Around Jotunheimen

NORWAY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL TOUR

Enrollment

28.-29. June 2024

One of the world’s most beautiful bicycle races

– And definitely among the toughest

Due to the nature of the race and logistics, there is a very limited number of places for the Jotunheimen Rundt. We recommend that you go early, and should you not get a place, it will be possible to buy places from others when it gets closer. It may be a good idea to post a search on Finn.no.

Should you not be able to get a place this year, we can highly recommend the Sognefjell Rittet, which is a more manageable mini-version of the Jotunheimen Rundt, but with many of the same good experiences and magnificent scenery.

Infographics

430 km

4609 m

Here you will find the trail map with a downloadable GPS track

Riding manual – coming here.

Registration prices

01.12.23 – 31.12.23: NOK 2,100
01.01.24 – 29.02.24: NOK 2,250
01.03.24 – 30.04.23: NOK 2,400
01.05.24 – 28.06.23: NOK 2,500

Team competition: NOK 12,300
for teams of up to 6 people
(NB! Names of team members can be filled in later.)

Height profile

About the Ride

The start is from Lærdal and the trail follows the E16 up the lush Lærdalsdalen along the Lærdal river, past Borgund stave church and over Filefjell. You pass Nystuen Høyfjellshotell, down to and along Vangsmjøsi, through Vestre Slidre and up to Fagernes.

From there we follow county road 51 to Randen, the road “lifts” you through Jotunheimen. On this part of the track you pass some of the most beautiful natural gems in Valdres: Øystre Slidre and the well-known Beitostølen. At Bygdin, “M/B Bitihorn” is located by the quay. Enjoy the view from Valdresflya, where peaks, peaks and glaciers in Jotunheimen meet you in an unforgettable way. The tour continues past the mountain lake Gjende, idyllic hamlets along the Sjoa – and you get a magnificent view of Vågåvatnet before you take the steep descent to Randen. Rev. 15 takes you into Lom, the municipality where both Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind are located. These are the two highest mountains in Norway with peaks of 2469 and 2452 meters above sea level.

From Lom, you follow the famous Sognefjellsvegen through Bøverdalen, where the valley sides are so steep that it is said that they cultivate the soil on both sides.

The Sognefjellsvegen is Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, at 1440 m above sea level at Fantesteinen. Here you will encounter several meter high plow edges. This, together with the mountain wind, “will make the hot panna swallow” (according to AO Vinje) – before you plunge the 14 sharp bends past Turtagrø and down to Fortun and Skjolden. The trip continues along the world’s longest fjord, the Sognefjorden, past Gaupne, which is the commercial and municipal center in Luster, Marifjøra with the world’s shortest national road (245 m) and you reach the finish line in the regional center Sogndal after 430 km.

The track is demanding with some climbing (4609 m) and some tough descents, so make sure you are well trained. The ride should not be a rush, but a trip for those who like to cycle, cycle, cycle and enjoy nature and take your time at the seven food stations.

There is a stew on Lom and there will be a bed for you who want to relax a bit before you start the climb up to the trail’s highest point on Sognefjellet (1440 m). There will be some simple barbecue food after arriving in Sogndal. We will do what we can to ensure that you have a wonderful and memorable experience.

The race has been organized since 1991. Styrkeprøven AS is responsible for the operation in collaboration with Sogn CK, which owns the race. Together we will ensure a well and professionally executed event and safeguard the race’s long tradition and unique, homely atmosphere.

We wish you a warm welcome to the cycling festival through the heart of mountain Norway and good luck with your preparations!

Should this be the longest and hardest part for you, we can highly recommend the Sognefjell ride , which is a more manageable mini version of the Jotunheimen Rundt.

The food station at Lemonsjøen has been moved from Randsverk. It is about 3 km past Randsverk.

Intermediate times

There will be the following intermediate times:

(* applies to both JR and SE)

Information

• Start area and race office in Lærdal

  The riding office is in the sports hall in Lærdal (Skulevegen 11).
  
  The ride office opens on Friday 28. June at 15:00.
  
  The starting area is in the center of Lærdal – Øyreplassen

  
  

  

  
  

• Start times in Lærdal on Friday 28. June

  at 18:00 Start for those who spend more than 20 hours.
  
