Self-guided Cycling on the Milk Route in Jotunheimen (Norway)

The Milk Route, or Mjølkevegen, is a network of gravel roads that was created to transport milk from the summer farms in the mountains down to the dairies and marketplaces in the valleys.

Traditionally, horse and cart would have been used to transport the milk in churns. Today, this heritage still lives - many of the summer farms are still in operation and give the landscape its distinctive character. During your tour, you'll pass cattle grazing on the lush summer grass and many beautiful farmhouses and farm buildings.

A choice of four itineraries from easy to challenging

Mjølkevegen offers options to suit everyone, from families with young children to experienced cyclists. Choose your itinerary to match your time available, the area you wish to explore and the level of challenge you would like:

• Option 1: Milk Route South (6 days/5 nights, Easy): The South Route explores the highlands and summer farms with easy cycling on gravel roads. This is a circular route, starting from Kamben and cycling north to Syndinstøga, returning by a different route. Suitable for everyone, including families with children aged min. 5 years as well as adults, with bike carts available for children not cycling themselves.
• Option 2: Milk Route North (6 days/5 nights, Medium): The North Route offers beautiful views, including the scenic roads of Jotunheimvegen and Slettefjell, taking in a mix of summer farm landscapes and mountains, and includes boat transfer on Lake Bygdin. Suitable for adults (recommended min. age 16).
• Option 3: Milk Route Full Tour (8 days/7 nights, Medium): Combining elements of the North and South routes, this wonderful tour takes from the forested area around Lemonsjø to the rural landscapes of Valdres, with good gravel roads and wonderful views of Norway's highest peaks in Jotunheimen and boat transfer on Lake Bygdin.
• Option 4: Milk Route + Rallarvegen (10 days/9 nights, Hard): The "big one", allowing you to experience some of the finest cycling in the whole of Norway in one trip. This is an epic tour combining the landscapes of the Full Tour on Mjølkevegen with the famous Rallarvegen - 400km of wonderful cycling through stunning mountain and rural scenery.

Luggage transfer and full support along the way

Your main luggage will be transferred between each overnight accommodation location, leaving you free to bike only with a daypack during the day.

Full information for your tour, including maps, GPS tracks for navigation (which also work offline in areas where there is no mobile reception), tour descriptions, information on points of interest along the way and tickets for boats and buses can all be conveniently accessed via the app.

Your local hosts at the accommodation and local staff are also on hand for assistance and advice should you have any difficulties.

E-bikes and regular bikes available to hire for your tour

Each tour gives the option to use E-bikes or Gravel bikes. Options 2-4 also offer Mountain bikes, while Option 1 has possibilities for Hybrid bikes and also bike carts for children.

Whichever you choose, equipment provided is high quality and well maintained, with local assistance available if needed.

If you wish, it is also possible to use your own bikes on the tour. Pease contact us for details if considering bringing your own bikes, as there are some special arrangements necessary in some cases, for example regarding carrying bikes on the buses to/from Oslo.

Comfortable and atmospheric accommodation along the route

Each tour features a carefully chosen selection of accommodation in small hotels and lodges along the way. Each is rich in history and has their own story to tell, and many have been run by the same families for generations.

The experience of meeting your local hosts, enjoying their warm welcome and hospitality and enjoying home-cooked meals prepared with love from local ingredients, is a central feature of the tours and may be some of your most cherished memories from your trip!

The convenience of everything included for your tour

Though self-guided, this is a "full service" experience, with everything taken care of from your arrival in Oslo onwards, leaving you free to enjoy your cycling adventure in the Norwegian mountains to the full. Each tour includes:

• All accommodation and (with some exceptions - see under "Itinerary" for details) meals during your tour.
• Full tour description, information and support.
• Luggage transfers between accommodation.
• Bus travel from/to Oslo and (where required) boat transfer and other local transfers.
• Optional bike hire.

