Rallarvegen, following the outskirts of the Hardangervidda Plateau, leads you along the Bergen Railway Line from Haugastøl via Finse, Hallingskeid, Myrdal and down to Flåm. It is also possible to follow the road down to Voss. The road by itself is an attraction, but it also brings you through a fantastic highland area starting at 1000 meters above sea level(a.s.l.), peaking at 1300 meters for then to lead you back down to the fjords at sea level.
As the name suggests the Rallarvegen dates from the time gangs of navvies used it as a road during the construction of the Bergen railway. Today, it is best known as a cycle route of rare beauty offering countless natural experiences.
Rallarvegen begins in Haugastøl and climbs steadily up to Finse, a distance of 27 km. Further up on Finse at 1222 metres above sea level, you can visit the navvy museum Rallarmuseet. Here you can discover how navvies lived and which tools and aids they had for the construction of the Bergen railway. It is possible to stay overnight in Finse so that you are properly rested for the next day's stretch (Hotel "Finse 1222" or the DNT - the Norwegian Trekking Association - cabin). If you have plenty of extra time then Finse has a lot to offer: Hardangerjøkulen, glacier walking, galleries and untamed countryside.
The next compulsory stop is the signalman's cottage Fagernut Vokterbolig. The house, which dates from 1904, is the highest of this type in the country at 1,310 metres above sea level. Here you will find a cafe and an exhibition about life as a signalman high in the mountains. The distance from Finse to Fagernut is 10 km.
After that you head down. The stretch between Fagernut and Hallingskeid is often the part with the roughest road conditions after winter's snow has thawed.
Hallingskeid is your next stop with possible accommodation etc. The distance between Fagernut and Hallingskeid is 11 km.
The journey from Hallingskeid to Vatnhalsen can be described as the most spectacular and impressive with its sharp downward slope and thundering waterfalls.
Both Vatnahalsen and Myrdal have options for overnight accommodation. The distance between Hallingskeid and Vatnahalsen is 15 km. From here you cycle down the 21 twists and turns from Vatnahalsen through the beautiful Flåm valley to Flåm. Along this route, you will have the steepest railway line in northern Europe.
You will find all the facilities you need in Flåm.
The best place to end the trip is at Ægir Brewery where you get the Rallar Amber Ale.
Have a good trip!
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