SykkelValdres
NO·EN·DE·DA

---
title: "Leira and Nord-Aurdal by bike — from railway trail to flow trails"
description: "Complete guide to cycling in Leira and Nord-Aurdal: car-free railway trail, MTB flow trails, pumptrack and rides along Begna. Perfect for families and beginners."
type: guide
category: ruter
tags: [leira, nord-aurdal, familie, mtb, jernbane, nybegynner, valdres]
date: "2026-03-08"
relatedRoutes: [valdresbanen-sykkelvei, fagernes-flytstier, timannsstolrunden]
relatedPlaces: [fagernes, leira]
---

<AnswerBox
  question="Is Leira and Nord-Aurdal good for family cycling in Valdres?"
  answer="Yes — Leira and Nord-Aurdal is actually one of the best family cycling areas in Valdres. Valdresbanen Sykkelvei offers 15 km of completely flat, car-free cycling on an old railway line between Fagernes and Leira. Fagernes Flytstier at Valdres Storhall offers MTB for beginners and a pumptrack for all ages. Low-effort, easily accessible from E16."
/>

Leira and Nord-Aurdal isn't the first place most people think of when they hear "Valdres and cycling" — Beitostølen, Mjølkevegen and Valdresflya steal the spotlight. But if you'd rather not grind up mountain passes, if you have kids in tow, or you simply want a safe, car-free experience route — this is the valley's hidden ace.

Here, the old railway line has become a cycling path. Here you'll find a pumptrack and flow trails for families. And here is where many of the great Valdres tours begin and end.

---

## The area at a glance

<StatGrid stats={[
  { label: "Main hub", value: "Leira", sub: "Near Fagernes, approx. 10 km along E16" },
  { label: "Best for", value: "Families", sub: "Beginners, children, flat cycling" },
  { label: "Top attraction", value: "Valdresbanen", sub: "15 km car-free railway trail" },
  { label: "Season", value: "May–October", sub: "Low elevation — opens early" },
  { label: "MTB", value: "Flow trails", sub: "Fagernes Flytstier + pumptrack" },
  { label: "Transport", value: "Bus + car", sub: "Valdresekspressen to Fagernes, E16" }
]} columns={3} />

---

## Valdresbanen Sykkelvei — the valley's hidden gem

The decommissioned Valdresbanen — the railway line that once carried people and goods through Valdres — has been transformed into one of the finest family cycling routes in the region.

**Why it's great:**
- **Completely flat** — railways have a maximum 1–2% gradient. No hills to worry about.
- **Car-free** — no cars, no stress. Kids can ride freely.
- **15 km** Fagernes to Leira — ideal for a family day out-and-back, or one way with the bus back.
- **Historic** — old railway bridges, tunnels (with lighting) and cultural heritage sites along the way.
- **Rest stops** — regular stops with tables and benches along the trail.

The route follows the Begna river for much of the way. In the summer months this is a pleasant and scenic ride — with opportunities for swimming in the river on warm days.

[→ See route description: Valdresbanen Sykkelvei](/ruter/valdresbanen-sykkelvei)

---

## Fagernes Flytstier — MTB for everyone

At Valdres Storhall in Leira you'll find a growing network of flow trails and terrain loops for beginners and intermediate riders — plus a pumptrack that's fun for all ages.

**What's on offer:**
- **Pumptrack** — paved pump track loop, free, always open
- **Flow trails** — approx. 10 km of trails with moderate gradients and good flow
- **Beginner-friendly** — no technical obstacles on the basic trails
- **Family MTB** — kids can ride at their own pace while adults do an extra lap

The area is under development and new trails are added regularly. Check Trailspark or Strava for up-to-date trail data.

[→ See route description: Fagernes Flytstier](/ruter/fagernes-flytstier)

---

## Combining the two routes

A great family day in Leira/Nord-Aurdal:

1. **Morning:** Start in Fagernes town centre. Ride Valdresbanen to Leira (15 km, flat, approx. 1–1.5 hours)
2. **Lunch:** Café in Leira town centre
3. **Afternoon:** Pumptrack and flow trails at Valdres Storhall (1–3 hours depending on energy and age)
4. **Return:** Ride back to Fagernes (or take the bus if legs are tired)

**Total:** 30 km, almost no elevation gain — suitable for children from age 5–6 (with child seat/trailer) and up.

---

## Practical information

**Parking:** Fagernes town centre (free, near the old railway station site) or directly at Valdres Storhall in Leira.

**Bike hire:** Fagernes Sportssenter rents bikes including children's bikes and trailers. Book in advance during peak season (July).

**Food and drink:** Cafés and grocery stores in both Fagernes and Leira town centres. Bring enough water for the railway trail itself — no facilities mid-route.

**Toilets:** Fagernes town centre and at Valdres Storhall.

**Transport:** Valdresekspressen from Oslo to Fagernes takes approx. 2.5 hours. Bikes allowed in the luggage compartment (bag available from NOR-WAY).

---

## Season and opening times

Leira and Nord-Aurdal sits at **low elevation** — lowest point approx. 300 metres above sea level. That means:

- Valdresbanen Sykkelvei is **snow-free from April** in normal years
- Fagernes Flytstier typically opens in **May** — check Trailspark for current status
- The pumptrack is **open all season** (May–October)

---

## More in the area

Longer rides starting from Fagernes/Leira:
- [Fagernes to Beitostølen](/ruter/fagernes-til-beitostolen) — 47 km, 600 hm, road cycling classic
- [Timannsstølrunden](/ruter/timannsstolrunden) — 17 km, family-friendly with a bit more climbing

Looking for mountains and gravel? [See all gravel routes in Valdres](/ruter?type=gravel).
← Back to guides