• The Gaustatoppen Mountain
• Rjukan and the Vemork heavy water plant
• The Telemark Canal
• The lakes
• The variation in the landscape
• “Norway in a nutshell”

Telemark is Norway in a nutshell. Mountains and coast, beautiful towns and cozy villages, quiet roads and deep forests - and lots of experiences.

On this trip you get everything and even more from a great mix of gravel and paved roads. Climbing the mountains and diving down into the valleys – and everything spiced with a rich cultural history. Look forward to visit Rjukan that was scene for one of World War II’s very heroic missions, when the heavy water production was destroyed.

Another great experience is the Telemark Canal, where you follow National Cycle Route No. 2 passing lakes and locks – and maybe also one of the old passenger boats that still sails the canal.

• 5 days of cycling
• 4 nights – with the possibility for extranights before and after the tour
• 470 kms cycling
• Guided tour
• Approx. 50% tarmac and 50% gravel 
• Difficulty level: 4

The routes run on a mix of paved and gravel roads. Almost everything can be cycled - there is a single stretch of approx. 2 km on the first stage between Skien and Notodden where the bikes must be led by hand. We recommend that you bring training shoes or similar for the short walk.

The tour can be done on both gravel and mountain bike

It is possible to arrive a day before departure and spend a night in Skien

Day 1 (approx. 90 kms / 1.400 m ascent)

After starting from the hotel in the morning we head north through the center of Skien before turning onto a great gravel road with light climbing towards Luksefjel and Finnvollen.
At Finnvollen we have to lead the bikes by hand for about 2km before we get onto the gravel road again near Ravalsjø. From here we descent before crossing the main road and going onto a new gravel road towards Hengsvann.
At the northern end of Hengsvann, we turn west in the direction of Dårstul before we enter the paved road. This paved road we will follow the last part down towards Tinnfoss, through the center of Notodden – todays destination.

Day 2 (approx. 85 kms / 2.000 m ascent)

Today's stage brings us up the mountain on nice paths, rough roads and paved roads.
After about 40km on a combination of paths, gravel and paved roads, we reach the first mountain of the day. 
Here we cycle 15km on a great and nice gravel road that winds nicely up the mountain before a little downhill for the last 7km before arriving Tuddal.
In Tuddal the day's second and more demanding mountain climbs starts. The road winds upwards and takes us to the foot of Gaustatoppen about 1000 meters above sea level.
This climb is 12km long and has an average climb of 6-7%, so we take it nice and slowly.
The last 10 km of the day is downhill before we reach today's accommodation.

Day 3 (approx. 60 kms / 1.200 m ascent)

Even though todays ride is the shortest on the tour it doesn't mean it will be an easy day. Today will probably be the day with the most altitude meters per km.
We start heading down the hill towards Rjukan where we will visit the Vemork heavy water plant.
After this visit the climbing starts. We meet todays only gravel road after 20kms, taking us further uphill before we end up at the outlet at Møsvatn.
From here we cycle the last part of approx. 15km on paved road and can enjoy the view over parts of Hardangervidda National park before we arrive at the hotel.

 
Day 4 (approx. 110 kms / 1.400 m ascent)

Today we will cycle a lot downhill, but it is Norway, so we also meet some climbing. Main parts of todays ride will be on paved road.
We start in slightly hilly terrain, including some good downhills, before ending up in Dalen, where photos shooting is surely the right thing to do.
The second gravel road of the day takes us along the Bandak lake. This is a slightly hilly section on very fine and firm gravel. In Bandaksli we return to the paved road and have a climb up towards Krossli. 
Diving down again we reach Vråvatn and the slightly hilly terrain that leads us to Vrådal where we spend the night..

Day 5 (approx. 120 kms / 1.700 m ascent)

From Vrådal we follow parts of National Cycle Route No. 2 towards Skien, starting by cycling down the spectacular Kviteseidkleivene.
We follow the road in hilly terrain along Kviteseid lake to Fjågesund, crosses the Fjågesund Bridge and ride along the Telemark Canal passing some of the locks. This part of the Telemark Canal is really a great cycling terrain.
From Ulefoss we cycle towards Landsmarka and Sannervannet on fine gravel roads in hilly terrain until we meet the paved road in Kilebygda that will take us back to Skien where we started the trip a few days ago.

Accommodation on the tour will be in nice 3-4 star hotels – and there is the opportunity for extra nights in Skien before and after the tour.

• Five cycling days
• Four hotel nights (in shared double room)
• Half board
• Lunch (picnic) on the cycling days*
• Energy drink, fruit etc. from the accompanying van on the cycling days
• Guide (cycling)
• Accompanying van
• Luggage transport
• GPX-files for download
• Danish Travel Guarantee Fund

*Lunch can be either e.g. sandwich or packed lunch from the breakfast table at the hotel, transported in the van.

As per today there are unfortunately no bike rental possibilities for gravel bikes