Skip to main content or footer
Home

The Wilderness Route – National Cycle Route No.9

National Cycle Route No. 9, also known as the Wilderness Route, makes its way through the eastern hinterlands of Viken and Innlandet. It is a relatively long route; with day-stages of around 70 km, the trip takes five days. Route 9 is a fantastic outdoor experience and suitable for capable adult cyclists, perhaps accompanying capable younger cyclists from 13-14 and upwards.


The route really lives up to its name as it winds through country dominated by forests and lakes with occasional cultural landscapes. There are no villages en route and generally considerable distances between food shops, eateries and service options. It is therefore necessary to carry sufficient equipment for the tour, including extra inner-tubes, pump and necessary tools.

A combination of tenting and organised overnight stays or local DNT cabins as an alternative.


The Wilderness Route has few steep inclines but many long slack climbs so the average speed remains relatively low. The gravel roads of Finnskogen are wholly free of cars in places but be aware of occasional loose gravel and/or sandy sections.

The miles through Finnskogen are a completely unique experience. Almost no one lives here and it is exceptionally quiet. For townies, this alone can be very exotic. It is possible to cycle for an entire day without meting anyone; it is a unique area, in both the Norwegian and European context. The Wilderness Route is forest cycling at its absolute best!

 

 

Rough route with place-names:

Halden – Aspern – Strømfoss – Ørje – Rømsjøen – Skjærvangen – Varalden – Svullrya – Røgden – Fallsjøen – Velta – Gravberget – Bråtedammen – Håberget – Fv.25 at Osensjøen

  • Distance: 355 km
  • Total climb: 4000 metres
  • Highest point:  517 asl., at Enberget in the north of Finnskogen
  • Surface: About two thirds asphalt; one third gravel of slightly variable quality
  • Traffic: Variable, but generally very little motorised traffic. A certain amount as far as Ørje, less onwards to Skotterud and progressively less further north; long stretches almost completely free of motorised traffic.
  • Degree of difficulty: Moderately demanding but with many easy stretches
  • Signage: Route signed as a national cycle route, burgundy coloured sign with a cycle logo and the figure 9
  • Recommended type of bicycle: Mountain bike with low-profile tyres, gravel bike or hybrid with slightly broader tyres, 40-45 mm. Shock absorbers not required.
  • Digital map, with altitude profile: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33741277 

Day-stage suggestions and descriptions below: