Cycle tracks Archives

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)

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

Tour of Sandvika and Slependen by bike

Sandvika is Bærum’s city and the largest commercial, service and culture centre in the municipality. The town is beautifully situated on Sandvik River, right near the river mouth flowing into the fjord, with a backdrop of verdant hills. The route offers shopping, recreation, cultural sites and rural surroundings.

Without detours, the route is about 7.5 km long.

The route begins outside Thon Senter Sandvika. Start at the centre’s main entrance on Claude Monets Allé. Set a course northeast, cross Sandvik River and take the first road to the left on Løkketangen. You will arrive at Elias Smiths vei. Straight ahead is Løkkehaven, with its cast-iron Løkke Bridge, immortalised by Claude Monet in 1895. Here are small wooden houses with a gallery, arts and crafts, and a café, along with a chess sculpture by Sverre Hoel.

From Elias Smiths vei, take a right and then the first possible right again, over Rønne River on a small wooden bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Follow the river southward to some pleasant cafés and restaurants. Pass Bærum rådhus (Bærum City Hall), designed by Magnus Poulsson and completed in 1926 and later in 1960. At the town hall you will find a statue, “Friheten” (Freedom), and a fountain called “Elementene” (The Elements), both by Arnold Haukeland. Continue straight on to Kadettangen. Here you can stop for a cup of coffee at Artista gallery café, watch Rigmor and Rigfar – the ferry boats, sit at the guest harbour or walk over to Kalvøya, known for its festivals and lovely nature trails.

Continue around Kadettangen. Back to Sandviksveien, turn left, straight over the bridge, then another left, and follow the river southwards. You will arrive at Kjørbo Park. At the edge of the fjord is Kjørbo Farm, Sandvika’s oldest, established during the late Iron Age. You will pass Politiet (Police) – which is a circle-shaped indoor car park, as well as Thon Hotel Oslofjord and Thon Senter Sandvika (one of the largest Nordic shopping centres), before arriving back on Sandviksveien.

Time to get those wheels spinning. Turn left and follow Sandviksveien about 1.4 km. At the first roundabout, keep to the right up Slependveien. After about 1 km you will see the Slependen lime kiln from 1914. The lime kiln is used as a symbol on Bærum’s municipal crest. Interested in seeing Tanum’s medieval church? If so, take the gravel road to the left, halfway out onto the field. If not, continue straight on to Bjørnegårdsvingen. Cycle over the bridge, keep to the right along the pedestrian and cycle path. Cross the river one more time and pass Sandvika High School on the left. You have arrived at Løkke Bridge and Løkkehaven, where you can conclude your trip with a game of “outdoor chess”.

For recreational routes: the nearest gateway is Tourist Information at Thon Senter Sandvika (shopping centre)

Phone: 67 52 23 00

E-mail: thonsentersandvika.kundeservice@thon.no

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

Sandvika to Lysaker

A trip for the hardy!

The route crosses the municipality from west to east. Following the fjord, the route passes the Henie Onstad Art Centre, DNV, Strand restaurant and Polhøgda. The route ends at the Lysaker docks with a great view of the fjord. This is a tough ride, sometimes over difficult terrain.

Without detours, the route is roughly 10 km long.

The route begins at the Tourist Information Centre at Thon Senter Sandvika (shopping centre). Follow Claude Monets Allé southeast. At the end of the road is Bærum Kulturhus (Bærum Cultural Centre), designed by the architectural firm Snøhetta, and constructed in 2003.

Cross Sandvik River. Pass Bærum rådhus (Bærum City Hall), designed by Magnus Poulsson and completed in 1926 and later in 1960. At the town hall you will find a statue, “Friheten” (Freedom), and a fountain called “Elementene” (The Elements), both by Arnold Haukeland. Take a right, and then a left onto Gamle Drammensvei. Malskrivergården, one of Sandvika’s oldest preserved buildings from approx. 1640, stands to your left. From here you can go south and continue around Sjøholmen. However, some sections of this path are ill-suited for bicycles. Take a left instead and cycle through Solvik boat harbour. Turn right toward Høvikodden. You will reach Henie Onstad Art Centre, where you can take in an art exhibit and enjoy some refreshments at Bølgen og Moi. Høvikodden also offers a family-friendly beach.

Continue along the coastal path, through Veritas Park. There you will see DNV, one of Bærum’s largest businesses. From here you have a view of the beautiful archipelago. The path from DNV to Sarbuvollen is rugged – probably better to head up into the forest. Most people will prefer to walk their bicycle here. The path ends at Maries vei. From here, continue on to Sarbuvollveien, take a right and follow National bicycle route no.1. You will pass the popular Strand restaurant which offers a view of Holtekilen and the top of the white Statoil building at Fornebu. After about 2 km, the Telenor Arena will come into view. This is Bærum’s largest venue, offering concerts, horse shows and much more.

Cycle under Snarøyveien, take a right and follow the signs toward the Fridtjof Nansen Institute. You will pass Polhøgda, which once was the home of the polar explorer, scientist, humanist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Fridtjof Nansen. Pull in at Bombakken, turn right on Dicks vei and take a left at Strandveien. You have now reached Lysaker, one of Bærum’s best nodes for knowledge-driven businesses. There are cafés and restaurants along the docks. To the south is Nesodden, the east, Oslo, and to the north is the mouth of Lysaker River. Lysaker station is just nearby. You can take the train back to Sandvika from there.

