Mjøstråkk Gjøvik - Minnesund

With more than a thousand metres of climbing, this is by far the toughest stage of the tour around Lake Mjøsa. For those who embark on it, a varied journey awaits, with cultural landscapes, small towns, viewpoints, long forest roads, and an absolutely awesome descent in serpentine turns down towards Minnesund.

There are several museums along the route, the most famous of which is the Peder Balke Centre at Billerud Farm at Kapp. Here you’ll find exhibitions, a sculpture garden, café and shop – well worth a stop!

The last few kilometres from Bilitt towards Skreia, the cycle path follows the old, disused Skreibanen track down towards Lake Mjøsa on a gentle, steady downhill slope. From Skreia, the biggest challenge of the tour begins; the slopes up towards Øyungen, a 14-kilometre uphill, with as much as five hundred metres of ascent. Fortunately, there’s a natural stop at the Torssætra restaurant after ten kilometres.

From Øyungen, there are around two kilometres on a gravel road and generally very easy cycling down to Hurdal, with several services. From Hurdal, there’s another long climb up Minnesundåsen and Tisjøen, before a steep descent towards Minnesund and Mjøsa.

The tour ends at Mjøsa’s maritime museum, Mjøssamlingene, which is well worth a visit. Remember to check opening hours before planning your trip.

The nearest train station from here is Eidsvoll, 12 kilometres further south. If you choose Østsidevegen, Fv 177, it has very little traffic.

Suitable for

This tour is best suited to electric cyclists, exercise cyclists and adults used to cycling.

Bike type

Suitable for all types of bikes except road bikes.

Hiking tips

If you have time and energy to spare, you can head south at the southern end of Tisjøen and cycle up to Mistberget 663 metres above sea level, one of the best viewpoints for miles around. The ride up there is about four kilometres.

If you go the other way, from Minnesund to Gjøvik, you can continue on the Mjøstråkk route Gjøvik – Lillehammer.