Rallarvegen

Rallarvegen – the navvy road – runs through a dramatic, lush and challenging landscape rich in culture, history and unique nature. The road was built by hand at the turn of the last century to transport equipment and food during the construction of the Bergen railway. Today Rallarvegen is one of Norway’s most popular bicycle routes and runs 80 km from Haugastøl – Finse – Hallingskeid by Vatnahalsen to Flåm. Along the way you can learn more about Finse, the Bergen railway and Rallarmuseet (the Navvy Museum) at Finse. You can add an extra 23 km by travelling east along highway 7 from Geilo to Haugastøl and from Myrdal to Voss. If you come from the west, you can continue into the mountains around Hallingdal. Because of the difference in altitude from Haugastøl, 988 m.a.s.l, through Finse 1222 m.a.s.l. Most people chose to take the bicycle train to Finse before returning to Geilo. Rallarvegen starts at Haugastøl and has a slight ascent up to Storurdi and Finse. Partly on rough surface (pebbles and gravel) the route runs west, slightly ascending up to Fagernut and then down to Hallingskeid. The road through Klevagjelet to Myrdal is steep and partly unsecured, so you should be careful and it is recommended to step off the bike. From Myrdal, by Vatnahalsen Hotel, there is a steep descent down the 21 road bends (Myrdalssvingene). From Kårdalen (summer dairy with Norwegian goat cheese) the last lap runs through the lush and dramatic Flåmsdalen down to Flåm. The train journey by Flåmsbanen is a highlight. The 20 km by train between the mountain stations Myrdal and Flåm by the fjord take about 55 minutes. Along the way you will see some of the most magnificent Norwegian mountains, with an ever-changing panorama of mountains and thundering waterfalls. The train runs slowly or stops completely to let the passengers enjoy the finest views. At Myrdal Flåmsbanen corresponds with the Bergen railway back to Geilo. Distance: From Geilo: 103 km. From Haugastøl: 80 km. If you wish to take your time and stop many times you should allow for spending 3-4 days. Accommodation is available at tourist cabins and hotel. However, it is also possible to cover the whole distance in one day. Surface: Fine gravel road