MTB Tracks
About Mountain Bike in Rjukan
Trail riding with Mountain Bike is a sport that has become increasingly popular over the last years. As the bikes and equipment have become more sophisticated and accessible, cyclists have turned to the mountain trails to seek greater challenges. The area around Rjukan offers great terrain for Mountain Biking, primarily in the mountain regions but also in the valleys. Virtually al trails in this area are natural which means they have not been prepared specifically for cycling.
The starting point for all trails on the north side of the valley (Hardangervidda) is Krossobanen, that offers transport up to approximately 900 meters asl. Since trail riding is more fun downhill and uphill, Krossobanen offers unique access to cycling in this area.
About maps and tracks
We have chosen to only mark trails on maps, but we define trips with start and end in center of Rjukan. This is due to the fact that Krossobanen is the ideal option for transport to the north side of the valley. A full trip means that you also ride on roads and gravel roads.
About bikes and equipment
Since trail riding in the vicinity of Rjukan offers not only trails, but also great transport pulls with amazing scenery, we recommend using light equipment. A lightweight X-country bike or "normal" Mountain Bike, without rear suspension, is all you really need. In addition, you should also have:
Color codes and technical difficulty
We have chosen to grade the technical difficulty of the trails with simple color codes. It is important to remember that almost all cycling in the area around Rjukan is in natural terrain, ie it is not prepared specifically for Mountain Bike. This means you are riding on nature's terms and one has to be prepared to carry the bike, even on trails marked with low technical difficulty.
All trails in the area assumes that you have basic skill in off-road cycling. Use a guide or take a course if you have no previous experience from trail riding. This is guaranteed to give you a better experience.
Green: Easy trails, low technical difficulty
Blue: Medium technical level with technical elements, such as rocks and roots
Red: Longer sections with technically demanding terrain, sometimes with steep sections
Black: Downhill / freeride. High technical difficulty, with very steep sections (we mean it)
MTB Tracks Gvepseborg
Gvepseborg and Krossobanen is a natural starting point for almost all Mountain Bike trails on the north side of the valley, towards Hardangervidda. The tourist paths in the area around Gvepseborg offers good cycling of varying technical difficulty. Be prepared to battle a few rocks on your way.
MTB Tracks Håkadalen / Husevolldalen
Some of the finest trails in the area goes down in Håkadalen. The round trip from the city center, via Gvepseborg and Håkadalen / Miland, is about 30 km, road, trail and tractor. Some parties to carry, but otherwise great cycling with lots of flow.
The round trip from Rjukan, via Huse Voll Atrå Valley and is about 60 km and has some fairly long sections where you have to carry the bike.
MTB Tracks Sandvatn
This is a classic single track trail of intermediate technical level, that starts north of Sandvatn. The terrain is more or less flat with some climbing in the beginning and descending towards the end. This is not a difficult trail but technical sections in combination with climbing can be challenging. The round trip from Gvepseborg takes about 2 hours.
MTB Tracks Våeroi - Fjellstua
A trail of intermediate technical level, with sections of more technically difficult trail riding. This trail offers some challenges such as river crossings, sections with climbing and some downhill trail terrain close to Gjerdalen. Be prepared to have to carry the bike, especially on the section down to Gjerdalen. Before and after Våeroi, this trail offers several kilometers of perfect single track terrain. If you are looking for scenic nature then this trail has a lot to offer.
GPS-files
Download gpx-file (right click and Save LInk As)
About Mountain Bike in Rjukan
Trail riding with Mountain Bike is a sport that has become increasingly popular over the last years. As the bikes and equipment have become more sophisticated and accessible, cyclists have turned to the mountain trails to seek greater challenges. The area around Rjukan offers great terrain for Mountain Biking, primarily in the mountain regions but also in the valleys. Virtually al trails in this area are natural which means they have not been prepared specifically for cycling.
The starting point for all trails on the north side of the valley (Hardangervidda) is Krossobanen, that offers transport up to approximately 900 meters asl. Since trail riding is more fun downhill and uphill, Krossobanen offers unique access to cycling in this area.
About maps and tracks
We have chosen to only mark trails on maps, but we define trips with start and end in center of Rjukan. This is due to the fact that Krossobanen is the ideal option for transport to the north side of the valley. A full trip means that you also ride on roads and gravel roads.
About bikes and equipment
Since trail riding in the vicinity of Rjukan offers not only trails, but also great transport pulls with amazing scenery, we recommend using light equipment. A lightweight X-country bike or "normal" Mountain Bike, without rear suspension, is all you really need. In addition, you should also have:
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Repair tools for the bike
- Drinks and food for a full day (it's easy to find water in the mountains)
- Map and / or GPS
- Rainwear (Gore-Tex or similiar)
Color codes and technical difficulty
We have chosen to grade the technical difficulty of the trails with simple color codes. It is important to remember that almost all cycling in the area around Rjukan is in natural terrain, ie it is not prepared specifically for Mountain Bike. This means you are riding on nature's terms and one has to be prepared to carry the bike, even on trails marked with low technical difficulty.
All trails in the area assumes that you have basic skill in off-road cycling. Use a guide or take a course if you have no previous experience from trail riding. This is guaranteed to give you a better experience.
Green: Easy trails, low technical difficulty
Blue: Medium technical level with technical elements, such as rocks and roots
Red: Longer sections with technically demanding terrain, sometimes with steep sections
Black: Downhill / freeride. High technical difficulty, with very steep sections (we mean it)
MTB Tracks GvepseborgGvepseborg and Krossobanen is a natural starting point for almost all Mountain Bike trails on the north side of the valley, towards Hardangervidda. The tourist paths in the area around Gvepseborg offers good cycling of varying technical difficulty. Be prepared to battle a few rocks on your way.
MTB Tracks Håkadalen / HusevolldalenSome of the finest trails in the area goes down in Håkadalen. The round trip from the city center, via Gvepseborg and Håkadalen / Miland, is about 30 km, road, trail and tractor. Some parties to carry, but otherwise great cycling with lots of flow.
The round trip from Rjukan, via Huse Voll Atrå Valley and is about 60 km and has some fairly long sections where you have to carry the bike.
MTB Tracks SandvatnThis is a classic single track trail of intermediate technical level, that starts north of Sandvatn. The terrain is more or less flat with some climbing in the beginning and descending towards the end. This is not a difficult trail but technical sections in combination with climbing can be challenging. The round trip from Gvepseborg takes about 2 hours.
MTB Tracks Våeroi - FjellstuaA trail of intermediate technical level, with sections of more technically difficult trail riding. This trail offers some challenges such as river crossings, sections with climbing and some downhill trail terrain close to Gjerdalen. Be prepared to have to carry the bike, especially on the section down to Gjerdalen. Before and after Våeroi, this trail offers several kilometers of perfect single track terrain. If you are looking for scenic nature then this trail has a lot to offer.
GPS-files
Download gpx-file (right click and Save LInk As)
