Bicycle Archives

Semsvannet lake – walk

Since 1992, the Semsvannet lake and surrounding landscape has had the status of a protected landscape area. This is due to the animal and plant life, history and geology of the area. Prior to the year 2000, Semsvannet was also voted place of the millennium by the citizens of Asker. The walk around the lake is approx. 5.5 km. Here, you can walk, run or cycle. Semsvannet is also good for fishing, and there are also several great bathing spots.

Around the water you can see several well-preserved smallholdings, with pastures for farm animals and restaurants. Asker’s highest waterfall can also be seen on the walk around the lake.

NaKuHel is a gateway for recreational routes.

Sourse: Asker Turlag

Tour proposals starting at Losby Gods

Losby Gods is a great starting point for many trips in the summer; walking, jogging and cycling.

We would like to give you some suggestions for trips in Losby's deep forests and Østmarka's exciting nature. The suggested tours are mostly on forest roads or footpaths, the dotted lines show paths. These paths are blue-marked, and the number of km is indicated on the map.

The times estimated in the descriptions do not include time for stops/breaks, but only the time it takes to walk or cycle the route.

REMEMBER; Blue markings are summer trails. Red markings are cross country skiing trails for winter.

Over several centuries, Losby Gods has been the center for exciting excursions, activities and good food and drink for visiting guests. Feel free to take the opportunity to eat something good here before or after the trip. In the Losby Pavilion, they can tempt you with homemade buns, freshly baked waffles, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream and chocolate. If you want more food, grilled hamburgers and sausages are served after 12.00.

Part of Villmarksroute, Magnor-Rømskog

Route Description

This stage is characterized primarily by dense forest and a few small hamlets. From Magnor, the first 5 km follow a separate and safe bike path along County Road 202. The final kilometers toward Lake Harstadsjøen are on a car-free gravel road. There are several nice picnic spots along the western side of the lake. From Gåsvika to Rømsjøen, traffic is light. Grocery stores are available in Magnor, Skotterud, Setskog, and Tørnby, just north of Rømsjøen. There's also a 3 km detour from Rømsjøen to Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort.

Challenges

On the western side of Lake Stangnessjøen, Route 9 follows a gravel road ("Vektervegen") that in places narrows to a wide trail. The last few kilometers before reaching Harstadsjøen are on loose gravel. From Harstadsjøen to Gulltjenn, there is a climb of nearly 100 meters over three kilometers. A similar ascent awaits from Rømsjøen up Vortungsveien toward Lake Vortungen and the unique Rømskog Hotel & Spa Resort. Traffic between Harstadsjøen and Lake Setten is noticeable, including some heavy vehicles like timber trucks. This road section is also somewhat winding and has limited visibility. This stage is suitable only for experienced adult cyclists.

Rømskog

Here you'll find a Joker grocery store and a gas station. Rømskog is a small, peaceful village with about 700 inhabitants. It used to be the center of its own municipality and is now part of Aurskog-Høland in Akershus. Nestled deep within the forest and surrounded by over 100 lakes, the area features varied terrain with forested hills, including Slavasshøgda (formerly the highest peak in Østfold). For those seeking spectacular views, there’s a unique wooden fire lookout tower on Haukenesfjellet—within walking distance from Rømskog Unike Hotel—offering expansive views across forest and water, even reaching Gaustatoppen on clear days.

Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort

The unique Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort is built on stilts in Lake Vortungen, offering panoramic water views directly from the guest rooms. Facilities include a saltwater pool, cold plunge pool, steam and traditional saunas, and an outdoor hot tub right at the water’s edge—perfect for tired cycling muscles.

Google Maps

Distance: 64 km

Difficulty: Medium

Region/Area: Eidskog, Innlandet, Aurskog-Høland

Time: Approx. 4 hours

Surface: Mostly asphalt

Recommended bike: Hybrid

Traffic: Generally low

Start & Finish: Magnor / Vortungen, Rømskog

Signage: Yes, as part of National Cycle Route 9

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

Kultour – biking

Biking around the Oslo Airport Gardermoen

The hotels around Gardermoen are a good starting point for bicycling in Nannestad. The destination for today's trip is Lake Bjertnessjøen, which is located in Romeriksåsen. This is a large hiking area that is used in the summer- and wintertimes and is excellent for bicycling. The area south of the airport is a ravine valley and not suitable for bicycling. For that reason, there will be a bicycle distance on Nannestadveien with some traffic, but it quickly turns to dirt roads along Engervegen. Further on, you will pass Nannestad church before the gravel road continues through Låkedalen. It is nice to see river Leira flowing by. Farms, fields and meadows dominate the landscape.

From the cross at Rustadsaga you will notice a rise into the forest. Sheep and cows are a common sight in the roadway – this is their home range. Although there is a bit of a climb here, it increases gradually and the gravel road is great to bicycle on.

When you arrive at Bjertnessjøen it is quiet, calm and idyllic. Several benches make it easy to find a pleasant place to take a break. Remember to pack a lunch – it is not possible to buy any food along the way. Note that Bjertnessjøen is a source of potable water and therefore is it prohibited to swim here.

The hiking trail continues around the water and there is a nice view of the Romeriks landscape. The trip is moderately demanding with its altitude, and it is good to have some bicycling experience on gravel and in traffic as it is 2-3 km on a busy road.

Fact box

Start/end point: Hotels around Oslo Airport Gardermoen

Distance: 43 km

Time: approx. 4 hours round trip

Total number of altitude meters: approx. 500

Surface: 60% gravel, 40% asphalt

Rating: Medium

Bicycle type: Hybrid bicycle suitable for gravel and electric bicycle

Safety: Mostly minor roads with little traffic, but a few km with more traffic must be expected

Season: April – October (may vary depending on snow conditions)

Reservation

This route was last tested in August 2022. Changes and deviations may occur in service offers, road standards, traffic volumes and traffic patterns.

Link to digital map and navigation:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40678117

The Halden Canal

Push the boat out

Norway’s Halden Canal offers a splendid mix of culture and relaxation. Constructed in the 1850s, the Halden Canal remains fully functional and is recognised as a site of national technical-industrial heritage. The canal is 80km long with three elaborate lock systems – one of which, in Brekke, is the highest in north Europe. The Canal Museum at Ørie offers an overview of its history and functions, while a boat trip aboard M/S Brekke provides the opportunity to enjoy a cosy meal and the beautiful nature in the canal area.

One of the best ways to explore the system is to take a paddling tour, staying overnight at one of the quality hotels, campsites or cabins.

The Halden Canal region offers:

Canoe rentals

SUP-boards

Water-bicycles

Bicycles rentals

Canal boat tours

Canal museum

Freshwater fishing

Local food

Different types of accomodations

The Isi River tour – hiking

The Isi river winds like a blue-green oar through Vøyenenga, Skuidalen, past Bjørumdalen and into the idyllic nature reserve in Kjaglidalen.

A walk along the Isi river is varied, with narrow paths, nice hiking trails, road and forest road. Isielva appears with waterfalls, rapids, pools and peaceful parts. There are many nice places to take a rest and listen to the passing water. The experience will also vary with how much water there is in the river. You can make long or short walks. Some parts of the tour are suitable for walking, while other parts are also suitable for bicycles, prams or wheelchairs.

The lower part of the river offers parts of unexpectedly beautiful nature in an otherwise built-up and industrialized area. The river starts in Hole municipality, but we have limited ourselves to describing the part that flows through Bærum. Here you can walk from the fjord by Sandvika, and far into the countryside through a cultural and natural landscape with deep roots back in time. In the past, the river was important as a source of water for humans and animals, laundry and swimming. Isielva was an important local food source. Salmon and trout were fished, a fishery that is still significant.

Today, the Isielva region is a very important breeding area for salmon and sea trout. Much of the sea trout fished in the inner and outer Oslofjord has been conceived and raised in the Sandvik River / Isielva. You who use the river are a crucial helper to protect the fish, so that it completes the cycle and swims back to the sea to fatten up, and then come back to spawn and secure the stock further.

We wish you a good trip! Regards from Bærum Elveforum

(Republished with permission from Bærum Elveforum)

5. Bicycle tour on Romerike, starting from Lily Country Club

Easy bicycle tour on the country road around Kløfta – past the golf course, church, warehouse, fields and meadow.

Tour description

The hotel Lily Country Club is surrounded by the Miklagard golf course just outside the center of Kløfta. From this point there are good opportunities for bicycling trips in the local area.

You will cross highway E16 by the underpass and after a short time you come to Ullensaker church, which is beautifully situated on a hill with a view of the surrounding area. The bicycle route follows Wergelandsveien on low-traffic asphalt roads.

Those who want another alternative can bicycle “Den Wingerske Kongeveg” on the north side of the church. It eventually turns into a narrow path – which is bicycle able but watch out for walkers. The path is rough, but after a couple of kilometres it enters the asphalt road again.

The area is characterized by agriculture with farms and fields on all sides. The route runs in open countryside and is slightly hilly. There are no major challenges along the road but be careful where the route meets Trondheimsveien to the south. You cross an occasionally busy road. The pedestrian- and bicycle path takes you further in the direction to Kløfta, with shopping center and pleasant cafes.

You cross the train line with its own underpass, and it goes through residential area back to the hotel.

Fact box

Start/end point: Lily Country Club Hotel, Kløfta

Distance: 16 km

Time: approx. 1 hour round trip

Total number of altitude meters: approx. 160

Surface: 95% asphalt, 5% gravel

Rating: Easy

Bicycle type: All bicycles

Safety: Mostly low-traffic minor roads and pedestrian- and bicycle paths

Season: April – October

Reservation

This route was last testet in July 2022. Changes and deviations may occur in service offerings, road standards, traffic volumes and traffic patterns

Link to digital map and navigation: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40276397

Wilderness route – National biking route # 9

About National Cycle route no.9 from Elverum to Halden (355 km)
National Cycle Route No. 9 is known as the Wilderness Route and stretches from Trondheim to Halden (or the other way around). The cycle route passes through the easternmost parts of Innlandet, Akershus, and Østfold, often close to the Swedish border. The full route is around 800 km long. The route is not signposted north of Trysil.

Under we only present the southern section of Route no.9: Elverum–Halden.

The Wilderness Route offers a great nature experience suitable for experienced adult cyclists, possibly accompanied by cycling-savvy teenagers from 13–14 years old. True to its name, the route mainly passes through areas dominated by forests and lakes. If you want to experience silence and long stretches practically free of car traffic, then The Wilderness Route is for you!

Note! When it comes to the northern part of the route, there are no larger towns along the way, and the distances between grocery stores, dining options, and services can be quite long. Further south, the trail takes you through Ørje, and it’s only a short detour to shops and dining in Aremark. However, you should be well prepared for this route, with sufficient equipment and food/drinks. Also remember to bring an extra tube, a pump, and some tools for the journey.

Click here to read a presentation of the Wilderness Route

Practical details and info
Map
See the digital map and elevation profile in the RideWithGPS-app
See the digital map and elevation profile in the Komoot-app
See digital map and elevation profile on Google Maps (including accomodation)

Challenge level
Moderately demanding because of the longer daily stretches, but with many easy cycling sections along the way.

Place names along the route
• Start: Elverum train station | Target: Halden city centre
• Route: Elverum – Hernes – Sørskogbygda – Gravberget – Velta – Fallsjøen – Røgden – Svullrya – Varalden – Skjærvangen – Rømsjøen – Ørje – Strømsfoss – Aspern – Halden

Distances and elevation
• Distance: 355 km
• Total ascent: Approximately 4,000 meters of elevation gain, with 300 – 700 meters of elevation per day's stage. (There are few really steep slopes.)

Terrain
• About two-thirds asphalt
• One third dirt/gravel road. Somewhat varying substrate quality.

Car traffic
Varying, but generally little car traffic. Some traffic up to Ørje, less further on to Skotterud, further north there is less, long stretches are almost completely traffic-free.

Signage
• The route is signposted as a national cycle route and has burgundy-coloured signs with a cycle logo and the number 9.
• There are some deficiencies in the signage. Remember to dowload the GPX-file to your mobile or GPS-device and bring a map.

Recommended bike type
• Mountain bike with low studded tires, gravel bike, or hybrid bike with slightly wide tires, 40 – 45 mm.
• Shock absorbers are not required.

Charging and electric bikes
• Charging points are relatively far apart, and the Wilderness Route is less suitable for e-bikes, especially in the northern section.
• Simple measures to extend the range of an e-bike can be to ride with reduced battery assistance or to bring an extra battery.
• The bikes can be charged at the accommodations.
• In addition, there are charging point here:
– The Pluss, attraction in Magnor
– The tourist office in Ørje

Public transportThere is a train connection between Elverum and Hamar with connection to Oslo/ Gardermoen (check departures in advance), and trains from Halden.

