Three personalities on cycling in Telemark

Cycling in Telemark, with its majestic and magnificent scenery, offers everything from easy to challenging terrain, fjords to steep mountains, and some great things to see along the way, such as stave churches and canal locks. You’ll find a story waiting around every corner, taking your cycling adventure to a new level! Three well-known cyclists share their tips and recommendations for cycling in Telemark.

Dag Erik Pedersen’s top tips for cycling in Telemark:
“My best bike trip is on asphalt and a really fun and challenging training circuit. Starting in Vinje, heads towards Rauland then after 15 km turn off towards Øyfjell. Follow the road down to Høydalsmo and from there to Brunkeberg and Vrådal – all the way to Skafså Church and down to Dalen. And now for the grand finale: from Dalen back up to Høydalsmo! The notorious ascent past Eidsborg Stave Church in Eidsbotn is a real challenge, on a par with a tough stage of the Giro d’Italia or the Tour de France. From Høydalsmo, it’s an easy ride back to Vinje. Definitely not a route for beginners, but a circuit I often used to push myself to the limit when I was training in fantastic Telemark.”

I’ve always loved cycling in Telemark. The chance to train in some of Europe’s most magnificent scenery is an inspiration in itself. But what’s unique here is that you can put together bike trips for both road and off-road bikes to suit everyone, whatever their level of fitness.”
– Dag Erik Pedersen, former professional cyclist
 

Anita Valen’s top tips for cycling in Telemark:
“My local favourites include Gjerpensdalen in Skien: its lush landscape of orchards in tranquil surroundings will suit most people. The route to Siljan between forests and terrain with mountain lakes and beautiful nature is for those looking for more of a challenge. My personal favourite starts from Skien, continuing via Valebø to Notodden, across Resjemheia, on down to Bø and along the Telemark Canal from Lunde, Ulefoss and Skien. This is perhaps one for the keenest and fittest!”

Telemark has fantastic cycling routes starting in various places for people of all ages and levels of fitness. In Telemark, we have lakes, mountains and beautiful landscapes that I absolutely love and that I’m very proud of.”
– Anita Valen, former professional cyclist
 

Petter Ellefsen’s top tips for cycling in Telemark:
There’s something for every cycling enthusiast here: bicycle touring, road cycling, trail riding and mountain biking. A network of old gravelled construction roads provides endless opportunities for those wanting to enjoy the nature and the tranquillity. A tent and a fishing rod have become standard equipment for trips! The many small villages mean it is easy to stop for a caffè latte, a meal or an overnight stay. Telemark is rich in variety and opportunities.

“It’s hard to pick just one thing from all that Telemark has to offer. Of course, the old Telemark Tour route is the dream of every road racer. At 250 km, it’s certainly long, but it has everything: from Skien via Drangedal and across Gautefallheia to Treungen. Flat terrain and beautiful scenery along the shores of Nisser lake to Vrådal. Plenty of climbs and hairpin bends from Vrådal via Kviteseid to Seljord. The excitement of looking for sea serpents as you cycle across Garvik along Seljordsvatnet lake, before long flat expanses of the agricultural landscape take you to Bø. From there, across Lunde and along the Telemark Canal down to Ulefoss and the last leg back to Skien.

"Telemark is a paradise for bikepacking and really exciting in both the vertical and horizontal planes. From smooth rocks in the south, quiet roads and paths along the canal, to energetic climbs and descents in the mountains – it’s got it all.”
– Petter Ellefsen, local politician and enthusiastic cyclist

As you probably know, Telemark has much to offer cyclists. You can follow National Cycle Route 1 along the coast or National Cycle Route 2 along the Telemark Canal or the gravel road across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. There are also fantastic trail-riding areas in Nissedal, Fyresdal and Lifjell. Check out our new cycling website for more tips – happy cycling!