HallingSpranget

Description

Booking of the cycle bus from the center of Nesbyen to the start of the HallingSpranget: https://nesbyenbooking.no/p2588?source=trailguide

The HallingSpranget is one of Northern Europe's longest family-friendly cycle paths. The 17 km trip offers a spectacular journey all the way from Nesfjellet down to the valley floor. Don't be put off by the length! The blue-graded, family-friendly path has a number of rest areas with seating areas along the way. Take your time, remember to pack a lunch and enjoy the view. The HallingSpranget is a memorable ride and great fun for experienced cyclists too.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE TOP

The Fjellinken cycle bus transports both cyclists and bicycles from the center of Nesbyen to the start of the trail every day in the summer season (6 departures per day). Book transport here. It is also possible to drive yourself to the start of the trail, but there are very limited parking options at the top.

ABOUT THE PATH

The path consists of slightly dosed bends on a compact surface of gravel. The tour has a couple of parts with a climb that requires pedaling or rolling the bike, including 70 meters in height at the very start. Don't lose heart here! The trail is mainly downhill (a total of 1,000 metres) and for most of the time you can only concentrate on adjusting your speed and enjoying the turns. With a blue grading (moderately demanding), this is a path that most cyclists can master, while also being fun for more experienced cyclists. A couple of short sections on the trail are slightly steeper and more challenging than the rest (marked as demanding sections). You can roll the bike through these sections if you wish. The top kilometer of the trail is on Snaufjellet and offers spectacular views in all directions. The path then winds through a spectacular landscape, past marshes and airy viewpoints, through dark and mysterious old-growth forest and open pine forest before it ends in the center of Nesbyen. The HallingSpranget foundation is behind the trail and Trailhead Nesbyen has been responsible for the construction.

TIME USE, EQUIPMENT AND EXPERIENCE

17 km and 1000 meters of altitude downhill on the bike seat should not be underestimated, especially if you have children with you. The recommended lower age limit is 7 years for children with basic cycling experience. Younger cyclists should have a lot of cycling experience. Families with children normally spend between 2 and 4 hours from top to bottom. Fast cyclists spend around 1 hour down.

The trip requires endurance and basic cycling skills. Good brakes and tires with some width are important, especially for inexperienced and young cyclists. Mountain bike with suspension fork is recommended. Full dampers are not necessary, but make the ride more comfortable. Bicycle carts / bicycle trolleys are not recommended. It is possible to rent a trail bike from Furi in Nesbyen. If you are unsure of your own skills, we recommend testing the Blåbærtrøkket or Storetopstien (search on Trailguide.net) first.

SMART TIPS FOR A BETTER CYCLING EXPERIENCE

Lower the seat on downhill slopes (provides better control in the event of obstacles and variations in the terrain)

Use both brakes (and preferably no more than 2 fingers on the brake lever)

Stand centered on the bike (keep the pedal arms parallel to the ground when not pedaling)

Remember repair equipment (e.g. patch kits or extra hose, pump, tools to adjust the seat post)

Everything you wonder about trail cycling in Nesbyen can be found at www.visitnesbyen.no/sykling/

Do you need to rent a bike? Book a bike and helmet at Furi Utleie in Nesbyen: www.furi.no.

If you want a guide or technical training, see here: www.visitnesbyen.no/shuttling-og-guiding/

Access

SHUTTLE, GUIDE AND PARKING

Booking of the cycle bus from the center of Nesbyen to the start of the HallingSpranget: https://nesbyenbooking.no/p2588

Taxi or own car to the start of the trail is also an option.

For those who are fit, or have an electric bike, it is possible to cycle from the very center of Nesbyen to the top of the path. Here is the shortest route to the top: https://trailguide.net/8497

If you want to park your own car, there is a small parking pocket near the start of the trail (Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/Ntr2mqbZbs8jEAjCA), but this has limited space. Alternatively, the car park at Nesfjellet Golf has plenty of space, a bike wash, charging for electric bikes and a service station. From here there is a few hundred meters of elevation gain up to the start of the path. An overview of cyclist-friendly car parks in Nesbyen can be found here: www.visitnesbyen.no/parkering/