Valdresflya vs Panoramavegen — two mountain experiences, two worlds

Valdres has two iconic cycling routes above the treeline: Valdresflya and Panoramavegen. Both offer spectacular mountain views, but that's roughly where the similarities end. One is a demanding tarmac expedition to 1389 masl. The other is a relaxed 28 km gravel loop that suits the whole family. Here's what you need to know to choose the right one.

What is the difference between Valdresflya and Panoramavegen?

Valdresflya is a demanding 72 km road route on tarmac to 1389 masl with 1250 hm of elevation gain — for fit cyclists. Panoramavegen is an approx. 25.5 km gravel loop from Vaset with 473 m elevation gain — suitable for families and beginners. Both offer views towards Jotunheimen, but Valdresflya is three times as long and four times as demanding.

The numbers side by side

Valdresflya — for those who want the challenge

Valdresflya is Rv51 from Beitostølen to Hindsæter — Norway's highest national road mountain pass. You ride from birch forest up through the treeline and out onto an arctic plateau, with Galdhøpiggen and the entire Jotunheimen massif as your backdrop.

Who it's for: Fit cyclists who want an epic day out. You should be comfortable with 5+ hours in the saddle and long climbs at 4–6%.

The best of the route:

The landscape above the treeline is unique in Norway — reindeer, plateau terrain, Jotunheimen panorama
Part of National Scenic Route Valdresflye — well-maintained tarmac
The feeling of cycling to 1389 masl is a genuine reward
The descent back is a dream — 40 km of speed without pedalling

What you should know:

Wind above 1200 masl can be brutal — check yr.no for Valdresflya before you go
Exposed terrain with no shelter for the last 20 km — rain and cold can set in quickly
Last reliable water refill at Eidsbugarden (km 25) — fill up
Cars on Rv51 in high season — most are tourists driving slowly, but be visible

Panoramavegen — for those who want the experience without the exhaustion

Panoramavegen is a 28 km gravel loop from Vaset through open mountain terrain with views towards Jotunheimen, Hallingskarvet and the entire Valdres valley. The route is family-friendly, well-marked and has little traffic.

Who it's for: Everyone. Families, beginners, e-bikers, recreational cyclists who want a short and beautiful ride. You don't need to be in any special shape — just a bike that handles gravel.

The best of the route:

360-degree mountain views above the treeline — maximum reward for minimal effort
Smooth and well-maintained gravel — suits gravel bikes, MTB and e-bikes
Short enough to combine with lunch or another activity
Nøsen Fjellstove along the way — waffles and coffee in the middle of the route
Almost no car traffic — safe for children

What you should know:

Gravel can be loose after heavy rain — slow down on corners
Above the treeline = exposed to wind, but shorter exposure than Valdresflya
Vaset has limited shops — buy food and drinks in Beitostølen or Fagernes before the ride

Choose based on your situation

You have one day in Valdres and are in good shape: Valdresflya. It's one of Norway's most memorable cycling experiences, and you won't find it anywhere else.

You're cycling with family or children: Panoramavegen, without question. Short, safe and with spectacular views. Perfect half-day trip with waffles along the way.

You've never cycled in the mountains before: Start with Panoramavegen. You get the mountain experience without the risk. Next time, you take Valdresflya.

You're on an e-bike: Both work excellently. Panoramavegen is an easy morning ride. Valdresflya becomes manageable instead of demanding — and just as spectacular.

Bad weather approaching: Neither of them. Both are exposed above the treeline. Save them for a good day and ride in the valley instead — try Valdresbanen cycle path or a family route around Aurdal.

Combine both on one holiday

Got 3+ days in Valdres? Do both. They complement each other perfectly:

Day 1: Arrival and Panoramavegen as a warm-up (2–3 hours). Base at Vaset or Beitostølen.

Day 2: Valdresflya as the main goal (5–8 hours). Start early, be back by dinner.

Day 3: Easy ride — Mjølkevegen stage or exploring mountain farm roads in the area.

With a base in Beitostølen you have a short distance to both routes, plus access to shops, bike rental and restaurants.

