Cafes and food stops along the cycling routes in Valdres
The best cafes, mountain lodges, and food stops along cycling routes in Valdres. From Fagernes to Beitostølen, Mjølkevegen and Valdresflya — with opening hours and tips.
Good food stops are just as important as good fitness on long cycling trips. Here are the best places to stop along Valdres' cycling routes — with opening hours, recommendations, and whether they accept cards.
Are there cafes along the cycling routes in Valdres?
Yes. Along Fagernes–Beitostølen there are several cafes and grocery stores. On Valdresflya there is a summer restaurant during peak season. Mjølkevegen has mountain lodges with food approximately every 50 km. Always bring something extra — not all are open daily.
Along Fagernes–Beitostølen (47 km)
Fagernes — start and supplies
- Fagernes Bakeri (Storgata, town centre): Best breakfast in the region. Homemade bread, sandwiches and coffee. Opens at 07:00. Pack lunch from here.
- Coop Extra / Rema 1000 (town centre): Full grocery store. Top up your energy reserves.
- Valdres Kulturhus café (town centre): Lunch café. Hot food from 11:00.
Leira (km 12)
- Leira petrol station / Circle K: Open daily, hot food, coffee. A great stop halfway.
- Bygdebutikken Leira: Traditional village shop. Local cheese and cold cuts.
Beitostølen (km 47)
- Café de la Rue: The cyclist's favourite. Homemade cake, great coffee, views. Open from 09:00 in season.
- Beitostølen Fjellstue restaurant: Dinner from 18:00. Norwegian home cooking.
- Dr. Holms Hotel restaurant: The most upscale option. Evening meals 18–21.
- Spar Beitostølen: Grocery store for self-catering.
Along Valdresflya
From Beitostølen to the summit (7 km)
No café on the way up — only at the top.
Valdresflya summit (1389 masl)
- Summer café at Valdresflya: Open July–August, daily 10–17. Waffles, coffee and soup. Cash or Vipps — card reader not always available.
- Rest area: Tables, benches and bins. Great picnic spot with packed lunch.
Along Mjølkevegen (250 km)
Mjølkevegen is especially well-equipped with mountain lodges and farm shops at regular intervals.
Tip: Book dinner in advance in July — mountain lodges are popular and can be fully booked. At some places (Synnfjell), Vipps is the only payment option.
Farm shops along the cycling routes
Valdres is mountain pasture country — along many gravel roads you'll find farm shops selling local produce:
- Stølsmat (Øystre Slidre): Yellow cheese, sour cream, prim and cured pork. Open in summer, check for signs.
- Ulnes Gardsysteri: Homemade cheese and local food. Along Rv35 in Sør-Aurdal.
- Gjøvri Støl (near Mjølkevegen): Ice cream and chilled goods in season.
Cash is king. Many farm shops do not accept cards. Carry 200–500 NOK in cash.
Packed lunch tactics on long rides
What should you eat on a long cycling trip in Valdres?
Estimate 50–80 kcal per km on flat terrain, 80–120 kcal per km on climbs. A 5-hour ride requires 1500–2500 extra kcal on top of your normal daily needs. Eat a little every 30–45 minutes — don't wait until you're hungry. Carbohydrates are the fastest available energy source.
Good food for the road:
- Banana (quick sugar + potassium against cramps)
- Nuts and raisins (fat + carbs for sustained energy)
- Sandwiches with cheese and egg (protein)
- Energy bars (Clif, Torq, or running gels at high intensity)
Hydration: Estimate 500–750 ml per hour at temperatures above 18°C with moderate climbing. Carry at least two bottles.
Opening hours may vary — call or check Facebook pages for the latest information. Most places in Valdres are open June–September.