The best traffic-free bike rides around Harestuvatnet

The routes around Harestuvatnet offer a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll find beautiful asphalt stretches, particularly along the lake, as well as scenic gravel roads and quiet forest tracks deeper within the Nordmarka area. This variety caters to different cycling preferences, from smooth rides to more challenging gravel adventures.

Yes, there are options for easier rides. For instance, the Nedre Karlstjernet loop from Skjerpemyr naturminne is classified as easy, offering a shorter distance of just over 9 km. The area also features a newly developed, universally designed walking path along Harestuvatnet, which is excellent for relaxed cycling.

For those seeking a more demanding experience, routes like the Skjærsjø Dam – Ullevålseter loop from Harestua cover nearly 78 km with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Harestua, which is about 50 km and takes you deeper into Nordmarka on gravel roads.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Skjærsjø Dam – Ullevålseter loop from Harestua and the Bike loop from Skjerpemyr naturminne, which offer convenient circular journeys through the region's quiet landscapes.

The routes offer beautiful views of Lake Harestuvatnet itself, with its picturesque shoreline. You'll also cycle through the expansive Nordmarka forest, experiencing serene gravel roads and hidden trails. The Myllselva and Sveselva river delta at the northern end of Harestuvatnet is another notable natural feature with diverse vegetation.

The area offers several amenities. Kikut, for example, provides catering and accommodation options, making it a good stop on longer routes. In Jevnaker, which can be reached via a route from Harestua, you'll find opportunities for coffee breaks or lunch, including at Hadeland Glassverk. The newly developed path along Harestuvatnet also includes grilling areas and a sand beach for rest.

Yes, the 'Fritidshubben' in Harestua is a convenient resource. They offer e-bike rentals and provide cycling maps, which can be very helpful for planning your no-traffic touring cycling adventures in the region.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes around Harestuvatnet are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic nature of the routes and the opportunity to explore the beautiful Nordmarka forest away from vehicle traffic.

The warmer months, typically from spring through autumn, are ideal for touring cycling around Harestuvatnet. During this period, the paths are clear of snow and ice, and the natural beauty of the lake and Nordmarka forest is at its peak. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Absolutely. Some cycling routes, such as the one towards Jevnaker, offer opportunities to combine your ride with a hike to Nordmarka's highest peak, Svarttjernshøgda (717 m). The region's integration into the vast Nordmarka forest means there are many possibilities to explore on foot as well.

Harestua serves as a common starting point for many routes in the area. While specific public transport connections to every trailhead can vary, Harestua itself is generally accessible, allowing you to reach the region and begin your cycling tour without needing a car.