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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Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...

Sweden is blessed with 2 of the world’s cleanest, greenest and attractive cities in the world, Stockholm and Gothenburg, but what about the in-between spaces?

Let’s see what the riders on the Road to Valhalla Cycling Tour can expect along the way:

Trosa

Trosa, Central Square

The first stop for the riders after, reluctantly, leaving Stockholm is Trosa, a small coastal village (pop. 7295) with picturesque canals, narrow alleyways and a beautiful harbour. Founded back in the 14th century, it was almost completely destroyed by Russians in the 18th century. Many famous Swedes have summerhouses here, including the the Swedish royal family. Despite its small size, the local tourist board estimates that almost a quarter of a million visitors pass through each summer. After their arrival the cyclists can explore the town. The best option is a walking tour that will take them to such places as the Brewer’s Bridge, the Love Path & World’s End. Along the route from Stockholm to Trosa, the riders can also stop to visit Tullgarn castle just past the village of Sorby. It was constructed in the 1720’s and was the summer palace of King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria.

Norrkoping

Museum of Work(aka ‘The Iron’)

On the next day’s ride the cyclists, at about the 19 km mark, should watch for signs to Nynäs Castle (1.5 km off the route). The stunning manor house and orangery are certainly worth the small detour. Around 85 km, the riders will board a ferry over the Bråviken, an inlet of the Baltic Sea, before arriving in Norrkoping. The city’s waterfalls along the Motala river attracted industry and in the 20th century, with its extensive network of paper mills and textile factories, it became known as Sweden’s ‘Manchester’. Like many other post-industrial urban centres, the city is now reinventing itself, redeveloping old industrial buildings into restaurants, bars, shops and lofts. A must see is the fascinating Museum of Work which documents the past life of textile workers. Surprisingly, Norrköping also has more ancient rock carvings than any city worldwide – over 7,000 – with some dating back to the Bronze Age and for riders with a horticultural bent, there is a cactus plantation in Carl Johans Park featuring over 25,000 cacti.

Vadstena

Vadstena Castle

Roughly 11 km from Norrkoping, cyclists should look for historic Lofstad Castle  and about 40 km later will pass by Svartåmynningen Nature Reserve & Bird Sanctuary where they can climb some bird watching towers for a great view. The day’s destination, and the location for a rest day, is Vadstena, set on shores of Sweden’s second largest body of water, Lake Vättern. It is known for the annual recreational cycling race, Vätternrundan, which encourages some 20,000 participants to complete a 300 km trip around its shores. It is said that the lake’s water is so clean, it can be consumed untreated. Attractions in the town itself include its signature 16th century castle, the Vadstena Hospital Museum, the oldest town hall in country (15th century), a well preserved old town, St Birgitta’s Monastery and  some of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the country. Rail buffs will enjoy the museum of the Vadstena-Fågelsta narrow gauge railway and those who wish for a little more cycling can head 19 km to the northeast to visit the Motala Motor Museum where over 300 vehicles are on display.

Leaving Vadstena after the rest day, the riders should stop at the 30 km mark to take in Vadstena Klosterkyrka. Founded in the 15th century by St Birgitta. these beautiful ruins were once the country’s top pilgrimage destination. It is also possible to take brief detour (8 km) to the Rokstenen (rune stone), the longest runic inscription in world. The stage ends in the lakeside resort town of Granna where the riders should be sure to try the town’s delicious treat, polkagris, a red and white peppermint rock candy. The next day, the highlights continue. This time it is a stop at 33 km in Huskvarna  for a visit to the Tandsticksmuseet, the world’s only match museum!

