Cycling Holiday in Valdres — guide for German, Austrian and Swiss cyclists

Valdres is Norway's best-kept cycling secret — 250 km north of Oslo, between Jotunheimen and Hallingdal. Gravel roads through high mountain terrain, quiet valleys without traffic, and alpine farm environments reminiscent of the Alps — just without the crowds.

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Getting there from Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Fly + rental car (fastest)

Bike on the plane: Most airlines accept bikes as special baggage. Prices vary — check with your airline when booking. A bike bag or bike box is strongly recommended. Book a rental car with sufficient luggage space (estate car or SUV) well in advance during summer months.

Car ferry (bring your own car and bikes)

Our recommendation: The Kiel–Oslo ferry is the most convenient. You sleep on board, arrive in Oslo in the morning and are in Valdres by lunchtime. Bring your own bikes on the car — it gives you the most flexibility.

Bus from Oslo (without a car)

Valdresekspressen runs from Oslo Bus Terminal → Fagernes → Beitostølen several times daily. Bike space must be booked in advance. Call Innlandstrafikk to reserve. Travel time approximately 3.5 hours to Fagernes, 4.5 hours to Beitostølen.

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Practical information for German cyclists

Payment and currency

Norway uses Norwegian kroner (NOK). Cash is almost unnecessary — all shops, cafes and campsites accept card. Visa and Mastercard work everywhere. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Don't exchange large amounts — you won't need them.

Mobile coverage and navigation

Coverage in Valdres is good along the main roads and in the towns. In the high mountains (above 1000 m asl) there may be gaps. Download offline maps in Komoot, Strava or Google Maps before you leave. Norwegian 4G/5G works with EU roaming for German, Austrian and Swiss mobile subscriptions.

Allemannsretten — freedom with responsibility

Norway has allemannsretten — you can pitch a tent in open countryside (at least 150 m from the nearest house) without asking permission. You can cycle on paths and gravel roads in open countryside. Respect grazing animals, leave no trace, and take your rubbish with you. This is the freedom that makes Norway unique for cyclists.

Food and drink

Supermarkets (Coop, Rema 1000) are found in Fagernes and at Beitostølen. Food prices are noticeably higher than in Germany — expect to pay roughly double. Tip: Stock up on the way from Oslo. Valdres has a vibrant mountain farm culture — try local brown cheese, cured meats and sour cream at mountain lodges along the route.

Bike rental

Want to cycle without your own bike? Bike rental in Valdres is available at Beitostølen and Fagernes. E-bikes can be hired for day trips — especially practical for Mjølkevegen and high mountain routes.

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The best routes for visitors

For gravel cyclists

Valdres has over 110 gravel routes. Mountain farm tracks and summer pasture roads through high terrain and valleys — this is what the area is known for. Top picks:

• Mjølkevegen — 250 km historic mountain farm trail over four stages. Norway's most famous gravel route.
• Panoramavegen — spectacular viewpoint route between Beitostølen and Fagernes.
• Stølsveiene — network of gravel roads to active summer farms with local food.

For families

Valdres is perfect for family cycling. Quiet roads, little traffic, safe surroundings. Over 50 family routes from 5 to 25 km. Beitostølen and Fagernes are the best bases — short distance to routes, accommodation and services.

For road cyclists

Valdresflya (1389 m asl) and mountain passes offer alpine climbs — without the Alps' traffic. Quiet roads, long ascents, fantastic views. Perfect for cyclists who want a challenge without traffic stress.

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Accommodation

Hotels

Radisson Blu Resort Beitostølen and Beitostølen Resort are the largest. Scandic Valdres is centrally located in the town. Gomobu Fjellstue at Vaset suits those who want to stay in the high mountains.

Cabins and camping

Cabins can be rented via booking platforms — book early for July. Tent camping is free in open countryside thanks to allemannsretten. Organised campsites are available in Fagernes, Beitostølen and along Mjølkevegen.

Mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen

The mountain lodges along Mjølkevegen offer accommodation and food in the high mountains — a unique experience. Book ahead in July and August.

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Best time to visit

Our recommendation: The last week of June or the first week of August offers the best balance between good weather and fewer crowds than the main holiday period (weeks 28–30).

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Checklist before departure

• Check that EU roaming is activated on your phone
• Download offline maps in Komoot or Google Maps
• Book accommodation well in advance (especially July)
• Check bike transport rules with your airline
• Bring rain gear — Norwegian mountain weather can change quickly
• Pack sunscreen and sunglasses — high altitude gives strong UV

For a complete packing list, see packing list for Mjølkevegen.

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Language guide — Norwegian words every cyclist needs

You will get along fine with English in Norway — almost everyone speaks it. But some Norwegian words appear on signs, maps and in hiking apps. Here are the most important ones:

Tip: Norwegians appreciate an attempt. «Hei» (hello), «takk» (thank you) and «unnskyld» (excuse me) will take you far. At mountain farms and lodges the hosts generally speak good English.

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Valdres vs the Alps — what is the difference?

Many German cyclists wonder how Valdres compares to alpine regions like Allgäu, Tyrol or Engadin. Here are the most important differences:

What Valdres does better than the Alps:

• The silence. Gravel roads without traffic, no motorway noise in the valley, birdsong and the sound of streams.
• The wilderness. Allemannsretten gives you the freedom to pitch your tent wherever you like — try that in Tyrol.
• Long evenings. In June and July it is light until midnight. You can cycle until 10 pm and still have daylight.
• Lower cost per experience. Yes, food is more expensive — but accommodation at mountain lodges and free camping offset that.

What the Alps do better:

• Longer season (April–October vs June–September)
• More bike shops and workshops
• More restaurants and cafes along the way
• Shorter travel distance from southern Germany

Conclusion: Valdres is not a replacement for the Alps — it is an entirely different universe. Quieter, wilder, more authentic. Perfect for gravel cyclists who want nature without crowds.

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Useful links

• All cycling routes in Valdres — filter by type and difficulty
• Guides for cyclists — in-depth articles on routes and planning
• Transport to Valdres — detailed travel guide
• Bike rental — prices and locations