Cycling season in Valdres: when should you visit?
Everything about the cycling season in Valdres — opening times, weather, routes and tips for spring, summer and autumn. Plan your trip right from the first pedal stroke.
The cycling season in Valdres runs from May to October, but there are significant differences between lowland and high mountain routes. Here is what you need to know to pick the right time.
Overview: season by route type
Spring: May–June
Is it good to cycle in Valdres in spring?
May and June are excellent months for lowland routes in Valdres. Gravel roads are dry, there are few tourists and the temperature is pleasant (10–18°C). High mountain routes are still closed by snow until June.
Advantages of the spring season:
- Little traffic and quiet roads
- Green nature without midsummer heat waves
- Affordable accommodation prices
Disadvantages:
- High mountain roads (incl. Valdresflya) are closed until June
- Ground frost possible in May
- Some cafés and service stops are not yet open
Recommended routes in May: Fagernes–Beitostølen road route, Slidrefjorden circuit
Summer: July–August
Peak season. Warm, fully open, but also the most traffic.
Temperatures: 15–25°C in the lowlands, 5–15°C in the mountains. Always check yr.no before heading out on high mountain routes — weather can change quickly.
Valdresflya opens usually during June. The 22 km from Fagernes to the summit at 1389 m is the highlight of the year for many cyclists in the region. The 1020 m of climbing over 22 km demands good fitness, but rewards with views across Jotunheimen.
Mjølkevegen — 250 km of gravel from Vinstra to Gol — is best in July and August. The mountain lodges are open, the surface is dry and the daylight is long.
Autumn: September–October
An underrated season. The autumn colours make Valdres spectacular, and the roads are quiet again.
- September: still great on low and mid-altitude routes
- October: lowland routes only, conditions demanding. High mountains closed.
- Temperatures: 5–15°C, cool but comfortable with the right clothing
Tip: Gravel routes through the forest are at their most beautiful in the second half of September. The colour of the birch forest along Aurdalsåsen and Etnadalen is worth the trip on its own.
Weather in Valdres: what to expect
Valdres is a relatively dry region — Jotunheimen intercepts much of the precipitation on the western side. Typical rainfall during the cycling season is 40–80 mm/month. Check yr.no/sted/innlandet/valdres for daily updated forecasts.
Wind: Can be brisk on Valdresflya and other exposed high mountain sections. Consider planning morning or late-morning departures for high mountain rides.
Practical: what to check before your trip
- High mountain road status: Statens vegvesen (vegvesen.no) updates daily on whether mountain roads are open
- Weather: yr.no — select a place name in the Valdres region
- Accommodation availability: Book well in advance for July–August, especially Beitostølen
- Bike condition: Gravel roads may have stones and potholes after snowmelt in May–June
Last updated: March 2026. Data from Statens vegvesen, yr.no and Valdres Destinasjon.