Fjallbacka

Leaving Gotenburg the riders will enjoy cycling the Bohuslan coast – windswept rocks, endless islands, quaint harbours, colourful farmhouses and absolutely fabulous seafood. The last stop in Sweden is in Fallbacka (pop. 859), known as legendary Swedish film star Ingrid Bergman’s favourite summer hangout. It is also the birthplace of, and setting for, many of Swedish crime writer Camilla Läckberg’s best-selling novels. About 17 km from Fallbacka is the area around Tanumshede, a UNESCO  World Heritage Site, where riders can find 3000 year old Bronze Age rock carvings. They should stop at the Vitlycke Museum to learn more. Finally, just before the small village of Stene, the cyclists should watch for signs to Blomsholm’s Shipyard (1.2 km off route). There they will marvel at an ancient stone ‘ship’, over 40 metres long and consisting of 49 standing stones.

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Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...

The Road to Valhalla is full of history and will lead the riders past many incredible highlights, some well-known but many hidden away, waiting to be discovered. The route through Finland will take the cyclists to the country’s famous cities of Helsinki and Turku but will also allow them to explore some of Finland’s smaller treasures. Here is what they have to look forward to…

Ekenäs

Raseborg Castle

The first stage out of Helsinki will finish in the small town of Ekenäs (now Raseborg). Founded in 1546, it is known for its architecture. The historic town centre features many wooden buildings named after types of fish. There are also two buildings in  town designed by the world famous Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto; the Ekenäs Savings Bank constructed in 1964 and the Villa Skeppet built in 1969. Riders can also explore the medieval Raseborg Castle which dates from the 1300’s. In the evening, perhaps they can take in a film at the Bio Forum, Finland’s oldest movie theatre (1912) still in operation.

Åland Islands

The Åland Islands (pop. 30,000) are quite unique. The archipelago, which consists of over 6,000 islands (about 80 of which are populated), is an autonomous Finnish region but the official language is actually Swedish! Since 1922, Åland has had its own parliament as well as a representative in the Finnish national parliament. It prints its own stamps, which makes them a great idea for a souvenir or memento of the islands. Cyclists can get very hungry so they should not miss trying  a local tradition, Ålandspannakka. This is a pancake made from semolina porridge and flavoured with cardamom and vanilla and is usually served with stewed plums and whipped cream. Yum!

Bomarsund Fortress

Stage 5 on the Road to Valhalla, finds the riders arriving by ferry to the island of Fasta Aland where 90% of the region’s population lives. The route  from the ferry dock at Hummelvik to Golby  follows the historic Old Postal Route for about 35 kms, a path that was used to transport the mail from Sweden to Finland for over 300 years, before finally being abandoned in 1910. Along the way they can explore the ruins of the Bomarsund Fortress destroyed during the Crimean war in the 1850’s or a 14th century castle, the Kastelholms Slott in Sund. After all that history the riders can stop at the nearby Smakbyn Restaurant,  known for its fresh ingredients and seasonal menu.

View from the Observation Tower

Approaching Godby (pop. 800), the cyclists should keep an eye out for the Hoga C Observation Tower. At 30m high, it has some great views and right across street is the popular Godby Arboretum. Anyone looking for a beer should head to the nearby Stallhagen Brewery to try the blueberry ale or raspberry stout.

Mariehamm Harbour

This stage, and the cyclists’ time on the islands, comes to a close in the charming capital, Mariehamn (pop. 12,000). It was founded by Russia’s Czar Alexander II in in 1861 and it’s history of ship building can be seen in the maritime quarter of  Sjokvarteret. Riders should be sure to visit the Maritime Museum including the Pommern, a four-masted long ship that used to haul cargo all the way to Australia.

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Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...

Vikings travelling along the Road to Valhalla would be utterly shocked to see the fascinating  urban centres that now dot the route. In those days, there were no real towns, just the occasional group of farms. What travel did take place was for trade, for battle, for socializing – certainly not for tourism – and the roads were nothing more than footpaths.

Let’s discover what our modern-day Vikings will find along their own Road to Valhalla!

Helsinki, Finland

Known as the “Pearl of the Baltic’, Helsinki is over 500 years old and is the capital of the world’s happiest country! A busy port, both passenger and freight, the harbour plays an important role in the city’s history, illustrated by its famous herring market which has been around since 1743. Helsinki features some wonderful Art Nouveau architecture as well as a number of museums including the National Museum of Finland and the Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – The Roots of the City: “Hundreds of signs pointing to the birthplaces of current Helsinki residents dangling from stalactites on the ceiling of the cave-like Kamppi metro station.”

