Last Updated on: May 29, 2026

A Norway vacation can be, as those knows who’ve been here, an all kinds of weather experience. So also for me, in the summer of 2021.

I should have blogged about this trip a long time ago. But that same year I also had my longest ever ride around in Europe. Which I did write about. That story begins here. Even if a few years back some of the information included could still prove useful, well maybe.

Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, Nord-Torpa Municipality.

Norway vacation – day 1

I’d decided to make the most out of it, and stay off any major roads for as much as I could. But to get out of Oslo efficiently it’s hard to avoid some degree of freeway or motorway riding. Although, if one wants to there are plenty of small roads possibilities. I on the other hand, had booked accommodation for the night.

Besides, the area around Oslo, whether east, west or north, is my7 backyard so to speak. Where I roam around when on day trips. So at Eidsvoll I got off E6 and onto Fv180 in direction of Hurdal. From there up to Lygna, which is about 620 meters above sea level.

View from along Fv180 near Lygna, Norway. Lake Mjøsa in the rear.

A quick coffee stop, then on Rv4 towards Gjøvik, from there along the western shores of lake Mjøsa in direction of Lillehammer. I usually take Rv4 on the western side of the lake. It’s a lot slower but more pleasant if not in a hurry. Didn’t ride into Lillehammer, but took off past Jørstadmoen and continued up Gausdal on a smaller road.

There’s something tranquil about this area, the farmland, the valley itself. Or it could simply be that I grew up there back in the… well a long time ago.

From Espedalen to Dovre

At Follebu to took to the left onto Fv255 which leads into Vestre Gausdal. Further up and in Espedalen to Helvete. Well worth a visit if you can afford the time. I was just passing through but had to stop for waffles and a coffee.

Roadside stop in Espedalen, Norway.

Espedalen is a beautiful valley, and not very touristy. There are several places to stay, those who want to pitch a tent can find plenty of options. Further up there are several of ride-worthy gravel roads as well. Peer Gynt vegen to mention one. This road, which is a toll road, leads to  Skei i Gausdal.

I’ve ridden it a few times, was heading north, but did ride it one the way back home. Now I lept on going past Skåbu, which incidentally also is where you find the beginning of several other gravel and dirt roads. The most known is Jotunheimvegen, which takes you all across mountains to Bygdin and Rv51.

View from along FV255 and Skåbu, Norway.

Back down into Gudbrandsdalen I continued north on E6 till Dovre. Had booked myself in at Dovre Motel. Which is an affordable solution. Basically cottages, some semi-detached. On enter one of these you instantly get time warped back to the 80s. Well, I did anyway.

It’s convenient, inexpensive by Norwegian standards, and you get what you need. The cabins or apartments are nestled close to the river Gudbrandsdalslågen, for those who fancy a potentially icy cold swim it’s a short walk down to the river.

Dovre Motel offers affordable accommodation.

The YX gas station nearby is open 24/7. There is a cafe so everything you need is in one place. The food is good enough, honest and simple. Dovre Motel doesn’t try to pretend something it’s not. For a Norway vacation it’s a cheap stopover while travelling north or south.

Norway Adventure 2021, route day 1

Norway Adventure 2021, route day 1.