Bike rental
The nearest bike rental is available in Hamar (the Tourist Office in Hamar) or Lillehammer (Hafjell). There is a train connection from Elverum to both Hamar and Lillehammer. There is also bicycle rental in Ørje if you choose to only cycle parts of the route.

Luggage transport
There is no luggage transport service along the Wilderness Route.

Tour description
If you cycle the Wilderness Route, you cycle close to nature the whole way. When you start in Trysil, the first half of the route leads through the Finnskogen forests. Here you cycle on wide dirt roads and you pass various lakes and ponds, waterways, large pine forests and a number of hills of 4-600 meters in height.

It is a vast and relatively untouched outdoor paradise, characterized by an absence of settlements. Here you can cycle long stretches without meeting anyone and the silence in these forests is striking. In this part of Finnskogen, there are a number of campfires, simple rest areas and gaping huts at several of the ponds along the route. On the hiking maps of Finnskogen, you will see that these places are marked.

The southern half of the Wilderness Route runs more through cultural landscapes and through a several hamlets and small towns. Here, the service facilities are also more frequent. In Ørje, for example, there are several eateries and frocery stores, as well as the only sports shop before reaching Halden.

From Ørje and further south, the route follows the Halden Canal, where you can see a number of cultural heritage sites and information boards from the time when the canal and boats were an important transport artery for both people and goods. Feel free to visit the locks at Ørje, Strømfoss (a very short detour), and Brekke (a 2 km detour). Today, the canal is mainly used for tourist traffic with several boats in operation.

• See the entire National cycle route no.9 from Elverum to Halden

For more information about sightseeing places, or other types of accomodation:

Day 1 – 3 Read more about Øst Norge
Day 4 – 5 Read more about Akershus
Day 5 – 6 Read more about Indre Østfold and the small towns Ørje and Strømsfoss that you pass
Day 7 Read more about Halden

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

På sykkel i Eidsvolls skoger

The route goes on forest roads in the eastern parts of Eidsvoll. You pass numerous lakes with bathing and fishing in the pipeline, and you can also see the key cultural relics related to mining activities in Gullverket. The route can be reduced significantly by following the Hestdalsvegen route from Jønsjøsaga to Habberstad.

Route description:
Start and end point: Eidsvoll station
Distance: approx. 40 km

The trip starts at the river side of the station, and passes by the old Eidsvoll station, over the old bridge and left through the center (Sundet). Turn left at Shell Station and continue along Tynsåkvegen past the exit to Eidsvollhallen and Eidsvoll high school. You must fit more farms and after approx. 3 km you reach the RV 177 at a convenience store. Turn right and follow this down to RV 188, which is left to Nord-Odal.

Along the RV 181 you pass more water and pond. There are fishing opportunities in all, but you should not expect anything else a whitefish. First you arrive at Jønsjøen which lies on the east side of the road. 100 meters after crossing the bridge at the north end of Jønsjøen, turn left and find a municipal bathing place in the south end of Fløyta. The route continues along RV 181. About 10 km from Sundet you reach Søndre Holsjø on the west side of the road. Here there is also a small swimming area in the south end (2-300 meters west along the forest road). In the middle of the sea you turn left to the Gullverket. After 3 km you reach the gravel road at Knofsløkken. Continue straight past the Gold Grave Factory at Røisivangen (unfortunately closed) and on to Nordre Holsjø. Approximately 200 meters before reaching the sea, turn left towards Grønnsjøen and E6. A trip straight up to Nordre Holsjø (fishing and swimming possibilities) and possibly the gold mines northwest of the sea is definitely recommended.

Ruta continues along the forest road. Follow the signage (three-part) against the E6. About 5 km after the crossing at Nordre Holsjø lies Grønnsjøen on the right (not visible from the road) with good swimming and fishing possibilities. Cross right west of the sea, turn left towards Øvre Holtet and E 6. Here you reach a stretch that is partly very steep. It is therefore recommended to take it easy. 3-400 meters after the bottom of the slopes, turn left towards Nord-Fløyta where there is a heated swimming pool. It is important that you do not continue past Upper Holtet and down to E6, as there is neither a bike path nor a relief road along the E6 in this area. In the north of North Fløyta you trill over the bridge to a forest road that continues south along the eastern side of the water. Continue this road straight along Holtåa, past Holtdammen (bathing place) and onto RV 177 at Holt. Turn left and follow RV 177 back to Nærmatbutikken. Here you turn right and follow the route back to the starting point.