About

Mjølkevegen is a long distance cycling route through beautiful mountain landscapes and mountain pastures between Vinstra in Gudbrandsdalen and Gol in Hallingdal, across large parts of Valdres. It is signposted in both directions from Ruten Fjellstue in Espedalen, alt. Skåbu Fjellhotell, to Storefjell Resort at Golsfjellet. Mjølkevegen has been voted one of Norway's finest cycling tours and is part of National Cycle Route No. 5. 

Tour description

Gol – Golsfjellet/Storefjell (24 km; 907 m up, 125 m down)
At Gol, our recommended Mjølkevegen partner is First Camp Gol.

From the train station in Gol, cross the bridge and follow Sentrumsvegen to the left until the Mjølkevegen-signage (redbrown metal signs) shows the way to the right out of the town centre on a walking/cycling path. The route then enters the main road 51 which you follow uphill for a short distance (careful!) before exiting onto Mjølkevegen again to the left, onto a gravel road that leads through forest along the river towards Robru. At Robru, turn right onto Øvre Hemsedalsvegen and keep following it uphill for almost 5 km. Then turn right onto Auenhauglivegen and after a little more than 500 meters right again onto Tunnetjernvegen. Follow it for 5.5 km, then exit to the left onto Turkuppmyri. Follow it to the end where it turns into a single track. Here the signage shifts to dark green wooden signs. Keep following the track across Golsfjellet until you reach Einarsetvegen, 400 m below the Storefjell Resort Hotel. Here the signage shifts to dark green wooden signs with the Mjølkevegen logo. Turn left onto Einarsetvegen towards the hotel. If you don’t stay here for the night, cycle around the building on the upper side onto a gravel road and later track downhill until you reach Bjødnalivegen. Are you bound for Kamben Høyfjellshotell, follow the signage to the right. To Oset Fjellhotell and further along Mjølkevegen, follow Bjødnalivegen to the left before a new track passage leads downhill to Golsfjellvegen. Turn left and follow it to Oset. 

Golsfjellet/Storefjell – Vaset (via Gauklie 30 km; 411 m up, 600 m down)
From Oset, you cross the dam over the outflow of Lake Tisleifjorden (rest area and a great view on top of the dam) and follow Naustedokkvegen uphill to the crossing at Furuset. Here you have the choice between the direct route via Gauklie, leading straight ahead, or the alternative route via Langestølen, where you find a convenience store and café, and Tyrisholt. In that case, you turn left here at Furuset and then right at Langestølen. Both alternatives meet up again at the crossing at Brattåsen. The alternative route via Langestølen/Tyrisholt is 4 km longer and has 20 m more inclination.
From Brattåsen, it is easy cycling in mostly flat terrain via Valtjernstølan to the lodge Gomobu Fjellstue with accommodation and meals. Alternatively, you can continue 3 km downhill to the cabin village of Vaset, where you will find accommodation at Vasetstølen (cabins) and at Vasetsenteret Camping. Here you also find a large and well-sorted supermarket and a sport store with bicycle rental and workshop. 
! Update autumn 2025: The dam is currently under reconstruction and until the work is finished you need to cycle on the road underneath the dam !

Vaset – Syndinstøga (20 km; 420 m up, 230 m down)
From Vaset the route continues along the southern shoreline of Lake Vasetvatnet and climbs via Murkelie and Sørre Trollhovd up to Nørre Trollhovd. Turn left here, and after a bit more than one kilometer, turn right onto a track. It soon becomes a single trail which can be wet and where you might have to walk your bike. After 2 km, at the southern end of Lake Søre Syndin, you’re back on gravel and turn left, cycling gradually uphhill towards Syndinstøga. 

Syndinstøga – Ryfoss/Rogn Camping - Slettefjellkiosken (20 km; 380 m up, 670 m down)
This leg starts with a level stretch to the end of the high plateau and then descends in a 10 km long, fairly steep downhill run to the valley bottom at Ryfoss. The main road E16 is crossed via an underpass. Turn then left onto Ryfossvegen. At Ryfoss you can find a food store, a café/diner and a gas station. Here you exit to the right and start the very long and partly very steep ascend to the top of Slettefjellet, first along Riddarvegen to Høresvegen, then exit to the left and continue along Høresvegen. We recommend a stop at Høre Stave Church. Along the way via Løkreim to Slettfjellkiosken you can make a small detour (signed) to Lake Laglim with a popular bathing spot for the locals. At Slettefjellkiosken we recommend a rest and charge your batteries – for both your body and bicycle.  
Here the route splits – either over the Slettefjellet mountain pass towards Beitostølen or via Tyin.  

Via Rogn Camping: Rogn Camping, situated at the valley bottom along the E16, can be an alternative accommodation to Syndinstøga. To get here, continue from Syndinstøga along Mjølkevegen as described above. When reaching Nordabergsvegen, exit to the left onto the latter (don’t keep following the Mjølkevegen signs) and keep following Nordabergsvegen until you meet the E16 at the building supply store at Kvismo. Exit to the left onto the E16 and follow it – carefully! – for 4 kilometers to Rogn Camping. You can pre-order breakfast which is placed in the fridge of your cabin.  

- (If you wish to eat dinner at Ryfoss before heading to Rogn Camping where there are no dining opportunities, you follow Mjølkevegen to Ryfoss and cross under the E16 into the town centre.  Afterwards, from Ryfoss, you must follow the E16 for 6 km in the direction of Tyinkrysset to get to Rogn Camping.) –
The next morning you start with a climb along Tørpegardsvegen, then right to the Dalsbru crossing and Slettefjellkiosken, where the two route alternatives split up. Distance and elevation gain are more or less the same as on the direct route from Ryfoss.
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Slettefjellkiosken – Eidsbugarden via Filefjellstuene (55 km; 940 m up, 570 m down)
Slettefjellkiosken – Eidsbugarden via Opdalstølen (54 km; 910 m up, 550 m down)
The route via Tyin can be taken during the summer season from approx. 23. June until the middle of September when the historical passenger boat M/B Bitihorn across Lake Bygdin is in traffic. 

From Dalsbrukrysset (50 m from Slettefjellkiosken), follow the Mjølkevegen signage towards Tyinkrysset. The route leads along Liagardsvegen which later turns into Vennisvegen along the northern bank of Lake Vangsmjøse to Øye. There are several nice places for a rest, first at Vennis on the waterfront and a bit later at the historical walter mills Leinekvernene (a footpath leads to a waterfall). At the end of the road, at the building supplier Bygger’n i Øye, you have to choose between following the main road E16 or the King’s Road uphill to Tyinkrysset. We recommend the latter if you’re cycling on a gravel or touring bike, but the former if you ride Mjølkevegen on an e-bike. The King’s Road (Kongevegen) includes some grass surface and trail parts which can be hard to do on a heavy e-bike. The E16 up to Tyinkrysset is wide and clear, but you still need to mind the traffic.   
At the Filefjell tourist office/Intersport at Tyinkrysset you can charge your e-bike battery. There’s a power outlet inside the store, or, if it is closed, outside on the wall (close to the garbage container). They have chargers for Shimano, Bosch and Yamaha. Here you also find a Joker convenience store. Follow the Mjølkevegen signage underneath the E16 and uphill on gravel via Opdalstølen until you meet Tyinvegen (Fv 53). 

Via Filefjellstuene: If you are bound for Filefjellstuene, keep going along Kongevegen until Tyinkrysset and follow Tørisvegen uphill to Grovstølen and Filefjellstuene. On the next day, run downhill to the old E16 (Nystøgovegen), exit to the right and then to left uphill on Tyinvegen (Fv 53). On your way up to Lake Tyin, the Mjølkevegen route via Opdalstølen meets Tyinvegen. 
Follow Tyinvegen up to Lake Tyin where you exit to the right onto Eidsbugardvegen – welcome back on gravel! Follow Eidsbugardvegen along the eastern shoreline to Tyinholmen. Tyinholmen Høyfjellstuer with its stunning surroundings in the southern part of the Jotunheimen mountain area is the perfect place to stop for a meal or an overnight as well as to explore on bicycle or foot, i.e. the Koldedalen valley or the viewpoint Utsikten.  
3 km further you reach the boat pier at Eidsbugarden. 

Eidsbugarden – Bygdin with M/B Bitihorn
During the summer season from the end of June until the middle of September there are two daily departures with the passenger ferry M/B Bitihorn on Lake Bygdin between Eidsbugarden and Bygdin Hotel. Tickets for both cyclists and bicycles are prebooked on www.nor-way.no (the link opens in a new window). 
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Slettefjellkiosken – Beitostølen via Slettefjellet (25 km; 740 m up, 710 m down)
From Slettefjellkiosken, follow Slettefjellvegen uphill in the direction of Beitostølen. After approx. 1 km you can make a short side trip on foot (approx. 15 min. per way) to the Sputrefossen waterfall. Walk with care along the rim – it’s far down!
Up to the top of Slettefjellet (1315 m.a.s.l.), the highest point of the entire route, it is a steep ascend. Take your time. At the top there’s a rest area and a great view in both directions – back towards Vang and ahead towards Jotunheimen. When you get to Lake Fleinsendin exit to the right and cycle past Lykkja to Beito. Here you can stay at Grønolen Fjellgard.
From Beito it is a 3 km long climb up to Beitostølen with a large selection of restaurants and accommodations of all kinds, among them Beito Resort Hotel and Riddergaarden Mountain Lodge.

Beitostølen – Bygdin (12 km; 310 m up, 140 m down) and
Bygdin – Haugseter (14 km; 190 m up, 220 m down) 
Between Beitostølen and Bygdin Mjølkevegen follows the main road Fv 51, at first uphill to the pass Båtskaret and then downhill to Bygdin where the routes meets up with the alternative route via Tyin. Mind the traffic along road 51 which at times can be busy and let cars pass you safely. Bygdin Høifieldshotel is a great place for a rest, to charge batteries, have a bite to eat or to stay the night. 
From Bygdin, follow Fv 51 for another kilometer in northern direction before exiting to the right onto Jotunheimvegen (back on gravel). Now a fairly even stretch along the northern shore of Lake Vinstre lies ahead of you. Haugseter Fjellstue is your next recommended stop for recharging – body and batteries – or a good night’s sleep in great scenery. 

Haugseter – Lemonsjø/Ruten/Skåbu (47 km; 750 m up, 935 m down – to Ruten) 
From Haugseter Jotunheimenvegen follows the lakeshore approx. 4 more kilometers before it ascends to the pass close north of Buhø. This is one of the last larger climbs. After that the route continues mostly flat and downhill towards Espedalen valley. There are several nice resting areas on this stretch, i.e. a rest area with information about the Langsua National Park and the historical falconry facility at Veslefjell (a marked footpath gets you up there in 20 min. one way) and a Mjølkerampe at Raudskaret. Now Jotunheimvegen dips below the tree line. Right after the toll barrier, at Lake Slangen, the route splits.  

The route to Lemonsjø Fjellstue exits northbound onto Sikkiladalsvegen, but if you have an overnight at Ruten or Skåbu first, continue as described below and return to the Slangen crossing the day after.  
To get to Ruten Fjellstue, continue straight ahead for approx. 500 m until you reach the bridge over the outflow from Lake Slangen. Right before the bridge, exit to the right onta å forest track and cycle along the southern shore of Lake Olstappan until you meet Espedalsvegen which you follow to the right uphill to Ruten. Cyclists with light baggage can consider the 1 km long push-your-bike-uphill trail (trillesti) which is signed from the bridge over the Espa river, leading straight up to the lodge (not recommended with e-bikes).
Are you headed to Skåbu Fjellhotell, keep straight ahead, over the bridge over the outflow from Lake Slangen, and continue along Slangslivegen, later Skåbuvegen, til you reach the village of Skåbu and the hotel. 

Slangenkrysset – Lemonsjø Fjellstue (43 km; 670 m up, 480 m down)
From the crossing between Jotunheimvegen and Sikkilsdalsvegen, follow the latter to the north via Nysætra and through the Murudalen valley. At the bridge over the River Sjoa you enter Murudalsvegen. Follow Murudalsvegen to the left/straight until you meet the main road Heidalsvegen. Exit to the left onto Heidalsvegen and 2 km later, exit to the right onto a forest trail. Follow the cycling symbols to the left through the forest to Randsverk Camping and then north to Lemonsjø Fjellstue. At the garbage containers, turn right onto a cabin road leading uphill to the lodge.   

Ruten Fjellstue – Vinstra (32 km; 380 m up, 1000 m down)
From Ruten Fjellstue, exit to the right onto Espedalsvegen and after approx. 850 m, to the left onto Lomsetervegen (signed Peer Gyntvegen). Follow Lomsetervegen via Lomsætra all the way to Fefor and continue on Feforvegen downhill. Closing in on Vinstra, follow Søre Feforvegen down to Rustvegen and exit to the left onto the latter which takes you to Vinstra (a cycling and walking path starts on the left-hand side soon after you enter Rustvegen). In the last roundabout before the bridge over the River Lågen, exit to the left onto Sundheimsvegen and cross the river on the pedestrian and cycling bridge. On the other side, keep right to get to the Vinstra train station.

Skåbu Fjellhotell - Vinstra (27,5 km; 220 m up, 840 m down)
From the hotel, keep following Skåbuvegen (partly steep) downhill towards Vinstra. The road is partly very narrow and curvy, so take great care when choosing this route, even if traffic is moderate to low. Getting close to Vinstra, after crossing over the Rover Møgla you can choose between staying on Skåbuvegen all the way down or exit steep to the right onto Rovvegen. 
If you follow Skåbuvegen, exit to the left onto Gamle Skåbuvegen, cycle carefully past the school, onto Sundheimsvegen and cross the river on the pedestrian and cycling bridge. On the other side, keep right to the Vinstra train station.
If you decide to follow Rovvegen you will end up on Vinstravegen. Follow the sidewalk on the left-hand side of the road over the highway bridge and exit to the left onto Sundheimsvegen. From here, cross the river and continue to the station as described above. 

Fagernes – Vaset (25 km; 725 m up, 290 m down)
Instead of taking the train to Gol, you might want to travel to Valdres by car or take the coach. In that case, Fagernes is a smart starting point for your Mjølkevegen ride as you easily can get back here by bus from several places further north along the route (Beitostølen, Bygdin or Lemonsjø). 
To get sideways on the route at Vaset, cycle on the lakeside walkway along Lake Strandefjorden to Leira (in the direction of Oslo) and exit to the right onto road 51 towards Gol. Approx. 800 m after crossing over the dam, exit to the right onto Lovegen (signed Heggelund). Follow Lovegen to Ulnes west and then exit to the left uphill onto Panoramavegen to Vaset. 
From here, Mjølkevegen is signed in both directions. To go in the direction of Vinstra/Lemonsjø, make sure you enter onto the northbound route. 
The GPX-track for this alternative start leg can be requested by sending an email to  info@visitvaldres.no.

Fagernes – Golsfjellet (47,5 km; 990 m up, 350 m down)
Instead of taking the train to Gol, you might want to travel to Valdres by car or take the coach. In that case, Fagernes is a smart starting point for your Mjølkevegen ride as you easily can get back here by bus from several places further north along the route (Beitostølen, Bygdin or Lemonsjø). 
To get sideways on the route at Golsfjellet, cycle on the lakeside walkway along Lake Strandefjorden to Leira (in the direction of Oslo) and exit to the right onto road 51 towards Gol. Approx. 1.6 km after crossing over the dam, exit to the left onto Vestringslinna towards Vestringsbygde. Here you exit to the right onto Mønavegen which you follow uphill to Åbjør. Before the bridge over the river Åbjøra, turn left onto Pardisvegen (gravel) and follow it around the lakes Ølsjøen and Pardisfjorden until you get to road 51 at Bjørkestølen Camping. Exit to the right onto the 51 and after 500 meters, at the Joker Fjellbu store, exit to the left onto Tisleivegen. Follow Tisleivegen via Hermanstølen to the Furuset crossing.  
From here, Mjølkevegen is signed in three directions: northbound either via Langestølen/Tyrisholt (straight ahead) or Gauklie (right) and southbound towards Golsfjellet/Gol (left). 
For an overnight at Golsfjellet, turn left onto Naustedokkvegen and cross the dam at Lake Tisleifjorden (rest area and great view on top of the dam). 

! Update autumn 2025: The dam is currently under reconstruction and until the work is finished you need to cycle on the road underneath the dam !

On the other side you arrive at Oset Fjellhotell, the first of three accommodations in the area, where you also can enjoy a bite to eat at Vasskanten Kafe or Oset Fjellbistro.
To get to Kamben or Storefjell, the other two accommodations at choice, keep following Golsfjellvegen and the Mjølkevegen signs uphill on a track and along Øvre Bjødnalivegen. Then, the route towards Storefjell and Gol exits to the right onto a new track uphill to the top of Storefjell with the Storefjell Resort Hotel, while the route to Kamben Høyfjellshotell continues straight ahead along Øvre Bjødnalivegen and then to the left (signed).   
The GPX-track for this alternative start leg can be requested by sending an email to info@visitvaldres.no.
To continue on Mjølkevegen to the north on the next day, return to the Furuset crossing and choose either northbound route from there. 

Grønolen/Beitostølen - Fagernes (52 km; 660 m up, 1190 m down)
If you finish your ride along Mjølkevegen at Beitostølen and you need to get back to Fagernes (to your car or the bus to Oslo/airport), you can ride this leg instead of using public transport.  
From the centre of Beitostølen, follow Beitestølevegen downhill to Beito and turn right onto Beitovegen towards Slettefjellet. After 1 km, leave the Mjølkevegen route and exit to the left towards Grønolen Fjellgard. Follow Grønolsvegen (later Raudalsvegen) to the ski hill, turn left and keep following Raudalsvegen along the western shore of Lake Øyangen and beyond, via Ulvildsete, until you reach Eggeåsvegen. Exit to the right, and after 2 km, to the left onto Lomslivegen (gravel, closed for motorized traffic). Follow this road (later along the western shore of Lake Heggefjorden) all the way until you get to Herangtunet and the building supplier Montér Storefoss. Exit to the right onto Vølbusvegen, continue through the village of Volbu and keep riding along the western shore of Lake Volbufjorden until you reach the intersection with Plassavegen (you can cut short along Røssvegen which also will save you a few meters in inlination). Follow Plassavegen to the right uphill until Rogndokkvegen a wide right-hand curve where Rogndokkvegen exits to the left. Follow Rogndokkvegen to road 51 at Holdalsfoss. For the last 6 km, follow road 51 – carefully! – to Fagernes. The GPX-track for this alternative start leg can be requested by sending an email to info@visitvaldres.no. 
 

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The complete route from Vinstra to Gol via Slettefjellet: approx. 230 km / 4150 m elevation gain
The complete route from Vinstra to Gol via Tyin: 250 km / 4120 m elevation gain

Transportation
App/web page for bus connections across different providers (ticket sales for local bus routes only): www.entur.no (link opens in new window)
For trains to/from Vinstra and Gol, see VY www.vy.no (link opens in new window)
For buses from Visntra to Skåbu, see www.innlandstrafikk.no, route 240 (link opens in new window)
For buses from Gol to Fagernes (stop Fjellheim), see www.innlandstrafikk.no, route 139 (link opens in new window)
For buses from Oslo via Fagernes and Beitostølen to Gjendesheim, see www.nor-way.no (bicycles must be booked) (link opens in new window)
For buses from Gjendesheim to Lemonsjø, see www.innlandstrafikk.no, route 204 (link opens in new window)
For the boat on Lake Bygdin, see www.jvb.no/bitihorn (link opens in new window)

Transport from Vinstra to Ruten Fjellstue can be requested at Ruten Fjellstue, tel. (+ 47) 61 29 73 20.
Transport from Gol to Storefjell Resort Hotel can be requested at Storefjell Resort, tel. (+ 47) 32 07 80 00.
Taxis are available at the train stations.
For baggage transport, please book a tour package (link opens in new window).

Bicycle rental
Bicycal rental between Vinstra and Gol is unfortunately not possible. If you need a rental bike, we recommend the route alternative with starting point at Lemonsjøen (as described above). Book your bike at Fjellkjeden or Bike&Hike Jotunheimen (links opens in new window) 

FAQ
You'll find answer to frequently asked questions and useful tips, a.o. charging stations for e-bikes, packing list and other useful information at our FAQ-pages.