Ådalselva Naturreservat is a protected area in the Ringerike municipality of Buskerud, Norway, encompassing approximately 5 kilometers of the Begna river, locally known as Ådalselva. This region is characterized by its integrated river system, featuring oxbow lakes, bays, coves, and ponds connected to the main channel, alongside forested areas. The landscape provides varied terrain suitable for several outdoor activities like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and more. Its ecological significance as an overwintering area for waterfowl and diverse wetland bird species contributes to its natural appeal.
Ådalselva Naturreservat offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 1,000 visitors having shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars. The area is well-suited for hiking, with accessible paths and gentle elevation gains, including options for easy hikes and family-friendly hikes. Cyclists can explore scenic riverside routes, with dedicated options for touring cycling and road cycling. For those interested in running, the reserve provides dedicated running trails, often featuring mostly paved surfaces.
49
Routes
4.3
(14)
Average rating
416
People visited

4.0
(2)
33
riders
43.0km
02:52
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

22
riders
39.0km
02:29
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
33.3km
02:43
660m
660m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.0
(1)
9
riders
24km
01:33
290m
290m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
13.2km
03:38
220m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7.86km
02:03
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
6
hikers
16.3km
04:18
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
hikers
8.91km
02:23
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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101
riders
108km
05:10
1,280m
1,280m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

14
riders
98.1km
04:24
950m
950m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

8
riders
26.5km
01:19
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
117km
05:04
970m
970m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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33
runners
7.83km
00:53
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
runners
11.0km
01:11
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
runners
6.28km
00:40
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
12.5km
01:20
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
32.9km
02:41
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3
riders
53.9km
04:17
1,160m
1,170m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
1
riders
36.1km
03:14
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Ådalselva Naturreservat is a protected area in the Ringerike municipality of Buskerud, Norway. It encompasses approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) of the Begna river, known locally as Ådalselva. The reserve is characterized by an integrated river system with oxbow lakes, bays, and ponds, alongside forested areas.
Ådalselva Naturreservat offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The area features diverse terrain suitable for different fitness levels. Visitors have rated routes an average of 4.38 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Ådalselva Naturreservat offers accessible paths with gentle elevation gains suitable for various fitness levels. Specific guides are available for easy hikes and family-friendly hikes. Popular routes include the "Oppenåsen loop from Oppenåsen" and the "Short Walk on the Blue Trail loop from Bålerud."
Popular hiking routes include the 4.1-mile (6.6-kilometer) "Oppenåsen loop from Oppenåsen," the 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) "Short Walk on the Blue Trail loop from Bålerud," and the 4.6-mile (7.4-kilometer) "Riverside View loop from Tolpinrud." These trails offer scenic riverside views and forested sections. Another option is the 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) "Riverside View – Hønefoss Fountain loop from Hønefoss."
Yes, the reserve is popular for both touring and road cycling, with routes often praised for their scenic riverside views. Guides are available for touring cycling, road cycling routes, and traffic-free bike rides.
The reserve features the Ådalselva river, several oxbow lakes, bays, coves, and ponds. Notable natural landmarks include the Raufoss Waterfall and the Hønefossen waterfall in Hønefoss. The area is also known for its diverse habitats supporting various bird species and wildlife.
Yes, the reserve is an important overwintering area for whooper swans and other waterfowl. Wildlife safaris on the tranquil Ådalselva River offer opportunities to spot moose, roe deer, beavers, and a spectacular array of birdlife. Rare freshwater mussels are also present.
Yes, dedicated running trails are available, including routes like the "Hønefossen loop from Muninveien" and "Oppenåsen loop from Muninveien." These are moderate runs often featuring mostly paved surfaces. A guide for running trails is available.
The reserve can be accessed via public transport, with specific hiking routes starting from bus stations. A guide titled Hikes from bus stations in Ådalselva Naturreservat provides relevant information.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including Hiking in Ådalselva Naturreservat, Cycling in Ådalselva Naturreservat, and MTB Trails in Ådalselva Naturreservat. Other guides cover specific interests like family-friendly hikes and waterfall hikes.
An official website for Ådalselva Naturreservat itself is not readily available. Nature reserves in Norway are typically managed by the county governor (Statsforvalteren). The managing authority is the Statsforvalteren in Østfold, Buskerud, Oslo, and Akershus, with an official website at statsforvalteren.no and phone number +47 69 24 70 00.

