Oslo Cycling — Nordmarka Royal Loop
About this Route
← Oslo & Oslofjord Cycling GuideThe ultimate Oslo epic — a 152-kilometre loop around the entire Nordmarka forest, starting and finishing at the Oslo Opera House. Anti-clockwise, this route takes you over Gjelleråsen, north along quiet country roads through Rotnes, Harestua and Grua, west to the shores of Steinsfjorden, and up the legendary Kleiva climb before returning through the gravel roads of Krokskogen.
This is one of the finest endurance rides in the Oslo region. The roads through inner Akershus are virtually traffic-free with rolling terrain and beautiful rural scenery. After 85 kilometres, Hadeland Glassverk is a highly recommended stop — fresh-baked goods and pizza in a stunning setting.
The day's defining challenge arrives at Sundvollen — Kleiva 1, a Category 3 climb of 4.3 km at 6.9% with spectacular views over Tyrifjorden and, on a clear day, Gaustatoppen in the far distance. At the summit, Kleivstua Hotel offers water before the gravel section through Krokskogen — hardpacked and perfectly rideable on 25mm tyres. A fitting end to one of Oslo's great cycling adventures.
This is one of Oslo's great cycling days — a full loop around Nordmarka that takes you through four very different landscapes before delivering you back to the Opera House. I rode it last in July 2025 and it's a route that rewards you in stages.
The first 20 kilometres are a necessary transport section out through the suburbs and over Gjelleråsen. It's fine cycling, but the route doesn't really start until you turn off onto Kragerudveien at Hellerud. Suddenly the traffic disappears and you're on quiet, deserted roads with farmland all around. The terrain here is rolling and surprisingly demanding — small punchy climbs that keep the legs honest from early on.
Kiwi at Grua is a good supply stop before the route turns west. From here the road descends toward Jevnaker — the opposite direction to the Nordmarka Rundt race route, which gives it a different feel entirely. Hadeland Glassverk in Jevnaker is highly recommended: excellent baked goods and pizza, and a good place to take a proper break before the second half of the day. On a route this long, you won't regret stopping.
The roads after Jevnaker carry a bit more traffic, and there are some climbs where it's perfectly reasonable to use the cycle path alongside. Eventually the route finds the shores of Steinsfjorden — calm water, quiet roads and some of the finest scenery of the day. Enjoy it, because Kleiva is coming.
Kleiva at Sundvollen is the day's defining climb — 4.3 kilometres at just under 7%. It's not a brutal gradient, but the length and position at around 110 kilometres into the ride makes it serious. Halfway up, the views open across Tyrifjorden and the surrounding landscape. At the top, Kleivstua offers snacks and drinks — and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Gaustatoppen.
From Kleivstua the route enters Krokskogen on gravel. I've ridden this section multiple times on both 25mm and 28mm tyres without incident — the surface is hardpacked and never a problem in dry conditions. From Lommedalen the road follows clear signage all the way back into Oslo through Bærum. A long day, but one of the best.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Leave the Opera House and head north through the suburbs and over Gjelleråsen. A necessary transport section — fine cycling, but the route doesn't fully come alive until the turn onto Kragerudveien at Hellerud around 20 km.
From Hellerud the road changes completely — quiet, deserted lanes through rolling farmland with virtually no traffic. The terrain is more demanding than it looks, with punchy climbs through forest and open fields. Kiwi at Grua is a reliable supply stop before the route turns west.
The road descends toward Jevnaker — the opposite direction to the Nordmarka Rundt race route. Hadeland Glassverk is highly recommended: excellent baked goods and pizza in a beautiful setting. A proper stop here is well worth it on a day this long.
The roads after Jevnaker carry some traffic and a few climbs — the cycle path alongside is a reasonable option on the steeper sections. Eventually the route settles along the shores of Steinsfjorden: calm water, quiet roads and some of the finest scenery of the day.
Kleiva at Sundvollen is the day's defining climb — 4.3 km at just under 7%, with spectacular views over Tyrifjorden halfway up. Kleivstua at the summit offers snacks and drinks, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Gaustatoppen. From here the route enters Krokskogen on hardpacked gravel — perfectly rideable on 25–28mm tyres.
Descend from Krokskogen into Lommedalen and follow clear signage all the way back through Bærum to Oslo. A well-earned return to the Opera House after one of the finest cycling days the capital has to offer.
Gallery
Oslo Cycling — Nordmarka Royal Loop — Map & Elevation
Key Climbs
Tips & Local Knowledge
- The gravel section through Krokskogen is hardpacked and rideable on 25–28mm road tyres — no need for a gravel bike.
- Kiwi at Grua (around 75 km) is a good supply stop for food and drinks before the western section.
- Hadeland Glassverk at 85 km is highly recommended — excellent food including fresh-baked goods and pizza. Well worth a longer stop.
- Kleiva 1 starts at Sundvollen — 4.3 km at 6.9%. The views over Tyrifjorden on the way up are spectacular. On a clear day you can see Gaustatoppen in the distance.
- Kleivstua Hotel at the top of Kleiva is a good water stop before the gravel section.
- The descent from Krokskogen through Lommedalen is fast and rewarding — a great way to end the day.
Rider Reviews
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Route Details
Elite level. Extreme elevation, altitude and distance. Serious preparation required.