Turku, Finland

The charming city of Turku is Finland’s oldest, being mentioned in Al-Idrisis’s famous 1154 atlas, the Tabula Rogeriana. It is an important port city with a famous fish market and sits on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The Aura river runs through its centre, spanned by 10 bridges and a free ferry service for cyclists. It is known as the ‘Paris of Finland’ for its amazing food culture and also features the imposing Turku Cathedral and medieval Turku Castle.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Posankka – Pigduck of Turku: “The sculpture is meant to be both a criticism of modern gene technology and a representation of the supposed conflict between popular culture and high culture.”

Stockholm, Sweden

The beautiful city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and one of the greenest/cleanest cities in the world. About 1/3 of its area is parks and green spaces while another 1/3 is waterways. It is situated on an archipelago of 14 islands connected by 50 bridges and numerous ferries. Highlights include the historic Gamia Stan (old town), the Vasa Maritime Museum, stunning art in the Metro stations and the Nobel Museum. Oh, and best of all, an interactive ABBA museum!

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Birthplace of the Stockholm Syndrome: “The robbery at Norrmalmstorg in 1973 took an unexpected turn when the hostages started sympathizing with their captors.”

Gothenburg, Sweden

Perched on the shores of the Skagerrak Strait, Gothenburg is a busy port city, given its access to the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. It is a charming, walkable city known for its picturesque canals, parks and boulevards. Its Botanical Garden is one of Europe’s most important and the city’s main street, Avenyn (The Avenue), is lined with cafes, shops and restaurants, the latter serving some incredibly fresh seafood.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Slottsskogen Pacifier Tree: “There are no signs to indicate what, when, who, or why this unusual creation came about, but it is a pleasant surprise in a marvellous park.”

Oslo, Norway

Founded at the end of the Viking Age in 1040, Oslo is the capital of Norway and is widely known as the ‘City of Museums’. The best known of these is the Viking Ship Museum, featuring 3 boats from the 9th century. In addition, there is the Munch Museum including the famous painting ‘The Scream’, the Kon-Tiki Museum featuring Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-tiki and Ra II and many, many more. The city is also very environmental with 2/3 of the land being protected areas.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Donald Trump Bench: “The Norwegian capital’s tributes to American political figures are usually grand and symbolic—Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George Marshall all have statues and memorials. But what about Donald Trump? He has a bench at the bus station.”

Stavanger, Norway

Once known as the ‘Canned Capital’ for its fishing industries, Stavanger is now Norway’s ‘Oil Capital’ but there are museums dedicated to both industries in town – the Petroleum and the Canning Museums. The city is famous for its historic Gamle neighbourhood featuring hundreds of restored wooden houses and the colourful street, Ovre Holmegate, with its brightly painted buildings. Other highlights include a 12th century cathedral and a vibrant street art community.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Sverd I Fjell: “Monuments don’t get much more metal than these three giant Viking swords planted in a Nordic hill.”

Bergen, Norway

Originally inhabited by the Vikings, Bergen is surrounded by stunning scenery –  towering mountains and breathtaking fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest. The city’s historic wharf is covered in colourful wooden houses and the Fløibanen Funicular leads to the top of Mt Floyen and wonderful views over the area. Bergen also has a bustling fish market, famous Aquarium, numerous art museums and the composer Edvard Greig’s house.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Tubakuba: “Stay overnight in the world’s most sleekly designed rabbit hole, free of charge.”

Trondheim, Norway

Founded in the 10th century by the Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim was the capital of Norway for over 200 years. The stunning 11th century Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world and is situated next to the historic Archbishop’s Palace. The Nidelva River runs through the city and features beautiful old storehouses along its shores. Students make up 20% of Trondheim’s population, creating a lively music and art scene.

Atlas Obscura Highlight – Trondheim CycloCable: “The world’s first and only escalator for lazy bicycles and their daunted riders.”

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Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...

Over the years many of our alumni have cycled most, if not all, of our European trips – Orient Express, Pub Ride, Viva Italia, Trans-Europa, The Odyssey and in 2025, the Olive Route. These routes cover most of the continent but there was always one glaring exception, one that our alumni were only to happy to point out – None of the tours ventured into Scandinavia!

No longer! We are pleased to announce the Road to Valhalla, a 6 week, 3100 km journey through Finland, Sweden & Norway in July and August of 2026. Our European Project manager, Gergo Szanyi, who has led many of our continental cycling adventures, spent the month of August last year checking out the route. We sat down with him and asked about his Scandinavian adventure.

>>Check tour details/prices/dates

Gergo & his scouting team

How was the scouting trip?

It’s been great! I spent a full month traveling in Finland, Sweden and Norway to explore routes for our upcoming European trip: Road to Valhalla – the 7th TDA tour on the old continent. Scandinavia and Finland are not unfamiliar to me as we finish the Pub Ride in Copenhagen and in 2018 we started the Trans Europa in Helsinki, where we started the tour with a full day city-sightseeing bicycle ride. I personally have had other work projects in Finland beforehand and I was glad to be able to return to this great country. I drove the van to Helsinki and started my research by myself.

I wasn’t traveling alone for long. My family joined me in Sweden to complete the task: the scouting, a road trip and some camping fun along the way. We had the chance to enjoy cooler weather there while a heatwave hit the rest of Europe. Summer showers are not uncommon but nothing unusual or something that would stop us from doing our thing, whether it’s sightseeing, exploring, hiking in the woods, or riding a bike. We set a rhythm for the healthy and sustainable work/rest balance. Two days of scouting, followed by one full rest day – two nights in the same place where the kids could play and relax, while Eszter could visit hotels and I could prepare maps and tracks for the next stretch. It worked quite well this way.

Åland Islands

Did anything surprise you along the way?

Haha, the south-western tip of Finland looks like solid land on some maps but it is actually thousands of little islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea. It falls along our route and there are interestingly looking towns and areas, so we decided to take the tour there. In fact, it is 6500 islands, called Ahvenanmaa or the Åland Islands. Well, it’s all good if you like taking ferries! Island hopping is not uncommon in TDA’s history. Overall, it was surprising just how many lakes, rivers, lakes and fjords there were! Fun fact: The length of the Norwegian coastline is a whopping 100,000 km. Actually it is even a little bit longer: It spans 100,915 kilometres including 1,190 fjords and 50,000 islands. Norway’s coastline is the second longest in the world after Canada. Wow! That’s enough to wrap around Earth by the Equator 2.5 times.

Gothenburg

Can you describe the route?

The tour starts in Helsinki, capital city of Finland before heading out west to Turku. Then – after the afore-mentioned Åland Islands – we take a ferry to Sweden. After a rest day in Stockholm the tour goes south-west between lakes to Gothenburg and from there it basically follows the coastline north to Oslo. There we turn south again towards Kristiansand, then up again all the way to Stavanger, where we take a ferry to Bergen. The logistically difficult part of the tour starts here, because of the fjords and the fragmented coastline. We visit the magnificent Geiranger Fjord,and ride the (in)famous Trollstigen road, which will reopen after renovations in July 2025. The tour ends in Trondheim.

What can the riders expect from this tour and how is it different from our other European Tours?

The riders can expect stunning scenery, good climbs (but not too long!), considerate drivers, great food and lots of water all around. They can also look forward to clean air, lots of nature, exciting ferries and an endless system of bicycle paths and routes. For those cyclists who have ridden on TDA’s other European Tours, it is less densely populated and much greener, with cooler weather.

Trondheim

Do you have any words of advice for interested cyclists?

Practice your hills and bring a waterproof layer! 😉

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Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...