Whether you are a family or couple looking for a relaxed holiday, or an experienced cyclist seeking a "bucket list" biking adventure, Self-guided Cycling on the Milk Route in Jotunheimen is the ideal choice for your next two-wheeled trip!

Day 2: Kamben to Gomobu (via Gauklie)

Your tour begins from the mountain of Golsfjellet over the treeless expanse of the Stølvidda plateau to Vaset. As you climb, you're rewarded with stunning views of the Jotunheimen and Hemdalsfjellet hills. This is also an agricultural landscape, and you'll pass a number of working farms and livestock during your bike ride today.

Accommodation: Gomobu Mountain Lodge; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling: 26km (2-3 hours), height gain +311m.

Day 3: Gomobu to Syndinstøga (via Vasetvannet)

A shorter distance than the day before, today's route takes you along a number of lakes - ideal to stop for a refreshing swim in good weather! The majority of the route today is on very good gravel roads through farming areas, with one short tractor trail section.

Accommodation: Syndinstøga; Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling: 23km (2-3 hours), height gain +283m.

Day 4: Syndinstøga to Gomobu (via Lisjordet)

You begin the second half of your loop, making your way back to Gomobu by a different route, over Grønnsen Jaslangen. There is a short section where you may need to get off your bike and push. In summertime, many of the farms you will pass sell local produce to passers by.

Accommodation: Gomobu Mountain Lodge; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling: 29km (2-4 hours), height gain +444m.

Day 5: Gomobu to Kamben (via Krististølen)

Today you pass the Krististølen summer farm, with the possibility to visit the cafe of Langestølen, well known for its "rømmegrøt" (sour cream porridge) and waffles. You complete your tour arriving back at Kamben for your last night.

Accommodation: Kamben Høyfjellshotell; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling: 35km (2-3 hours), height gain +368m.

Day 6: Departure (transfer to Fagernes for bus to Oslo):

Breafast followed by transfer (approx. 30m) to Fagernes, from where the bus brings you back to Oslo Gardermoen airport or Oslo city (3-3.5 hours).

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch.

Day 2: Lemonsjø to Ruten

Your first day of biking takes you on a gravel road through the forested valley of Murudalen, following some lovely river sections to arrive at the village of Skåbu and from there a short distance to Ruten.

Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 59km (3-6 hours), height gain +660m.

Day 3: Ruten to Bygdin

Starting in the valley of Espedalen, you bike on the beautiful "Jotunheimenvegen", climbing through the treeline to be greeted with expansive views towards the Jotunheimen mountains and the summit of Bithorn. You pass a number of summer farms and then follow the edge of Vinstra, a large lake.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 60km (4-5 hours), height gain +640m.

Day 4: Eidsbugarden to Filefjell (optional hiking on Synshorn)

Optional hiking: Before leaving Bygdin, a recommended option is to climb Synshorn, 1457m above sea level, which offers incredible views over the Jotunheimen National Park. The trail is relatively easy, starting with soft terrain underfoot and some rockier sections near the summit.

Boat transfer: To reach the start point of your cycle tour today, you begin with a boat tour (1.5 hours) on Lake Bygdin, leaving from the jetty by the hotel and taking you down the lake to reach the settlement of Eidsbugarden. Aboard the M/S Bithorn, a small boat steeped in the history of the area and full of character, this boat trip is a wonderful part of the experience in itself, offering views of mountains and waterfalls along the way.

Cycling: From Eidsbugarden, you take the gravel road to Tyin and the large Tyin Lake. There's an optional detour here into Koldedalen from the Tyinholmen crossroads, which brings you closer to the impressive peaks of Falketinden and Uranostinden and the glaciers. From Tyin, you bike on a paved road to Tyinkrysset and your accommmodation for the night.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 24km (2-3 hours, extendable), height gain +120m; Hiking distance (optional): 5km (1-2 hours), height gain +350m.

Day 5: Filejell to Beitostølen

Today is the most challenging stretch of the Milk Road, but also a wonderful one! Begin by following the "King's Road" down to Lake Vangmjøse and then along the lake, before the climbing begins!

You reach the highest point on the tour, at Slettfjell, a steep climb to the top at 1315m above sea level. Once up, the going is much easier, and you can marvel at the scenery as you descend gently towards the resort village of Beitostølen.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Mountain Resort Beitostølen; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 56km (5-8 hours), height gain +1080m.

Day 6: Departure (bus to Oslo)

Breafast followed by bus from Beitostølen back to Oslo Gardermoen airport or Oslo city (3-3.5 hours).

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch.

Day 2: Lemonsjø to Ruten

Your first day of biking takes you on a gravel road through the forested valley of Murudalen, following some lovely river sections to arrive at the village of Skåbu and from there a short distance to Ruten.

Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 59km (3-6 hours), height gain +660m.

Day 3: Ruten to Bygdin

Starting in the valley of Espedalen, you bike on the beautiful "Jotunheimenvegen", climbing through the treeline to be greeted with expansive views towards the Jotunheimen mountains and the summit of Bithorn. You pass a number of summer farms and then follow the edge of Vinstra, a large lake.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 60km (4-5 hours), height gain +640m.

Day 4: Eidsbugarden to Filefjell (optional hiking on Synshorn)

Optional hiking: Before leaving Bygdin, a recommended option is to climb Synshorn, 1457m above sea level, which offers incredible views over the Jotunheimen National Park. The trail is relatively easy, starting with soft terrain underfoot and some rockier sections near the summit.

Boat transfer: To reach the start point of your cycle tour today, you begin with a boat tour (1.5 hours) on Lake Bygdin, leaving from the jetty by the hotel and taking you down the lake to reach the settlement of Eidsbugarden. Aboard the M/S Bithorn, a small boat steeped in the history of the area and full of character, this boat trip is a wonderful part of the experience in itself, offering views of mountains and waterfalls along the way.

Cycling: From Eidsbugarden, you take the gravel road to Tyin and the large Tyin Lake. There's an optional detour here into Koldedalen from the Tyinholmen crossroads, which brings you closer to the impressive peaks of Falketinden and Uranostinden and the glaciers. From Tyin, you bike on a paved road to Tyinkrysset and your accommmodation for the night.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 24km (2-3 hours, extendable), height gain +120m; Hiking distance (optional): 5km (1-2 hours), height gain +350m.

Day 5: Filefjell to Syndinstøga

You begin with biking on the main road and partly on the "King's Road" to reach Lake Vangsj&oalsh;sa, from where you follow the lake along steep hillsides before climbing up to the Syndin plateau to reach your accommodation, located at 1000m above sea level.

This is one of the most challenging days on the Milk Route and time should be taken to enjoy the day at your own pace.

Accommodation: Syndinstøga; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 53km (4-6 hours), height gain +870m.

Day 6: Syndinstøga to Gomobu

You will biking on gravel roads today, passing many summer farms with their livestock grazing the lush grass, to reach the Vaset region, which is a popular area for Norwegians to have their holiday cabins.

The five-course dinner awaiting you at Gomobu will be a highlight of the week.

Accommodation: Gomobu Mountain Lodge; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 23km (2-4 hours), height gain +260m.

Day 7: Gomobu to Kamben

Biking above the treeline on Støsvidda, you have wonderful views of the Jotunheimen and Hemsedalsfjellet mountains as you ride towards Golsfjellet, passing a number of active summer farms.

Accommodation: Kamben Høyfjellshotel; Cycling distance: 26km (2-3 hours), height tain +280m.

Day 8: Departure

Breafast followed by transfer (approx. 30m) to Fagernes, from where the bus brings you back to Oslo Gardermoen airport or Oslo city (3-3.5 hours).

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch.

