Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Mjølkevegen. However, if you don't find the information you're looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@visitvaldres.no
* Road standard: What kind of roads does one cycle on?
In general, there are mostly gravel roads along the route. Mountain and farm roads with limited motorized traffic. However, in some areas, the gravel roads and trails can get soft and muddy, especially after snow melting (early in the season) and after heavy rain. Also, early in the season, some roads get a new layer of loose gravel, making it a bit more challenging to cycle on.
There are some trail sections where you have to be prepared to push your bike. Examples are along the King's Road between Tyinkrysset and Øye, 2 km between Viksyndin and Nørdre Trøllhøvd, along the cross-counrtry skiing tracks up to Storefjell and partly over Golsfjellet. The asphalt sections are from Vinstra a bit uphill before you hit the mountain roads to Fefor, along road 51 between Bygdin via Beitostølen to Lykkja at the start of the Slettefjellvegen road, from Høre via Ryfoss until a bit uphill to where the mountain road to Syndinstøga starts and in the end from the western side of Golsfjellet down to Gol.
* Trailer: Can I cycle Mjølkevegen with a trailer/trolley?
It is possible to cycle Mjølkevegen with a trailer/trolley, but you would have to take detours around the trail sections (see above). Contact us for more details.
* On tour with an e-bike; what do I have to consider and where can I recharge my batteries?
Running out of power is the biggest hassle with e-bikes, but the key is good planning. The longest uphill sections that can drain batteries quickly are from Ruten to the highest point along Jotunheimvegen (the saddle close to Buhøa), the mountain pass over Slettefjellet, and the climb from Ryfoss to Syndinstøga. On those stretches, please use your "e" with care and as a supplement only. If coming from Tyin, instead of Slettefjell, beware of a longer climb from Lake Vangsmjøse and up to to Hensåsen.
Charging stations along the route are:
* The Filefjell Tourist office/Intersport store at Tyinkrysset - inside or, if closed, outside on the wall close to the garbage containers. You may borrow Shimano, Bosch and Yamaha chargers.
* The Beitostølen Tourist office at Velkomstsenteret in the centre of Beitostølen.
* The Joker convenience store/Saras Kafe at Ryfoss (for customers, so enjoy a coffe or an ice cream while you're waiting).
* At Gol: In the tourist office and at the Tesla charging station along road 7.
* At all Mjølkevegen-accommodations along the route
* How early in the season can I cycle Mjølkevegen?
The southern parts of the Mjølkevegen cycling route should normally be good to cycle already in the end of May; the whole route when the pass road over Slettefjellet opens, approx. in the middle of June.
The season for the route via Tyin follows the boat season on Lake Bygdin (from approx. the end of June to the beginning of September). Dirt roads can be heavy to cycle when wet and soft, but also after new gravel has been applied early during the season. Please bear in mind that the situation can vary from spring to spring and is dependend on the amount of snow and the melting process.
Mjølkevegen over the Slettefjell pass can be cycled until the snow arrives, but please note that some accommodations close after the autumn holidays in the beginning of October.
* How should I behave if I encounter cattle on my cycling tour?
The Mjølkevegen cycling route leads through the largest area in the country with actively run mountain farms. Free grazing lifestock can be encountered almost anywhere along the route; sheep, goats and cattle. If you encounter a free grazing herd of cattle we recommend following the “cattle code”, given by the organisations Norsk Friluftsliv, Norges Bondelag and Tine, a.o. We sum up the cattle code here:
1. Dismount your bike. Keep a distance to the animals and go around the herd.
2. Don't go inbetween the animals. Cattle are inquisitive and can be obtrusive. They can create unwanted situations.
3. Don't approach calves. Mother cows are very protective and can charge.
4. Dogs should not be taken near cattle. If you cycle Mjølkevegen with a dog, keep it on a leash at all times until 20. August (general period when dogs must be leashed). Some municipatilties can have a prolonged leash period until October.
5. Cattle are inquisitive. If they become obtrusive, put down your bicycle and retreat calmly. Wait until the herd has moved on before you return to your bike and continue your cycling tour.
6. If you pass through gates, remember to close them behind you in order to avoid giving the animals access to areas they are not supposed to be.
* Can I sleep in a tent along Mjølkevegen?
Free camping along Mjølkevegen is not recommended. The route leads through grazing land with free roaming sheep, goats and cattle. Especially cattle are large, inquisitive and can be obtrusive. They like to flock around tents, lick on them and can stamp them. If you don't want to make use of roofed accommodations, there are campgrounds at Beitostølen, near Ryfoss (detour of 6 km along road E16) and at Vaset.
* Can I drive the route with a motorbike?
Mjølkevegen is a cycling tour but leads mainly along roads that are open to motorized traffic. It is therefore possible to drive along the route, with a few exceptions where detours are necessary. This applies mainly to the track sections at Syndin and on Golsfjellet. Also, with a motor bike you need to take the the route over Slettefjellet, as the boat on Lake Bydin is a passenger service only. Please drive resposibly and mind cyclists and animals along the road.
* Can I drive the route with a camper?
See the topic above. It is possible to drive along Mjølkevegen with a motorized vehicle with a few exceptions where detours are necessary. Also, there very limited possibilities to park your vehicle since the route leads through actively used farm and grazing lands. We recommend the campgrounds at Beitostølen, near Ryfoss (detour of 6 km along road E16) and at Vaset. Please drive resposibly and mind cyclists and animals along the road.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram