About

From Tyin to Årdal – A Historic and Spectacular Bike Ride

The old construction road from Tyin down towards Årdal is today a spectacular hiking and cycling route. Built largely by hand in the early 1900s, the road was constructed to develop hydropower for the industry in Øvre Årdal.

The names Tunnelvegen and Tusenmeteren (The Thousand Meters) are often used interchangeably. However, Tunnelvegen is strictly the section from Sletterust to Toppen, also known as "Tusenmeteren"—the highest point of Røyrgatevegen, located almost exactly 1,000 vertical meters above Øvre Årdal. From here, Røyrgatevegen plunges down 42 hair-raising hairpin turns and 1,000 vertical meters to the valley floor. The road opened to traffic in 1934, and it is hard to imagine that this was the main road between Tyinkrysset/Valdres and Årdal until the new road opened in 1962!

Few things can top the experience of cycling along the sheer cliffs overlooking the Tyedalen valley (later Moadalen), passing through raw, hand-carved tunnels, with breathtaking views towards the wildest 2,000-meter peaks of the Hurrungane range, and the Byttejuv cliff across the fjord.

Important Safety Information
The road is unsecured, the surface can be rough with ruts, and riding along the edge of the steep drop-offs is not for everyone. Therefore, this route is not suitable for very inexperienced cyclists. Take your time, and dismount your bike if you feel unsteady! The road is also prone to rockfalls, especially during heavy rainfall, and is not cleared or maintained. Before embarking on this ride, you must ensure your bike—especially the brakes—is in perfect working order. Bringing a headlamp for the tunnels is highly recommended. 

Route Description from Tyinstølen
Cycle along Fv 53 to Tyinosen. Please exercise caution here, as the traffic is moderate but vehicles often travel at high speeds. At Tyinosen, you can choose to stay on the main road for another 5 km to Sletterust, or opt for a gravel road of varying quality that runs along the southern side of Lake Torolmen.

Tunnelvegen begins at the western end of Torolmen, by Sletterust. From here, it is 12.5 km to Tusenmeteren, followed by a 12 km descent along Røyrgatevegen to the valley floor. You can choose to turn around at Tusenmeteren and ride back, or complete the entire descent.

From Øvre Årdal, you can catch the Fjord & Fjellrute bus operated by Vy, which runs in July and August and accommodates bicycles. Tickets must be booked in advance for both rider and bike. Click on the link over for timetable and booking.

Alternative starting points with parking options include Tyinkrysset, Tyinosen, and Sletterust. The Fjord & Fjellrute bus stops at Tyinkrysset, Tyinstølen, Tyinosen, and Sletterust.

Guided tur?
Bulder og Brak offers guided cycling tours from Øvre Årdal
TyinFilefjell can offer guiding and bicycle transportation for groups