The best cycling routes around Store Åklungen

There are over 160 touring cycling routes to explore around Store Åklungen, offering a wide variety of experiences for different skill levels.

The routes around Store Åklungen feature a diverse landscape of dense forests, numerous lakes, and rolling hills. You'll find a mix of paved and unpaved paths, providing varied terrain. Elevations are generally moderate, with some routes including gradual climbs through wooded areas.

Yes, Store Åklungen offers about 15 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Frognerseteren to Sognsvann Trail, which is 14.7 km long and takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete, offering a pleasant ride with manageable elevation changes.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Store Åklungen has over 60 difficult routes. The Skjærsjø Dam – Kikutstua Café loop from Kringsjå is a demanding 96.6 km trail with significant elevation gain, typically taking around 8 hours and 50 minutes to complete.

Many touring cycling routes in the Store Åklungen area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Alnaelva Trail Entrance – View of Oslo loop from Holstein is a moderate 23.7 km circular route that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Along the routes, you can enjoy tranquil lake views, such as those around Store Åklungen Lake itself. The region's dense forests also provide many picturesque spots. While cycling, you might also encounter sections of the Bunghole Trail, Godbekken Outdoor Recreation Area.

The best time for touring cycling around Store Åklungen is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. During this period, the paths are clear of snow and ice, and the forest and lake scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers the longest daylight hours for extended rides.

While specific cafes directly on every route are not listed, many routes pass through or near areas with facilities. Larger loops, like the Skjærsjø Dam – Kikutstua Café loop from Kringsjå, explicitly mention a café, Kikutstua Café, as a point of interest, indicating that refreshment stops are available on some longer tours.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 240 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of forest paths, the tranquil lake views, and the gentle hills that define the region's cycling experience. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.

Many touring cycling routes around Store Åklungen are accessible from points that can be reached by public transport, particularly from areas closer to Oslo. For instance, routes starting from Sognsvann or Kringsjå are often well-connected, allowing cyclists to reach the starting points without a car.

Parking is typically available at common starting points for routes, especially near popular recreational areas or trailheads. For routes originating from locations like Sognsvann or Kringsjå, you can usually find designated parking facilities, though availability may vary, especially on busy days.