The best road cycling routes around Varpen

Road cycling around Varpen offers a mix of farming landscapes and slightly hilly terrain. Routes often follow the shores of Lake Varpan, providing scenic views. The surfaces can include both asphalt and gravel, with generally low traffic conditions.

Yes, the Varpen area is well-suited for easy rides. The 'Varpan runt' bike path, for instance, is an easy 18 km loop around the lake, perfect for a leisurely pace. On komoot, you can find routes like the Fjällmyrtjärnen loop from Bollnäs and the Ljusnan loop from Bollnäs, both classified as easy and offering relaxed rides through varied scenery.

The region is rich in cultural history. The village of Österå, historically known for its copper smelters and part of the Falun World Heritage Site, is a notable highlight. You can also spot historic miners' farms, which are part of the Falun World Heritage Site, along some routes. Österå was even known as 'Falun's Saint Tropez' due to its picturesque lakeside location.

Absolutely. The routes around Lake Varpan pass by several bathing areas. Gullnäsgården is a popular spot for a refreshing swim, especially during the summer. Other bathing areas include Bergsgården and Boysen Beach, offering pleasant stops along your ride.

The warmer months, typically spring through early autumn, are ideal for road cycling around Varpen. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and the bathing areas are open, allowing you to combine your ride with a swim. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage.

This guide features a selection of highly-rated routes, including three distinct road cycling tours. The komoot community has explored many more, with over 20 road cyclists having used komoot to discover the varied terrain around Varpen.

While many routes are easy, there are options for longer distances. For example, the Herten – Voxnan loop from Bollnäs is a moderate 54.6 km (33.9 miles) trail that takes about 2 hours 32 minutes to complete, leading through a mix of open and forested areas. This offers a more extended ride for those seeking a greater challenge.

Yes, circular routes are a prominent feature of road cycling in Varpen. The 'Varpan runt' is a well-known loop around the lake. Many of the routes available on komoot, such as the Fjällmyrtjärnen loop from Bollnäs, are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The road surfaces around Varpen are varied, consisting of both asphalt and gravel sections. This mix adds to the regional character of the rides, but generally, the paths are suitable for road bikes, especially those designed for varied terrain.

While specific cafes are not detailed for every route, the presence of villages like Österå and bathing areas such as Gullnäsgården suggests opportunities for refreshments, particularly in the summer months. It's advisable to check local listings for current opening times and availability.

Road cyclists often praise the serene views of Lake Varpan, the charming farming landscapes, and the low traffic conditions that make for a pleasant and relaxed ride. The combination of natural beauty and cultural history, including sites part of the Falun World Heritage, also adds to the appeal.

The entire loop around Lake Varpan offers continuous scenic views, especially where the path follows the lake shores. The picturesque village of Österå, with its lakeside location, is also considered a beautiful spot to pause and take in the surroundings.