There’s Norway You Should Miss These Highlights On The Road To Valhalla

The famous Norwegian cities of Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim all have some amazing attractions but the country’s official slogan is ‘Powered by Nature‘ so what lies in between these urban centres? What else can the cyclists on the Road to Valhalla Cycling Tour look forward to?

Fredrikstad

City gate, Fredrikstad

Just across border from Sweden the riders will find one of the best preserved fortresses in Scandinavia, the Fredrikstad Gamlebyen. Built in the 17th century its grounds are filled with wooden houses and cobbled streets. Rail buffs can visit Northern Europe’s largest model train display – Gamlebyen Model Railway Centre – featuring 2 km of track and 35 different settings. There are also galleries, art studios, bakeries and a Glass Factory (Glasshytta) to explore. Riders can enjoy a patio meal on the scenic promenade along the river Glomma or visit Isegram Island to see historic restored boats and the Maritime Museum.

Tonsberg

Slottsfjellet Tower, Tonsberg Castle

The first stage out of Oslo leads the riders to Tonsberg, the oldest city in Norway. Founded in the 9th century by Harald Fairhair, the country’s first King, it was Norway’s capital at one time and was the site for the proclamation of new kings. Very few ruins remain of the original medieval fortress and castle but a commemorative tower was raised in 1888, the  Slottsfjellet Tower. Riders can learn more at the nearby Fortress Museum. Tonsberg was once centre of world’s whaling industry until the 20th century and is the site of the Oseberg Mound, a Viking burial mound where a Viking longship (now in Oslo ‘s Viking Ship Museum) was discovered in 1904.

Kragero

The next day’s ride finishes in Kragero, a town of narrow streets, winding alleyways and a beautiful harbour. Edvard Munch loved Kragerø  calling  it, ‘The Pearl of the Coastal Towns.’ The artist settled here in 1909 and New York’s Metropolitain Museum notes that the move “awakened his interest in landscape painting and stimulated his development of a bright palette and energetic, sweeping brushwork…lively greens, blues, and pinks evoke the transformation of the Norwegian landscape after a long, cold winter.” Not surprisingly there is a statue of Munch in town and interested riders can take a walking tour in Munch’s footsteps. The noted Norwegian artist, Theodor Kittelsen, famous for his drawings of mythical creatures, was born in Kragerø and his house is now a fascinating museum. Great views over this lovely town and harbour can be gained by climbing Steinmann Hill.

Kristiansand

On the road from Kragero to Kristiansand riders will stop in Arendal to check out its stunning contemporary art gallery housed in a former 19th century cotton factory and explore its historic Tyholmen area, especially the striking 1815 town hall. Also on the route is Lillesand, a car free, whitewashed village set around a natural circular harbour. On their rest day in Kristiansand, riders can visit the 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress, wander amongst the fishmongers selling their catches along the harbour and explore the attractive Posebyen quarter and its traditional kvadraturen grid pattern of streets.

Egersund

During stage from Kvinesdal, the riders will enjoy one of the country’s most scenic rides from Flekkefjord to Egersund (65kms). Lakes, forests and boulders bracket the twisting road. At Jessingfjord, the road drops steeply down to the water where the riders will find a remarkable sight – 2 17th century wooden houses sheltered under a natural cliff – that are open to visitors. The beautiful scenery continues to Egersund, one of Norway’s most picturesque towns. It features well-preserved wooden buildings in at least 10 different architectural styles – including Louis Seize, late Empire, Art Nouveau and neoclassicism. The best way to explore its history is on a walking tour.

Nordfjordeid

Eid church

Norfjordeid is home to the photogenic Eid Church. Originally built in the 12th century, the latest construction, a timber-framed cruciform building with a tower in the centre, was completed in the 17th century. The town has a rich Viking history. Riders can visit the Sagastad Viking Centre, home to the Myklebust ship, the largest viking ship ever discovered in Norway and the Myklebust Burial Mound (the only cremation burial mound in Norway), likely the grave of the Viking King Audbjørn of Firda. Other attractions include the Norwegian Fjordhorse Centre and the Nordfjord Opera house.

Geiranger

The next day’s stage includes one of the most scenic cruises in the world, a stunning 90 minute ride from the old Viking port of Hellesylt to Geiranger. Highlights include the Seven Sisters, Suitor and Bridal Veil waterfalls, towering cliffs and deep blue waters. On a rest day in Geiranger, riders can climb/ride to the iconic Flydalsjuvet viewpoint for a spectacular view out over the fjord or visit the Norsk Fjordsenter which has exhibitions on the area’s natural and cultural history. For cyclists looking for a break from pedalling there are also a number of stunning hikes available.

Andalsnes

Leaving Geiranger, the road takes riders on one of the world’s great rides, the Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder). Completed in 1936 after 8 years of construction, the 6-kilometre mountain pass features eleven hairpin turns on a steep 9% incline as it rises up into the mountains. There are incredible waterfalls including the 300 metre Stigfossen that riders cross via a stone bridge and a number of viewing platforms that hang precariously out over the valley. The viewing platform at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge is not to be missed! Upon arrival in Andalsnes, the cyclists can relax in the magnificent scenery surrounding this laidback town and raise a toast to their recent challenge!

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