Earlier this week I had the opportunity to bring my bike to the west coast of Norway. More precisely Jondal by Hardangerfjord, where my wife’s family has a cottage. And let’s be clear: the area has a spectacular Norwegian nature that is just waiting to be explored on the bike.
From Jondal you there’s a 19 km climb (https://www.strava.com/segments/2015349) up to Folgefonna Glacier and the summer ski resort. It brings you from sea level to 1190 meters and at this time of the year there’s quite a bit of snow at the top. But they clear the road up to the ski resort and on a sunny day you can easily ride up on a road bike with 25mm tires. Riding through such a tunnel of snow is out of this world. It’s a surreal experience!
After having done such a majestic climb you can stay low and ride along the fjord. That is truly amazing. The curvy roads along the waterfront with the spectacular mountains in the background is good for your mind. I did a 6 hour ride around Hardangerfjord via Utne-Kinsarvik-Ulvik-Norheimssund and back to Jondal. This included two ferry crossings (Utne-Kinsarvik and Tørvikbygd-Jondal). Make sure to check the timetable and plan your ride in accordance with that. I had to get up for an early start at 4.45 am to catch the first boat from Utne to Kinsarvik since I had to drive the car all the way back to Oslo in the afternoon. But that just gave me the opportunity the enjoy the sun rise as well. Not a bad one!
And what a day on the bike it was! 6 hours of riding and just enjoying my own company and the nature. For sure I’m gonna do this again. Soon!
