National Cycle Route 6: Sognefjellsveien
World Heritage and Norwegian Scenic Routes – from Røros through Rondane, Lom and Sognefjellsveien to Bergen
National Cycle Route 6: Sognefjellsveien
Route 6 can be seen as running "diagonally across Norway”. It is a demanding cycle route that starts near the Swedish border in the mountains around Røros in Trøndelag and winds its way southwest to Gudbrandsdalen, Sognefjorden and Bergen. The route starts on almost car-free gravelled mountain roads and other minor roads for 120 km southwards to Folldal. After this, the route is a mix of quiet side roads and busier county roads.
The route is not signposted, with the exception of two short distances.
Route 6 is a journey through Norway's mountain world and many national parks. You start with the rounded peaks of northern Østerdalen before cycling on the Norwegian Scenic Route down through the valley of Atndalen with views towards Rondane. Then it continues uphill over Ringebufjellet where you have peaks on all sides. From Lom you will see the peaks of Jotunheimen, Hurrungane and Breheimen, and south of Sognefjorden you can see Mount Vikafjell and Stølsheimen.
Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet Photo: Werner Harstad.
The cycle ride is not only long, but also very hilly. You need to be prepared for uphill climbs from Lom up to Sognefjellet (more than one thousand metres above sea level), from Vik by Sognefjorden up to Vikafjell (one thousand metres elevation gain) and from Evanger up the Teigedalen valley (seven hundred metres elevation gain). It may be far between services available on this route.
With around twelve thousand metres of elevation gain over 760 km, National Cycle Route 6 is a demanding bike ride that will require both time and effort. It may be very convenient to have an electric bike for the many climbs.
Sohlbergplassen viewpoint, Lake Atnsjøen. Photo: Jarle Wæhler.
The stage from Røros to Folldal is the easy part of National Cycle Route 6. The many almost car-free gravel roads enhance the silence around you and your nature experience when you cycle through a number of mountain farm hamlets in the rounded mountain landscape of northern Østerdalen. You can combine cycling with hiking on marked trails to several local peaks, for example in Dalsbygda or Savalen. At Os and Tynset you will find shops, cafés and accommodation.
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