4.3
(339)
1,816
riders
27
rides
Touring cycling routes around Sula traverse a landscape characterized by dramatic, weather-beaten terrain, featuring sparse vegetation, rock formations, and significant elevation changes. The island offers panoramic views from various points, including higher peaks. The terrain includes diverse areas such as pine forests and marshlands. While many surfaces are paved, some segments can be unpaved and challenging.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.7
(122)
586
riders
23.1km
01:34
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(38)
269
riders
13.7km
00:54
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.4
(21)
114
riders
10.2km
00:43
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
47
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
38
riders
10.0km
00:42
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A subsidiary peak of Aksla from which you have a magnificent view over Ålesund and into the distance
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The stairs are well-maintained. Not recommended for use in flip-flops.
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The port city is located on Norway's west coast. Ålesund is notable for its Art Nouveau architecture. After a major fire in 1904, it was almost completely rebuilt, using this distinctive architectural style. This makes the city one of the most attractive in the country. Ålesund stretches across several islands connected by bridges and tunnels. This creates impressive views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. The viewpoint on the local mountain, Aksla, is famous – from here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the harbor, as well as the Sunnmøre Alps in the distance. Source: seereiseplanung-kreuzfahrte.de A short trip to the Geirangerfjord is recommended.
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Beautiful cycling and hiking trail from downtown Ålesund to the Aksla summit cross viewpoint. After 418 steps, you reach Fjellstua. It can be reached by bike via a road. Definitely worth a visit
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Aksel Thalberg Holm (1890-1947) was born in Alesund and grew up in Molovein. He took over the company Oluf Holm A/S founded by his father and significantly expanded the business both at home and abroad. The main product was medicinal oil. The company dominated the world market. When war broke out in 1940, Holm was German consul and member of the Presidium. He gained a central position when the Presidium asked him to negotiate with the squatters, a task for which he received great thanks from the city's judicial authorities. For this legacy, as well as for his donations to the cultural life in the city, the municipality has the opportunity to connect this place. [ Source: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=243247 ]
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The young town of Ålesund got its own church in 1855. It was a stone church with Heinrich Ernst Schirmer (1814-1887) as architect. He was also the architect for the churches in Ørsta, Vartdal and Hareid - and from 1857 for Strøm Church. Strøm Church near Skarnes at Kongsvinger is very similar to the church that fell victim to the town fire on January 23, 1904. Neighbouring wooden houses were preserved after the fire, while the stone church burned! The explanation is that the tower hatches were left open so that the sound of the church bells warning of the fire could reach as far as possible among the people in the town. 850 houses burned, 10,000 people were left homeless - and the town had no church. In a busy period of reconstruction, when one might think that every family had enough for their own needs, work to build a new church was nevertheless given high priority. An architectural competition was announced as early as the summer of 1904. 63 proposals were received! The proposal by architect Sverre Knudsen from Oslo won. The old church, as is usual for Norwegian churches, had the choir facing east – towards the sunrise and the direction of Jesus' return. To take advantage of the topography and have a beautiful entrance from Øwregata, sheltered from the western weather, the end of the church was turned and the main entrance was facing east. This way the choir façade – with stained glass – had plenty of space facing the wide Aspøgata. The foundation stone was laid by the new king on 13 July 1906. King Haakon 7 was then on his first visit to Ålesund after being crowned king in Nidaros Cathedral. A reminder for us of the change that was taking place in our country at exactly that time – Norway became a free nation in 1905. The church is built of natural stone (Ålesund Wall) and clad with marble stone from Lyngstad in Eide municipality in Nordmøre. 2,000 square meters of marble stone cover the church façade – the stone has shades of pink, gray and black in the white, but still: it is marble! Stones from the same quarry can be found, for example, in Rønnebergbua, Fladmarkhuset and the narrow house in Kongensgate. The church was consecrated on September 15, 1909. [ Source: https://www.visitnorway.de/listings/%C3%85lesund-kirche/30031/ ]
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Old church from 1909 It's worth a visit The stained glass windows are well worth seeing
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Sula offers a diverse network of over 25 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 6 easy, 15 moderate, and 5 difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable ride for almost every cyclist.
Sula's terrain is characterized by dramatic, weather-beaten landscapes with significant elevation changes. While many surfaces are paved, some segments can be unpaved and challenging. Routes often involve substantial elevation gain, with some rides taking up to five hours and involving 1500 ft of ascent, demanding good fitness. You'll encounter sparse trees, rock formations, pine forests, and marshlands.
Yes, many routes in Sula are designed as loops. For example, the Stone Bunker – View of Ålesund from Byrampen loop from Ålesund is a moderate 23.3 km circular route offering views towards Ålesund city. Another option is the Ålesund – Ålesund Harbour loop from Ålesund, a moderate 13.7 km path exploring the city's waterfront.
Sula offers numerous panoramic viewpoints. You can experience stunning vistas on routes like the Aksla Viewpoint – View of Ålesund from Fjellstua loop from Ålesund. Specific highlights include the View of Ålesund from Fjellstua, the Aksla Viewpoint Stairs (418 Steps) – View of Ålesund, and the View of Ålesund from Aksla. You might also encounter lakes like Mausavatnet Lake and Svartevatnet Pond.
The touring cycling routes around Sula are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 340 reviews. Cyclists often praise the dramatic landscapes, coastal views, and the variety of terrain, from pine forests to challenging unpaved sections, that make for an adventurous outdoor experience.
For those seeking a longer ride, the Ålesund Harbour – Ålesund Harbour loop from Vegsundholmane-Veibustholmen naturreservat is a moderate 36.3 km route. This trail offers a more extended exploration of the region's coastal beauty and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
Sula, being an island in western Norway, experiences distinct seasons. While specific recommendations depend on personal preference, the warmer months typically offer more favorable conditions for cycling. Be prepared for potentially challenging weather, as the island is known for its weather-beaten landscapes. Always check local forecasts before heading out.
Cyclists should be aware that roads on Sula are often single-lane, necessitating caution and awareness of other traffic. Some routes also feature unpaved and steep sections where you might need to push your bike. The significant elevation changes on many routes also require a good level of fitness.
While Sula is known for its rugged terrain, there are 6 easy touring cycling routes available. These routes generally have less elevation gain and smoother surfaces, making them more accessible for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. Always check the route details on komoot for specific difficulty ratings and terrain information.
Specific parking information for each trailhead is typically available within the individual route descriptions on komoot. Given Sula's remote nature, it's advisable to check these details in advance, especially for less frequented routes, to ensure convenient access to your chosen starting point.
Sula stands out for its dramatic, weather-beaten landscapes, offering a sense of wild, northern beauty. Its remote nature means it's a 'secret gem' less frequented by tourists, providing a more serene cycling experience. The island boasts significant elevation, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Ålesund archipelago, the Sunnmøre Alps, and the vast coastal expanse of western Norway from its higher peaks.
Yes, several routes provide excellent views of Ålesund. The View of Ålesund from Aksla – Aksla Bunker loop from Flatholmen havn is a moderate 11.2 km route that specifically highlights these panoramic vistas. You'll be able to see the city from various elevated points along the way.


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