Packing List for Mjølkevegen

Mjølkevegen is 250 km of gravel through the mountain pasture landscape of Valdres — from Vinstra/Skåbu to Gol. You'll need 3-5 days. Here's what to pack.

Bike and Setup

• Gravel bike with minimum 40 mm tyres (wider is better on loose gravel)
• Bikepacking bags: handlebar bag, frame bag, seat bag — skip racks and panniers for easier handling
• Spare tube and patch kit — bike shops are few and far between
• Mini pump or CO2 cartridge
• Multi-tool with chain tool
• Extra brake pads — 250 km of gravel takes its toll

Clothing (3-5 days)

• 2-3 cycling jerseys (wool dries faster and stays fresher)
• 2 cycling shorts with padding
• 1 wind jacket — mandatory in the mountains, even in July
• 1 rain jacket — it rains in Valdres, guaranteed
• 1 warm mid-layer (wool or fleece) for evenings at the mountain lodge
• Cycling gloves, buff and sunglasses
• Casual clothes for the evening: light trousers, t-shirt

Food and Drink

• 2 water bottles or hydration pack (1.5L minimum)
• Energy bars and snacks for between the mountain lodges
• The lodges along the route serve food — Bygdin Høifieldshotel, Haugseter, Gomobu, Storefjell
• You don't need to carry dinner — order at the mountain lodge

Accommodation

If you stay at mountain lodges (recommended):

• Sleeping bag liner (many lodges require one)
• Book in advance in July–August — it gets busy

If you're camping:

• Lightweight tent or bivvy
• Sleeping bag (comfort rating 5°C — nights are cold in the mountains)
• Sleeping mat

Technology

• Phone charger / power bank — coverage is patchy in the mountains
• Offline maps — download the area in advance (Komoot or Mapy.cz)
• GPS bike computer is useful but not essential — the route is well signposted

Transport

• Fjellkjeden/Intersport offer one-way rental between Beitostølen, Fagernes, Vaset and Gol
• Valdresekspressen bus from Oslo to Fagernes (3.5 hours)
• Train to Gol (3.5 hours from Oslo) if you start from the south

Tips

• Start from the north (Vinstra/Skåbu) — you get more tailwind and net downhill
• July is peak season — best weather, but also the most people
• June and September are quieter, but check that the mountain lodges are open
• Read more about the Mjølkevegen route and the cycling area