The best traffic-free bike rides around Hardangervidda

Hardangervidda offers a variety of touring cycling routes that minimize traffic, allowing you to experience the vast mountain plateau and dramatic landscapes. While the region is known for its extensive network, komoot features curated routes like the challenging Sønstevatn lake - gravel loop from Solheimen, which takes you through remote gravel paths, and more moderate options such as the Beautiful view loop from Tråastølen.

The prime season for touring cycling on Hardangervidda is during the summer months. This is when daylight hours are long and conditions are generally most favorable. However, the weather on the plateau can be unpredictable, even in summer, so it's always wise to prepare for all conditions.

Yes, Hardangervidda offers several circular routes designed for touring cyclists seeking to avoid traffic. Examples include the challenging Sønstevatn lake - gravel loop from Solheimen, which is a 47.7 km gravel loop, and the more moderate Mylningstveiti – View of Eidfjord loop from Myklatun, offering stunning views over Eidfjord.

The terrain on Hardangervidda's no-traffic routes is varied. You'll encounter a mix of landscapes, from high-alpine plateaus to dramatic valleys. Routes can feature both paved and unpaved segments, including gravel roads. Some sections might be above the treeline, offering extensive, barren views, while others pass through more lush areas or alongside mountain lakes.

Hardangervidda is rich in natural beauty. Along the routes, you can expect to see numerous mountain lakes, and potentially spot wild reindeer, as the area is home to one of Europe's largest herds. Notable waterfalls like Nyastølsfossen and Nykkjesøyfossen Waterfall are also found in the wider region, offering impressive spectacles.

Absolutely. The vast mountain plateau itself offers panoramic views, often with the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier as a backdrop. You might also encounter specific viewpoints like Skinfjellet. The Krossobanen Cable Car, Northern Europe's first two-line cable car, provides fantastic views over Rjukan, Gaustatoppen, and Vemork from its upper station at Gvepseborg, and can be a unique starting point for tours.

The routes vary in difficulty. You can find moderate options, such as the Beautiful view loop from Tråastølen, which covers about 19.5 km with moderate elevation gain. For those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Sønstevatn lake - gravel loop from Solheimen are classified as difficult, featuring longer distances and more significant elevation changes on gravel terrain.

The Hardangervidda region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique sense of wild and barren grandeur on Europe's largest mountain plateau, the extensive views, and the opportunity to experience remote, traffic-free cycling amidst stunning natural beauty.

Yes, the Hardangervidda area is accessible by public transport, which can be a convenient option for reaching the starting points of various cycling routes, especially if you don't have a car. This allows for easier logistics when planning your traffic-free touring adventure.

While specific accommodation details for each route are best checked on the individual tour pages, Hardangervidda offers various mountain huts and lodges. You might find options like DNT Rauhelleren, Litlos Lodge, or Torehytten Cabin (DNT), which are part of the extensive network of Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) cabins, providing shelter and services for trekkers and cyclists.

Absolutely. Hardangervidda is ideal for combining cycling with other outdoor pursuits. Many routes offer opportunities for hiking to various cabins, or even boat trips into places like Mårbu Tourist Lodge. The diverse landscape also lends itself to photography and wildlife spotting, particularly for wild reindeer.