The Challenge – Mountains Behind the Fjords

Ryfylke is defined by majestic mountains, deep ravines, and breathtaking cliff formations towering hundreds of meters above sea level. Are you up for an extra challenge and passionate about climbing? If you thrive on tackling both uphill and downhill rides, finding joy in long ascents rather than looking forward to breaks, this tour is tailor-made for you.

Over five days of cycling, we’ll cover approximately 510 km and conquer 9,800 meters of elevation. The journey is packed with unforgettable experiences and highlights as we wind through the steep and narrow valleys of Ryfylke, offering an adventure like no other.

The tour is designed for experienced riders who thrive on long hours in the saddle and enjoy both challenging climbs and exhilarating descents. To join, you should be comfortable cycling 120 km in a single day and prepared to get back on the bike the next day for another demanding ride. This level is for those seeking adrenaline and the ultimate test of endurance. Expert tours push your fitness to the limit across diverse and stunning landscapes, offering what may be Norway’s most challenging cycling routes. Ride like the pros as you tackle big miles and conquer climbs that take you from the depths of the fjords to the summits of majestic mountains.

You ride on a Fenix SLiC – the culmination of three generations of endurance bikes, representing a continuous evolution. Featuring fully concealed cables, disc brakes, and 11-speed gearing, it offers a comfortable ride with more aggressive handling compared to our standard option.

• 11-speed drivetrain
• 50/34 Crankset
• 11-32 Cassette
• Hydraulic disc brake

Day 1 - Individual Arrival to Stavanger - Meet the Guides

Kronen Gaard Hotel, Sandnes

Dinner

Arrive individually in Stavanger or Sandnes, with pickup and transportation to the hotel available upon request.

We’ll meet at Kronen Gaard Hotel at 6:00 PM for a welcome dinner and evening gathering. During this time, you’ll receive an overview of the itinerary for the days ahead, along with an introduction to the guides and equipment. Bike fittings can also be arranged upon request during this session.

The Kronen Gaard Hotel, a charming yellow Swiss-style villa, is nestled behind a magnificent weeping beech tree planted in 1907. The hotel makes an impressive first impression with its picturesque courtyard setting. Offering traditional yet elegant accommodations in the scenic countryside of Sandnes, the hotel preserves the timeless charm of its historic roots.

Day 2 - Small Villages

Høiland Gard, Årdal

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

98 km (ferry Lauvvik-Lysebotn / Høgsfjord-Oanes)

1343 m

1341 m

Luggage is loaded into the support vehicle, and we depart the hotel after breakfast. The departure time will be coordinated with the ferry schedule from Lauvvik. The approximately 20 km ride to Lauvvik takes us through gently hilly terrain on quiet roads, offering a preview of what’s to come later in the journey.

We board the ferry across Høgsfjord to Oanes, where we hop back on our bikes to begin the stage toward Årdal. This route follows the Hesten Nature Reserve along the old main road between Forsand and Jørpeland. In Jørpeland, we’ll take a short detour to visit the Sun Mirror, often referred to as the "Norwegian Stonehenge."

From Solbakk, we leave the main road and cycle over the ridge to Bjørheimsbygd, where we’ll stop for a light lunch. The journey continues along Tysdalsvatnet and Ryfylkevegen before arriving in Årdal. Here, we’ll stay overnight at the charming countryside retreat, Høyland Gård.

Day 3 - Fjords and Mountains

Kløver Hotel, Sauda

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

102 km

1996 m

2026 m

Today's stage takes us to Sauda, nestled in the heart of one of Ryfylke's many stunning fjords. Sauda is a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, offering activities year-round, whether in summer or winter. Known for holding both snowfall and heat records, Sauda offers a little bit of everything, so be prepared for diverse weather conditions.

The route to Sauda features varied terrain, with a mix of fjords and mountains. Before reaching Saudasjøen, we’ll stop at Svandalsfossen, where we’ll get up close to this magnificent waterfall.

In Sauda, we’ll stay at the Klover Hotel, conveniently located just a short walk from Saudahallen, a facility with a large swimming pool for those looking to unwind after the day’s ride.

Day 4 - Norway in Miniature

Ryfylke Fjordhotell, Sand

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

115 km

2334 m

2324 m

We depart Sauda and begin the ascent to Røldalsfjellet, a road that graces many bucket lists - and you’ll quickly see why. Climbing to nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, we reach the mountain’s summit before descending toward Røldal. The journey continues along Røldalsvatnet, through the scenic Brattlandsdalen, and into Nesflaten, where we’ll pause for a lunch break.

Between Nesflaten and Suldal, the route includes several tunnels. Most are short, ranging from 150 to 500 meters, and are quickly navigated, but the longest spans approximately 2,200 meters, with a couple of others around 1,000 meters. Safety is our top priority, so detailed instructions will be provided on how to cycle through tunnels. Additionally, the support vehicle will assist to ensure your safety during these stretches.

Along Suldalsvatnet, we’ll take a detour to Børkjene Farm, a historic site that transports us back several centuries. Here, we’ll enjoy a snack and a guided tour of the farm. When we reach Sand, we’ll park our bikes and check in at Ryfylke Fjordhotell, where you can unwind in the beachside sauna or opt for one of several exciting activities, including:
- A Salmon Safari in Suldalslågen, where you float down the river with a wetsuit and snorkel.
- A tour of the Mo Salmon Farm and brewery.
- A visit to Norway's first salmon studio.
The evening promises relaxation and the perfect way to end an adventurous day.

Day 5 - Lysefjorden Scenery

Gøysa Gard, Forsand

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

105 km (ferry to Songesand)

2438 m

2447 m

Today’s route takes us over two mountains, starting with the ascent to Gullingen. The summit sits at 620 meters, with a climb gradient of 7–10%. From the top, we descend towards Jøsenfjord, accompanied by stunning views and dramatic natural landscapes all the way down to the fjord. We then cycle along Hjelmelandsfjorden to Nesvik, where we board a ferry to Hjelmeland.

In Hjelmeland, we’ll visit Apal Sideri, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and sample their locally produced cider. The journey continues through hilly terrain past Årdal, where we spent our first night. A few kilometers beyond Årdal, we leave Rv 13 and cross Lyngsheia en route to Songesand. From there, we board a fast boat that will take us to Forsand, where we’ll spend the night at the charming Gøysa Gard.

Day 6 - Back to the City

Victoria Hotel, Stavanger

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

93 km (ferry Oanes-Lauvvik)

1102 m

1113 m

We begin with a short ride to Oanes and take the ferry across the fjord to Lauvvik. From there, we continue toward Ims, turning off the main road to pass through Bergsagel and Hommersåk. Leaving the rural scenery behind, we cycle through Sandnes, heading toward the Jær beaches.

Our first stop is at Vigdelstranden, followed by a lunch break at the beautiful Sola Strandhotell. After lunch, we make a brief stop at Sola Ruin Church before continuing past Sola Airport and along Hafrsfjord to the iconic Swords in Rock (Sverd i fjell) monument. Here, we’ll pause to hear about the Battle of Hafrsfjord in the 9th century.

The route takes us through Madla and the university area, leading to Grisabakken, a challenging climb made famous by events like the Tour des Fjords, where top cyclists from around the world compete. After a photo stop at Ullandhaugtårnet, we descend to Gandsfjorden and follow the cycle route into Stavanger.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a short city tour, including Old Stavanger, home to Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden houses. Finally, we check in at the Victoria Hotel, where a special farewell dinner awaits in the evening.

Day 7 - Stavanger - the Edge of Norway

Breakfast

The Pulpit Rock. Photo: Norway by Bike

The last day of your trip may mark the end of the cycle route, but it doesn't mean the adventure is over.

If you want to extend your adventure, you can book an extra night in Stavanger and optional activities such as a hike to Preikestolen, a fjord cruise, a visit to the lush Flo and Fjære gardens, or a tour of Stavanger’s charming old city - ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.