The Coastal Route, known in Norwegian as Kystruta, is Norway’s National Cycle Route 1. It brings together a succession of coastal journeys, from the Oslofjord and the southern shore to the fjords, islands and Arctic landscapes of the north. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is responsible for the national routes’ alignment and signposting.
A coast-spanning itinerary
Visit Norway describes the route through Svinesund, Kristiansand, Bergen, Trondheim and the North Cape to Kirkenes. The Public Roads Administration divides it into sections, making it practical to focus on a particular part of the coast rather than ride the whole itinerary in one trip.
The European route numbers help place those sections in a wider network. Between Bergen and the North Cape, the Coastal Route coincides with EuroVelo 1, the Atlantic Coast Route. From Bergen via Lindesnes and along the Oslofjord towards Svinesund, it forms part of EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route.
Bergen, the south and the Atlantic Road
South of Bergen, the route passes Stord, Bømlo and Haugesund on its way to Stavanger. Beyond the city, the open landscape of Jæren offers opportunities to detour to sandy beaches; the coastal itinerary continues through Egersund, Flekkefjord and Farsund towards Lindesnes.
Farther north, Norwegian Scenic Route Atlanterhavsvegen forms part of National Cycle Route 1. Its bridges bring riders close to the sea, while Bud, at the western end of the scenic road, offers a waterfront walk past Ergan Coastal Fort. The scenic-route authority cautions cyclists about strong winds on the bridges and potentially heavy traffic in high season.
North through islands and Arctic landscapes
EuroVelo’s Norwegian guide describes the northern coast as a journey through contrasting landscapes: agricultural country in Trøndelag, the Arctic Circle on the Helgeland coast, and mountains rising above the sea in Lofoten and Senja. Trondheim provides a cultural stop, with Nidaros Cathedral among its attractions.
On Senja, the national cycle route follows the scenic road. The island also offers beaches and walks among mountains and coastal scenery. Norwegian Scenic Routes identifies ferry links between Gryllefjord and Andenes, and between Botnhamn and Brensholmen; check their schedules when designing an itinerary.
Plan around crossings and tunnels
This is a route to research section by section. The Public Roads Administration says signposting varies across the national network and that most routes use roads shared with motor traffic. Carry navigation and check local conditions rather than relying on signs alone.
Tunnels and ferries need particular attention. Some tunnels on Norway’s national routes prohibit cycling and require alternative transport; check the restrictions for your chosen stretch and whether a bus or train can take your bicycle. Bring front and rear lights. SykkelNorge says its team has not certified or fully assessed the Bergen–Lindesnes section for safety, signs, tunnels, bridges and ferries, and recommends planning accommodation and ferry times.