  NB! The start for those who spend more than 20 hours is set up to take account of the food stations. By cycling faster than what is stipulated, you risk arriving at unmanned food stations. Due to the large number of participants in this pool, it will be split up. We recommend that those who expect to drive slowly to park at the back at the start.
  
  Team competition :
  
  at 20:30 Up to 10 teams with 6 participants.
  
  Ordinary pools :
  
  at 21:10 Start first main group (assumed fastest riders)

  
  

  at 21:20 Start second main group

  
  

  NB! If the actual pool size becomes very large, this can then be divided into up to three sub-pools at the start for safety reasons. Be sure to line up with those you want to start with and those who expect to be the fastest riders first.

  
  

• Trail and food stations

  The trail is 430 km in total and has a 4,609 meter climb. Many say that this is the most beautiful race organized in Northern Europe.
  
  The start of the race takes place in the center of Lærdal and follows the E16 up Lærdalsdalen, over Filefjell to Fagernes. From Fagernes follow county road 51 over Valdresflya and down to Randen. Highway 15 is followed to Lom.
  
  From Lom you follow the Sognefjellveien, with Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, 1440 m above sea level.
  
  From Sognefjellet, the road goes around Turtagrø and down to Fortun and Skjolden. The trip continues along the Sognefjord until you reach the finish line in Sogndal.
  
  “Timeout” of 3 minutes at Fagernes and Randsverk applies to the tight group.
  
  Jotunheimen Rundt is a touring race where accompanying cars are not permitted. As a consequence of this, there is a mandatory stop for the tight group of 3 minutes at Fagernes and Randsverk respectively. This has been done so that those in the tight group will have the opportunity to fill up on food and drink, without being dependent on a companion car.
  
  “TIMEOUT” down Sognefjellet
  
  The timeout introduced down Sognefjellet is continued. The background for this is safety assessments, both for riders and other traffic. The road is not closed to other traffic, and there is some tourist traffic in the area. The timeout works so that riders must spend a minimum of 22 minutes descending from Sognefjellet. If riders drive faster than this, they will receive a time allowance of twice the time they have driven faster. For example: if you have cycled in 19 minutes, the additional time will be 3 x 2 = 6 minutes.
  
  Escort cars are not allowed in the race, and participants are therefore recommended to use our set-up luggage transport to send luggage to the food stations. If you need other service along the way, you can use the ride’s service cars. The race has five well-equipped service cars that will be out on the track.
  
  Maximum time consumption to complete
  
  Maximum time for those starting at 20:30 – 21:15 is 26 hours and for those who start at 18:00 is a maximum of 28 hours. Fagernes must be passed by 04:00, Beitostølen at 06:00, Lemon Lake at 11:00, Sognefjellet at 16:30 and you must be at the finish line in Sogndal before 22:00.

  
  

• Luggage and transport of luggage

  The luggage to be transported by the organizer must be marked and delivered at the start in Lærdal. Participants are themselves responsible for marking their luggage. Transport of luggage is included in the price.

  
  

  The organizer transports return luggage from Lærdal to Sogndal for participants. Handing in luggage (marked with start number, name etc) is handed in at the designated place marked “Bagasje til Sogndal” at the start area in Lærdal Friday evening. The luggage is handed over in the destination area.

  
  

• Bag shipping

  The bag freight is an addition to the normal baggage freight.
  
  Luggage to Lærdal is transported directly by truck. The shipping of bags is more complicated.
  
  Luggage is handed in to the trucks in Lærdal before the start on Friday evening. Bags for bag shipping are delivered at the same time, but it is important that they are kept separately.

  
  

  Handing in bags for bag shipping takes place at the same time and place. Bag freight does not have the capacity to transport ordinary luggage, only waterproof bags of a maximum of 1.5 kg that are to be taken to the food stations.

  
  

  The scheme
  
  You can deliver up to 5 bags before the start in Lærdal. We use racks that are rolled out at each bag stop as they are packed from the start to the respective food stations.
  
