🚵‍♂️ Why the Rallavegen route is considered the best cycling route in Norway

Rallarvegen is the historic ‘builders' road’ of the Bergen Railway. Today, it is the most famous cycling route in the country: ≈80–82 km of gravel and trails from Haugastøl through Finse (1222 m) and Myrdal to Flåm at sea level. In one or two days, you will see Hardangervidda, glacial views at Finse, cascades, 21 hairpin bends on the descent to Flåm and a river valley with waterfalls. Excellent infrastructure — huts, seasonal cafés, trains — makes the trip accessible, and the landscapes are truly ‘Norwegian’.

✨ What makes Rallavegen special

• Contrast in a short time: high mountain plateau → glacial panoramas → gorges and fjord valley.
• Infrastructure along the way: seasonal cafés/cabins (including at Fagernut ~1310 m), campsites and train stations.
• Accessibility: you can start/finish at the railway stations Haugastøl, Finse, Hallingskeid, Myrdal, Flåm.
• Flexibility for level: from the family section Haugastøl→Finse to the full ‘classic’ Haugastøl→Flåm.
• History and authenticity: bridges, road workers' houses, stone retaining walls, proximity to the legendary Bergen Line.

🗺️ Route description (segments and ‘wow’ points)

• Haugastøl → Finse (~27 km): flat gravel, views of reservoirs and stone fields; the best ‘warm-up’.
• Finse → Hollingsaid (~20–21 km): higher and harsher, snowfields possible in early summer, panoramic views of glaciers.
• Hollingsaid → Myrdal (~17–18 km): barren plateaus give way to canyons and bridges.
• Myrdal → Flom (~20 km): the famous descent with Myrdalssberget hairpin bends (≈21 turns) and a valley with waterfalls down to sea level.

💡 Direction ‘from the mountain’: most people ride Haugastöl/Finsé → Flåm to enjoy the panoramic views of the plateau and the long picturesque descent. The opposite direction is more athletic and noticeably more difficult.

📏 Distance, terrain and surface

• Total length: ~80–82 km (depending on the route).
• Ascent/descent: towards Flåm, total descent ~1200–1300 m, but with local ascents.
• Surface: mainly gravel/crushed stone, large slabs and rocks in places; asphalt/concrete sections in the Flåm valley.
• Difficulty: for most people with basic MTB skills. For beginners and families, Haugastøl→Finset (return by train) or Finset→Flåm in one day in good weather is suitable.

🌤️ When to go

• Best time: July–September.
• June/early July: snowfields and wet areas on the plateau are possible; some services open later.
• October: beautiful, but it gets dark quickly and is cool; keep an eye on the forecast.
• The weather in the mountains is unpredictable: +5...+12 °C even in summer, windy; gloves will help keep your fingers warm.

🚲 Bike and equipment

• Type: MTB hardtail or gravel bike with 40–50 mm tyres; disc brakes are ideal.
• Gears: ‘light’ gears for climbs/snowfields (e.g., 1× with 42–50T at the rear).
• E-bikes: acceptable; plan for a range of 80+ km, as the cold ‘eats away’ at the battery. Charging is available in huts/cafes by arrangement.
• Required: helmet, gloves, raincoat/membrane, glasses, lights, horn/bell, repair kit (inner tubes/patches, pump, multitool), first aid kit.
• Water and food: 1.5–2.5 litres per person + high-calorie snacks.

🚆 Logistics and how to ‘put together’ a trip

• Trains on the Bergen Line take you to the starting points at Haugastøl, Finse, Hallingskeid, Myrdal; Flåm is connected to Myrdal by the Flåmsbana line.
• Bicycle rental is usually available in Haugastøl and Finse (seasonal).
• Luggage and overnight stays: some services offer luggage transport between points; huts/campsites/hotels are available along the route and at stations.
• Return: the classic option is to finish in Flåm and leave by train/bus; if you are short on time, the descent from Myrdal to Flåm can be replaced by train.

🧭 Options for 1–3 days

• Day 1 (fit version): Finse → Flåm (~53 km). Train to Finse in the morning, finish in Flåm in the evening.
• Day 2 (classic): Haugastø → Finse (~27 km), overnight stay → Finse → Flåm (~53 km).
• 3 days (with a ‘twist’): Haugastøl → Finse → Hollingsaid/Myrdal (overnight stay) → Flåm.

💵 Budget (guidelines) and how to save money

• Bicycle rental: book in advance during peak season; hardtail bikes are cheaper than high-end electric/gravel bikes.
• Rail travel: plan your tickets to the start/finish points and bike transport.
• Accommodation: Finsé/Flom is more expensive during peak season; Haugastøl/Myrdal/campsites are more budget-friendly.
• Savings: travel during the off-peak season (late August–September), start from Finså (shorter), bring your own bike.

📸 Photo spots and tips

• At Fins: glacial views, ‘lunar’ plateau fields; the morning brings clear air and sharp contours.
• Bridges and canyons to Myrdal: shots with depth — take photos from a safe spot on the side of the road.
• Descent to Flom: don't speed on high heels; take photo breaks in designated areas and keep your speed under control.
• Anti-glare and weather: glasses and microfibre cloths are a must; after rain, the shots are more dramatic, but the surface is slippery.

🛡️ Safety and trail rules

• Speed = control. Keep your speed down on the hairpin bends and give way to pedestrians; your bell is your friend.
• Wet gravel/slabs are slippery. Brake smoothly, without sudden manoeuvres.
• Gates/fences for livestock: leave them closed after passing through.
• Railways and tunnels: do not ride on the tracks/inside railway tunnels; follow the cycle route markings.
• Weather: in fog/snow, consider cancelling/shortening the route. Emergency services number: 112.
• Children: helmets are mandatory; choose gentle sections (Haugastöll→Finnes) and good weather.

⚠️ Common mistakes

• Overestimating brakes on the descent to Flom. Overheating is a real risk: take breaks, brake gradually.
• Light clothing ‘like in the city’. The plateau is cold and windy even in July — take layers.
• No ‘plan B’. Keep stations/trains in mind — you can cut a day off.
• Underestimating the distance with an e-bike. The battery drains faster in cold weather and on rough surfaces — save energy and recharge on the way, if possible.
• Stopping ‘on the trail’ for photos. Move to designated areas so as not to disturb others.

Conclusion: Rallervegen combines the grandeur of Norwegian nature with convenient logistics. Choose the route ‘downhill’ to Flåm, break the route into 1-2 days according to your fitness level, keep your brakes, layers and common sense in check — and you will leave with the very same set of views and emotions that make this track the best cycling route in Norway.