“I’m an MTB enthusiast and ride in the mountains as often as I can. The great thing about cycling in Trysil is the variety – flow trails, pump tracks, skill parks and technical mountain biking trails. You can really choose your ride based on your preferences and ability,” says Martin Sturmhoefel.

The great thing about cycling in Trysil is the variety

Mountain biking to Nordre Kanken

Trail bike map

Trail bike map

See the trail bike map here

Martin is well known in the mountains around Fageråsen and has a clear favourite route that he is happy to share.

“I start at Høyfjellssenteret and follow Fjellrunden (134 blue) heading west. Just before Grønskaret, I turn left onto Grønskaretstien (59 red). From there it climbs steadily – not too steep, but quite bumpy and slightly rocky. After about 1 km of climbing, you turn left onto Skarvboa (58 red), and after a bit more ascent you reach a plateau just below the summit of Trysilfjellet, where you can enjoy a fantastic view.

Are you still with me? Take a look at the bike map and you’ll see the trails and understand exactly where I mean,” Martin says with a smile.

You continue on Skarvboa all the way up to Nordre Kanken, 1,022 metres above sea level – with plenty of great views along the way. From there, follow the gravel road south towards the area where you exit the Toppekspressen/Skihytta-Ekspress lift. Then continue along the road marked “Toppen” on the cycling map for about 500 metres.

When the red trail 58, Skarvboa, crosses the road, turn left and climb a short section on Fageråsstien (57 black). From there, ride down Grønskaretstien (59 red) back to Fjellrunden, which you follow north for a short stretch before finishing on the fun and flowy Fjellflyten (20 blue).

“Phew,” laughs Martin Sturmhoefel. “That might sound complicated, but once you’re out riding, it’s easy to follow. Everything is well signposted.”

Martin’s favourite ride is suitable for anyone comfortable on red trails. It combines technical climbs with playful descents, without any extremely steep sections, and offers great flow and panoramic views in all directions. The route is about 14 km long with 450 metres of elevation gain.

Playful Blue Ride

Martin has several tips. This tip is also based on Fjellrunden, the nice round that goes around Trysilfjellet.

“This route is really playful,” says Martin.

Start by cycling Fjellrunden (134 blue) west from Høyfjellssenteret, then join Fjellflyten (20 blue) and continue onto a loop on the newly built Fjellroastien (53 blue). On a warm summer day, it’s well worth taking a break for a cold drink at Restaurant Fjellroa, which is close by.

“Mountain biking above the tree line is quite unique. Even at the start, you’re already above 800 metres, which means you enjoy great views in every direction from start to finish.”

Even before the start, you are at over 800 meters altitude, and this means that you cycle with a nice view in all directions from start to finish

There are mountains, but it’s not steep, which makes cycling in Fageråsen accessible to everyone. “Just give it a try,” concludes MTB enthusiast Martin Sturmhoefel.

Text: Runa Eggen