Bicycle Trips Archives

The Pilgrim’s Route through Bærum

The pilgrim path from Oslo through Bærum to Hønefoss is the first stage of the western route to the historic Gudbrandsdalsleden, which was the main road to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in the Middle Ages.

The trail starts in Oslo's Old Town at the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral, where the first milestone stands.

The trip goes west through the Vigeland Park and residential areas to the Lysaker river near Lilleaker. Follow the Lysaker river on a path past waterfalls and lush landscape and through residential areas to Haslum medieval church, where the Tunsbergleden from Vestfold meets Gudbrandsdalsleden.

At Øverland, you walk into the forest in the direction of the tourist cabin Nygård. Along the way, you can spend the night at Sæteren farm, which is owned by DNT, and has the status of a pilgrim hostel. The road ahead goes on a path over Skrivarberget and down to Lommedalen. The trip goes over the golf course, crosses Lommedalsveien and you follow the forest road, the old King's Road over Krokskogen to Kleivstua Hotel. There are nice information signs along the way about life and keel burning at Kroksskogen and quite steep the first stretch with beautiful nature and forest terrain. Several nice picnic areas along the way and a small wooden lavvu.

After crossing Krokskogen, the route goes down to Sundvolden, through Hole and towards Bønsnes church and Norderhov church before arriving at Hønefoss and the Jevnaker area.

For more information and detailed map about Pilegrimsleden: https://www.pilegrimsleden.no/en/

Pilegrim accommodation at Sæteren Gard:

E-mail: seterengard@dntoslo.no Phone: 67 58 18 50 / 94 82 77 99 Adr: Murenveien 151, 1356 Bekkestua.

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

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

Mjøstråkk part of the route Hurdal-Minnesund

Cycling around Mjøsa lets you experience the beautiful cultural landscape up close, with rolling fields and green hills. Along the way, you’ll pass many well-known and hidden attractions that are worth a stop. Mjøstråkk is so much more than just a bike ride!

One of the segments on the western side of Mjøsa is the stage from Hurdal to Minnesund

This route can be summed up as straight up – and straight down! From Hurdalsjøen, the road climbs steadily for four kilometers up Minneåsvegen, through the forest to Tisjøen. After a short distance, you descend toward Mjøsa in a similarly long hill. Be aware that this hill has several sharp turns – so it’s important to control your speed. Good brakes are essential! Once you reach Byrudsvegen, it’s just two flat kilometers to Minnesund.

Since this stage is fairly short, some may want to take a detour from Tisjøen up to Mistberget, 663 meters above sea level. This is the second-highest peak in Eidsvoll municipality. Near the summit, there’s a firetower you can climb for a fantastic view over the Romerike region. The detour to Mistberget is 3.8 km one way – all uphill.

Once you've made it down all the hills, you’re just a few hundred meters from the Emerald Mines – a perfect place to stop for coffee and a snack – and maybe even hunt for one of the world’s rarest gemstones.

On the way down to Minnesund, near the bridges, you’ll also find Mjøssamlingene – where you can learn about the history of life and boats on Mjøsa.

To get down to Eidsvoll Station, you can take the shortest route, 11 km, on the west side of the Vorma river, via Trondheimsveien and Eidsvollsveien on National Cycle Route 7. If you prefer a longer and more hilly route (Fv177), 14 km, on the east side of Vorma, you’ll mostly avoid traffic noise from the E6 highway.

Historical detour to Eidsvoll Manor

On your way to Eidsvoll Manor, you can stop by Loftet Farm Shop – previously named one of the best in Norway. And if you still have some energy left, consider visiting Eidsvoll 1814, where you can learn more about the history that shaped Norwegian democracy. You can also stop by Eidsvoll Bygdetun, the local heritage museum, on your way to Eidsvoll 1814.

If you're still up for more activity, you can also visit Interpadel or the indoor climbing park Høyt Under Taket in Letohallen.

If you need a good night’s sleep before continuing your journey and want to explore more of what Eidsvoll has to offer, spend the night at Best Western Leto Arena, so you’re rested and ready for the next stage.

More information can be found on Mjøstråkk’s official website, which contains everything you need – including maps https://en.visitostnorge.no/mjostrakk

This site contains all the information you need to plan an exciting cycling adventure along Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake.

