Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (4)
Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (4)

Mjølkevegen: North Route (7-days)

Mjølkevegen is one of Norway’s most attractive cycling routes. The week-long North Route cycling trip will give you all the highlights of what this beautiful part of Norway has to offer from the comfort of your bike seat. 

Mjølkevegen (The Old Milk Route) is considered one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Norway, and the full route is 250 km long, stretching from Vinstra in Gudbrandsdalen to Gol in Hallingdal. We’ve created the North Route, a 200 km long route taking you from Lemonsjø to Beitostølen in 7 days. 

The North Route is a beautiful, scenic journey which is perfect for enthusiastic cyclists with a fair amount of experience on a bike. The week-long adventure will see you cycling through beautiful mountain landscapes along popular places like Jotunheimvegen and Stølsvidda, and you’ll see plenty of the traditional farm life and landscape in this stunning region of Norway.  

Following the North Route, you’ll cycle mainly on gravel mountain roads, and you’ll pass along charming rivers and blue mountain lakes in this rural part of Norway. The carefully crafted route covers some of the best sights in the region, and your week-long cycling holiday is sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget. 

On the first day of the trip, you’ll hop on the bus Valdresekspressen which will take you from Oslo to Lemonsjøen in Jotunheimen. Here, you’ll spend the night at Lemonsjøen Fjellstue. This is a lovely cabin situated next to the gorgeous Lemonsjøen Lake. There are plenty of opportunities for short bike rides, hikes and other nature experiences in the surrounding area. 

The next day, your first long bike ride will be from Lemonsjøen to Ruten. The quiet trail will take you along gravel mountain roads through the Murudalen Valley. As you cycle, you’ll pass beautiful rivers such as Sjoa and Muru as well as the lakes Slangen and Olstappen. You’ll be spending the night at Ruten Mountain Lodge, which is a charming guest house located in  Gudbrandsdalen – one of Norway’s most iconic and well-known valleys. 

On the third day, you’ll cycle along the picturesque Jotunheimvegen towards Bygdin Mountain Hotel. It’s a beautiful cycle route that’ll allow you to take in the charming farming and mountain landscape around you, and you’re likely to see some grazing animals along the way. Bygdin Mountain Hotel is situated at the border of Jotunheimen National Park, with a stunning view of the magnificent mountains surrounding it. This is a lovely, historic hotel with plenty of opportunities for hikes and other experiences you can take in if you’re not too tired from your day of cycling. 

The next day, you’ll hike the mountain Synshorn. With the summit 1457 meters above sea level, Synshorn offers an incredible view of Jotunheimen, and the short hike to the top starts just outside of the hotel. For the afternoon, a mini cruise with the historic boat M/B Bitihorn is scheduled. The beautiful boat journey will take you across Bygdin lake to Eidsbugarden with a stop at Torfinnsbu, and offers stunning views of Jotunheimen. After the boat ride, you’ll cycle for about an hour until you get to Tyinholmen. You’ll spend the night at Tyinholmen, which is a charming, traditional guest house with lots of history. Nearby, there are a range of options for short scenic bike rides or hikes in the beautiful natural landscape. 

The following day, you’ll cycle to Koldedalen Valley. This is a lovely detour from the normal Mjølkevegen route, offering stunning views of the mountains Uranostinden and Falketinden. The route is a pretty, scenic route that is flat and easy to cycle. After taking in the gorgeous views, you’ll cycle on towards Tyin/Filefjell. The route will take you along the picturesque Tyin Lake on quiet country roads towards the well-known Tyinkrysset. Here, you’ll follow the road south towards Filefjellstuene Lodge. This is a pleasant family-run lodge located in the heart of the Tyin-Filefjell area, and there are a number of fun things to do in the local area.  

The next day, you’ll cycle from Filefjellstuene to Beitostølen, which is the most challenging part of the Mjølkevegen cycle route. The journey will take you to the historical Kongevegen, and you’ll cycle past the stunning Sputrefossen waterfall. You’ll face a steep hill getting to the top of the Slettefjell mountain plateau, and when you reach the top, you’ll be 1315 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll cycle down towards Beitostølen, where you’ll spend the last night of the cycling holiday. Beitostølen is a charming, lively mountain village where you’ll stay at Radisson BLU Mountain Resort Beitostølen. 

Transfer:

    • Bus transportation round-trip from Oslo to start and end of tour available included
    • Transportation from end of route to start included
    • Transfers during route included

Meal plan:

  • Hiking Board: Breakfast, Lunch to go & Dinner

Luggage transportation:

  • From Lemonsjøen Fjellstue to Bygdin Høifieldshotell
  • From Bygdin Høifieldshotell to Tyinholmen Høyfjellsstuer
  • From Tyinholmen Høyfjellsstuer to Radisson BLU Mountain Resort Beitostølen

Accommodation:

  • Day: 1 - Lemonsjøen Fjellstue
  • Day: 2 - Ruten Fjellstue
  • Day: 3 - Bygdin Høifieldshotell
  • Day: 4 - Tyinholmen Høyfjellsstuer
  • Day: 5 - Tyin Filefjellstuene
  • Day: 6 - Radisson BLU Mountain Resort Beitostølen

Agenda day 1:

  • Bus: (Nor-Way) Beitostølen - Lemonsjøen 14:35 → 15:54

    Ride with Valdresekspressen!

