Cycling Towards Jotunheimen: Routes from Beitostølen
Cycle into Jotunheimen from the Valdres side. Day routes and climbs for all levels — including e-bike. From family-friendly to epic.
Can I cycle to Jotunheimen from Valdres — even with an e-bike?
Absolutely. Beitostølen is the gateway. From the centre, Rv51 takes you over Valdresflya (1389 masl) and into Jotunheimen. With an e-bike, the Valdresflya climb is realistic for most adults. Without a motor it demands good fitness. Season is June–September.
Jotunheimen is visible from most of Valdres on a clear day. The peaks jut up on the horizon behind Beitostølen — and it is entirely possible to cycle there. Along Rv51 over Valdresflya and down towards Eidsbugarden and Gjendesheim at the entrance to the western side of the national park.
One important thing: The vast majority of people cycling these routes today use an e-bike. That is not cheating — it is sensible. With assistance the whole equation changes: gradients that were once reserved for well-trained cyclists become accessible to far more people. Below you will find assessments for both.
The Routes
Jotunheimen-kanten Day Trip — the big experience
Jotunheimen-kanten Day Trip is a loop from Beitostølen of 80 km and 1400 hm. You follow Rv51 over Valdresflya, down towards Eidsbugarden, and back the same way. Alternatively you can swing by Gjendesheim — the starting point for Besseggen — and combine the bike ride with a hike.
The climb starts just outside Beitostølen and is gradual but constant. Above the tree line it opens up: wind, reindeer and a horizon dominated by Jotunheimen peaks. Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind are visible on clear days.
Who is this for?
- 🔋 With e-bike: Suitable for most adults in reasonable shape. 1400 hm with a motor is demanding but achievable on a summer day. Check battery range — 80 km in hilly terrain drains most e-bikes hard.
- 🚴 Without motor: Only for well-trained cyclists. Solid fitness and mountain experience are required.
Bring enough food and water — there is little on offer between Beitostølen and the mountain lodges on the plateau.
Over Valdresflya — the bucket-list climb
The Valdresflya route is 72 km from Beitostølen with 1250 hm of climbing and tops out at 1389 masl — Norway's highest national road. The route is part of the National Scenic Route Valdresflye and is for many cyclists a lifetime goal.
The climb through the birch forest is steep and beautiful. When you pass the tree line the landscape changes dramatically: bare stone plains, dwarf heath and a sky that suddenly feels very large. Valdresflya Fjellstue at the top is a natural rest point.
Who is this for?
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🔋 With e-bike: Absolutely achievable for most people. Remember to plan your battery — 1250 hm is heavy going. Some choose to turn around at the top and descend to conserve battery for the return.
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🚴 Without motor: Demanding. Suitable for cyclists with extensive experience in hilly terrain.
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Recommended direction: Beitostølen → Valdresflya summit (cycle up, turn around and descend)
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Best time: July–August. Be aware of wind and rapidly changing weather above the tree line
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Practical: Fill up with water in Beitostølen. Little on offer above the tree line.
Valdresflya from the East — gentler start
Valdresflya from the East is 49 km from Hindsæter on the eastern side, with 1100 hm of climbing. The gradient profile is more even than from the western side — this is the more manageable approach to Valdresflya.
Who is this for?
- 🔋 With e-bike: This is actually a very good choice for e-bike riders. A more even gradient means better battery management. Works well for those who want to experience Valdresflya without completely draining the battery.
- 🚴 Without motor: Moderately demanding. Possible for recreational cyclists in good shape.
Best done as a point-to-point: start in Hindsæter, cycle to Garli (the Beitostølen side), and get picked up. Alternatively take the bus up to Hindsæter and cycle down.
Bitihorn MTB — mountain biking towards the peak
Bitihorn MTB is a different proposition: 28 km, 890 hm and technical sections up towards Bitihorn (1607 masl). Only for experienced mountain bikers with good fitness and technical ability.
Who is this for?
- 🔋 With e-bike: Helps on the climb, but the technical sections still demand good bike handling. Use a full-suspension e-MTB — not an e-road bike.
- 🚴 Without motor: Demanding. The reward is epic descents and views you rarely experience on a bike.
Start at Beitostølen Helsesportssenter. Bring at least 2 litres of water.
E-bike in the mountains — practical tips
E-bikes open up the Jotunheimen routes to far more people. But they require a little extra planning:
Season and weather
Check yr.no for Beitostølen before departure.
Practical
- Parking: Beitostølen centre, free
- Food and water: Stock up in Beitostølen. Valdresflya Fjellstue at the top (open Jun–Sep)
- Charging: Fjellkjeden Beitostølen offers e-bike charging in season
- Repairs: Bike workshop in Beitostølen centre
- Transport: Bus Oslo–Beitostølen with Valdres Bilruter — book bike transport in advance
Jotunheimen is Norway's most iconic mountain landscape. Cycling into it — watching the peaks grow larger with every pedal stroke — is an experience that is hard to put into words. And with an e-bike, that experience is now available to far more people than it was ten years ago.