Photo spots — the best shots

Both routes offer spectacular photo opportunities, but in different ways.

Valdresflya:

Raudalen bend (km 15): Last birch forest with Jotunheimen in the background — classic Norwegian mountain shot
The plateau at 1300 masl (km 28–32): Wide-open plateau terrain with reindeer moss and snow patches in June — arctic atmosphere
Gjende viewpoint (km 35): Down towards Gjende and Besseggen from the eastern side — iconic
Best light: early morning (06–09) or late evening (19–22) in July

Panoramavegen:

Nøsen plateau (km 12): 360-degree panorama towards Jotunheimen, Hallingskarvet and the Valdres valley — one turn gives four mountain ranges
Gomobu bend (km 18): Descending with the entire valley below you — perfect for action shots
The mountain farm at Raudalen: Old summer farm with mountains in the background — Instagram gold
Best light: afternoon (15–18) when the sun sits in the west towards the mountains

Tip: Pack a small phone mount or GoPro bracket on the handlebars. Stop-and-snap shots along the way give better photos than trying to photograph while riding.

Getting to the start

To Valdresflya (Beitostølen):

By car from Oslo: E16 via Fagernes, then Rv51 to Beitostølen — approx. 3.5 hours. Free parking at the ski stadium.
By bus: Valdresekspressen Oslo–Fagernes, change to local bus to Beitostølen. Bike in the luggage compartment — check with the bus company in advance.
Cycling all the way: From Fagernes to Beitostølen is 36 km and 550 hm — a trip in itself.

To Panoramavegen (Vaset):

By car from Oslo: E16 via Fagernes, north to Vaset — approx. 3.5 hours. Parking at Vaset centre.
From Beitostølen: 12 km from Beitostølen to Vaset on tarmac — an easy warm-up ride.
From Fagernes: 45 km via Rv51 — combine with an overnight trip.

Without a car: Base yourself in Beitostølen and cycle to both routes from there. Panoramavegen is 12 km away, Valdresflya starts right outside the door.

Elevation profile in detail — km by km

Want to know exactly when it gets steep? Here's the elevation profile broken down by segment.

Valdresflya (Beitostølen → summit, 36 km up)

Pacing tip: Split the ride into two mental blocks. Block 1 (km 0–15) is warm-up — hold back. Block 2 (km 15–28) is where it's decided. Eat and drink at km 12–14, before the climbing gets serious.

Panoramavegen (Vaset → loop, 28 km)

Pacing tip: No strategy needed. Ride at your own pace, stop whenever you like. The only "mistake" you can make is forgetting to look up from the road — the view is the whole point.

One day, two mountains — the ultra combination

For ambitious cyclists: combine both routes in one day. That's 100 km and 1570 hm — demanding, but achievable for fit cyclists with an early start.

Recommended order

Morning: Start Valdresflya at 06:00 from Beitostølen. Quiet traffic, cool air on the climb. Summit around 09:00–10:00. Back down to Beitostølen by lunch.

Afternoon: Cycle the 12 km from Beitostølen to Vaset (flat, tarmac). Start Panoramavegen around 13:00–14:00. Easy pace, enjoy the views, waffles at Nøsen. Back to Vaset by 16:00–17:00.

Evening: 12 km back to Beitostølen — mostly downhill. Finished by 18:00. You've just cycled Valdres' two most iconic routes in one day.

Bail-out plan: If Valdresflya takes more than 8 hours, skip Panoramavegen. No shame — Valdresflya alone is a solid achievement. Panoramavegen will wait until tomorrow.

Season and opening times

Both routes are snow-free from normally mid-June to September. Valdresflya (Rv51) has a barrier in winter and opens when the snow has been cleared — check vegvesen.no/trafikk for daily status. Panoramavegen is a municipal gravel road that normally opens a little earlier, depending on snowmelt.

Best time: July and August offer the most stable warmth and longest days. September brings fewer people, autumn colours and cooler air — bring extra layers.

Read the in-depth guides: Valdresflya cycling guide · Panoramavegen cycling guide · Choose your cycling base in Valdres

Valdresflya vs Panoramavegen — which one to choose?