  You yourself must ensure that the bags are put on the right rack in Lærdal, so that those going to Fagernes are placed on a rack going to Fagernes, and similarly for the other food stations. You yourself have to remember the number of the rack you put your bags in. Tip! Place each bag with the same number (e.g. Fagernes 2 and Beitostølen 2 etc.) on the same shelf. Then it will be easy to find your bag at all stops.

  
  

  After you have “used” your bag
  
  When you have “used” the bag, we transport it to your destination where you get it back together with your luggage. In order for this to go smoothly, you must put a used/or unused bag in the designated place for used bags so that these are taken to the finish line. If this does not happen, the bag will remain at the food station until the last rider has passed.

  
  

  The bags
  
  The bags must be waterproof. They must be marked with start number, name and mobile number. You should also put an extra note in the bag with your name and mobile number so we can find out who owns it if the marking on the outside is lost. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for ensuring that nothing gets lost along the way.
  
  To ensure that nothing can fall out, we recommend using packing bags/drybags such as one of these or equivalent:
  
  https://www.biltema.no/fritid/reise/ryggsekker/vanntett-pakkepose-2000034198
  
  https://oslosportslager.no/fold-drybag-bs-xs-vanntett-pose-3l-6985.aspx
  
  https://bikeshop.no/exped/nyexped1002/exped-fold-bs-drybag-10-000-mm-vannsøyle-70-d-nylon
  
  https://www.xxl.no/silva-dry-bag-r-pet-3l-torrsekk-gra/p/1172067_1_style
  
  You cannot use normal plastic bags or similar. Experience shows that they break easily and you risk losing what you had in the bag. The bags can weigh a maximum of 1.5 kg. There is limited space so we cannot transport other luggage or larger bags with the bag freight. In other words, you have to pack small. We hope everyone will contribute to making bag shipping manageable by not bringing too much in the bags.

  
  

  What you can have in the bags
  
  Here is an example of what you may need. This depends on the weather so check the weather forecast before packing your bags. Thomas Svane Jacobsen has written an article in Masterclass about what he packs in his bags for Styrkeprøven here . Although this is not directly transferable to Jotunheimen Rundt, it can give an indication of what you should bring with you.
  
  Fagernes – you are over Filefjell, and now you have to go up about 500 m before you are at Beitostølen.
  
  Beitostølen – many people want to wear more clothes before going over Valdresflya, so maybe a windproof jacket or rain jacket, extra sweater if it’s cold, extra loose arms or legs.
  
  Randsverk – if you want to change into dry clothes after the mountain, you can e.g. a dry shirt, socks, gloves, an extra hose and an extra air cartridge are a good idea.
  
  Lom – new mountain awaits, but it goes uphill all the way to Sognefjellshytta.
  
  Sognefjellshytta – from here you go down to the fjord again. Maybe you want a warmer jacket, warmer gloves, an extra hose and an extra air cartridge.
  
  You can of course also put a muesli bar or two and some gel in your bag, but don’t use the bags to carry drinks. Drinking is heavy, and it can get a lot sticky for both you and others.
  
  

  
  

• Bus routes

  AROUND JOTUNHEIMEN (Saturday)
  
  14:30 Extra bus Sogndal to Lærdal (from the shuttle station)
  
  15:30 Regular bus from Sogndal to Lærdal. Route 800 + 840
  
  17:00 Extra bus from Sogndal to Lærdal (from the shuttle station) + car with trailer (from the shuttle station)
  
  22:30 Regular scheduled bus to Oslo (cloud station) VY170

  
  

  THE PARISH MOUNTAIN RIDE
  
  08:00 Extra bus over Sognefjellet to Lom (from the shuttle station) arrival approx. 10:51
  
  08:35 Ordinary scheduled bus over Sognefjellet to Lom. Route 860 arrival approx. 11:40
  
  12:50 Lorry from Lom to Sogndal (from the starting area)
  
  12:50 Return bus from Lom to Sogndal (from the starting area)
  
  17:00 Regular scheduled bus from Lom to Sogndal Route 860.

