Your first cycling trip in Valdres — complete beginner's guide

You don't need to be sporty to cycle in Valdres. You don't need a training diary, a carbon bike, or spandex. You just need the desire to get outside — the rest takes care of itself.

Valdres has some of Norway's finest cycling routes for those who have never ridden further than the local shop. Quiet gravel roads without heavy traffic, flat stretches along mountain lakes, and scenery so beautiful you forget you're actually exercising. This guide gives you everything you need to get started.

What kind of bike do you need?

Don't stress about having the "right" bike. The most important thing is that the bike fits your body and is in good condition. Here are the most common options:

Our advice for beginners: If you have a working bike with gears and wide enough tyres (at least 32 mm), you can manage most of the routes here. An e-bike is the smartest choice if you're unsure of your fitness — there's no shame in a little help on the hills. See our guide to bike hire in Valdres for prices and rental locations.

5 perfect beginner routes — from easiest to longest

We've picked five routes that suit those who have never cycled far before. All have good surfaces, light traffic and pleasant rest spots along the way.

1. Aurdal Familierunde — 12 km

The shortest and easiest. A flat loop on quiet country roads along the Begna river, with Aurdal as both start and finish. Perfect for getting a feel for what it's like to do a "proper" ride without exhausting yourself.

Suits: Absolute beginners, families, anyone wanting a gentle start. See full route →

2. Valdresbanen Sykkelvei — 15 km

A car-free gravel path along an old railway line between Leira and Fagernes. Completely flat, even gravel surface and no motor traffic. Very popular with families and beginners.

Suits: Anyone who wants to ride without worrying about cars. Great with children. See full route →

3. Slidre-Lomen Kulturvei — 18 km

A relaxed road ride through the cultural landscape of Slidre valley. Passes stave churches, Valdres Folk Museum and beautiful farmsteads. Little elevation and light traffic.

Suits: Those who enjoy culture and history combined with cycling. See full route →

4. Panoramavegen from Vaset — 28 km

A little longer, but still classified as easy. The gravel road from Vaset offers some of Valdres' finest views. Moderate elevation that is manageable at a steady pace.

Suits: Those with a little cycling experience or riding an e-bike. The reward is panoramic views. See full route →

5. Tisleifjorden Rundt — 38 km

The longest beginner route, but surprisingly flat (only 180 metres of elevation). The loop follows Tisleifjorden on gravel — peaceful, scenic, and with great rest stops. A natural goal once you've got the bug.

Suits: Those who want to push themselves a little — but still on a manageable route. See full route →

Preparation: body, clothing and food

Fitness — you need less than you think

If you can walk for an hour in hilly terrain, you can manage the three shortest routes above. Cycling is easy on the body — you set your own pace, and nobody is timing you.

Some simple tips:

• 2–3 weeks before: Do short rides at home (5–10 km) to get used to the saddle
• Saddle soreness is normal the first few times — it passes after 3–4 rides
• Don't compare yourself to others. Your first 15 km ride is an achievement, whatever the pace

Clothing — layer up

You don't need specialist gear for the shorter routes. But remember:

• Sports shorts or tights — avoid jeans (they chafe in the saddle)
• Padded cycling undershorts — make an enormous difference. Available at Intersport for under 300 NOK
• Layering principle: Moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer jacket, wind-resistant outer layer
• Rain jacket — always pack one in Valdres, whatever the forecast
• Helmet — wear it. Always

Food and drink

• Breakfast: Eat well 1–2 hours before setting off. Porridge, bread, muesli
• On the ride: Bring energy bars, fruit, nut mix and sandwiches. Eat little and often — don't wait until you're hungry
• Water: At least 0.5 litres per hour. Refill your bottle at stops
• After the ride: Eat within 30 minutes — your body needs refuelling. A café stop in Fagernes is well deserved

Packing list for a day ride

Keep it simple. This is all you need for a day out:

Tip: If you're hiring a bike, most rental shops include a pump and basic tool kit. Ask when you pick up the bike. For a more detailed list, see our interactive packing list.

On the road: pace, breaks and navigation

Find your pace

The most common beginner mistake is starting too fast. Ride slower rather than faster for the first few kilometres. A good pace is one where you can hold a conversation without getting out of breath.

Take breaks — often

Plan a stop every 30–45 minutes, regardless of whether you feel you need one. Drink, eat a little, stretch. Your body will thank you in the second half of the ride.

Navigation

• Download the GPX file from the route page before you leave — works offline
• Google Maps works well on most routes, but can lose signal in valleys
• Mobile coverage is generally good along all the beginner routes we recommend
• Signs: Valdresbanen and several of the routes are signposted — but have a backup on your phone

Season guide for beginners — when is the best time to start?

Valdres doesn't have one cycling season — it has several. For newcomers, the timing makes a surprisingly big difference to the experience.

Beginner recommendation: Start with a valley route in May or June to get a feel for the bike. Plan a mountain ride in August — conditions are most forgiving then and you'll have built up some experience.

Rule of thumb for temperature: In the valley (Fagernes, 360 m asl) it's approximately 10°C warmer than in the mountains (Valdresflya, 1389 m asl). A pleasant 22°C day in Fagernes means 12°C and wind on Valdresflya. Dress accordingly.

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Gravel for the first time — technique for confidence

Most of the beginner routes in Valdres are on gravel. It's straightforward — but feels unfamiliar if you've only cycled on tarmac. Here's what you need to know:

Tyre pressure makes all the difference: Lower your pressure by 0.5–1 bar compared to what you use on tarmac. A wider contact patch means better grip, a smoother ride and more control. Most beginner tyres (32–40 mm) work well at 3–4 bar on gravel.

The golden rule: The first 2 km on gravel feels strange. After 5 km you won't think about it anymore. Give it time — body and bike find their rhythm.

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7 common mistakes beginners make

1. Starting too fast — save your energy, you'll need it in the second half
2. Not drinking enough — drink before you're thirsty, especially in warm weather
3. Wrong saddle height — your leg should be almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke
4. Ignoring the weather — check the Valdres weather forecast and bring a rain jacket regardless
5. Not enough food — pack twice as many snacks as you think you'll need
6. Not checking the bike — check brakes, gears and tyre pressure before you set off
7. Planning too far — start shorter than you think you can manage, and build up gradually

Next steps — once you've caught the bug

Congratulations — you've completed your first proper cycling trip! What now?

• Increase gradually: Go from 15 km to 25 km, then 35 km. Your body adapts quickly
• Try a new route type: Have you cycled flat gravel? Try Etnedal Skogsveirunde (22 km) for a new experience
• Explore Beitostølen: Beitostølen is Valdres' cycling capital with routes for all levels
• Consider an e-bike for longer rides: Routes like Beitostølen Gravelrunde (35 km) open right up
• Set yourself a goal: The cycling challenges give you something to work towards — Familiehelten is perfect as your first challenge
• Read more: Our training guide helps you build fitness step by step
• Plan a weekend: A cycling weekend in Valdres with overnight stays is the ultimate beginner reward

Valdres is waiting. Start with the shortest route, enjoy the ride, and let the landscape do the rest. See you on the gravel road.