The best road cycling routes in Oppland

Oppland offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 230 routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to challenging ascents.

The most popular months for road cycling in Oppland are June and July. During this period, the weather is generally favorable, and the stunning natural landscapes are at their peak beauty, making for ideal cycling conditions.

Oppland's terrain is incredibly diverse. You'll find routes with mostly paved surfaces, especially around large lakes like Mjøsa and Randsfjorden. However, the region is also characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, meaning many routes feature significant elevation gains and some unpaved segments, requiring good to very good fitness levels.

Yes, Oppland offers several easier routes perfect for families or beginners. For instance, the region around Lake Mjøsa provides flatter, mostly paved surfaces. Out of the 230 routes, 9 are classified as easy, offering a gentle introduction to road cycling in the area.

Oppland is home to several notable long-distance cycling experiences. The Mjølkevegen (The Milk Route) offers beautiful mountain roads, and the Mjøstråkk encircles Norway's largest lake, Mjøsa. Part of the epic EuroVelo 3 (Pilgrim Route) also passes through Oppland. For a challenging long-distance loop, consider the Randsfjord Ferry loop from Fall stasjon, which covers over 148 km.

Oppland boasts dramatic natural beauty. You can cycle past majestic mountains in Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks, explore the shores of Lake Mjøsa and Lake Randsfjorden, or discover unique geological formations. Highlights include the Helvete Potholes, the dramatic Ridderspranget Gorge, and even the Ice Cave (Klimapark 2469).

Beyond its natural beauty, Oppland has a rich history. The city of Lillehammer, which hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics, is a significant cultural hub. You can also find historical sites like Dale-Gudbrand's farm and experience the region's tradition of mountain pastures and associated food culture.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic lake-side rides to challenging mountain ascents, and the breathtaking natural landscapes, including views of Jotunheimen and the Hemsedal peaks.

Yes, many routes in Oppland are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Mjølkevegen, which can be done as a round trip, and the Hafjell Mountain Loop. On komoot, you can find popular circular routes like the Scenic Road Along Lake Mjøsa – Lillehammer–Saksumdal Loop and the Scenic Road Along Lake Mjøsa – Mjøsbrua Cycle Bridge loop from Biri.

Absolutely. Oppland is known for its mountainous terrain, with 50% of the county lying above 1000 meters. Routes like the Stavbrekkleiva – Storskreda loop from Langvatn offer over 1200 meters of elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for advanced cyclists. The Vassfaret Nature Reserve Loop is also described as a hard ride requiring very good fitness.

Yes, Oppland's dramatic landscape includes several waterfalls. You can find routes that take you near the Waterfall Canyon or explore the area around the Waterfalls in Rondane National Park, offering scenic stops during your ride.