asl). Even in July it can be 5–8 °C at the summit. Bring a wind jacket, buff, and gloves — always.

---

## Energy points — where to refuel

Between Gol and Hindsæter services are spread thin. Plan food purchases in advance.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Gol (km 0)", value: "Full service", sub: "Shops, cafés, petrol" },
  { label: "Tisleidalen (km 35)", value: "Limited", sub: "Little service outside season" },
  { label: "Fagernes (km 65)", value: "Full service", sub: "Coop, Rema, cafés, hotel" },
  { label: "Heggenes (km 82)", value: "Basic service", sub: "Shop and petrol station" },
  { label: "Beitostølen (km 100)", value: "Good service", sub: "Shop, bakery, sports shop" },
  { label: "Bygdin/Eidsbugarden (km 115)", value: "Seasonal", sub: "Mountain lodge, café June–Sept" },
  { label: "Valdresflya (km 125–140)", value: "None", sub: "No services above the treeline" },
  { label: "Hindsæter (km 170)", value: "Basic", sub: "Mountain lodge with café" },
]} columns={2} />

**Water strategy:** Fill bottles in Fagernes and Beitostølen. Above the treeline there are streams with clean mountain water — but no guaranteed water source in the final 30 km before Hindsæter. Carry at least 1.5 litres over Valdresflya.

---

## Alternative routes in bad weather

The Valdresflya stage requires good weather. Here is plan B:

- **Fog or strong wind on Valdresflya:** Stay an extra night in Beitostølen and ride [Beitostølen routes](/omrade/beitostolen) while you wait. Valdresflya in fog is neither safe nor enjoyable.
- **Rain in the valleys:** Fv51 between Gol and Beitostølen works fine in light rain — the tarmac is good, and the valley road is sheltered. Bring a rain jacket and overshoe covers.
- **Cut the trip short:** Ride Gol → Fagernes → Beitostølen (100 km, 2 days) and take the bus back from Beitostølen. Valdresekspressen takes bikes by arrangement.
- **Alternative mountain experience:** From Beitostølen you can ride [Panoramavegen](/guider/panoramavegen-sykkelguide) (28 km, 450 m elevation) instead of Valdresflya — lower, more sheltered, but still a mountain experience.

---

## Safety on Fv51

The road has varying shoulder width. Between Fagernes and Beitostølen the shoulder is narrow in places — keep right and use a cycling reflex. Traffic is lower than on E16, but lorries do use the road.

On Valdresflya: check [yr.no](https://www.yr.no) before you set off. Fog and sudden weather changes quickly above 1000 m asl. If you face headwind on the plateau, your journey time increases dramatically.

---

## Combination options

Fv51 is the backbone of Valdres' cycling network. Along the way you can take detours:

- **[Mjølkevegen](/guider/mjolkevegen-alt-du-trenger-a-vite)** — gravel from Vinstra to Gol, crosses Fv51 at Beitostølen
- **[Panoramavegen](/guider/panoramavegen-sykkelguide)** — alternative high-level route between Fagernes and Beitostølen
- **[Jotunheimvegen](/guider/jotunheimvegen-komplett-sykkelguide)** — gravel from Bygdin to Skåbu, starting at Eidsbugarden along Fv51
- **[Kongevegen](/guider/kongevegen-filefjell-sykkelguide)** — historic road towards Filefjell from Vang

You can easily extend an Fv51 through-ride into a week-long cycling holiday by adding side routes.

---

## Fv51 on an e-bike — range and charging strategy

An e-bike makes Fv51 accessible to far more people. The steady climb from Gol to Valdresflya is perfect for motor-assisted cycling — but 170 km with 1700 m total elevation gain requires charging planning.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Typical range", value: "80–120 km", sub: "Depending on battery, weight, and assist level" },
  { label: "Charging point 1", value: "Fagernes (km 65)", sub: "Hotels/cafés with socket — just ask nicely" },
  { label: "Charging point 2", value: "Beitostølen (km 100)", sub: "Overnight stay = full charge overnight" },
  { label: "Charge time 0→100%", value: "4–6 hours", sub: "Bosch/Shimano standard charger" },
  { label: "Recommended split", value: "3 days", sub: "Full charge each night, reserve capacity in the mountains" },
  { label: "Critical stretch", value: "Beitostølen → Hindsæter", sub: "70 km, no charging — conserve battery in the valley" }
]} columns={3} />

**Battery strategy for Valdresflya:** The climb from Beitostølen (900 m asl) to the summit (1389 m asl) is 25 km at a steady 2–3% gradient. Use eco mode in the valley and save turbo for the final 10 km up towards the treeline. The descent towards Hindsæter is 30 km without motor use — you roll on gravity.

