Vestland/Rallarvegen

WHERE ON EARTH?

Why GO:
Norway´s most famous bike ride - from high mountain to the fjord - and back again with the Flåm Rail Way. The nature is so raw and beautiful! As you follow in the footsteps of people building the railway more than a hundred years ago you can learn about the history and hard work along the way. The season in the mountain is short and the trip is popular, so make sure to prebook accommodations, train og bike rental.
DESCRIPTION:
Day 1: From Haugastøl to Finse 27 km
First day is not too hard. You start from Haugastøl, passing a few cottages and soon you climb slowly into the highland surrounded by lakes and mountains. You will probably see sheeps sleeping on the road and definitely trains from Bergensbanen passing. At Oksebotn vokterbolig it´s possible to get av waffel, if it´s open.
As you get closer to Finse, the glacier Hardangergjøkulen appears, as do the Finse lake and you arrive to Finse - this special place only accessable by train, bike or by foot. If you have more energy, you can go for a hike in the beautiful surroundings. Or just relax at the mountain lodge.
Traffic: There will be some shared roads with low traffic in the beginning, then mainly carfree graveltrail.
Accommodations: Finse 1222 DNT Finsehytta
Day 2: From Finse to Vatnahalsen 35 km
Right from the start, this stage is a great nature experience. Here you cycle in a fantastic high mountain landscape. Nature is completely raw. There are dirt roads all the way and in some places a bit rocky. Also be prepared that there may be some snow on the track and it may be necessary to get off the bike for shorter periods.
The weather can change quickly and mobile coverage is poor. The actual cycling today is not very demanding, but there are some steep parts with loose gravel and poor protection, so take it easy!
This is some of the most beautiful Norwegian nature has to offer, so remember to enjoy the day and all the impressions. Also today, you also see the train passing by and can watch the structures made to protect the train from the snow in winter.
Traffic: Mainly carfree graveltrail, maintenance cars may occur.
Accommodations: Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotel
Day 3: From Vatnahalsen to Flåm 19 km
One of the first things you see on today's stage is the Flåm Zipline, which is built to transport people and biks down from the mountain. It's exciting to watch, but a real "rallar" takes the bike down. It is just as exciting, with the incredibly winding and steep Myrdalsvingene. Here it is so steep that it is important to take it very slowly - some people prefer to get off the bike at times. There are a total of 21 hairpin turns to be passed.
The landscape is more lush, there are waterfalls, green and forested. The river runs all the way to the bottom of the valley and it is followed all the way to the town of Flåm, which is located by the fjord. Along the way, you pass the cozy Rallarrosa Stølsysteri with a café and you can say hello to the goats that wander freely.
Once in Flåm, there are good opportunities for a bite to eat with several cafes. Now the cycle ride is over, but with the Flåmsbana, a really great train ride awaits. It takes you and the bike up again, through the same fantastic landscape and with stops at, among other things, Kjosfossen where you can experience Huldra dancing. The train journey ends at Myrdal station, close to Vatnahalsen. Here you change trains to Bergensbanen for the journey back home.
Traffic: Carfree graveltrail, maintenance car may occur. Asphalt and more traffic as you getting closer to Flåm.
BE AWARE OF:
Parts of the tour is very steep so be careful and adjust the speed. Good brakes are necessary. The weather can change quickly in the mountains and bring enough warm clothes. Mobile coverage is limited on large parts of the route. Trolleys and child seats not recommended between Finse and Flåm.
GETTING THERE:
Good train connections to Haugastøl, Finse, Myrdal, Flåm. It´s possible to prebook a place for your bike, if you bring your own. See vy.no for more details.
Have a great trip!
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Distance:
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km
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Time:
3
days
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Elevation:
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hm
GOOD TO KNOW:
Surface: Mainly gravel with some rocks
Season: Mid July to mid September (may vary, check latest updates here)
Safety: Medium safe. Some cycling on shared roads with some traffic on high speed
Signing: Signed with Rallarvegen
Bike rentals: At Haugastøl, Finse, Myrdal, Flåm. See more details here.
DISCLAIMER:
This tour was biked August 2022.
Changes and deviations may occur and cannot be taken responsibility for.