Question 1

When do the mountain roads in Telemark open for cycling?

Accepted Answer

Main roads (E134 over Haukelifjell, Rv 37 over Rauland) are open year-round. Smaller passes like Rv 651 over Imingfjell are typically closed in winter and open in mid-May at the earliest, depending on snow. Statens vegvesen publishes live status on vegvesen.no.

Question 2

Which town is the best base for cycling in Telemark?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what you want to ride. Gaustablikk is the obvious base for Gaustatoppen Rundt and the iconic climbs on the west side of Hardangervidda. Notodden is closer to Heddal, Bolkesjø and the Tinnsjø area. Rauland is the mid-county base for fjell loops toward Vinje and Møsvatn. All three have year-round accommodation.

Question 3

Do I need a gravel bike for cycling in Telemark?

Accepted Answer

No. The routes here on CyclingRoutes.cc are asphalt — a road bike handles them. Gravel options exist (old roads along Tinnsjø and Møsvatn) but aren't routes we've documented yet.

Question 4

How high can I cycle in Telemark?

Accepted Answer

The highest asphalt point on Rv 37 (the Gaustatoppen Rundt route) is 1,255 m at Store Gaustokne. The E134 over Haukelifjell tops out at 1,098 m. The summit of Gaustatoppen itself (1,883 m) is reached only by the Gaustabanen gondola — the road goes around the peak, not up it.

Telemark

Region at a glance

All Routes in Telemark

Gaustatoppen Rundt — The 172km Loop Around Norway's Most Prominent Peak