The best gravel rides around Rundkollen og Sortungsbekken

The gravel bike trails in Rundkollen og Sortungsbekken are generally considered challenging, featuring significant elevation changes and hilly terrain. While the broader Østmarka region offers varied difficulty, the routes highlighted in this guide are all rated as difficult, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills. For example, the Sørkedalen General Store & Café – Kikutstua loop from Harestua involves over 1000 meters of elevation gain.

You can expect a diverse and scenic landscape characterized by extensive coniferous forests, serene lakes, and a hilly terrain with valleys and ridges. The area is part of the larger Østmarka Naturreservat, offering a picturesque backdrop for your rides. Routes like the Skjærsjø Dam – Skjærsjøen Lake loop from Harestua will take you through these varied natural features.

Yes, for those seeking longer adventures, the region offers extensive routes. The Skjærsjø Dam – Skjærsjøen Lake loop from Harestua is a substantial 60.5-mile (97.3 km) trail, typically completed in about 9 hours 15 minutes. Another challenging option is the Sørkedalen General Store & Café – Kikutstua loop from Harestua, which spans 42.8 miles (68.9 km).

The best time for gravel biking in Rundkollen og Sortungsbekken is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, the trails are generally free of snow and ice, and the coniferous forests and lakes are at their most vibrant. The varied terrain is most enjoyable when conditions are dry.

While the region is known for its extensive network of trails, winter conditions can be challenging. The hilly terrain and potential for snow and ice mean that some sections may require riders to dismount and push their bikes. It's advisable to check local weather and trail conditions before attempting winter rides and to be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially slippery surfaces.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Rundkollen og Sortungsbekken are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Hakadal and the longer Skjærsjø Dam – Skjærsjøen Lake loop from Harestua, both offering a complete circuit through the landscape.

The region features a hilly landscape with several prominent elevations. Rundkollen itself is the highest point at 592 meters, and Sortungshøgda stands at 510 meters. These mountains contribute to the significant elevation changes you'll encounter on the trails, offering challenging climbs and rewarding views.

Some routes incorporate stops at local establishments. For instance, the Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop from Hakadal is named after a café, suggesting a potential refreshment point. The Sørkedalen General Store & Café – Kikutstua loop from Harestua also mentions a general store and café, providing opportunities for a break.

The unique appeal of gravel biking here lies in its combination of rugged beauty, significant elevation changes, and diverse natural features. As part of the Østmarka Naturreservat, the area offers an extensive network of both paved and unpaved segments winding through dense coniferous forests and past serene lakes, providing both physical challenge and scenic beauty away from urban noise.

While the guide focuses on Rundkollen og Sortungsbekken, the broader Østmarka region extends into neighboring municipalities like Nittedal and Lunner. The extensive network of gravel roads means that routes often traverse these areas, connecting various points of interest. For example, the Kikutstua – Kikutstua Café loop starts from Hakadal, which is located in Nittedal municipality, giving you a taste of the surrounding landscape.

As the area is part of a nature reserve with extensive forests and lakes, you might encounter various wildlife. Keep an eye out for forest birds, small mammals, and potentially larger animals like deer. The serene environment offers a chance to observe nature, especially during quieter times of the day.