---
title: "Road Cycling in Valdres: 9 Routes"
description: "Complete guide to road cycling in Valdres: 9 routes from 15 to 90 km, season, training plans and climbs. From Slidrefjorden to the Jotunheimen edge."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [landevei, landeveissykkel, klatring, valdresflya, beitostolen, jotunheimen, treningsrute]
date: "2026-03-08"
relatedRoutes: [fagernes-til-beitostolen, valdresflya, slettefjellrunden, the-challenge, jotunheimen-dagstur, valdresflya-ost, olsjobakkadn, slidre-lomen-kulturvei, steinsetfjorden-rundt]
relatedPlaces: [fagernes, beitostolen, jotunheimen-kanten]
---
<AnswerBox question="Is Valdres good for road cycling?" answer="Yes — but it's demanding. Valdres has 9 official road cycling routes from 15 to 90 km, with up to 2000 metres of elevation gain. Rv51 over Valdresflya (1389 m above sea level) is Norway's highest national road and a bucket-list goal for Norwegian road cyclists. Flat roads exist — but Valdres rewards those who climb." />
---
Valdres is known for gravel and MTB. But for the road cyclist with strong legs, there are few places in Norway that reward you as well — with 1389 m above sea level on a national road, dramatic Jotunheimen views and one of Norway's hardest day rides. Here is everything you need to know.
## Quick overview — 9 routes
| Route | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Slidre-Lomen Kulturvei](/ruter/slidre-lomen-kulturvei) | 18 km | 120 hm | Easy |
| [Steinsetfjorden rundt](/ruter/steinsetfjorden-rundt) | 19 km | 160 hm | Easy |
| [Olsjøbakkadn](/ruter/olsjobakkadn) | 15 km | 520 hm | Demanding |
| [Fagernes til Beitostølen](/ruter/fagernes-til-beitostolen) | 47 km | 680 hm | Moderate |
| [Slettefjellrunden](/ruter/slettefjellrunden) | 65 km | 850 hm | Moderate |
| [Valdresflya fra Øst](/ruter/valdresflya-ost) | 49 km | 1100 hm | Demanding |
| [Over Valdresflya](/ruter/valdresflya) | 72 km | 1250 hm | Demanding |
| [Jotunheimen-kanten Dagstur](/ruter/jotunheimen-dagstur) | 80 km | 1400 hm | Demanding |
| [The Challenge](/ruter/the-challenge) | 90 km | 2000 hm | Extreme |
---
## Recommended routes by level
### For those new to mountain cycling
**[Slidre-Lomen Kulturvei](/ruter/slidre-lomen-kulturvei) — 18 km, 120 hm**
Start here. A flat and relaxed ride along Slidrefjorden, between Lomen stave church (c. 1170) and Valdres Folk Museum. The road is wide and lightly trafficked. A great warm-up option — or perfect for those who want to see Valdres from the saddle without being crushed by climbing.
**[Steinsetfjorden rundt](/ruter/steinsetfjorden-rundt) — 19 km, 160 hm**
A relaxed loop along Steinsetfjorden in Etnedal. Forest villages and open fields. Good for getting acclimatised to the Valdres terrain.
---
### For the serious recreational cyclist
**[Fagernes til Beitostølen](/ruter/fagernes-til-beitostolen) — 47 km, 680 hm**
The classic Valdres stage. You start in Fagernes (200 m above sea level) and climb gradually towards Beitostølen (936 m above sea level) via Rv51. Views over Slidrefjorden, past Bitihorn and into the mountain village. Leave the car in Fagernes and take Valdresekspressen back.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Distance", value: "47 km" },
{ label: "Elevation gain", value: "680 hm" },
{ label: "Estimated time", value: "3–4 hours" },
{ label: "Highest point", value: "936 m above sea level" }
]} />
**[Slettefjellrunden](/ruter/slettefjellrunden) — 65 km, 850 hm**
A classic local loop from Beitostølen. Climb to Slettefjellet, panoramic views and a technical descent back. Popular among those staying in Beitostølen who want a solid training day without driving far. Vary the direction to change the challenge.
---
### For those who want Valdresflya
**[Over Valdresflya](/ruter/valdresflya) — 72 km, 1250 hm**
Rv51 over Valdresflya is a National Scenic Route and Norway's highest national road — 1389 m above sea level. For the road cyclist it is one of Norway's most iconic destinations. You start in Beitostølen, climb gradually through birch forest and up into open mountain terrain. Above the tree line it is arctic and beautiful — and traffic-free from September.
The ride ends naturally at Maurvangen or at the summit. Most people ride back the same way — or combine with an event, bus, or car at the other end.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Distance", value: "72 km" },
{ label: "Elevation gain", value: "1250 hm" },
{ label: "Estimated time", value: "5–7 hours" },
{ label: "Season", value: "June–Sept" }
]} />
**Important:** Valdresflya normally opens in the second half of May — check [vegvesen.no](https://vegvesen.no) before planning an early-season ride.
**[Valdresflya fra Øst](/ruter/valdresflya-ost) — 49 km, 1100 hm**
The same mountain crossing — but from the eastern side, via Hindsæter and Garli. Shorter total distance, but almost as much elevation gain. A good alternative if you start from the Fagernes/Gausdal side or want to flip the classic route.
---
### For the hardcore climbing enthusiasts
**[Jotunheimen-kanten Dagstur](/ruter/jotunheimen-dagstur) — 80 km, 1400 hm**
A spectacular day ride from Beitostølen towards Eidsbugarden and the Gjendesheim edge. 1400 hm is no joke — but the reward is Norway's most dramatic mountain panorama with Galdhøpiggen and Besseggen on the horizon. Plan food carefully; there are long stretches without cafés.
**[The Challenge](/ruter/the-challenge) — 90 km, 2000 hm**
One of Norway's hardest day rides on a road bike. 90 km and approximately 2000 hm around Beitostølen — over several mountain passes. This is not a ride you do without preparation. Bring plenty of food (at least 2 packed meals + gels), two full bottles and a back-up plan without any ambition for top speed. Most riders take 6–9 hours.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Distance", value: "90 km" },
{ label: "Elevation gain", value: "~2000 hm" },
{ label: "Estimated time", value: "6–9 hours" },
{ label: "Difficulty", value: "Extreme" }
]} />
---
### Training route: Olsjøbakkadn
**[Olsjøbakkadn](/ruter/olsjobakkadn) — 15 km, 520 hm**
Short and brutal. Locally known as "The Training Session" among Fagernes cyclists — 520 hm in 15 km. Perfect for speed training, intervals or tempo climbing. Can be ridden 2–3 times back to back for a proper workout. A good lactate test for those preparing for Valdresrittet or Valdresflya.
---
## Season for road cycling in Valdres
| Month | Lowlands (Fagernes) | Mountain roads (Valdresflya) |
|---|---|---|
| May | ✅ Open | ⚠️ Closes gradually |
| June | ✅ Open | ✅ Opens (normally mid-June) |
| July–August | ✅ Optimal | ✅ Optimal |
| September | ✅ Good | ⚠️ May close early |
| October | ⚠️ Cool | ❌ Closes |
For mountain routes: always check [vegvesen.no](https://vegvesen.no) for Rv51 status.
---
## Equipment for road cycling in Valdres
**Bike type:** A standard road bike with 25–28 mm tyres handles all routes above. Over Valdresflya and towards Jotunheimen the road is fully asphalted.
**Clothing:** Even in July it is cold above 1200 m — always bring a wind jacket and long-fingered gloves. The descent from Valdresflya can feel 5–10 degrees colder than the start.
**Food and water:** Plan carefully. Cafés are available in Beitostølen and Fagernes — but on the long mountain routes there are long stretches without any services. The mountain lodges along Valdresflya are open in season, but bring packed food as backup.
---
## Bike computer and navigation
All routes are asphalted national roads — you do not need GPS to avoid getting lost. But a bike computer is useful for tracking elevation, time and heart rate on the demanding climbs. Download GPX files from [ut.no](https://ut.no) or find them on Komoot before you go.
---
## Climb statistics — Valdres' ascents ranked
Valdres is climbing country. Here are the key climbs ranked by average gradient — which determines how much it actually hurts.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Olsjøbakkadn", value: "3.5% avg, max 10%" },
{ label: "Valdresflya (from Beitostølen)", value: "3.2% avg, max 8%" },
{ label: "Valdresflya fra Øst", value: "3.8% avg, max 9%" },
{ label: "Fagernes–Beitostølen", value: "1.6% avg, max 6%" },
{ label: "The Challenge (hardest section)", value: "5–12% over several mountain passes" },
{ label: "Jotunheimen-kanten", value: "2.5% avg, max 7%" }
]} />
**Olsjøbakkadn** is the steepest single climb — 520 hm in 15 km gives an average of 3.5%, but it is the sections above 8% that bite. Valdresflya is longer and more consistent — more an endurance test than a power climb.
**Tips for climbing in Valdres:** Keep a steady wattage, don't be tempted to go too hard at the start. Valdres climbs are long and even — you lose more by going into the red early than by saving 30 seconds in the first kilometre.
---
## Point-to-point by bus — skip the return ride
One of Valdres' greatest advantages for road cyclists: Valdresekspressen takes you back. The bus runs regularly between Fagernes and Beitostølen, and most departures have space for bikes.
<StatGrid items={[
{ label: "Valdresekspressen", value: "Fagernes ↔ Beitostølen, several daily" },
{ label: "Bike on board", value: "Yes — notify when booking" },
{ label: "Travel time", value: "Approx. 1 hr Fagernes–Beitostølen" },
{ label: "Booking", value: "valdresekspressen.no or NOR-WAY" }
]} />
**Best point-to-point setups:**
- **Fagernes → Beitostølen by bike** (47 km, 680 hm) — bus back. The classic.
- **Beitostølen → Valdresflya summit** (approx. 35 km, 450 hm) — get picked up or turn around.
- **Fagernes → Leira → Fagernes** (loop 30 km, 200 hm) — no bus needed.
Check [valdresekspressen.no](https://www.valdresekspressen.no) for timetables. In peak season (June–August) the bus can be full — book a spot for your bike in advance.
---
## Planning Valdresrittet?
[Valdresrittet](/artikler/2026-03-07-valdresrittet-2026-forberedelse) is one of Norway's most well-known cycling races — held in Valdres every year. [Olsjøbakkadn](/ruter/olsjobakkadn) and [Fagernes til Beitostølen](/ruter/fagernes-til-beitostolen) are both excellent training routes. Read our preparation guide for details on the training programme.
---
## Accommodation for road cyclists
[Beitostølen](/omrade/beitostolen) has the best selection of hotels with bike storage and tools. [Beitostølen Resort](https://www.bfrhotels.no/beitostolen-resort) and Radisson Blu Resort Beitostølen are popular bases for multi-day stays. Read our [complete accommodation guide](/guider/overnatting-syklister-valdres) for detailed recommendations.
---
*Valdres is one of the few places in Norway where a standard road bike takes you to 1389 m above sea level on a national road — with views over Jotunheimen at the top. Come ride it.*