Cycling holiday in Valdres — basecamp or stages?
Two ways to plan a multi-day cycling holiday in Valdres: stay in one place and do day trips, or ride from A to B day by day. Here's what suits you.
What is the best way to plan a cycling holiday in Valdres?
Most people choose one of two approaches: basecamp (stay in one place, do day trips) or stages (ride from A to B over several days). A basecamp in Beitostølen or Fagernes offers maximum flexibility and minimal logistics. The stage model suits sport cyclists who want a sense of journey and wish to see more of the valley.
A cycling holiday in Valdres doesn't need to be complicated. But there are two fundamentally different ways to do it — and the choice you make shapes the entire trip. Here's what you need to know to choose right.
The basecamp model: simple logistics, deep exploration
You unpack once, stay in the same place for the whole holiday, and ride out on day routes from there. No moving target for accommodation, no stress about shifting luggage.
It might sound simple — but it's actually the smartest model for the vast majority of people.
Works well for:
- Families with children
- Beginners and recreational cyclists
- Groups with varying fitness levels
- Those who want to relax after cycling, not manage logistics
Beitostølen as basecamp
Beitostølen is the natural centre for cycling in Valdres. From here you can reach:
- Beitostølen Trail Arena — trails right from the centre, from beginner to expert
- Valdresflya — the iconic climb to 1389 masl
- Shorter gravel loops in the mountain pasture landscape around the village
- A day trip down to Fagernes and back (47 km, 680 hm — a solid ride)
Downside: Beitostølen sits at mountain hotel price levels. If you're expecting budget prices, look at Vaset or Fagernes instead.
Fagernes as basecamp
Fagernes is more affordable and lowland-oriented. From here it suits well to:
- Ride the Valdresbanen cycle path — flat and family-friendly
- Do day trips northward into Slidredalen
- Take Fagernes–Beitostølen as a big day ride (with a car shuttle, or bus home)
Fagernes is the town with the best services — shops, cafés, bike workshop.
Vaset as basecamp
Little talked about, but excellent. Vaset is quieter than Beitostølen, has good gravel routes right from the cabin village, and is ideally situated for exploring the Mjølkevegen terrain.
The stage model: more of Valdres, more challenge
You ride from point to point — a new bed each evening, and constantly new scenery. The classic is to start in Fagernes and ride northward toward Beitostølen over 2–4 days, with overnight stops in mountain villages along the way.
Works well for:
- Sport cyclists and experienced tourers
- Couples without children
- Those who want a clear sense of journey
- Bikepacking enthusiasts
A natural stage plan: Fagernes → Beitostølen
Total distance: approx. 120 km, spread over four days. Fagernes to Beitostølen can also be ridden as one long day (47 km along Rv51) if you prefer.
Luggage: There is no organised bag transfer between stops. You have three options:
- Drive two cars — leave one at Beitostølen, start with the other in Fagernes
- Bikepacking setup — light gear carried on the bike itself (see our packing list for Mjølkevegen)
- Taxi — accommodation providers in the region can help recommend transport
Plan ahead: key dates for 2026
Golden rule: Book accommodation in Beitostølen and along Mjølkevegen as early as March or April for July travel. Popular places fill up.
What suits your group?
Not sure which model fits? Here's a quick assessment:
Choose basecamp if: you're travelling with children, have less than a week's holiday, don't want to stress about logistics, or are new to Valdres.
Choose stages if: you have at least four days, are comfortable riding 3–4 hours per day, and want to see as much of the valley as possible.
Feel free to combine: Spend two days in Beitostølen as a basecamp, ride down to Fagernes one day, and stay one night there before heading home. That gives you both worlds without too much logistics.
Practical tips for both models
- Bike storage: Look for accommodation with lockable bike storage — especially important with a gravel or MTB bike worth over 20,000 NOK
- Nutrition: Aim for 60–80 g of carbohydrates per hour on long days. Bring enough for the final stage — shop availability between Aurdal and Vaset is limited
- Weather: Check yr.no the day before, not just the weekly forecast. Mountain conditions can change quickly
- Buffer day: Build one buffer day into your plan. It gives you the option of an extra ride — or rest if your body needs it
A cycling holiday in Valdres is easy to get right. The region is well set up, the roads are safe, and the nature is at its best from June to September. Plan your trip now, and book accommodation while you have plenty of time.