  
  

  AROUND JOTUNHEIMEN – RETURN BUSES (SUNDAY)
  
  07:55 Regular scheduled bus to Bergen (from shuttle station) Regular scheduled bus to Oslo (from shuttle station)
  
  10:30 Extra buses and trucks (from the shuttle station)
  
  11:30 Regular scheduled bus to Oslo (cloud station) VY170

  
  

  Tariffs 2023:
  
  For regular bus routes, the current rates apply at any time.
  
  Sogndal – Lærdal: NOK 100 per adult.
  
  Sogndal – Lærdal: NOK 150 per adult incl. bicycle. Sogndal – Lom: NOK 250 per adult incl. bicycle.
  
  NB! Transport must be prepaid and booked in your registration in EQ timing.

  
  

• Timeout down Sognefjellet

  The timeout that has been introduced down Sognefjellet is continued.
  
  The background for this is safety assessments, both for riders and other traffic. The road is not closed to other traffic, and there is some tourist traffic in the area. The timeout works so that riders must spend a minimum of 22 minutes descending from Sognefjellet. If riders drive faster than this, they will receive a time allowance of double the time they have driven faster. Ex. At 19 minutes, the added time will be 3 x 2 = 6 minutes.

  
  

• Who can participate, what is required?

  To participate in touring races such as the Jotunheimen Rundt or the Sognefjellsrittet, you must turn 17 during the calendar year.

  
  

• Service vehicles and escort vehicles

  Companion cars are not permitted in the Jotunheimen Rundt or the Sognefjellsrittet. In this context, by companion car we mean all cars that provide assistance to the riders. Cars that transport food, drinks, front cars, cars that transport clothes, cars that transport equipment, wheeled cars, cars that accept clothes or glasses etc. Riders associated with such vehicles risk disqualification.
  
  Only the organizer has permission to provide assistance to the participants.

  
  

• Timekeeping

  Jotunheimen Rundt and Sognefjellsrittet use timing with disposable chips. The chips must be attached to both sides of the helmet and must not be handed in at the finish line.
  
  For correct timing/results, the chip must follow you from start to finish. The start time is recorded in Lærdal or Lom, respectively. Passing times in Jotunheimen Rundt are registered at Fagernes, Randsverk, Lom, Sognefjellet, Oskarshaug, Fortun and Marifjøra. The last four also apply to the Sognefjellsrittet.
  
  End time is recorded in Sogndal.

  
  

• Awards, medals and diplomas

  Everyone who completes the race receives a medal and diploma. These are distributed after the finish line.
  
  The diploma is printed from the results pages of Eq-timing, which are published on our websites immediately after the race.
  
  In addition, flowers and attention are given out in accordance with the regulations in force at any given time.

  
  

• Safety

  Safety in a touring race is important, both for participants, organisers, spectators and other road users. The responsibility for ensuring that safety in the race is ensured lies with both the organizer and the participants. Jotunheimen Rundt follows a trail that is open to normal traffic where normal traffic rules apply.
  
  Securing the trail track
  
  The route will be signposted in accordance with guidelines from the Swedish Road Administration and the police.
  
  Signs with black arrows will mark changes of road or direction ahead of each intersection or roundabout. In areas where special caution must be exercised, there will be separate signs.
  
  Note! As a participant in a touring race, you do not have a free way. Normal traffic rules apply to all participants in the race.
  
  NB! NB! Places where you must pay special attention:
  
  Right after the start in Lærdal, the field in Jotunheimen Rundt gathers. Many are eager to get started and push the pace up in spurts. Take it easy and ride disciplined! You soon reach the climbs and the field spreads out.
  
  The descents have proven to be the places where accidents can happen. Drive carefully. The road standard in Norway is “as it is” – there may be holes in the asphalt and other obstacles for us cyclists. Hitting a hole in the asphalt at high speed can lead to a sudden puncture and loss of control over the bike.
  
  The descent down from Filefjell past Tyinkrysset takes place at night and the light is poor. Take it easy!
  
  Down Sognefjellet it is steep and with several sections of very narrow road where there is no room for a large car and bicycle at the same time. In several places, the asphalt surface is poor, so keep your speed down! The turns are tight and there is a lot of braking. The rims get hot, and a puncture can easily occur. Use the front and rear brakes alternately. This is a tour ride, don’t forget that.

  
  

• Environment

  Jotunheimen Rundt and Styrkeprøven have a zero vision for littering along the route. Riders who have to get rid of rubbish/empty bottles and the like must therefore do this in connection with the food stations.
  
  Participants must not throw bottles, hoses, tyres, paper or other rubbish along the trail. Generally, what the rider has taken with him in his “back pocket” at the start must also be brought back to the start or thrown in a marked place at food stations or at the finish line.
  
  NB! Riders observed littering will receive additional time or be disqualified.
  
  NB! Teams participating in the team competition with riders observed littering will receive additional time or be disqualified.
  
  We therefore encourage everyone to take responsibility for the Test of Strength being carried out without littering the surroundings.

  
  

• Sustainability

  The strength test sees the importance of sustainable measures and works actively to minimize the event’s environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices. Some of the ways we work with sustainability in cycling are:
  
  1. Transport: In order to reduce the emissions linked to transport, Jotunheimen Rundt and Styrkeprøven encourage participants to travel by public transport or use alternative means of transport to get to the starting point. We also set up transport of bicycles between Sogndal and Lærdal so that it is easier for you as a participant to travel by public transport.
  
  2. The ban on escort cars also contributes to there being fewer cars on the roads during the race. Bag delivery to selected food stations is also part of this reduction in the number of cars on the road during the event.
  
  3. We have implemented effective waste management processes along the route. We encourage participants to respect nature and throw their waste in dedicated bins at the food stations or at the finish line. We also emphasize the recovery and recycling of waste where possible.
  
  4. Cooperation with local communities: Jotunheimen Rundt and Styrkeprøven emphasize cooperation with local communities and residents. We purchase for the food stations as locally as possible and we work closely with local authorities, voluntary organizations and businesses to ensure that the ride has a positive impact on the communities it passes through.
  
  5. Energy use: The strength test works to minimize energy consumption during the event. We use energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting. The organizers also encourage the use of renewable energy. And through our collaboration with Peugeot, we also use electric cars to the extent possible.
  
  6. Awareness raising and education: The test of strength works actively to raise awareness of sustainability among participants, support staff and the public. We offer information on sustainable choices and encourage responsible behaviour. This may include communication about recycling, reduction of single-use items and appropriate use of natural resources.
  
  The test has recognized the importance of running the race in a way that takes into account the environment and the local communities it affects. By implementing sustainable practices and encouraging awareness and participation from all parties involved, we work to minimize the impact on the environment and facilitate a sustainable cycling race.

  
  

• License

  To participate in the Jotunheimen Rundt or the Sognefjellsrittet, you must have a year-round license through a club affiliated with the Norwegian Cycling Association or a one-off license that applies to the race.

  
  

  A license is mandatory to participate in all types of cycling races organized by the Norwegian Cycling Federation (NCF). It contains i.a. a small accident insurance. For the year-round licence, the insurance applies to accidents during all cycling activities as well as accidents on the journey to and from cycling races. The license is administered by the Norwegian Cycling Association.

  
  

  You can either buy a one-time license or an active license. The one-time license is purchased when you register for the ride.

  
  

  Year-round licenses can be ordered by members of an NCF approved club/team who have paid the annual membership fee to the club/team. The license applies to all types of rides and is valid from the date the license is approved by NCF until December of the same year. The insurance is valid until February of the following year.

  
  

  For more information on licences, see www.sykling.no.

  
  

• Cancellation

  In case of cancellation of the Jotunheimen Rundt or the Sognefjellsrittet before the day of the event, the organizer can keep up to 50% of the registration fee to cover expenses in connection with the organization of the race.
  
  If the race has to be moved to a later date, or canceled so that it can then be arranged at a later date, those who were registered for the race on the original date and who do not show up for the start on the new date are not entitled to a refund of the registration fee.
  
  In the event of cancellation of the Jotunheimen Rundt or Sognefjellsrittet on the day of the race or the day before the day of the race due to unforeseen weather conditions or other “force majeure”, the organizer retains the registration fee.

  
  

  Refund of registration fee
  
  All registrations are binding after the registration fee has been paid.
  
  If the registrant, due to illness or other reasons, cannot participate in the race, all or part of the registration fee will not be refunded.