Tourist Information at Thon Senter Sandvika (shopping centre)

Phone: 67 52 23 00

E-mail: thonsentersandvika.kundeservice@thon.no

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.

Hike Nesset to Hvervenbukta

There is a bus to Nesset, at the bottom of the Bunnefjord, and from there you follow the road and signs in the direction of Breivoll. Nesset was a lively and important hub in Follo from the end of the last century when the steamboats transported travellers from all over Follo to the capital. Breivoll Gård is a beautiful green area with a farm café, kayak rental, DNT accommodation and a popular hiking area with potholes and a sandy beach and a number of activities are arranged on weekends. The forest here alternates between rich deciduous forests, low-herb forests with lots of hazel and shrunken pine forests on the hills, and there are many important vegetation types as well as a rich wildlife.

Continue past the beach north to the right on the gravel road that takes you into the forest, past green pastures with horses and onto Strandveien past white-painted picket fences and cozy summer cottages. Old boathouses, boats and piers are close along the coastal path and there are nice places to take a break along the way and observe the rich bird life. Pass the marina along Kjæresveien before we slope steeply up to the right through the residential area and eventually come out onto Nebbaveien which is followed further.

Scheduled boat traffic on the fjord started in earnest in the 1860s, when steamships became more common and it took 1h15 minutes by boat from Oslo to Nesset at the bottom of the Bunnefjord. Nebba is one of the old steamship piers with nice benches. Follow the signs that now lead to the Sherpa stairs, which consist of 278 steps. This was done by hand with simple tools such as pickaxes, skewers, sledgehammers, hammers and chisels over the course of 18 working days and 300 tons of stone were used. The trip goes in steep terrain and is rewarded with a view of charming Sjødalstrand at the top.

The monks on Hovedøya ran salt extraction on Sjødalstrand and had a herb garden here. Wild herbaceous plants still grow wild here. Today, the place is characterized by the beautiful plum garden with local production of jams, chutneys and plum pies by hand according to traditional recipes.

The trip continues into the black forest towards Svartskog and eventually over into a paved road with dense spruce forest. Before embarking on the slopes down Roald Amundsen's road, you can continue straight ahead for about 100 meters and see if Svartskog kolonial is open on weekends. Homemade pastries and good coffee are served here.

The sculpture of Roald Amundsen with his dog stands majestically on the rocks with his gaze southwards, and to the right behind him is the entrance to Uranienborg. He is best known for leading the first expedition to arrive at the South Pole in the race with Scott. Here Roald Amundsen planned his expeditions and on the pier the polar ship FRAM was prepared before departure for the South Pole. His home is now a museum where guided tours are arranged in the summer and on weekends. The house was built in 1908 and stands exactly as he left it when he died in a plane crash in the Barents Sea while searching for his friend's expedition in 1928.

The trip continues through Amundsen's garden on a path and eventually onto Ingierstrandveien past beaches and older cabins. After Prosted, we turn off from the road and follow the marked path to the upper right – it can be a bit demanding and then follow the Line Path through the forest along the power line north to Ingierstrand.

Ingierstrand Bath is an icon in modern architectural history and was one of the two most important sea baths along the Oslo Fjord since its opening in 1934 and could have up to 120,000 visitors a season. Guests were transported by steamboat from the capital. Today it is a popular recreational area with diving towers, beach, rocks, grassy areas and beautiful pine trees in the hilly terrain.

You can continue the trip along the road to explore the popular beaches Sandbukta and Bestemorstranda – but we put the trip back up into the forest on the marked path to avoid the road. The path comes out on Ingierstrandveien again and we follow it to the junction and go down towards the sea over the river to Ljansbruket.

After rounding the promontory along the road to Hvervenbukta, follow Mastemyrveien under the E18 towards Kolbotn for return by bus or a stop at Quality Hotel Entry for a good meal or pleasant stay.

To get here:

Bus towards Drøbak. Stop: Nesset. Check entur.no or ruter.no

Lommedalen hiking – get your points

Explore new hiking destinations and make the tours more fun while you explore Bærumsmarka and Krokskogen

Join to collect trim points. Lommedalen Idrettslag arranges "Over Skog og Hei" in the period April-October 2021 and invites everyone to get out and use the great hiking opportunities in the area. Posts have been placed in Bærumsmarka and Kroksskogen. The mix of destinations should are suitable for everyone. Both easy hikes and more demanding ones for those who want a real challenge. Participation is completely free. Great prizes are drawn at the end of the season.

Participate by following the link to "OverSkogogHei"'s website:

http://www.trimpoeng.no/i/lommedalenil21

Hølenviadukten and Smaalensbanen

Smaalensbanen is part of the old railway route from Oslo to Halden, through Vestby municipality. The route extends from Kjenn and Kjennstjernet in the north, through Hølen town over the Hølenviadukten, to Sonsveien station in the south. Like the old railway route, the Smaalensbanen is flat, and therefore accessible to everyone. The area is suitable for walking and cycling, and as a transport artery through Vestby municipality. The entire route is approx. 5 km long.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo