Trip Description
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Few countries can provide the sheer jaw dropping scenery that abounds in Norway. The coastline alone is a natural wonder, permeated by fjords and leading to a unique system of roads and ferries to traverse the central region of Ålesund where our experience concentrates.
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Starting in Oslo (OSL) and continuing for 12 days/ 11 nights, our fully supported and guided ride explores the capital on foot before taking a scenic train into the heartlands of Fjord country.
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We will visit at the best time for great summer cycling weather, and will travel by boat, train and bike throughout.
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To break up the cycling, we take expeditions on foot, by RIB and in kayaks. Our ride ends in Ålesund with a group transfer to the airport (AES) where plenty of international routing options available via Schiphol, Amsterdam.
Ride Overview
Average Daily Distance: 50 mil/ 80 km
Average Daily Climb: 3832 ft / 1168 m
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This ride is rated ‘Difficult’. In total, the ride covers approximately 300miles/ 480 km, and climbs +7,100m/ +23,000ft, over 6 riding days and 2 light hiking days, (this includes an extra 40km and 1,400m optional climb on Day 9).
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Distances are achievable for an experienced cyclist with a moderate level of fitness. The terrain is all on quiet tarmac roads in good condition.
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The country is mountainous, so we have included a couple of iconic climbs, but throughout the ride we will have vehicle support and riding guides on hand in case riders want to take a rest or enjoy the view from the van.
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Having local riding guides throughout, and daily briefings, we will always know what is coming. GPS tracks, broken down day by day and an accompanying hotel list with contact details are provided.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Oslo
Our guides will meet us at Oslo Airport to take big bags and bikes, but the easiest way to reach our hotel is on the metro, so we will meet them there later for a briefing and welcome drink. Afterwards, the sun will set around 10pm, so enjoy a walk in the town to enjoy the long day. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.
Ride: -
Meals: -, -
Accommodation: Thon Bristol Hotel
Day 2: Oslo Walking Exploration
Today we meet after breakfast to Discover Norway’s capital: A hidden gem surprisingly rich in culture and unusually close to nature. Our 3h walk takes in the sights and sounds of the city, as well as some of the nature which is never far away.
Tonight we will have a trip briefing over dinner, to hear about the Norwegian adventure awaiting us.
Walk: 3hrs city tour
Meals: Breakfast, -, Dinner
Accommodation: Thon hotel Opera
Day 3: Amazing railway from Oslo to Andalsnes
Today we will cross the country by rail, taking in idyllic landscapes along the way. The train ride ahead is more than just transport and will bring us from the capital of Oslo, via the region of Oppland known for the big lake of Mjøsa and the town of Lillehammer, where the winter Olympics took place in 1994. The end of the line into More og Rømsdal is the popular Rauma Railway where we will experience one of the most scenic areas in Norway. Movie buffs might recognize the scenery from the recent James Bond movie which was filmed in that part of Norway.
Ride: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand hotel Bellevue by Classic Norway in Andalsnes
Day 4: Ride 1 - Andalnes to Angvik
Today we ride out from Andalsnes, a place well known by mountaineers, climbers and now cyclists,who come from all over the world to explore the wild and untamed nature of the area.
Our ride takes us along the Langfjorden as a warmup before tackling our first climb to the Vistalshea plateau at 555m, then down to the fjord and the village of Eresfjord. From there we will follow the fjord route 666 to our beautiful hotel in Angvika.
Ride: 50mi/ 80km, +4,265ft +1,300m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Angvik Gamle Handelsted by Classic Norway
Day 5: Ride 2 - Angvik to Håholmen
Our second day of biking, and we will leave the fjords and mountains of the Atlantic coast. Surrounded by water most of the day, we begin riding along the Kvernesfjorden on route 666 and ending on the famously scenic Atlantic Road. This architectural masterpiece has eight bridges connecting a series of islands with the mainland.
Our hotel for the night is a real treat, Håholmen is on a small island right off the Atlantic Road, The seaside cottages were a small village for fishermen back in the day.
Ride: 56mi/ 90km, +2624ft/ +800m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Håholmen by Classic Norway
Day 6: Ride 3 - Håholmen to Molde
Today we take to the water, and make a boat transfer to fastland, where we will cruise on our bikes for the last time on the Atlantic road, keeping the ocean on our right side during the entire ride to Molde.
An easy day on flat roads before heading into the Fjordlands again and some more climbs.
Ride: 56mi/ 90km, +2624ft/ +800m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Molde Fjordhotel by Classic Norway
Day 7: Ride 4 - Trollstigen to Valldal
We start the day with a transfer from the coast to the mountain village of Andalsnes. From there we will complete one of the regions most iconic one day rides -- a 51km section on a famous road to reach Valldal on the other side of the mountain. One of the tougher climbs in the region awaits – but the view at the top is totally worth it!
The highest point of the Trollstigen road lies at 705m above sea level, and from the viewpoint we can see directly down on the masterfully structured switchbacks making it possible to climb the steep mountainside. After completing our challenging climb, we can look forward to a mostly flat and downhill leg to the little village of Valldal.
Ride: 331mi/50km, +3280/ +1000m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Valldal Fjordhotel by Classic Norway (for 2nights)
Day 8: Day of Adventure in Valldal
After 4 days on the bike, it’s time to give our legs some rest! Today we will enjoy an amazing experience off the bike with a kayaking and hiking excursion from the quiet village of Valldal.