We have divided Mjøstråkk into 7 legs, and have described the route in the anti-clockwise direction with Minnesund / Eidsvoll as starting point. It is of course up to you where you choose to start, which direction you opt for, and whether you cycle the entire route or just pick parts of this stunning Mjøsa experience.

A detailed map can be purchased for NOK 150 at tourist offices around Mjøsa and at some hotels. The map includes route info, elevation profiles, tips on accommodation, dining, and attractions along the route.

GPS data for the entire route can be downloaded here:

– Download Mjøstråkk as a .GPX file

Transportation

If you’d like to combine your bike trip with a ride on Skibladner, the white swan of Mjøsa, you can bring your bike on board. Due to limited space, it's best to book in advance. Send an email to skibladner@skibladner.no.

If you're arriving in the Mjøsa region by train, you can also bring your bike on board. For example, you can start cycling from Eidsvoll Station and head north from there.

In our region, the Dovre Line runs from Oslo S to Eidsvoll, Hamar, Brumunddal, and Lillehammer. There are limited bike spaces on the trains, so remember to reserve in advance! Call VY at 815 00 888 or check their website.

Welcome – and have a great trip!

Information from Visit Greater Oslo

Bike Tour: The Strawberry Route from Ås to Drøbak

Start the tour at Ås station, passing through the courtyard at Ås Town Hall where you can experience the sculptor Odd Tandberg's work "Life's Force" and the town hall in a light functionalist style, designed by the architect Bjart Mohr, before arriving at the University and Vitenparken.

NMBU has one of Norway's most exciting park facilities where most plants and vegetation are labeled.

The tour continues past Brønnerud School and Korsegården, where there used to be an inn and coach station that you can now experience at the Follo Museum. Along the cycle path towards "Jordbærbua," there are several easily visible and signposted burial mounds from the Iron Age.

One of these is located at Søndre Holstad, where legend says that Herløg Rishaug was swallowed, and she can be heard singing for her beloved every St. Hans and Christmas. If it is the season and Jordbærbua is open, we recommend a stop for what must be called the area's sweetest berries.

Continue the tour through Drøbak Golf Club, down to the open-air museum at Follo Museum, where you can experience the old coach station from Korsegården, solve a museum mystery, or let the children play in the scenic playground before rolling down to Drøbak center and the square.

In Drøbak center, there are several cafes and experiences for all ages. Or how about a refreshing swim in Badeparken after the bike ride?

Facts:

The tour takes place on developed walking and cycling paths. Suitable for most people.

Length: 12 km in relatively flat terrain.

Transport: Regular trains from Oslo S and Moss to Ås. Bus 510 between Ås and Drøbak. Check EnTur.no for timetables and tickets. You can also take boat B21 or B22 back to Oslo during the season.

Experiences along the way:

Ås station

Ås Town Hall

NMBU

Vitenparken

The legend of Herløg Rishaug

Jordbærbua

Drøbak Golf Club

Follo Museum

Experiences in Drøbak center:

Tregaarden's Christmas House

Drøbak Aquarium

Badeparken

Bike ride Vollen Bjerkås area

Bike ride along the coastal path in Asker. On the way you can explore the history of boat building in Vollen with the Oslofjord Museum, the ice ponds and discover nice bathing spots.

Mjøstråkk – Bicycklea for hire

You can rent your bicycle by us – one way or round trip – You decide

We have bicycles for rental for you .

If you want to cycle the entire Mjøstråkk or the alternative between Hamar and Eidsvoll by train one of the roads. The bikes are picked up and delivered within walking distance to Eidsvoll train station, at Hamar station or with us at Minnesund. Here at Minnesund you can also park your car for free as long as you rent a bike.

Price: 400, – for one day – 100, – per extra day.

Please contact for request and reservation of bicycles.

Biking in Vestmarka

The bike ride starts in Sandvika by the fjord and follows the Sandvik River over the Løkkebrua bridge. After a 4 km climb you reach Tanum Church, where the gravel road takes over and leads you through farmland to Ringi Farm – known for its apple juice and great views.

Further into Vestmarka you will encounter forests, lakes and new climbs. Furuholmen and Gupu Farm offer homemade food, and around Gupu there are shelters and campfire sites. Some parts can be rocky, but for the most part the gravel roads are good.

At Semsvannet you can swim on the small beach and eat homemade food at NaKuHel Smia or Bryggerhuset. At Øvre Sem Farm you can enjoy Sunday brunch, accommodation and a shop with local crafts. Bergvang Farm is nearby. Visit the animals at the open farm and café on weekends.

The tour ends in Asker, where you can cycle back to Sandvika, take the train back, or continue to the next farm tour through Lier.

Tour d’art – bicycle tour of Bærum

The tour starts at Aker's new headquarters at the intersection Fornebuveien / Snarøyveien. Take a look at the beautiful ceramic vases and art by Magne Furuholmen before cycling around Telenor Arena and down the underpass towards the old Air Tower Here in the cultural street you will find several galleries such as Flø and Jonny Hurts, Reko-deli shop with organic local dishes, Paprifly wine bar and Caravell restaurant, the curiosity "On Wheels" with exhibits of Vespa mopeds and Ferrari cars and the renowned Bærum Kunsthall with modern art in the old fire station.

Follow the cycle path towards the Expo/Telenor building under Snarøyveien. Straight ahead is Quality Hotel Expo and Engineerium, an interactive experience centre at Fornebu. Here you can explore natural phenomena, learn about different energy sources and the history of the Aker companies and the oil and gas adventure in Norway. Turn right towards Telenor, cross the courtyard while marveling at the columnar art of Daniel Burén and the "writing on the wall" of Jenny Holzer.Keep right on the cycle path along the fjord. You pass Equinor, a landmark at Fornebu – cycle up under the entrance and take a look at the installation on the roof. IT Fornebu, which is located in the old terminal building with frescoes painted by Kai Fjell, and Scandic Hotel Fornebu. Cycle back down to the cycle path. On the waterfront with great views is Sjøflyhavna Kro, known for its good hamburgers.

Turn left back to Aker's headquarters and follow Oksenøyveien to the left. After about 300 m turn right and quickly left and follow Michelet's road which goes over to Bjerkealleen. Follow it and turn right in Sarbuvollveien and turn left onto Sandviksveien. Follow this to the roundabout and turn left up to the Henie Onstad Art Center. Visit the coastal sculpture park with 30 sculptures by renowned artists. Henie Onstad is one of the country's leading museums of modern and contemporary art with changing exhibitions by famous artists and a large collection of contemporary art from Weidermann to Picasso.

The tour continues around Sandviksbukten towards Sandvika, follow the signs. In Sandvika there are several street art paintings under the bridges along the river, and beautiful sculptures along the river promenade that leads to Løkketangen. Løkke bridge, a cast iron bridge from 1829 that was made at the ironworks at Bærums Verk, has become famous thanks to the French painter Claude Monet who visited Sandvika in the winter of 1895. The bridge crosses the Sandvik river in idyllic surroundings at Løkkehaven. Follow the cycle path along Elias Smitsvei and Industriveien to Bjørnegårdsvingen and follow the road through the barrier up along Sandvikselven past Kalkmølla Kulturstasjon and up to Esso on Vøyenenga. Follow the hiking trail to the right under the motorway and signs to Bærums Verk. Turn right on to the wooden bridge over the river and left up Vangkroken by the waterfall. Follow the road a little and keep right on the hiking trail along the river. Follow the hiking trail along the river all the way to Bærums Verk (the last part follows the road).

Explore the artist galleries at Bærums Verk and the sculpture park with more than 30 sculptures from Norway's foremost sculptors. Bærums Verk has around 50 shops, galleries and restaurants. Verksgata, which among other things consists of old workers' houses from the 1700s, is open 7 days a week all year round, here you will find forges, glassblowers, silversmiths, galleries, delicacies and local food, the chocolate house, several restaurants and unique shops. Værtshuset at Bærums Verk is Norway's oldest inn. It serves exquisite lunch and dinner with emphasis on Norwegian home cooking and is well worth a visit.

The return to Oslo is by cycle path over Steinshøgda towards Bekkestua to Øverland Gård. Follow the old royal road to the left – Ankerveien from Øverland towards Fossum. The tour goes along Haga Golf Course. Then follow Griniveien over Røa down towards Smestad and keep right on the path crossing over the metro line on to John Smestads vei and continue over the junction down Monolittveien until you meet Vigeland Park. Continue through Frogner Park past the Monolith, across the bridge and to the exit at Kirkeveien. Return to the starting point through Oslo's charming streets.

This tour is suitable to do with your own bike or you can use Bærum municipality's rental bikes from Tier more info can be found in the app Tier or rent a bike from rental locations in Oslo and cycle on the path along Frognerstranda to Lysaker and Fornebu (10 km longer).