25. 5. 2023 - 62 km / 1427 hm     Rustberg - Ringebu

Up and down - that's the motto for today.

The campsite operator kindly informs us that the bridge in Tretten is currently not passable, because it collapsed last August and is still under construction. Consequently, today there is an additional round of 15 km down/up the valley. As a small reward we treat ourselves to a fine breakfast in a hotel in Granrudmoen. From there we drive up and down through the Gudbrandsdalen, the longest valley in Norway.

From Favang (after a little more than 40km) all our strength is required, as we have to master a 5km long and 8% incline. Fortunately, the legs can recover on the last km before the finish in a long downhill. On the way we visit the stave church at Ringebu (wooden church from the 13th century).

At "Annis" the stores are filled again deliciously.

As accommodation we have today the "Skjeggestad Gjestehus", a huge mansion from the 18th century. At that time it was also used as a lodging house for the royal family in transit. So we are staying in the "royal suite" of Ringebu.

26. 5. 2023 - 62 km / 665hm     Ringebu - Otta

We continue to follow the Gudbrandsdalen upstream and learn - at already fresh temperatures - the effect of the "wind chill effect". Practically on the whole way the wind blows only in one direction, namely full in the face. To the left and to the right of the wide valley bottom, the mountains partly rise far above 1000 meters. An impressive and beautiful landscape presents itself.

27. 5. 2023 - 49 km / 799 hm     Otta - Dombås

The wind has turned off its blower today and we cycle further up the valley in almost perfect weather conditions. Since the bike path in the second half of the route runs about 150 to 200m above the valley ground, it costs us a few extra drops of sweat, but rewards us with a magnificent view. The many farms are spread throughout the valley, where livestock farming is the main activity. Countless sheep and cow pastures line the way. In many places, wood is also being diligently prepared, which is abundantly available. During a chat with an older farmer we are also informed about the prices for wood. The beautiful birch forests are particularly impressive.

28. 5 2023 - 50 km / 252 hm Dombås/Bjorli - Åndalsnes

Today we want to take it a bit easier and use the "Raumabanen" for the first section. The "Raumabanen" is a single-track, non-electrified railroad line in the south of Norway and is one of the most beautiful railroad lines in Europe. It starts at 659 meters above sea level in Dombås and ends after 114 kilometers directly at the fjord in Åndalsnes.

For us, however, it means getting off in Bjorli and taking the descent to Åndalsnes under our wheels. The ride leads through the wild valley "Romsdalen" with the river "Rauma", which cascades its way to the sea. The valley is characterized by the steep rock walls, which rise almost vertically to the right and left.

Later in the afternoon, Petrus is not so well-disposed towards us, as he opens his floodgates again and Boreas blows unpleasantly into our faces. The temperature is in the low single digits and the flanks of the mountains present themselves freshly sugared with fresh snow.

29. 5 2023 - Åndalsnes (Rest Day)

We spend the first rest day in Åndalsnes. The weather is anything but exhilarating. So we do without an excursion with the gondola on the Romsdalseggen.

A big attraction turns out to be the cruise ship AIDAperla for up to 4350 passengers. The ship of the British-American Carnival Corporation & plc, has been in service since May 2017. In 2020, the AIDAperla will be the first ship to be equipped with lithium-ion batteries from Corvus of Norway. The 300-meter cruise ship will receive a battery pack with a total capacity of 10 megawatt hours. This is the world's largest battery storage system to be fitted to a passenger ship to date. Makes the eyes of us country bumpkins shine !!!

30. 5. 2023 - 57 km / 340 hm - Åndalsnes - Molde

Yesterday's rest day did well and came at just the right time. Today the day starts quite friendly. It is still windy and cool but dry. If it would stay like this, we would take it.

With light cloud cover and mostly sunshine, we cycle around the Romsdalsfjord and head towards Molde. On the way we make two new and quite pleasant experiences.

First, we cross the Langfjord by ferry (4 km) in 20 minutes. On the land way (96 km) we would have to plan probably 2 day stages. In addition, the use of the ferry is completely free for non-motorized traffic.

Across the Bolsøysund is a bridge with a steep ascent and equally steep descent. This was less pleasant and especially very windy. Fortunately, the traffic was just low.

Secondly, we crossed(!) under the Fannefjord by public bus through a tunnel. The tunnel passage is closed for bicycles and pedestrians. Would be really also no pleasure, the gradient and the opposite upward gradient amounts to nevertheless crisp 9%.

So we arrive in good spirits in Molde. The dinner was the best we have had so far.

The fjord town of Molde nestles on the shore of the wide mouth of the Romsdalsfjord. It is famous for the jazz festival held every July with 100 concerts for about 60,000 music fans. 

Another top tip for tourists - whether soccer fans or not - is the Aker Stadium. This imposing structure, located directly on the shore, has a facade of granite, aluminum and glass.