E-bike loop around Lystrafjord: easy uphill, quick to the water
Lustrafjord is an amazing inner, glacier-blue "finger" of the Sognefjord! Get up early and you can hear the bell of Urnes Church (UNESCO XII century) ringing as the sun rises. In the afternoon, you can watch the icy streams of Feigefossen shower the road with a dusty rainbow. And in the evening, you can see the glass of the fjord painted copper. Until recently, the 85-kilometre ring around the bay was a real challenge, but now it's become a total delight! The advent of rental e-bikes has transformed the route, making it a real pleasure. The motor pulls you up the switchbacks, leaving you with enough energy for short detours to waterfalls and viewing points.
This incredible route through Norway's stunning national parks is a must-do! It'll take you on an unforgettable journey, combining the best of asphalt, ferry rides, and two trails that rank among the top national park hikes in the country. And the best part? You won't have to lift a finger to refuel — this adventure is completely petrol-free! Every turn of the path promises pure, unparalleled excitement.
The Fjord E-Bike Loop in two days
| Day | Distance / elevation | Main points | Hike detour (optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Solvorn → Skjolden | 42 km / ↑480 m | Solvorn ferry → Urnes, Ancient stave church from the 12th century, Feigefossen waterfall (218 m) | Trail to Feigefossen (3.2 km / +350 m) |
| Night | — | Skjolden Brygge (10 A sockets for charging) | Evening swim in the azure lagoon of Mørkri |
| 2. Skjolden → Solvorn | 43 km / ↑620 m | Ascent to Sørheim Panorama, Svalheim café-farm (Aroma cider), Ornes → Solvorn ferry | Hike on Molden (4.2 km / +610 m) — view of the entire fjord |
What makes this route special
● Electric comfort. The section from Skjolden to Sørheim climbs a 10% ramp — an e-bike consumes only 10% of its battery over two kilometres; for hikers, it's an hour of sweat.
● Farm charging stations. Every other farm café has Type F sockets on the veranda: buy a waffle and charge your battery.
● Hike & Bike synergy. Leave your bike at the Molden or Feigefossen trail, run up the hill, come back and ride down to the water. This way, "hiking trails Norway" are in sync with your pedals.
● Carbon-free access. The Vy 170 bus (Oslo → Sogndal) takes bikes for free when booked in advance, and the Sogndal ↔ Solvorn connection is served by Skyss hybrid buses.
Key stops and tastes
- Urnes Stave Church. Dragon-style carved boards and the scent of pine resin are the perfect setting for your first workout.
- Feigefossen Café. Hot cider with cinnamon and a 16 A socket under the bench. Water falls 50 metres from the tables — the spray cools your brakes and ankles.
- Skjolden Brygge. Wooden apartments on stilts: dinner on the terrace while your battery flashes "100%".
- Sørheim Panorama. Scenic "anchor tables": order a rhubarb pie and attach your bike cable to a carabiner.
- Ferjekiosken Solvorn. A final croissant with strawberry jam — you won't need your battery sugar fix anymore.
Practical information
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where can I get an e-bike? | Fjord Bikes Sogndal (650 NOK/day) or Adventure Skjolden (700 NOK/day, including helmet and charging). |
| Is one battery enough? | The "eco" sensor covers 90 km when climbing ≤ 1,000 m. The route can be completed with plenty of power to spare; spare battery + 300 NOK. |
| Road surface? | 100% asphalt. Narrow "bygdeveg" roads along the water have a speed limit of 60 km/h and passing lanes. |
| Navigation | The GPX file "Lustrafjord E-Loop" is available on Norgeskart. Charging points are marked with the ⚡ icon. |
| Season | May–September. In June, raspberries are in bloom, and in August, the water warms up (+14°C) for swimming under Feigefossen. |
Where does the national park start?
The trail itself runs along picturesque municipal roads, just two kilometres from the charming village of Skjolden, and there are trails leading to the breathtaking Nigardsbreen glacier, the southern gateway to the awe-inspiring Jostedalsbreen National Park. Add a day and you get the incredible opportunity to explore the glacier on an electric bike — it's like a backstage tour of Norway's stunning national parks, but without the crowds!
The e-bike transforms mountain loops into a leisurely, almost perfumed journey: the air fills with the refreshing scents of larch trees as you ascend, and the invigorating scent of fjord spray on the descent. The pedals turn with the effort of a child's scooter, making every turn a joy. In just two days, you'll be exploring the beauty of Lystrafjord, visiting two stunning waterfalls and one breathtaking panoramic trail. And that's not all – you'll also get to taste the delicious cider made from three different types of apples. This is an adventure where you'll truly escape the noise of engines and enjoy a peaceful journey.
Get ready for an amazing adventure! Download the GPX, charge up your battery, and send us your track logs, new food stops, and photos of your e-bike's headlight competing with the sunset reflection on the glacier. We can't wait to see all the amazing things you find! We're going to make the outdoor adventures Norway guidebook even better, and show everyone that you can ride fast, quietly and deliciously along the fjord with just a few watts of power and a healthy dose of curiosity!