Fjord fatbike on ice: an expedition without skis
When the inner waters of the fjord freeze over, it's not just skates that come out onto the ice – it's a whole world of ice-cool fun! Wide, palm-sized fatbike tyres grip the crunchy crust and transform the bay into an endless cycle track. Get ready for the outdoor adventure of a lifetime in Norway! Here, routes through national parks don't just follow a trail, they run right across the mirror-like water, creating an unforgettable experience that you'll never forget. No skis, a minimal backpack and the feeling that you are rolling across a depth map that winter has just taken away.
❄️ Four Proven Ice Rings
Ring | Where & When It Freezes | Distance | What’s Nearby on Land |
---|---|---|---|
Altafjord Ice Loop | Finnmark, Jan–Mar; stable crust ≥ 20 cm | 22 km (Bossekop ⇆ Kåfjord) | 7 km hike to Komsa panorama — top national park hike |
Lyngen Blue Track | Troms, Feb–Apr at Djupvik Bay | 14 km “figure eight” via Spåkenes Island | 4 km trail to Lyngstuva skerry — polar panorama |
Fetsund Isfjord | Viken (Øyeren delta), Jan–Feb; freshwater arm freezes first | 10 km “Crane Bay” family loop | 2 km accessible boardwalk at Fetsund Lenser |
Skjolden Crystal Run | Lustrafjord, Feb at –8 °C ≥ 10 days | 8 km to Mørkri lagoon mirror | “Crampon hike” on Molden Trail (4.2 km / +610 m) |
Thickness is monitored by municipal services; skating begins when official markers turn green.
How to plan a Fjord Fatbike day
- Morning – bus or train to the nearest village on the coast; local rental shops (Fatbike Alta, Lyngen Fat-Lab, Sogne Cykle) have 4.8" × 26" models with spikes.
- Midday – check the ice: use an ice drill or a ready-made test hole. A minimum of 12 cm is required for a single rider, 15 cm if you are pulling a sled with a child.
- Ride – stay 30 m from the tide line: the ice is thicker there, and the snow is less likely to be blown away to the "concrete".
- Pause – boiling water in a thermos + cranberry chocolate; stand on a mat to protect the soles of your feet from frostbite.
- Sunset – the light is low, the ice turns pink. Return before dusk (4–5 p.m. in February) – no need for a torch.
❄️ Equipment for “–15 °C, 8 kg on the Rack”
Part | Details | Weight (g) |
---|---|---|
Fatbike (+ 240 studs) | Pressure 0.4 bar — maintains traction | — |
Ski helmet + Cat. 1 goggles | Keeps ears warm, protects against snow crust | 42 |
20K membrane + mid-layer down | “Bulb” — remove the layer when climbing ashore | 950 |
Boots –25 °C + foil insole | Important — the toe box does not squeeze toes | 1,200 |
Ice picks (self-rescue tool) | Hang on chest with rubber cord | 18 |
Mini rope sling (10 m) | Rescue rope — pulls rider out of ice hole | 13 |
GPS sling (phone offline) | Norgeskart maps + “iski” layer | 20 |
Thermos (0.75 L) | Boiling water + cranberry syrup = quick energy | 520 |
Ice safety: seven "DON'Ts"
- Don't drive into white mush — snow cover masks cracks.
- Do not cross dark stripes: these are likely to be streams or tidal channels.
- Do not gather in groups closer than 5 metres — distribute the load.
- > ignore winds of 8 m/s or more: a side gust can cause a wide wheel to "sail".
- Do not remove gloves for more than a minute — the metal of the steering wheel draws heat.
- Do not build a fire on the ice — the heat will create a trap.
Do not leave rubbish behind: paper energy drink cups freeze instantly.
❄️ Example Two-Day Trip “Ice & Molden” (Lustrafjord)
Time | Action |
---|---|
08:00 | Bus Vy Sogndal → Skjolden (1 h 10 m) |
09:00 | Fatbike rental + 15 cm ice check (GREEN sticker) |
10:00 | Mørkri Lagoon ice loop, 8 km; photo stop at the ice “lip” |
12:00 | Lunch on a log: dried salmon, brunost, hot water |
14:00 | Removed crampons; climbed Molden on foot (4.2 km / +610 m) on packed winter trail |
17:00 | Descent into crimson sunset; overnight at Skjolden Brygge (sauna with ice view) |
Fatbike and hike are connected by a single base, without a car — a truly zero-carbon option within the Norway national parks corridor.
Fatbiking on ice is an incredible opportunity to "carve" a track where only boats go in summer. The tyres make a thrilling sound as they skim over the transparent crystal, and the air rings add to the excitement. Every turn of the wheel reveals a new reflection of the rocks, making every journey a new adventure. Get those gaiters on, snap some pics and share your freezing point experiences with us! We'd love to add your story to our outdoor adventures in Norway catalogue. Show the world that the fjord is alive in winter when it turns into a personal bike track without skis or lifts!
