The best cycling routes around Store Sandungen

The touring cycling routes around Store Sandungen primarily feature forest roads within the serene natural environment of Vestmarka. You can expect rolling terrain with some elevation changes, as the lake itself is situated at 319 meters above sea level. These routes connect various points around the lake and extend into the wider forest, offering a mix of surfaces typical for forest cycling.

There are over 25 touring cycling routes available around Store Sandungen. The majority of these, about 26, are rated as difficult, while a couple are considered moderate. This offers a good range for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.

While the Store Sandungen area is known for its more challenging routes, with 26 out of 28 routes rated as difficult, there are a couple of moderate options available. For example, the Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Furumo is a moderate 32.1 km trail that takes around 3 hours to complete. It's important to check the difficulty and elevation profiles to ensure it matches your group's ability.

The touring cycling routes in Store Sandungen are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive Vestmarka area, the beautiful lake views, and the well-maintained forest roads that define the experience here.

Yes, there are several circular touring cycling routes available. A popular option is the Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Furumo, which is a moderate 32.1 km trail. Another challenging circular route is the Myseputten loop from Furumo, covering 17.1 km through the Vestmarka forest.

Yes, some cycling routes in the area pass by historical points of interest. For instance, a route starting near Semsvannet involves a climb and eventually leads to the northeast end of Store Sandungen, passing Mobråtan, which is known as the filming location for "The House in the Forest" from a children's movie. This offers a chance to enjoy both nature and local history.

One of the longer and more challenging touring cycling routes is the Skjærsjø Dam – Kikutstua Café loop from Harestua. This trail spans 77.5 km and typically takes around 6 hours and 48 minutes to complete, leading through dense woodlands and past various water features.

Absolutely. Store Sandungen is a versatile outdoor destination. The area provides opportunities for camping, with several spots around the lake. In winter, when conditions permit, prepared ski trails cross the frozen lake. Hikers can also enjoy the surrounding forest, with routes connecting to various points of interest like Tveitersetra, which offers views over Asker and the Oslofjord.

Store Sandungen is the largest lake in Vestmarka, spanning 2.52 square kilometers and reaching a maximum depth of 36 meters. It is triangular in shape, with Vesle Sandungen and Sandungen gård to its west, Sandungskalven to the north, and Hakkloa gård to the southeast. The Katnoselva river flows into Store Sandungen from the west, and its outflow towards Hakkloa is in the southeast.

The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route. For example, the moderate Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Furumo has an elevation gain of about 309 meters. More difficult routes, such as the Kikutstua Café – Skjærsjø Dam loop from Besserud, can involve over 1170 meters of ascent, indicating a challenging ride through the hilly Vestmarka landscape.

Yes, the forest roads around Store Sandungen are part of a larger network. For instance, the stretch from Sandungskalven south to Hakkloa gård is part of a popular cycling route that extends from Stryken to Kikut, connecting Store Sandungen to wider regional cycling opportunities.