**Spare battery?** Weigh up carrying a spare battery (2–3 kg) against the reassurance it provides. For the 2-day plan (Gol → Beitostølen → Hindsæter) it is almost essential. For the 3-day plan, one battery with overnight charging is sufficient.

---

## Culture and history along Fv51

Fv51 is not just tarmac and elevation metres. The road crosses a thousand years of Norwegian history — from stave churches to mountain farming culture to modern feats of engineering.

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Hegge stave church (km 82)", value: "Approx. 1216", sub: "Open June–Aug. Free entry. 100 m from Fv51 at Heggenes" },
  { label: "Mountain farming culture (km 70–110)", value: "Living tradition", sub: "Summer farms with milking and cheese-making June–Aug along Slidrefjorden" },
  { label: "Valdresflya viewpoint (km 132)", value: "National scenic route", sub: "Architect-designed viewpoint at Rjupa — stop and get out" },
  { label: "Bygdin and Eidsbugarden (km 115)", value: "Historic mountain lodge", sub: "Passenger boat on Bygdin since 1912 — Norway's highest scheduled boat route" }
]} columns={2} />

**The road's own history:** Fv51 was originally a national highway, Norway's main connection between Valdres and Jotunheimen. The Valdresflya stretch was built in the 1930s — an engineering achievement crossing arctic high mountain terrain where permafrost lies just below the road surface. The winter closure is not only about snow, but about the foundation freezing and thawing.

**Photo stops you shouldn't ride past:**
- **Golsfjellet (km 30):** Panoramic view over Tisleidalen from the top of the climb
- **Slidrefjorden (km 75):** A still mirror on calm summer mornings — pull over and take the shot
- **Valdresflya Rjupa (km 132):** Architect-designed rest area with Jotunheimen panorama — Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind, Memuru. Possibly Norway's finest cycling photo location

---

## Summary

Fv51 through Valdres is one of Norway's finest long-distance routes for road cyclists. You get valley roads, mountain passes, and arctic plateau — all on tarmac, all in one continuous sweep. Plan 2–3 days, start in Gol, and save Valdresflya for last. You won't regret it.

<SeAlso items={[
  { href: "/guider/valdresflya-sykkelguide", label: "Valdresflya cycling guide — Norway's highest scenic road" },
  { href: "/guider/golsfjellet-sykkelguide", label: "Golsfjellet cycling guide — mountain pasture roads and gravel" },
  { href: "/guider/fagernes-sykkelguide", label: "Fagernes cycling guide — the cycling hub of Valdres" },
  { href: "/guider/beitostolen-sykkelguide", label: "Beitostølen cycling guide — the cycling capital" },
  { href: "/guider/elsykkel-valdres-guide", label: "E-bike in Valdres — routes and charging planning" },
  { href: "/guider/overnatting-syklister-valdres", label: "Accommodation for cyclists in Valdres" },
  { href: "/guider/transport-oslo-valdres-sykkel", label: "Transport Oslo–Valdres with a bike" },
  { href: "/guider/sesong-valdres-sykkel", label: "Season in Valdres — opening times and weather" },
  { href: "/guider/sykkelreparasjon-service-beitostolen-fagernes", label: "Bike service in Beitostølen and Fagernes" },
  { href: "/guider/mjolkevegen-alt-du-trenger-a-vite", label: "Mjølkevegen — everything you need to know" },
  { href: "/omrade/golsfjellet", label: "Golsfjellet cycling area" },
  { href: "/landeveissykling", label: "Road cycling Valdres — all tarmac routes" },
]} />