Gjøvik — Oslo Gravel
About this Route
← Oslo & Oslofjord Cycling GuideOne of the great gravel classics of Eastern Norway — 149 kilometres from the shores of Lake Mjøsa to the Oslo waterfront, through deep forests, quiet farm tracks and some of the finest gravel roads on the continent. With 80% of the route on unpaved roads, this is a ride for gravel and mountain bikes, not road bikes.
The classic way to ride this route is to take the Gjøvikbanen train from Oslo to Gjøvik — about two hours — and spend the day riding home. The train leaves early, the forest roads are quiet in the morning, and arriving at Sørenga by the Oslo fjord after a long day in the woods is one of those cycling experiences you do not forget.
From Gjøvik station the route climbs immediately into Totenåsen — the first big test, rewarded with panoramic views over Mjøsa and the wide farming valleys of Toten. Then south through Hadeland's open cultural landscape, past Brandbu, and into the deep quiet of Romeriksåsen where gravel roads thread between forest lakes and dense spruce forest. The final act is Nordmarka from north to south — past Gjerdingen, Sandungen and Kikut, the heart of Oslo's outdoor playground — before the long descent to Maridalsvannet and the city below.
This is one of those rides that sounds almost too good to be true — take the morning train from Oslo to Gjøvik, step off the platform, clip in, and spend the rest of the day riding home through some of the finest gravel terrain in Eastern Norway. When I rode this, I caught the early Gjøvikbanen and was rolling by half past nine. The ride starts with a punch: straight out of Gjøvik the road climbs hard into Totenåsen, gaining over 350 metres in the first 20 kilometres. The gravel begins almost immediately, and the views back over Lake Mjøsa from the top are worth every metre of that opening effort.
The descent from Totenåsen drops you into Hadeland — open farming country with rolling gravel tracks and long views towards Randsfjorden. Brandbu arrives around km 40 and this is a stop you cannot skip. Stock up on food and water here, because the next resupply is a very long way off. The route turns south into Romeriksåsen after Brandbu, and this is where the character of the ride changes completely. Mile after mile of quiet forest gravel, spruce and pine closing in on both sides, small lakes appearing through gaps in the trees. Almost no traffic. Just the crunch of tyres on gravel and the occasional bird. This section between km 50 and 90 is the soul of the ride.
The final act is Nordmarka — Oslo's forested backyard — entered from the north. The climb past Mylla around km 100 takes you to the highest point of the entire route at 580 metres, and from there the gravel roads thread south past Gjerdingen and Sandungen towards Kikutstua. Stop there for a waffle — it is an institution and you will have earned it. The last 20 kilometres descend through the forest past Sognsvann and down to the city. I arrived at Sørenga as the evening light was fading, legs properly spent, and jumped straight in the fjord. One of the best days I have had on a bike.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Leave Gjøvik station and climb immediately into Totenåsen. The opening kilometres are the hardest — a tough climb rewarded with some of the finest views on the entire route: Mjøsa stretching south and the wide farming valleys of Toten spread out below. The gravel begins here and does not really stop until Oslo.
Descend from Totenåsen into the open cultural landscape of Hadeland. Rolling terrain through farming country with views towards Brandbukampen and Randsfjorden. Brandbu is the natural mid-point stop — pick up food and water here before the transition into the deep forest sections of the day.
The quietest and most remote section of the route. Mile after mile of first-class gravel roads through dense spruce and pine forest, past small forest lakes and hunting cabins. Almost no traffic. This is Eastern Norway gravel cycling at its finest — just forest, gravel and the sound of the bike.
Enter Nordmarka at Grua/Harestua and follow the classic gravel roads south past Gjerdingen, Sandungen and Kikut — the heart of Oslo's outdoor playground. Stop at Kikutstua for a waffle before the long descent past Maridalsvannet to the city. The route finishes at Sørenga by the Oslo fjord.
Gallery
Gjøvik — Oslo Gravel — Map & Elevation
Tips & Local Knowledge
- Take the Gjøvikbanen train from Oslo S to Gjøvik — about 2 hours — and ride home. The perfect point-to-point adventure without any car logistics.
- Brandbu is the ideal mid-route food stop after the first big climb over Totenåsen — pick up food and water before the long forest sections ahead.
- Kikutstua in Nordmarka is an institution — stop for a school bun or a freshly made waffle. No trip through Nordmarka is complete without it.
- Carry tools, a spare tube and enough food. Parts of Romeriksåsen and Nordmarka are isolated — there are no shops for long stretches.
- Be prepared for temperature differences — the high points on Totenåsen can be significantly colder than the valleys and the city.
- The route ends at Sørenga in Oslo — the perfect place for a burger, pizza or a swim in the fjord after a long day in the forest.
- This route requires a gravel or mountain bike — 80% unpaved roads make it unsuitable for road bikes.
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Route Details
For experienced cyclists. Significant elevation and demanding distances.