Rallarvegen – Spectacular cycling route from Haugastøl via Finse to Flåm

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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.

Season and important safety information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Follow the Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. Conditions can change from summer and sunshine to winter and frost within minutes. Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Read about your personal responsibility and how to travel safely in Norwegian nature.

BEFORE YOU GO: Weather and conditions are crucial. Always take this into consideration before setting out. Avoid the tour in bad weather, fog, thunderstorms, snow or icy conditions. Bring proper clothing, good shoes suitable for both cycling and hiking in the mountains, a map and compass, food and enough water. Wear a bicycle helmet and bring a repair kit/patch kit in case of a flat tire. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

GRADING: Demanding. This is a general assessment based on distance, terrain, elevation gain and exposure. Keep in mind that many of the roads in Western Norway may be exposed to rockfalls and avalanches, especially during heavy rain or snowfall. The Rallarvegen road and the road through the Flåm Valley are two such exposed roads. Updated information about trail conditions, weather, season and the Rallarvegen route can be found on the website of Haugastøl. We recommend reading this before planning to cycle Rallarvegen.

SEASON: Mid-July to mid-September. These are approximate dates and depend on weather, temperature and snow conditions in the mountains.

SUITABILITY: There are several steep, narrow and exposed sections on this tour. Along some stretches, we recommend getting off the bike and pushing it. Because of this, the tour is not suitable for children. Also keep in mind that you may encounter cars and other vehicles along the route. Always take this into consideration and adjust your speed accordingly.

NAVIGATION: We recommend always bringing a map and compass in case of fog.

MOBILE COVERAGE: Mobile coverage is often limited or unstable on many of the hikes described on this website, and in some areas there is no mobile coverage at all. It is recommended to bring an extra power bank for your mobile phone.

LIVESTOCK ON GRAZING LAND: Keep a safe distance from grazing animals, avoid sudden movements and close gates behind you. Dogs must be kept on a leash as required by regulations for much of the year. Read more about how to behave around animals and nature in Norway.

OFFICIAL TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Trail descriptions on fjords.com may be incomplete or contain errors. Always check updated information from official sources before setting out. You can find many tours on UT.no, including maps and elevation profiles. Here is a trail description of Rallarvegen on UT.no.

Here you will find tips and practical information about Rallarvegen from the Norwegian Trekking Association.

 

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

Cycling Rallarvegen between Finse and Flåm.
Cycling Rallarvegen between Finse and Flåm.

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

Biking along the Flåm Valley.
Biking along the Flåm Valley.

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.

Beautiful autumn colors in Flåmsdalen Valley.
Beautiful autumn colors in Flåmsdalen Valley.

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.

Reis Sakte - Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.
Reis Sakte – Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord.

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

Rallarvegen – Map Overview