Route Description

This stage is characterized primarily by dense forest and a few small hamlets. From Magnor, the first 5 km follow a separate and safe bike path along County Road 202. The final kilometers toward Lake Harstadsjøen are on a car-free gravel road. There are several nice picnic spots along the western side of the lake. From Gåsvika to Rømsjøen, traffic is light. Grocery stores are available in Magnor, Skotterud, Setskog, and Tørnby, just north of Rømsjøen. There's also a 3 km detour from Rømsjøen to Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort.

Challenges

On the western side of Lake Stangnessjøen, Route 9 follows a gravel road ("Vektervegen") that in places narrows to a wide trail. The last few kilometers before reaching Harstadsjøen are on loose gravel. From Harstadsjøen to Gulltjenn, there is a climb of nearly 100 meters over three kilometers. A similar ascent awaits from Rømsjøen up Vortungsveien toward Lake Vortungen and the unique Rømskog Hotel & Spa Resort. Traffic between Harstadsjøen and Lake Setten is noticeable, including some heavy vehicles like timber trucks. This road section is also somewhat winding and has limited visibility. This stage is suitable only for experienced adult cyclists.

Rømskog

Here you'll find a Joker grocery store and a gas station. Rømskog is a small, peaceful village with about 700 inhabitants. It used to be the center of its own municipality and is now part of Aurskog-Høland in Akershus. Nestled deep within the forest and surrounded by over 100 lakes, the area features varied terrain with forested hills, including Slavasshøgda (formerly the highest peak in Østfold). For those seeking spectacular views, there’s a unique wooden fire lookout tower on Haukenesfjellet—within walking distance from Rømskog Unike Hotel—offering expansive views across forest and water, even reaching Gaustatoppen on clear days.

Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort

The unique Rømskog Hotel Spa & Resort is built on stilts in Lake Vortungen, offering panoramic water views directly from the guest rooms. Facilities include a saltwater pool, cold plunge pool, steam and traditional saunas, and an outdoor hot tub right at the water’s edge—perfect for tired cycling muscles.

Google Maps

Distance: 64 km

Difficulty: Medium

Region/Area: Eidskog, Innlandet, Aurskog-Høland

Time: Approx. 4 hours

Surface: Mostly asphalt

Recommended bike: Hybrid

Traffic: Generally low

Start & Finish: Magnor / Vortungen, Rømskog

Signage: Yes, as part of National Cycle Route 9

Information from Visit Greater Oslo