Day 2: Lemonsjø to Ruten

Your first day of biking takes you on a gravel road through the forested valley of Murudalen, following some lovely river sections to arrive at the village of Skåbu and from there a short distance to Ruten.

Accommodation: Ruten Fjellstue; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 59km (3-6 hours), height gain +660m.

Day 3: Ruten to Bygdin

Starting in the valley of Espedalen, you bike on the beautiful "Jotunheimenvegen", climbing through the treeline to be greeted with expansive views towards the Jotunheimen mountains and the summit of Bithorn. You pass a number of summer farms and then follow the edge of Vinstra, a large lake.

Accommodation: Bygdin Høifieldshotel; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 60km (4-5 hours), height gain +640m.

Day 4: Eidsbugarden to Filejell

Boat transfer: To reach the start point of your cycle tour today, you begin with a boat tour (1.5 hours) on Lake Bygdin, leaving from the jetty by the hotel and taking you down the lake to reach the settlement of Eidsbugarden. Aboard the M/S Bithorn, a small boat steeped in the history of the area and full of character, this boat trip is a wonderful part of the experience in itself, offering views of mountains and waterfalls along the way.

Cycling: From Eidsbugarden, you take the gravel road to Tyin and the large Tyin Lake. There's an optional detour here into Koldedalen from the Tyinholmen crossroads, which brings you closer to the impressive peaks of Falketinden and Uranostinden and the glaciers. From Tyin, you bike on a paved road to Tyinkrysset and your accommmodation for the night.

Accommodation: Filefjellstuene; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 24km (2-3 hours, extendable), height gain +120m; Hiking distance (optional): 5km (1-2 hours), height gain +350m.

Day 5: Filefjell to Syndinstøga

You begin with biking on the main road and partly on the "King's Road" to reach Lake Vangsj&oslsh;sa, from where you follow the lake along steep hillsides before climbing up to the Syndin plateau to reach your accommodation, located at 1000m above sea level.

This is one of the most challenging days on the Milk Route and time should be taken to enjoy the day at your own pace.

Accommodation: Syndinstøga; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 53km (4-6 hours), height gain +870m.

Day 6: Syndinstøga to Gomobu

You will biking on gravel roads today, passing many summer farms with their livestock grazing the lush grass, to reach the Vaset region, which is a popular area for Norwegians to have their holiday cabins.

The five-course dinner awaiting you at Gomobu will be a highlight of the week.

Accommodation: Gomobu Mountain Lodge; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 23km (2-4 hours), height gain +260m.

Day 7: Gomobu to Gol

Today is your last day cycling on Mjølkevegen, before you leave the trail to bike on towards Rallarvegen. Rolling gravel roads today offer beautiful views of Golsfjellet and Hemsedal. There is an opportunity to stop for coffee and waffles before descending to Gol.

Accommodation: Hesla Farm; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 48km (3-4 hours), height gain +270m.

Day 8: Gol to Geilo

Bike on a quiet gravel road through the forest in the valley of Hallingdal, passling the small town of Ål and continuing to Geilo, famous as a destination for wintersports.

Note that dinner this night is not included - there are several places in town to choose from.

Accommodation: Dr Holms; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch; Cycling distance: 56km (4-7 hours), height gain +630m.

Day 9: Transfer to Haugastøl and Biking to Vatnahalsen

You begin with a transfer from Geilo to Haugastøl (approx. 20km), as there is no cycling route on this section.

From Haugastøl, you begin biking on Rallarvegen, one of the most famous cycling routes in Norway. A gravel road originally used by working in the early 1900s during construction of the Bergen railway, it has been open to cyclists since 1974. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes and the Hardanger Plateau as you climb towards Vatnahalsen, your overnight stop.

Accommodation: Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell; Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner; Cycling distance: 62km (4-7 hours), height train +790m.

Day 10: Vatnahalsen to Flåm and Departure

You last day of cycling brings to Flåm, beautifully located on the Sognefjord. The ride is short, but you lose altitude quickly there are some steep descents. It is important to take this section carefully. You will pass beautiful waterfalls as you follow the river down the valley before reaching Flåm.

From here, the bus brings you back to Oslo.

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch; Cycling distance: 19km (1-2 hours), height gain +60m.

Included

Accommodation:

All accommodation has double/twin rooms with en-suite WC/shower (or WC/shower in the cabin if cabin accommodation is used).

Kamben Høyfjellshotell:

• Option 1 Days 1 and 5, Option 3 Day 7.
• A mountain hotel on Golsfjellet rich in history, with a relaxed, welcoming feel and personal service. Known for its food, dinner is a five-course event with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and cuisine reflecting the culture and heritage of the area.

Gomobu Mountain Lodge:

• Option 1 Days 2 and 4, Option 3 Day 6, Option 4 Day 6.
• A mountain lodge on the edge of Valdresfjellet, serving tasty meals prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Accommodation is in comfortable, modern rooms in the main lodge or alternatively in fully equipped cabins (particularly suitable for families and groups).

Syndinstøga:

• Option 1 Day 3, Option 3 Day 5, Option 4 Day 5.
• Beautifully situated, Syndinstøga has total 22 beds in 2 apartments and 3 lodges. There is a popular restaurant and bar with welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views. Cooperation with local food producers is a focus and some of the vegetables are grown on site.

Lemonsjø:

• Option 2 Day 1, Option 3 Day 1.
• In a tranquil location surrounded by nature, Lemonsjø offers a warm and personal welcome, delicious food, and accommodation in cosy cabins.

Ruten:

• Option 2 Day 2, Option 3 Day 2.
• Welcoming guests since 1939, Ruten is now run by the third generation of the host family, offering an accommodation experience steeped in tradition and with a focus on local cuisine and ingredients. Accommodation may be in rooms or cabins adjacent to the main building.

Bydgin:

• Option 2 Day 3, Option 3 Day 3, Option 4 Day 4.
• A charming mountain hotel full of atmosphere and with a long tradition of hosting guests to the Jotunheimen region in summer and winter. Today there are both traditional and more modern rooms, with mealtimes a real feature of your stay.

Filefjellstuene:

• Option 3 Day 4, Option 4 Day 4.
• Attractively located on a hillside overlooking the valley, accommodation is in cosy cabins close to the main building or in en-suite rooms. Meals are served in the main building. Filefjellstuene is a former mountain farm, now converted to a comfortable lodge with modern facilities and well known for its food.

Hesla Farm:

• Option 4 Day 7.
• Beautifully situated, Syndinstøga has total 22 beds in 2 apartments and 3 lodges. There is a popular restaurant and bar with welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views. Cooperation with local food producers is a focus and some of the vegetables are grown on site.

Dr Holms, Geilo:

• Option 4 Day 8.
• Beautifully situated, Syndinstøga has total 22 beds in 2 apartments and 3 lodges. There is a popular restaurant and bar with welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views. Cooperation with local food producers is a focus and some of the vegetables are grown on site.

Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell:

• Option 4 Day 9.
• Beautifully situated, Syndinstøga has total 22 beds in 2 apartments and 3 lodges. There is a popular restaurant and bar with welcoming atmosphere and wonderful views. Cooperation with local food producers is a focus and some of the vegetables are grown on site.

Meals:

All meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast and packed lunch on departure day (except Option 4 Day 8, when dinner is not included).

Breakfast and dinner is served in the restaurant/dining area at each accommodation. Packed lunch is prepared from the breakfast buffet for picnic lunch outdoors during each day's cycling.

You are welcome to prepare as much as you wish for picnic lunch from the breakfast buffet (sandwiches, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, etc), but may also wish to bring additional snacks such as energy bars for easily accessible extra energy when biking.

Maps/Navigation/Tour Description:

All details for your tour, including route description, GPS tracks and relevant bus/boat tickets for your relevant itinerary, will be provided in a smartphone app.

Organisational support and backup from your local hosts and local staff is also available during your tour.

Transfers:

• Public bus transfer between Oslo city or Oslo Gardermoen airport to the start/end point of your chosen route as per itinerary information.
• Boat on Lake Bygdin (if required for your chosen tour).
• Transfer of main luggage between each accommodation location during the tour. You will cycle with a daypack only.

Not Included

• Travel: We do not arrange flights or domestic travel, but are happy to advise on suitable connections and assist you with any aspect of planning your journey. See under "Getting There" for general travel information.
• Meals apart from those specified.
• Drinks (available to purchase with meals at the accommodation).
• Bike hire (available as optional extra).

Required

Health requirements/experience:

NB: Choosing e-bikes for the tour will significantly reduce the level of challenge compared to using standard gravel/mountain bikes, but you should still read the description of your chosen itinerary carefully to ensure you are comfortable with daily distances, etc.

Minimum 2 adults (or 1 adult + 1 child aged 16+) required for all tours.

• Option 1 (Milk Route South): This tour has a general Easy level of challenge, as distances are short and elevation gain minimal. Max. daily distance 35km, max. daily height gain 444m. The tour is ideal both for adults seeking a relaxed biking experience and also active families. Bike carts are available for younger children to be pulled behind adult bike. Minimum recommended age for children to bike themselves will vary depending on cycling experience and ability, but standard bikes are available to suit children 5 years and over or e-bikes for children of min. height 145cm. Children biking themselves should be comfortable covering up to 25km in one day.
• Option 2 (Milk Route North): This tour has a general Medium level of challenge. Max. daily distance 63km, max. daily height gain 1080m. Recommended minimum age 16 years.
• Option 3 (Milk Route Full Tour): This tour has a general Medium level of challenge. Max. daily distance 60km, max. daily height gain 870m. Recommended minimum age 16 years.
• Option 4 (Milk Route Plus Rallarvegen): This tour has a general Hard level of challenge. Max. daily distance 62km, max. daily height gain 870m. Recommended minimum age 16 years (with suitable fitness/experience).

What makes this "Easy-Hard"?

The four itineraries differ significantly in terms of daily distances and elevation gain, from Option 1, which is an accessible tour suitable for families, to Option 4, which is a challenging trip.

E-bikes are available as an alternative for all tours, making the challenging itineraries more accessible to a wider range of participants.

The tours are self-guided but with full support. Luggage is transferred between overnight locations and you will need to cycle only with a day pack. Detailed route information, including maps and GPS tracks, will be provided via a Smartphone app, which also works in areas with no mobile reception. You will have contact information for your local hosts and support staff in the event of any difficulties during the day.

Accommodation each night is in comfortable mountain lodges and hotels along the route.

NB: Perception of difficulty is very subjective. What is hard to one person may be easy for another and vice versa, depending on factors including level of fitness, age and previous experience. Weather conditions/temperatures can also dramatically affect the actual level of challenge encountered.

Equipment/clothes needed:

For information on any equipment and/or clothing included as standard for this experience, please see under "What's Included".

A detailed recommended packing list for personal items to bring will be sent with your booking documentation.

NB: We advise you not to buy equipment or clothes for your trip or to incur other non-refundable expenses such as flights until you have received confirmation of your booking from us in writing. Note of course that the most appropriate clothing to use as well as the level of challenge experienced during any outdoor activity may vary significantly depending on factors such as the time of year and the particular weather/temperature conditions during your trip.

Preparing for your trip:

For further reading, we also have a number of general information articles to get you ready for your trip, covering a wide variety of topics from what to do on a city break before/after your tour, advice on packing, eyewear for winter and considerations for female travellers.

Groups

This experience is also suitable for groups. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Eco Info

This provider has a detailed written environmental policy and carbon offset for the emissions generated by your itinerary is included.