Norway is a paradise for mountain bikers. Whether you want challenging downhills or gentle trails, you’ll be able to ride them surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Think fjords, mountains, rugged coastlines and miles and miles of unspoilt views.
The country’s northerly altitude means you’ll need to visit during summer: May to September is the best time. You might have to wait until June if you’re planning on a Norway mountain biking trip at altitude (although some hardy bikers do make it out in the snow). But it’s worth the wait.
The Rallarvegen trail is Norways most popular and well-known biking route. It starts at the mountain village of Geilo, a ski resort in winter, and climbs through the mountains before dropping down to the fjords. It’s a 210 km route that is challenging but well-maintained and not too hard for the less experienced.
If you’re after downhill thrills, you’ll find plenty of options in Norway: head to Hafjell (a ski resort in the winter) for some of the best. In summer, it is a downhill bike park that hosts international competitions. A gondola can take you to the top, so you can concentrate on going down hill.
Mountain bikers looking for a relatively easy ride can try the route alongside the Telemark Canal. If you want to experience some real wilderness, head to Nordland. This coastal region crosses into the Arctic Circle. You’ll get to see jagged coast, white sand beaches, rocky peaks, and lots of wildlife.
A Norway mountain biking holiday is one you’ll remember forever. The unspoilt, wild beauty of its landscape and the sheer vastness and choice of places to explore make it a very special destination.
