In a straight line – Hamar to Espedalen

A perfect combination of long rolls along flowing rivers and climbing of hills and mountains

This trip was done in the summer 2023, starting from Lillehammer, with a night in Espedalen before returning to Hamar. It can easily be combined with train to either Hamar, Moelv or Lillehammer. The route takes you from Lillehammer through the beautiful Gausdal valley, along rivers and farms in the steep slopes around. The roads are popular with cyclists based in Lillehammer, with both challenging climbs and longer flat parts where cyclists can enjoy the flow. The first leg of the route from Lillehammer to Espedalen is 82 km, with 1137 meters climbing, the second leg back to Hamar is 137 km starting with a long descent but still 1584 meters climb totally.

This route doesn’t offer that much of service along the way, so bring what you need to drink and eat, though you can find some supermarkets along the road. One of them was even self-service, where you get access by using your credit card to open the doors. I was lucky to come by a vernissage in a little gallery inside a barn, with a little concert, free drinks and food, and before the last climb to Espedalen I found a woman selling waffles and coffee from a little kiosk. In Espedalen I stayed in Dalseter Fjellhotell, though you will find several alternatives in this scenic valley. The valley is also a gateway to Jotunheimen, with great views into the highest mountains in Norway.

The view from Espedalen towards Jotunheimen.

On the return from Espedalen I chose a different route to the west of Lillehammer, climbing to Saksumdal and descending to Vingrom before cycling along the Lake Mjøsa back to Hamar. Here you can fill up from supermarkets or cafes along the way, in Forset, Vingrom, Biri, Moelv and Brumunddal before Hamar. The views are wonderful, and if you’re lucky you might spot the old paddle steam boat Skibladner, cruising up and down the lake during mid-summer.