Tips & Tricks

Weather and clothing in the high mountains

The climate in the high mountains is harsh, and the weather changes quickly. You must be dressed for a mountain hike in cold and wet weather even in the middle of summer. Often there is still snow on parts of the road in July. Bring warm clothes and equipment as if you were going to climb Galdhøpiggen, and especially think about keeping your hands and feet dry and warm.

Packing tips from experienced hikers: 

• Wind- and waterproof jacket and trousers
• wool underwear, wool socks and wool or fleece sweater
• Hat, mittens or cycling gloves and buff/scarf
• Waterproof sneakers in case there is a shower or you have to wheel the bike through a section of snow.
• Remember a bicycle helmet for everyone in the hiking party, sunglasses, sunscreen and blister plasters.
• Bring an extra change of clothes until you arrive.

Always check weather and weather forecasts before setting out on a trip. Be prepared that long sections of Rallarvegen are without mobile coverage, and it will take time to get help if problems arise.

Along the road

Food and drink: You can buy food at several of the accommodations along Rallarvegen, but the options are few and far between. We recommend bringing a solid packed lunch, at least two liters of water, hot drinks in a thermos, and cash (the café at Farverut does not take cards). 

Fagernut voter housing: About 10 kilometres west of Finse is the Fagernut keeper's residence, which belongs to the Navvy Museum at Finse. There is a café here during parts of the cycling season where you can buy waffles, coffee and mineral water (remember cash). You can check the opening hours at the Navvy Museum. http://rallarmuseet.no/no/besok/fagernut/

The condition of the road: Parts of Rallarvegen are very steep and largely unsecured with rough surfaces, bumps and deep ruts. You must therefore take it easier than on a modern cycle path, and the trip is not suitable for very inexperienced cyclists. The most demanding sections are located between Finse and Myrdal (bumpy and rough surface) and further from Myrdal down to Flåm (steep sections and sharp turns). You should get off the bike in the steepest sections. Pay special attention to these three places: Grjotrust, Klevagjelet and Myrdalsvingane.

Bicycle

Choice of bike: Choose a bike that is suitable for rough surfaces, and make sure that the brakes and tires in particular are in good condition. Road bikes and other types of bikes with narrow wheels cannot be used. Please note that there is very limited capacity to bring private bicycles on the train. Bicycle freight on trains should be pre-booked. Feel free to rent a bike from one of the rental companies in the area. Then you are sure to get a bike in good condition that is adapted to the conditions on Rallarvegen. We recommend bringing a repair kit for your bike.

Transporting bicycles: If you rent a bike, you don't have to worry about bike shipping. You can pick up your bike at the starting point and drop it off in Flåm. If you use your own bike, you must buy a separate ticket for the bike to take it on the train. This can be done via Vy on phone +47 815 00 888. Remember to book your bike transfer in advance, as space is limited. You are responsible for loading the bike on and off the train.

Rallervegen has many users

If you take your time on Rallarvegen, you will have a safe bike ride with fantastic experiences. Be aware that you may meet both animals on pasture, hikers and cyclists who keep a different pace than yourself.

Parts of the road are marked hiking trails for hikers. Keep right on the road when you meet someone and adjust your speed so you can stop around the next bend if needed. On parts of the stretch, cars and other vehicles may arrive that are allowed to travel here with their own driving permit. You may also encounter work machines that are engaged in road maintenance.

Useful links:

• Haugastøl Bike Rental
• Finse 1222 Bicycle
• Navvy Road Report
• The Navvy Museum
• The Flåm Railway
• Visit Flåm