Gudbrandsdalen offers a completely different dimension of Norwegian cycling to the Western Fjords. Where the fjord routes are dramatic and vertical, Gudbrandsdalen is vast and horizontal — long valley climbs that carry you gradually from the valley floor to open highland plateaus, with Rondane and Jotunheimen national parks stretching to the horizon. The riding here is about rhythm, endurance and solitude.
This is also where Norwegian cycling gets its gravel dimension. Jotunheimvegen and Grimsdalen are hardpacked gravel roads through mountain terrain — rideable on road tyres in good conditions, and unlike anything you will find in western Norway. The combination of smooth asphalt passes like Valdresflye and Venabygdsfjellet with these remote gravel roads makes Gudbrandsdalen uniquely versatile.
When to go
The season here is shorter and more variable than coastal Norway, governed almost entirely by snowmelt and road openings. Valdresflye and Venabygdsfjellet typically open in May, but Jotunheimvegen and Grimsdalen — both gravel roads — rarely open before mid-June. Always check current road status at vegvesen.no before heading into the mountains.
July and August are the safest and most reliable months — stable weather, temperatures of 15–20°C in the valleys, and all mountain huts and cafés along the routes are open. This matters: food and water stops are few and far between, and knowing what is open before you set off is essential.
September is many cyclists' favourite month in Gudbrandsdalen. The mountains turn gold, orange and red, the air is crystal clear and the roads are quiet. Jotunheimvegen and Grimsdalen typically close when the first serious snowfall arrives — usually early to mid-October.
Where to stay
For the Jotunheimen and Rondane routes, Vinstra is a practical and well-positioned base with a range of accommodation options. Where you stay ultimately depends on which routes you plan to ride — base yourself close to your starting point rather than trying to cover the whole region from one place.
Gudbrandsdalen vs Western Fjords
The contrast could not be sharper. Western Fjords is vertical and technical — short, steep climbs with hairpin bends, waterfalls and fjords dropping away below you. Gudbrandsdalen is horizontal and meditative — long, gradual ascents onto open highland plateaus, reindeer on the road, and the silence of genuine wilderness.
If you want epic scenery and to feel the burn quickly, go to Western Fjords. If you want to ride for hours in unspoiled mountain landscape, find your rhythm and disappear into the Norwegian highlands, Gudbrandsdalen is where you belong.
Practical tips
Food and water stops are sparse — significantly more so than on the coastal routes. Research what is open along your specific route before you leave, and always carry more food and water than you think you need. There is no safety net if you run out in the middle of Grimsdalen. A light rain jacket and an extra layer are essential regardless of the forecast — weather in the Norwegian highlands can change rapidly at any time of year.
All Routes in Gudbrandsdalen
Rondane National Park Cycling Loop — Grimsdalen & Venabygdsfjellet
A grand loop around Norway's first national park. From Vinstra in Gudbrandsdalen, the route climbs into the wild Grimsdalen valley — one of Norway's most beautiful mountain valleys, running between Rondane and Dovrefjell national parks — before crossing the high plateau of Venabygdsfjellet on the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane. 218 kilometres, 2,928 metres of climbing, wild reindeer and ancient mountain landscapes.
Jotunheimen Cycling — Jotunheimvegen & Valdresflye Loop
A spectacular loop from Vinstra combining two of Norway's most celebrated mountain roads. Jotunheimvegen — a 45km gravel toll road through Jotunheimen National Park — climbs to the high plateau with views of Norway's highest peaks. Valdresflye, the Norwegian Scenic Route crossing Norway's second-highest mountain road at 1,389m, returns through open alpine terrain with Jotunheimen's peaks on the horizon. 181 kilometres, 2,676 metres of climbing.