Accommodation Along the Cycling Routes in Valdres
Complete guide to accommodation for cyclists in Valdres: mountain lodges, camping, farm stays and hotels — with tips on booking and budgeting.
What are the best accommodation options for cyclists in Valdres?
Valdres offers accommodation for every budget: from free wild camping and affordable campsites to atmospheric mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen and hotels in Fagernes and Beitostølen. The most important thing is to book early for the summer months — capacity is limited.
A cycling trip in Valdres requires planning beyond just the routes. The right accommodation is half the journey. Here's what you need to know.
Wild camping — the cheapest option
The right to roam gives you the right to camp in Norwegian wilderness for free, as long as you are at least 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house and no more than two nights in the same spot.
What you need:
- Your own tent and sleeping bag (temperature rating appropriate for the season — nights in Valdres can get cold even in summer)
- Enough water and food — along mountain routes, stream and river water is clean
Restrictions:
- Not permitted in national parks or nature reserves without special permission
- Fire bans may apply during dry periods
Routes particularly well suited for camping: Stolsvidda gravelrunde and Syndin rundt — both pass through stretches of open wilderness.
Campsites — comfort at a low price
Campsites in Valdres typically cost 150–300 kr per tent pitch per night and give access to showers, toilets and often electricity for charging.
Check visitvaldres.no for an updated list of campsites in the region. Most open in May and close in September.
Mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen — the classic choice
Mjølkevegen is 250 km of gravel from Vinstra to Gol, and along the route lies a number of mountain lodges with accommodation. This is the natural choice for multi-day trips.
What does a mountain lodge package include? Many mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen offer half board — accommodation with dinner and breakfast. Prices vary, but expect 800–1 100 kr per person per night for half board.
Booking:
- Book well in advance — July and August fill up early
- Contact the lodges directly or via mjolkevegen.no
- Some lodges do not accept walk-ins during peak season
Luggage transport: Some operators along Mjølkevegen offer luggage transfer between lodges — you ride light while your bags are driven ahead. This costs extra but makes the trip considerably more comfortable. Check mjolkevegen.no for available services.
Farm stays — the local alternative
Valdres has a long tradition of farm tourism. Staying on a farm gives you contact with locals and locally sourced food.
Typical price: 400–700 kr per person, depending on standard and whether meals are included. Many farms offer breakfast.
Advantages:
- Often includes bike parking or a lockable garage
- Opportunity to buy local food and provisions
- Non-commercial atmosphere — you're a guest, not a customer
Noraker Gård is a well-known example of farm accommodation tailored to cyclists in Nord-Aurdal.
Hotels and accommodation in Fagernes and Beitostølen
For those who prefer traditional comfort, Fagernes and Beitostølen have a good selection of hotels and guesthouses.
Beitostølen is a natural base camp for Beitostølen Trail Arena and Valdresflya. You can stay comfortably and ride straight from the hotel.
How to plan accommodation by route
Day trippers from Fagernes: No accommodation needed. Fagernes is the starting point for many routes with same-day return — including Aurdal familierunde and Slidre–Lomen kulturvei.
Two to three days in the mountains: Combine one night at a mountain lodge with one night camping, or book two nights in Beitostølen and use it as a base.
Mjølkevegen (three to five days): Book the mountain lodges along the route in sequence. Plan daily stages of 40–60 km. Most people complete the route in four days with accommodation at three mountain lodges.
Booking tips: when should you reserve?
- April–May: Book by March for the best selection
- June–August (peak season): Book 2–3 months in advance, especially for Beitostølen and the Mjølkevegen lodges
- September: More flexible, but check opening times — some lodges close early in autumn
A rule of thumb: if you've decided to cycle Mjølkevegen in July, book as early as April.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices are indicative and may vary. Check directly with individual accommodation providers for current seasonal offers.