Biking
Bike trails on Gausta
In the area around Gausta, there is a wide selection of bike trails with varying levels of difficulty. We have prepared some suggested routes in the local area. All routes are assessed and classified according to difficulty level.
Green = Easy
Suitable for all skill levels. Gentle terrain, accessible to everyone.
Blue = Intermediate
Moderately demanding, both physically and technically. The route may include gravel roads and trails.
Red = Challenging
More demanding in terms of both physical effort and technical skill. Riders should have experience with mountain terrain and trail biking. Routes may be steep, narrow, and involve higher risk.
Black = Very Challenging
Intended for individuals with excellent physical fitness and extensive experience with mountain trail biking. Highly demanding both physically and technically, suitable only for advanced riders.
Please note: All cycling is at your own risk. These are suggested routes and not official biking trails.
Bike trail map
1. Kvitåvatn
An idyllic ride around Lake Kvitåvatn on a well-maintained gravel path through gentle terrain.
The tour begins at Gaustablikk Mountain Resort and features several rest areas along the way. This easy and scenic route is easily accessible and suitable for everyone — a perfect introduction to get familiar with your bike.
2. Tuddal Høyfjellshotell
This route follows a narrow paved road from Gaustablikk Mountain Resort along Kvitåvatnvegen toward Gaustatoppen. At Svineroi, turn left and follow the road across the mountain plateau, passing Zakkæus Landhandel toward Gaustaråen, then descend the winding road to Tuddal Høyfjellshotell, where you can take a break before heading back. A beautiful ride with stunning, open views in both directions.
3. Krokan to Selstali Seter
Follow the gravel road toward Selstali Seter, through a lush landscape offering a new perspective of Gaustatoppen. Once you reach the mountain farm, you can enjoy traditional farm fare—whether it's sour cream porridge (rømmegrøt) or Norwegian pancakes (sveler)—and get up close to the animals and everyday life on the seter. On the return journey, follow the same road back to Krokan, then continue down the winding Maristig road toward Vemork and Rjukan.
Remember: You can book bike shuttle transport for this trip.
4. Krokan to Bergstaul
By bike, follow the road toward Selstali for a short distance before turning right near the top of the first hill. From here, the route follows the Måna River and crosses the Skardfoss Dam. You’ll then reconnect with the main road and turn left toward Bergstaul Seter. Here, you can sample goat sour cream, butter, and what was awarded the “world’s second-best brown cheese” at the World Cheese Awards in 2018, before descending the hills toward Vemork and Rjukan.
Remember: You can book bike shuttle transport for this trip.
5. Krokan to Mosvatn via Månelian
By bike, follow the road toward Selstali for a short distance before turning right near the top of the first hill.
The route continues along the Måna River and crosses the Skardfoss Dam. You’ll then rejoin the main road and turn right toward a small trail that leads up to the lighted ski track (lysløypa). Follow the ski trail to the left, then continue on the path as it turns into a road through Hyldalen—a beautiful and adventurous route all the way to Møsvatn. For the return trip, you can choose to follow the main road down toward Vemork and Rjukan
Remember: You can book bike shuttle transport for this trip.
6. Hjerdalen
Follow the main road Møsvatnvegen and turn right at Rjukan Fjellstue.
From there, cycle through Hjerdalen—a beautiful and relatively untouched valley that also marks the starting point of the Saboteur’s Trail (Sabotørstien). We recommend bringing a packed lunch from the bakery to enjoy at the end of the valley before returning the same way, past Krokan and down toward Vemork and Rjukan.
7. Ryes veg to Kalhovdsvegen
The tour starts from Gausta and follows the main road down Svineroi to Rjukan.
Turn left onto Sam Eyde’s Road toward Krossobanen (temporarily closed), and begin the steep climb up Ryes Road. Along the switchbacks, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and a solid uphill challenge before the terrain levels out on the plateau. From there, continue toward Kalhovd, where you can enjoy lunch or stay overnight.
The return follows the same route, but please note: descending Ryes Road can be demanding, with 19 sharp turns and a 500-meter drop in elevation.
8. Tjonndålasjøene
The tour starts at Gaustablikk Mountain Resort, where you follow Kvitåvatnvegen toward Sløkjedalen.
Turn left onto an old cart road leading up through Tjonndåla. This route offers a great challenge for experienced cyclists, with terrain that crosses rock slabs and small streams. At the highest point of the ride, you'll be rewarded with views of serene mountain lakes and peaceful surroundings. The return follows the same route back.
9. Brendstaullia
To Telemarkssvingen: Here you can bike down Slalom Trail 24! A technical trail through mountain terrain. Start at Gaustablikk Mountain Resort and ride up to the top of the Ronny lift. Follow Trail 24, Brendstaullia (a slalom slope), down to the gravel road. Turn right onto the gravel road and follow Trail 14, Telemarkssvingen, uphill to Skipsfjell.
Note: Telemarkssvingen is uphill only and the route is not developed or maintained.
As an alternative, you can turn left at the bottom of the Ronny lift and follow the paved Svineroi Road (Svineroiveien) back to the starting point.
10. Fjellheisen
Start at Gaustablikk Mountain Resort and follow the gravel road around Lake Kvitåvatn counterclockwise.
After the steep hill near the cabin area, turn right. Follow Toreskyrkjavegen all the way up to the Gausta Mountain Lift (K. Fjellheisen) and enjoy the stunning view over the entire Gausta area.
11. Sløkjedalen
Follow Kvitåvatnvegen from Gaustablikk Mountain Resort and enjoy a bike ride on a gravel road past Kvitåvatn and Vatnedalstjønn, continuing up through Sløkjedalen before returning the same way.
12. Skipsfjell
There are two ways to cycle to the top of Skipsfjell and take a photo by the Gausta sign.
One option is to go up the hotel hill and enter via ski slope 3. Alternatively, you can ride the narrow paved road past Gausta Lodge, with the final stretch being a steep gravel path.
From Skipsfjell and/or by the Gausta signs, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over Vestfjordsdalen, Gaustatoppen, and the Hardangervidda plateau. At the top, you’ll also find “Koffertlokket,” offering snacks and drinks to tempt you.
