The best road cycling routes around Dovre

Road cycling in Dovre features a mix of quiet gravel roads and well-paved surfaces. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from alpine pastures to rugged mountainous terrain, with some routes climbing to over 1,200 meters above sea level. The region's national parks, including Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, Rondane, and Dovre, provide a stunning backdrop.

Yes, Dovre offers challenging routes with substantial elevation gains. For instance, the difficult route Kvam – Sel Church loop from Tolstadåsen covers 69.1 miles (111.2 km) and includes over 1,350 meters of ascent. Other routes can extend over 5 hours with more than 3,000 feet of climbing.

Dovre's routes offer breathtaking natural beauty. You can explore the Waterfall Canyon, witness the majestic Snøhetta, Stortoppen summit, or visit the Kongsvoll Alpine Botanical Garden. The Grimsdalen Valley is particularly highlighted for its alpine pastures and impressive views.

While Dovre is known for its mountainous terrain, there are moderate options suitable for various fitness levels. The River View loop from Kjøremsgrende is a moderate 28.9 miles (46.5 km) path offering varied terrain and river views. Another moderate choice is the Hjerkinn fjellstue loop from Hjerkinn, a 20.5 miles (33.1 km) trail through the national park area.

The best time for road cycling in Dovre is generally from late spring to early autumn. It's important to note that environmental regulations related to wild reindeer protection may introduce seasonal restrictions on some gravel roads, particularly during the reindeer calving period in early summer. Most routes are expected to remain open after June 18th.

Yes, many of the routes in Dovre are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Håmårn – Hjerkinn Fjellstue loop from Børsungsætervegen and the Prestberget – Vangsbergje loop from Vågåkyrkja, both offering scenic circular journeys.

Dovre is easily accessible by train, with services from Oslo and Trondheim to Dombås. This makes it convenient for cyclists to reach the starting points of many routes with their bikes, allowing for car-free travel to the region.

While general access is often permitted, environmental regulations, particularly concerning wild reindeer protection, may introduce seasonal restrictions or limited access on some gravel roads within the national parks. It's advisable to check local guidelines, especially for routes passing through Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella, Rondane, and Dovre National Parks.

While cycling in Dovre, you might encounter sheep and cattle grazing in alpine pastures. With a bit of luck, you could also spot musk oxen, which are iconic to the Dovre region and a unique sight in this Arctic tundra-like environment.

The Grimsdalen Valley is frequently highlighted for its impressive views across the entire region, with roads climbing to over 1,200 meters above sea level. Many routes offer panoramic views of rugged terrain and a sense of wild beauty, especially at higher elevations within the national parks.

Over 50 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Dovre's varied terrain, contributing to the community's knowledge and helping others discover the best routes in the region.