Arrival and departure
Participants arrive individually at Stavanger International Airport, Stavanger or by boat to Risavika or by bus or train to Sandnes or Stavanger. It is recommended that all participants gather at Kronen Gaard Hotel by 18:00 on the evening before the first cycling day. Arrangements can be made for pick-up and transport to Kronen Gaard Hotel. An NBE (Norway Bike Experience) staff member will meet participants at the airport or a pre-arranged location. Once everyone is gathered, there will be a group dinner and orientation session, providing an overview of the tour for the coming days and an introduction to guides and equipment, with bike fitting as needed.
After the tour, participants will spend the final night in Stavanger at the Hotel Victoria. Transport to Stavanger International Airport, Stavanger will be arranged by NBE, with departure scheduled according to the majority's flight times. An airport shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes from various locations in and around the city centre, for those who may need to leave earlier or later. If additional activities such as a Pulpit Rock tour have been booked for the following day, the NBE guide will provide all relevant information regarding meeting points and details.
Day 1 – Welcome to the fjords
- Sandnes - Sirdal 60km
- Elevation Gain: +1,618m / -994m
Luggage will be loaded onto the support vehicle, and after a hearty breakfast, the group departs from the hotel. The day’s cycling route is divided into two parts: Kronen Gaard Hotel to Lauvvik ferry dock, and then Lysebotn to Sirdal Høyfjellshotell. The ride to Lauvvik traverses gently hilly terrain along low-traffic roads, providing a taste of what’s to come. At Lauvvik, participants can settle in for the boat journey along the stunning Lysefjorden, with views of Preikestolen and the majestic Kjerag as the fjord narrows.
From Lysebotn, the ascent begins, with a few flat stretches leading into 27 hairpin bends, averaging a 10% incline, with some sections up to 15%. Though it may sound challenging, the road’s design often makes it more manageable than anticipated. After the second hairpin, cyclists will pass through a tunnel; lights are recommended, and rental bikes come equipped with them, with additional lights available from the support vehicle. On the Ultimate Tour, participants may rent an e-bike for the climb, with their own bike transported to the top by car. The group will take a break at Øygardstøl (Eagle's Nest), at 640 metres above sea level, for water and snacks, before climbing to the top at 932 metres in a stark, lunar-like landscape. From there, the route is mostly downhill to Sirdal Høyfjellshotell, the day’s destination. Upon arrival, there will be time to relax before enjoying a local culinary experience in the firehouse behind the hotel.
Day 2 – From the mountain to the valleys
- Sirdal - Byrkjedalstunet 48km
- Elevation Gain: +395m / -841m
Today’s route is largely downhill, descending from the upper part of Sirdal through Sinnes and past Valevatn on the way to Byrkjedalstunet. After arrival, participants will be welcomed with "lapper," a local favourite for cyclists passing this charming spot. Byrkjedalstunet is renowned for its homemade food and wide selection of local products and souvenirs. In the evening, the group will gather in the mountain hall for an aperitif, followed by dinner in the restaurant.
Day 3 – Rocks and fjords
- Byrkjedalstunet - Egersund 50km
- Elevation Gain: +958m / -1,158m
The journey continues through Gloppedalsura, Northern Europe's largest boulder field, and past Indre and Ytre Vinjevatn to Bjerkreim. A stop at Myksvoll Microbrewery offers freshly roasted coffee and snacks. The final leg leads to Grand Hotel Egersund, where the group will spend the night. The day’s terrain transitions from valleys and forests to the hillier coastal landscape. Upon arrival, the group will enjoy a welcoming dinner at the hotel, with highlights from the day’s adventure. Optional activities include a hike to Trollpikken, a visit to the Fayancemuseum, or a tour of Berentsens Brewery, where guests can sample locally crafted drinks.
Day 4 – The North Sea Route
- Egersund - Bryne 57km
- Elevation Gain: +514m / -493m
The route today follows the captivating coastline from Egersund, passing through picturesque villages including Hellvik, Sirevåg, and Brusand. A highlight is a stop at Hå Gamle Prestegard, an art and cultural centre and a must-visit in the Jæren region, for a delicious lunch. Continuing along Norway’s longest white sand beaches, participants will experience vast flatlands dotted with farms. The day’s route, manageable with minimal hills, ends at Sola Strand Hotel, where participants can enjoy the spa facilities. A group dinner will be accompanied by a photo presentation of the day’s highlights, with options for additional activities such as a walk along the Sola beach or a seaside adventure with kiteboarding, surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
Day 5 – Into the City
- Bryne - Stavanger 57km
- Elevation Gain: +488m / -509m
Today, participants will cycle towards urban areas, passing large farms and small communities en route to the coastline. Stops include Ølberg and Sola Strand Hotel for lunch and a visit to Sola Ruinkirke near the Sola beach for photos. The group will then head to Vår Energi Arena for a tour of the Norway Bike Experience headquarters and a snack break. From Forus, Stavanger’s oil industry centre, the route follows the cycle highway to Stavanger. Cyclists will ascend Grisabakken, a challenging climb known from the Tour of Norway, and make a photo stop at Ullandhaugtårnet. The route concludes with a visit to the Swords in Rock monument and a tour of Old Stavanger’s wooden houses, before checking in at Hotel Victoria for a farewell dinner.
Optional activities for those seeking further exploration include a hike to Preikestolen, a fjord cruise, a visit to Flor and Fjære Gardens, and a tour of Stavanger’s charming old city.