Activity: 5hrs kayak and hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Valldal Fjordhotel by Classic Norway (for 2nights)
Day 9: Ride 5 - Valldal to Geiranger Challenge
Leaving behind tranquil Valldal, we return to the water, crossing by ferry to Eidsdal and riding the mountain road to Geiranger. Today is a tough climb, and we have the option to do a lighter version or take on the full climb for a bigger challenge. Either way, as we make our way down the hairpin bends, we can stop at the Ørnesvingen viewpoint to get the perfect photo of the UNESCO World Heritage fjord landscape.
After getting some rest down in the village, for those that want to, the viewpoint Dalsnibba is the next challenge. The glass viewing platform rests at 1500m elevation, and the view is as breathtaking as the climb! After some photos on the top it's time for a long downhill back via a beautiful biking road to Geiranger and our hotel for the night.
Tonight we enjoy dinner with a view at Hotel Utsikten, the best hotel in Geiranger. There is nowhere else you can wake up, eat breakfast, or enjoy dinner with this incredible view.
Ride: Option1 - 25mi/ 40km, +3280ft/ +1000m
Option 2 - 50mi/ 80km, +7900ft/ +2400m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Geiranger Utsikten by Classic Norway
Day 10: Ride 6 - Last section to Ålesund
Today is a fitting last leg for our epic journey: a biking road along 90 km of pure beauty awaits us. We take the ferry across Geirangerfjord through some of the most breathtaking natural and cultural landscape Norway has to offer. Look for old farm hamlets clinging on to little patches of green high up on the mountainsides, and waterfalls cascading down into the deep fjord.
When the ferry reaches Hellesylt, we enter a landscape fit for royalty. Norangsdalen is known as the Queen´s Route, and the narrow valley is full of cultural memories to discover. The Hjørundfjord has never truly been tamed, and several of the small communities that rest by the banks of the fjord are only reachable by boat. The jagged peaks of the Sunmøre Alps and the narrow valleys make this a haven for adventure seekers and leisure travelers. In the evening we will meet in our last hotel for a great dinner to discuss the special day.
Ride: 56mi/ 90km, +3280ft/ +1000m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Brosundet (2 nights)
Day 11: Explore Ålesund, the capital of the fjords
Ålesund's Art Nouveau architecture is known far and wide. The myriad of turrets, spires and beautifully ornate decoration is like something from a fairytale. framed beautifully by the fjords, mountains and villages.
Today as a final treat, we will enjoy a Wildlife RIB Safari around the archipelago of Alesund -- the best way to experience the natural wonder of the Fjords, and a great combination of adventure and sightseeing!
Tonight we dine at Bro, the award winning restaurant, and a fitting place to enjoy a farewell meal together.
Ride: -
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Brosundet
Day 12: Departure from Ålesund airport
Today we will have a group transfer to the airport, where there are plenty of international options, as the airport has flights to Schiphol, Amsterdam.
Ride: -
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
Bikes
Bring Your Own
The ideal machine for this ride is a Road Bike with at least 25mm tyres, capable of carrying 2 water bottles. A lightweight Touring or Hybrid bike, or Gravel bike would also be acceptable.
Bike Rental
Road bike rentals are available on request. Ebikes may be available on special request on a irst come first served basis. If bringing your own bike, please make sure that you bring sufficient parts to maintain the bike in good order throughout the ride.
Local Bike Hire:
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Aluminium Road Bike / Carbon Road Bike - USD 380 / USD 590
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Hybrid Bike - USD 280
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E-Bike - USD 750 (limited availability)
Inclusions
What's Included
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Arrival and departure drop off.
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11 nights accomodation with 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
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Guiding and support services, boat transfers, RIB Safari
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Entry fees when mentioned.
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Snacks & drinks whilst riding.
What's Not Included
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National and international airfares
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Bike rental
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Metro fare on Day 1 (200NOK)
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Single room supplement *
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Guide team gratuities
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Travel insurance
* Single rooms are available on request at a surcharge of 1,550USD per room.
Essential Info
Visa and Entry Conditions
At the time of writing, Norway has reinstated standard entry and arrival procedures including visa on arrival. As usual you should ensure that you have the following.
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Passport (valid for at least 6 months from date of entry)
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Visa if required
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Vaccination record
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COVID-19 test result (if unvaccinated)
Consult the State Department website for the latest entry requirements.
Health and Vaccines
No additional vaccinations are required to visit Norway.
Weather
August is a great month to visit, with temperatures in Oslo ranging between 70 and 55°F. In Ålesund the temperatures are a little cooler, ranging from 65 to 50°F. For riding, layers to start rides in the morning, and peel off in the warmth of the day is the best strategy. Carry a light windproof or showerproof jacket. Support vehicles are always on hand to carry day bags which can be accessed easily.
Money and Expenses
Norway is on track to become one of the first countries to go cashless. However it's a good idea to have some cash on you for incidentals, either in USD or better yet some local currency (NOK). ATMs, are the easiest ways to get local currency. Almost all ATMs will accept foreign cards. Having some US dollars in cash will enable you to change some money incase of card issues. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, as is NOK cash.
