Norway’s fjord country is usually admired from the deck of a ship, the window of a tour bus or a scenic roadside viewpoint. A new small-group journey from Up Norway offers a more active alternative: earning those views from the saddle of a bicycle.
Scheduled for May 22 to 28, 2027, the seven-day cycling trip travels through the Sunnmøre Alps, follows sections of the Geiranger-Trollstigen National Scenic Route and ventures deep into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord landscape.
The journey combines five challenging riding stages with fjord-view hotels, Nordic food, wellness experiences and a support team handling luggage, nutrition and mechanical assistance. Limited to 12 cyclists, it has been designed for intermediate to experienced riders who are comfortable with sustained climbs and consecutive days in the saddle.
For travelers considering a similar adventure, DRIFT’s guide to what it is like to explore Norway by bike offers a broader introduction to cycling in the country.
Five Days of Cycling Through Fjord Norway
The journey begins and ends in Ålesund, a coastal city known for its concentration of Art Nouveau architecture. Between arrival and departure, riders will cover approximately 202 miles, climbing a combined 15,750 feet across five cycling stages.
The route was developed by Up Norway founder Torunn Tronsvang and travel curator Danny Dodd, both experienced cyclists, in collaboration with Norwegian outdoor adventure company Uteguiden.
Fara road bikes equipped with Di2 electronic gearing are provided, although participants may bring their own bikes. Riders using the supplied bicycles are advised to bring their preferred pedals and helmets.
A dedicated support vehicle follows the group throughout the journey, carrying luggage, spare wheels, hydration mixes, nutritional supplies and other equipment. The group is also accompanied by a cycling guide, an Up Norway host and a support crew.
Beginning in the Art Nouveau City of Ålesund
The first day is reserved for arriving in Ålesund, meeting the guides and preparing for the ride ahead. The program includes a waterfront soak and canal-side sauna session before a welcome dinner.
Often called the Venice of the North, Ålesund sits at the entrance to some of western Norway’s most striking landscapes. Its location also makes it a natural starting point for travelers interested in exploring Ålesund, Geirangerfjord and the surrounding region.
The first cycling stage departs the city the following morning and heads toward Valldal. The 43.5-mile ride includes approximately 3,937 feet of elevation gain, with two categorized climbs through the Sunnmøre Alps.
Mountain lakes, historic farms and increasingly dramatic peaks line the route. Riders also cross a fjord by ferry before completing the journey into Valldal by boat.
Tackling Trollstigen’s Famous Switchbacks
The third day brings one of the tour’s defining challenges: Trollstigen.
The mountain road is famous for its 11 switchbacks, steep rock faces and waterfalls. Cyclists climb to approximately 2,313 feet above sea level before descending back toward Valldal.
The 43.5-mile stage includes about 3,609 feet of climbing. Although the distance is similar to the previous day, the sustained ascent and technical descent require confidence, fitness and careful bike handling.
Trollstigen translates as “the Troll’s Road,” and its tightly stacked turns have made it one of Norway’s most recognizable scenic routes. Experiencing the road by bicycle allows riders to absorb the changing views at a much slower pace than travelers passing through by car.
Dinner that evening is served in a restored riverside barn, with the meal focused on local ingredients.
Cycling Above Geirangerfjord
The next stage links Valldal and Sæbø through the Geirangerfjord region. Riders first travel to Eidsdal for a ferry crossing and then begin a sustained climb toward Geiranger.
From the high point, the route descends along Eagle Road, another mountain route known for its hairpin bends and panoramic fjord views.
Cyclists then trade their bikes for a private recovery cruise through Geirangerfjord. Part of the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fjord is surrounded by sheer mountain walls, abandoned clifftop farms and waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters.
After reaching Hellesylt, the group returns to the saddle for a ride through Norangsdalen. Sometimes described as the Queen’s Route, this narrow valley passes mountain pastures, lakes and traditional stone and turf structures before reaching Sæbø.
The day covers approximately 40 miles with 2,624 feet of elevation gain.
Late May brings an appealing contrast to the landscape. Valleys are green, snow remains visible on the peaks and daylight extends late into the evening. Travelers interested in visiting at this time of year can learn more about spring in Norway’s fjord region.
A Gentler Ride Along Hjørundfjord
The fifth day offers a somewhat easier stage along Hjørundfjord. Riders cover approximately 31 miles and climb 2,625 feet while passing small communities beneath the Sunnmøre Alps.
The route includes a lunch stop with a local food producer in Bjørke, followed by a private boat transfer across the fjord to the hotel.
Although shorter, this stage still involves considerable elevation and should not be viewed as a complete rest day. It does, however, provide more time to appreciate the quieter communities and waterfront landscapes of the region.
The Final Ride Back to Ålesund
The last cycling stage returns from Sæbø to Ålesund. The 43.5-mile route follows narrow roads through remote communities, with the Sunnmøre Alps rising above the water on either side.
A ferry crossing from Festøya provides a short break before the final 12 miles into Ålesund. Back in the city, riders can take part in a yoga session and outdoor bathing experience before gathering for a final dinner.
Departure follows the next morning.
Fjord-View Hotels and Nordic Dining
Accommodations form an important part of the journey’s recovery-focused approach.
The trip begins and ends at Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund, a restored waterfront warehouse that reflects the city’s maritime and architectural heritage. In Valldal, cyclists stay at Valldal Fjordhotel, surrounded by rivers, mountains and strawberry fields.
The second base is Hotel Sagafjord in Sæbø, an intimate waterfront property beneath the Sunnmøre Alps.
Breakfast is served each morning, and riders prepare a traditional Norwegian matpakke, or packed lunch, before setting out. The support vehicle carries additional ride nutrition and hydration supplies during each stage.
Evening meals shift the focus toward recovery and regional gastronomy, with seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table dining used to introduce travelers to the flavors of western Norway.
Who Is This Norway Cycling Tour For?
This is not a beginner cycling vacation. Up Norway recommends the trip for riders who regularly complete long distances and are comfortable with consecutive days of climbing.
As a general fitness benchmark, participants should have ridden roughly 2,500 to 3,100 miles during the previous year. They should also be prepared for changing mountain weather, technical descents and daily stages of up to 43.5 miles.
The small group, supplied bicycles and dedicated support vehicle remove many of the logistical difficulties associated with organizing an independent cycling trip. However, riders will still need the endurance and bike-handling skills required for the terrain.
For experienced cyclists, the reward is a close-up journey through one of Norway’s most impressive regions—one measured not only in miles and elevation, but in waterfalls, ferry crossings, quiet valleys and hard-earned fjord views.
The hosted cycling journey runs from May 22 to 28, 2027. Additional information is available from Up Norway.
