Peer Gynt Gravel Loop

Your adventure begins in Lillehammer, a charming town nestled by Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer offers a welcoming start with its mix of culture, history, and beautiful scenery. You’ll have the chance to explore this picturesque town before starting your journey.

On the first cycling day, you’ll ride across the serene Lake Mjøsa before continuing along the west side of the Gudbrandsdalslågen River. The route takes you through Jørstadmoen, where you’ll turn north and follow a quiet local road through Gausdal, a peaceful valley lined with lush farmland. Gradual climbs punctuate the ride, offering rewarding views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way to Skei, a village nestled at the edge of Lake Jølstravatnet.

Today’s route offers a mix of ascents and exhilarating descents along gravel roads and the scenic Peer Gynt Road. You’ll start with a climb from Skei before reaching the rolling terrain affectionately referred to as the “roller coaster” leading to Fagerhøi. As you approach Gålå, you will get to enjoy smooth, easy cycling through a stunning mountain landscape with panoramic views of Rondane and Jotunheimen National Parks.

The ride from Gålå to Espedalen takes you through winding roads and rolling hills with a few steep uphill sections that are rewarded by sweeping vistas of Norway’s iconic peaks. This area is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by forests, lakes, and towering mountains. As you ride through “Elgland” (moose land) towards Espedalen, keep an eye out for these majestic animals.

Your day begins with a descent along the Peer Gynt Road around Olstappen lake. Afterward, prepare for a challenging uphill ride to the small, charming community of Skåbu, Northern Europe’s highest settlement. The climb is worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. From Skåbu, the route offers a long, exciting downhill stretch toward Vinstra in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley, allowing you to end the day on a high note. Here, you can even try some traditional “Gudbrandsdalsost” or “Brunost”– a type of brown cheese that tastes like caramel.

Leaving Vinstra, the route heads south on local roads, weaving through rolling hills and scenic farmland. Between Vinstra and Hundorp, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short detour to see the fascinating sculpture installation FLOKK by Gitte Dæhlin, a collection of 21 bronze figures with glass eyes. After Hundorp, the route crosses the river and begins a steady climb toward Kvitfjell, a renowned ski resort and your destination for the day.

The final leg of the journey takes you from Kvitfjell back to Lillehammer, cycling along the peaceful banks of Lake Losna. You’ll cross the river at Tretten before continuing toward Hafjell, a popular ski area, and onward through the village of Fåberg. The route then leads you back to Lillehammer, where you’ll finish your adventure in the town where it all began.

As your cycling journey comes to an end, you’ll depart Lillehammer with unforgettable memories of Norway’s rugged landscapes, quiet roads, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Whether you’re heading home, visiting the Maihaugen outdoor museum or continuing your travels, the Peer Gynt Gravel Loop is sure to leave a lasting impression.