One of the finest and most famous cycle roads in Norway is the 82-kilometer long Rallarvegen (the Navvie´s Road) running from Haugastøl via Finse to Flåm. The most popular part of the cycle route is from Finse, at 1222 meters above sea level, to Flåm down by the Sognefjord. Map to use: Rallarvegen Bicycle Map 1:50000.
Book bikes at Haugastøl, Finse or Myrdal, travel by the Bergen Railway (from Oslo or Bergen or other stations) to the starting destinations, and cycle down to Flåm. You can leave your bikes down at Flåm.
About season and other important information
SEASON – Mid July to Mid September, these are approximate dates that depends on the weather, temperature and the amount of snow in the mountains. This is a landslide-prone area, always make your own evaluation about this danger before and during this tour. There is updated information about the road, conditions, season and about Rallarvegen on Haugastøl’s website. We recommend that you read this before you plan to cycle Rallarvegen.
SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS – You should follow the Norwegian Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. It can change from summer and sunny weather to winter and frost in minutes! Always check the Weather Forecast before you go hiking. For safety reasons it is recommended to avoid hiking in Thunderstorms, in fog, in bad weather and when it is snow and ice on the trail and in the mountain! Always bring good clothes and hiking shoes. And have enough food and water in your rucksack.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ROADS – Remember that many of the roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. Rallarvegen and Flåm Valley are two of these exposed roads.
External Link: Rallarvegen Bike Packages from Haugastøl.
Video: Cycling along the Flåm Valley
Haugastøl (1000 masl) to Finse (1222 masl) – 27 kilometers
Rallarvegen starts right at the Haugastøl Tourist Centre. You can rent bikes or bike-packages containing accommodation, meals and bike hire from here. Luggage can, if desired, be sent between the train stations at Haugastøl, Finse, Myrdal and Flåm. The cycle-road from Haugastøl to Finse have a rise of 222 meters and here you have beautiful scenery and many cultural relics from the time when the Bergen Railway was built.
Finse (1222 masl) to Hallingskeid (1110 masl) – 21 kilometers
Finse is the highest point on the Bergen Railway. Now you are in the high mountains and don´t be surprised if there is snow on parts of the road well into the autumn.
At Finse you can also rent bikes and spend the night, either at the Hotel Finse 1222 or Finsehytta Mountain Lodge. You can also rent bikes from Rallarvegen Sykkelutleie, they rent out bikes at both Finse and Haugastøl.
From Finse, the cycle-road is rising up to Lake Fagervatnet (1343masl) which is the highest point on Rallarvegen. From here it is more or less downhill all the way to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord.
Be aware the road may be in poor condition in minor parts of the road so remember a repair kit and necessary equipment in case of a puncture.
At Finse you can see the Hardangerjøkulen Glacier with its ice cap and icefalls. At Fagernut you can have a tour at the exhibition and taste rallarvafler (waffles) and sluskesuppe (soup). Hallingskeid is a self-service cabin, and here you can stay overnight if you want to spend several days in the mountains.
Hallingskeid (1110 masl) to Vatnahalsen (811 masl) – 17 kilometers
Soon you will be leaving the high mountain scenery. It becomes progressively wilder and steeper, and you realize that you are approaching the western part of the country. There may be some steep and narrow parts for short distances and at these points you may want to get off the bike and push it. Close to Myrdal you pass Vatnahalsen Mountain Hotel.
NOTE – From here it is a steep run down the 21 hairpin bends to the Flåmsdalen Valley that is the end of Rallarvegen. It is recommended to get off and push the bike at this part as it is extreme and the road is rocky and in poor condition in parts.
Vatnahalsen (811 masl) to Flåm ( 1 masl) – 17 kilometers
We are now at the upper part of the Flåmsdalen Valley and from here it is standard road down to Flåm. The road is narrow and winding, but nice to ride. It is important to be careful, there may be oncoming traffic.
The Flåm Valley is wonderful. This is Norwegian nature at its best. Steep mountains, vertical waterfalls, fast-flowing rivers and green valleys. Enjoy the ride, stop and look back, listen to the sounds of nature, drink the crystal clear water from the streams and breathe in the fresh, invigourating air. Soon you are down by the fjord where new adventures awaits you.
Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do
Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences and activities in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On July 14, 2005, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and the surrounding area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord. The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are both branches of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, which is located in the middle of Western Norway.
Visit Sognefjord
Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.
Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area
Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.