    Enjoy the scenic journey from Oslo to the Valdres Region. After leaving the bustle of the capital you will soon find yourself on countryside roads passing through small towns and surrounded by lakes and fields. As you get further into the country, you will see the mountains in the distance and before you know you’ll find yourself climbing the steep roads that take you straight into the national park. The coach has adjustable seats, free WiFi, outlets with USB charging ports and toilet facilities on board.

  • Accommodation: Lemonsjøen Fjellstue

    Lemonsjø Mountain Lodge is a typical little cabin in Jotunheimen National Park. It is located next to Lemonsjø Lake. Many popular trails run via Lemonsjø and the friendly hosts accommodate both hikers and cyclists during the popular summer months.

  • Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø
    Lemonsjø Fjellstue og Hyttegrend ©Lemonsjø

Agenda day 2:

  • Cycling: Lemonsjøen → Ruten

    Difficulty: Moderate
    Time: 3-6 hour(s)
    Distance: 59 kilometers
    Ascent height: 750 meters
    Descent height: 730 meters

    Travel on gravel road through Murudalen and along several mesmerising rivers such as the river Sjoa, and the river Muru with its impressive twists and turns. Around halfway there will be a steep descent that takes you back down towards the river and past the Lake Slangen, around Lake Olstappen. During summer you might run into goats and other farm animals grazing in the area. For the last stage up to Ruten fjellstue you can either follow the main road or alternatively try the little yet more strenuous path through nature along the river Espa.

  • Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (1)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (1)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (2)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (2)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (3)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (3)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (4)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (4)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (5)
    Lemonsjøen – Ruten – Mjølkevegen – Petter Olsen (5)
  • Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue

    Ruten Mountain Lodge lies in Gudbrandsdalen, one of the most iconic valleys in Norway. You'll find the lodegs in the Espedalen valley, next to Bjørnsonvegen. This area also goes by the name of Elgland because one of Europe's largest moose herds cross here.

  • Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (1)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (1)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (2)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (2)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (3)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (3)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (4)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (4)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (5)
    Ruten Fjellstue utendørs sommer og høst – By Arthur Bredli (5)

Agenda day 3:

  • Cycling: Jotunheimvegen (Ruten Fjellstue → Bygdin Høyfjellshotell)

    Difficulty: Challenging
    Time: 4-5 hour(s)
    Distance: 63 kilometers
    Ascent height: 870 meters
    Descent height: 690 meters

    Follow the idyllic Jotunheimvegen through beautiful nature and farming landscape. Keep an eye out for reindeer grazing in the area. The route follows the shore along the Vinstrevatn where you will most likely meet cows, sheep and goats grazing freely in the area. Here you get close to the mountain farm life, which is an important part of the Valdres culture. Further on you will see some spectacular mountains and also have hiking opportunities along the way; such as Synshorn and Bitihorn

  • Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (1)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (1)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (2)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (2)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (3)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (3)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (4)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (4)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (5)
    Ruten – Bygdin – Jotunheimvegen – Yngve Ask – Mjølkevegen (5)
  • Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotell

    Bygdin Fjellhotel is situated south of Jotunheimen, near the lake "Bygdin" in an altitude of 3910 ft. It is 12km north of Beitostølen and 22 km from Besseggen. The main road 51 over Valdresflya passes the hotel. The Hotel was built in 1912, and in 1955 and 1965 extensions were added on. The hotel has an old-fashioned warm style,which has been maintained throughout the entire building. Bygdin Fjellhotel is situated at the boarder of Jotunheimen National Park, with a view to fantastic scenery over the mountains with peaks up to 6900ft.

  • ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    ©Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer mot vannet – Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer mot vannet – Bygdin Hotel
    Bygdin Hotel
    Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer hotellet ©Bygdin Hotel
    Sommer hotellet ©Bygdin Hotel

Agenda day 4:

  • Hiking: Synshorn

    Difficulty: Easy
    Time: 1-2 hour(s)
    Distance: 5 kilometers
    Elevation at peak: 1457 meters
    Ascent height: 450 meters

    Synshorn at 1457 meters above sea level invites to a fantastic view of Jotunheimen. The trail is easy to follow and climb, and varies from soft terreng to rock closer to the peak. The hike is well suited for beginners and is a short hike starting at the doorsteps of Bygdin Hotel.

  • Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
    Synshorn
  • Cruise: (M/B Bitihorn) Bygdin → Eidsbugarden: 13:30 → 15:15

    Cruise on the lake Bygdin with M/B Bitihorn. Between Bygdin and Eidsbugarden.

  • The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
    The ferry Bitihorn on the lake Bygdin taken from Eidsbugarden and Fondsbu
  • Cycling: Eidsbugarden → Tyinholmen

    Difficulty: Easy
    Time: 1 hour(s)
    Distance: 3 kilometers
    Ascent height: 220 meters

    Cycle from Eidsbugarden up to Tyinholmen just a few km away. There’s still enough time left of the afternoon to take a side trip on your bicycle into the Koldedalen Valley with a phenomenal view towards the legendary mountain of Falketind or hike up to "Utsikten", the mountain named “View”.

  • Accommodation: Tyinholmen Høyfjellsstuer

    Tyinholmen is one of the most traditional places in Jotunheimen. Since it's opening in 1892 it has served as an excellent starting point to discover Jotunheimen. It lies at the North end of the Tyin Lake.

  • Tyinholmen (3)
    Tyinholmen (3)
    Tyinholmen (1a)
    Tyinholmen (1a)
    Tyinholmen (5a)
    Tyinholmen (5a)
    Tyinholmen (2a)
    Tyinholmen (2a)

Agenda day 5:

  • Cycling: Koldedalen (From Tyinholmen)

    Difficulty: Easy
    Time: 1-3 hour(s)
    Distance: 18 kilometers
    Ascent height: 200 meters

    Head into the mountains with Uranostinden and Falketinden as your backdrop. The scenic route is a flat easy cycling tour. The route is a perfect detour on your "Mjølkevegen" tour.

  • Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
    Koldedalen – Mjølkevegen – Visit Valdre Anne Strand
  • Cycling: Tyinholmen → Filefjellstuene

    Difficulty: Challenging
    Time: 1-3 hour(s)
    Distance: 20 kilometers
    Ascent height: 80 meters
    Descent height: 280 meters

    Cycle on gravel road along the magnificent Tyin Lake down to Tyinkrysset and then Filefjellstuene. This scenic lower mountain landscape is very peaceful with the occasional sheep field on the side of the road. Notice the drastic difference in scenery from the previous legs. Tyinkrysset is an important crossing in this region; the West-road will take you to Lærdal and the East-road will take you to Vangsmjøse and eventually Fagernes. You will follow the road going South until you reach the charming Filefjellstuene, a family run accommodation which lies right in the centre of the Tyin-Filefjell area.

  • Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
    Tyin
  • Accommodation: Tyin Filefjellstuene

    Filefjellstuene is located in amid beautiful surroundings, in the heart of Tyin/Filefjell. It is a lively place both during summer and winter as there a re loads of activities to do here such as ski touring, cross country skiing, alpine skiing, and trekking. Welcome

  • IMG_0044
    IMG_0044

Agenda day 6:

  • Cycling: Filefjellstuene → Beitostølen (Slettefjell)

    Difficulty: Difficult
    Time: 5-8 hour(s)
    Distance: 65 kilometers
    Ascent height: 987 meters
    Descent height: 996 meters

    This is the toughest leg of Mjølkevegen, mostly on gravel road. It takes you to the historical Kongevegen (King’s Road), and past Sputrefossen waterfall. You will face a tough ascent to the highest point of the road on the Slettefjell mountain plateau. It is not too long, but it is steep! On the top of Slettefjell, you are at 1315 m.a.s.l. Cycle down towards the mountain farm Mugnestølen and continue along Slettefjellvegen via Lykkja to Beitostølen. Beitostølen is a lively and charming mountain village. Here you can get a taste of Norwegian mountain life and go out to bars, restaurants or even catch a concert.

  • Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (1)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (1)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (2)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (2)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (3)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (3)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (4)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (4)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (5)
    Slettefjell – Mjølkevegen – Yngve Ask (5)
  • Accommodation: Radisson BLU Mountain Resort Beitostølen

    A traditional first-class full service resort situated at the bottom of the slopes in the centre of Beitostølen.

  • Radisson BLU Beitostølen (10)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (10)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (2)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (2)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (9)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (9)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (5)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (5)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (11)
    Radisson BLU Beitostølen (11)

Agenda day 7:

  • Bus: Transfer to/from Oslo

    Time: 4 hour(s)

    Ride with Valdresekspressen!

    Enjoy the scenic journey from Oslo to the Valdres Region. After leaving the bustle of the capital you will soon find yourself on countryside roads passing through small towns and surrounded by lakes and fields. As you get further into the country, you will see the mountains in the distance and before you know you’ll find yourself climbing the steep roads that take you straight into the national park. The coach has adjustable seats, free WiFi, outlets with USB charging ports and toilet facilities on board.

Book now: