The best cycling routes in Hordaland

Hordaland offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 300 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents.

Yes, Hordaland features over 40 easy touring cycling routes, perfect for families or beginners. A great option is the Around Kalandsvatnet lake - loop from Nesttun, which is a moderate 15.2-mile (24.4 km) path offering scenic views suitable for a pleasant ride. Another accessible route is the Bryggen (Hanseatic Wharf) – Bergenhus Fortress loop from Bergen, an easy 6.5-mile (10.4 km) loop.

Hordaland's terrain is incredibly diverse, ranging from fragmented islands along the North Sea coast to deep valleys and alpine mountains inland. You'll find routes with both paved and unpaved segments, offering experiences from flat lakeside paths to challenging mountain climbs with significant elevation gains. Iconic fjord landscapes like the Hardangerfjord are a major draw, providing breathtaking views.

Many touring cycling routes in Hordaland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Granvinsvatnet Lakeside Path – Old Railway Bridge loop from Bjørgo, a 26.7-mile (43.0 km) trail, and the Vangsvatnet Loop – View of the River Gorge loop from Voss, which is 19.5 miles (31.4 km) long.

Hordaland is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past magnificent waterfalls like Vøringsfossen Waterfall in Eidfjord, or enjoy panoramic views from Mount Fløyen near Bergen. The region also features dramatic fjords such as the Hardangerfjord, and mountain plateaus like Hardangervidda, offering stunning vistas throughout your ride.

Yes, particularly around Bergen. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers routes that allow you to explore its historic Bryggen (Hanseatic Wharf) with its iconic colorful wooden buildings, and the Bergenhus Fortress. These routes provide a blend of urban exploration and scenic cycling.

Some routes in Hordaland pass through villages or along lakes where you might find amenities. For instance, the Vik Guesthouse Café – Swimming Spot at Eidfjord loop from Eidfjord is a moderate 10.5-mile (16.9 km) route that specifically highlights a cafe and a swimming spot, perfect for a leisurely ride with breaks.

The best time for touring cycling in Hordaland is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the natural landscapes, including blossoming orchards along the Hardangerfjord, are at their most vibrant. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

The touring cycling routes in Hordaland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic fjords, varied terrain, and the opportunity to experience Norway's unique natural beauty.

Hordaland is integrated into several celebrated long-distance cycling routes, including parts of the North Sea Coast Cycle Route and EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast Route). While specific multi-day tours are not detailed here, the region's extensive network of routes, combined with accessibility to public transport like express boats, makes it feasible to plan longer touring adventures by linking various segments.

Yes, many areas in Hordaland are accessible via public transport, particularly with Bergen serving as a central hub. The ability to combine cycling with other modes of transport, such as taking an express boat from Bergen, enhances the touring cyclist's experience by allowing access to different starting points for tours around the fjords and coastal areas.

Absolutely. Hordaland offers over 120 difficult touring cycling routes for those seeking a challenge. These routes often feature significant elevation gains through alpine mountains and plateaus like Hardangervidda. An example is the Bryggen (Hanseatic Wharf) – Kanalveien cycle path loop from Kristianborg, a demanding 32.5-mile (52.2 km) route with over 1,800 feet (577 m) of elevation gain.