Sykkeltur Horten – Tønsberg – Hvasser

Horten – Borre – Åsgårdstrand – Ringshaug- Tønsberg

The surroundings are varied with forests, cultural landscapes and small towns. The substrate changes slightly on the way to Tønsberg with both wide and slightly narrower trails through idyllic forest areas. Once at Hvasser, there are various food options and hiking opportunities. It is also possible to take the bus back to Tønsberg.

Challenges: You have to follow the signs along National Bicycle Route 1 to find the way. There may be some car noise along the way on the road beyond Nøtterøy, especially during the public holidays. Separate bike paths next to it still make the route safe.

Start point / end point: Horten harbor / Hvasser v / Tjøme
Distance: 56 km
Estimated time: Two days
Substrate: Approx. 85% asphalt, 15% dirt road / wide path
Total climb: 440 h
Difficulty: Easy
Suitable for: Families with cycling children from 9-10 years
Recommended bike type: Most bike types can be used, but road bikes are less suitable here.
Digital map link: here

Source: VG – Fem fine sykkelturer for familien

Sykkeltur Oslo – Sandefjord

The route starts in Oslo and goes along bike-friendly roads through Asker and Bærum to Drammen, and further south in a flat and bicycle-friendly landscape through Vestfold. The tour offers varied landscapes in easy terrain. Ride through beautiful cultural landscapes with plenty of great swimming spots along the way. Included in the price are 3 night at a hotel w/breakfast, infomaterial, directions and Merlot GPS map. 

Day by day

Day 1 Oslo – Drammen 48 km

The route goes on a bike path parallel to the E18 to Lysaker. From there you follow National Cycle Route 1 via small roads to Bærum and on to Nesbru and Asker center. From asker the route goes to Lier and further along Drammenselva. The hotel is located close to the train station. It is possible to take the train from Asker to Drammen if you want to avoid hills over Liertoppen.

Day 2 Drammen – Horten 50 km

Here the route follows the cycle path along Drammenselva and continoues up light slopes towards Sande. The pier in Holmestrand is well suited for a lunch break with views of the fjord and marina. Further south you follow small roads towards Horten. Here it is recommended to take a walk in the area around the old navy base Karljohansvern. The area offers historical experiences in scenic surroundings. Today's best swimming spots can be found at Holm in Sandebukta and Hagermannsparken in Holmestrand.

Day 3 Horten – Sandefjord 55 km

The last day of cycling starts with following National cycle path 1 out of Horten on forest trails towards Åsgårdstrand. You will pass Midgard Vikingsenter where you can take a closer look at the life of the Vikings in Vestfold. The center constantly has exciting new exhibitions, which illustrate various aspects of Viking history. The center is located by the beautiful Borrehaugene, which is one of Norway's most important national cultural monuments. Be sure to visit the magnificent Guild Hall – a reconstruction of one of the Vikings' great banqueting halls. In Åsgårdstrand you ride past Edvard Munch's house, which is often open to visitors. Furthermore, a cycle path is followed along the coast towards Tønsberg. At Skallevollstranda it is nice to go for a swim.

In the center of Tønsberg you have the opportunity to visit Haugar Vestfold Art Museum where you can, among other things, see Andy Warhol's tribute to Munch. Make a stop at Vikingodden on the dock in Tønsberg and see the replicas of the Vikingships: Oseberg ship and the Klåstad ship. On weekends, there are skilled guides in place who tell about Vestfold's Viking history. The route continues through Stokke municipality and the idyllic melsomvik, with good swimming spots along the way. The further journey passes the Gokstad Ship's burial ground. before arriving in Sandefjord. Hereyou can visit Hvalfangsmuseet – the national and international knowledge and activity center for whale and whaling history. Dinner can be enjoyed on the edge of the pier, for example at Brygga 11, Geir Skeie to enjoy some delicious seafood.

Day 4 – Sandefjord

Home travel day. After breakfast at the hotel, the program is over. Take the bike on the train back to Oslo, or continue exploring Vestfold. Take a ferry from Engø boat harbor via Veierland to Tenvik on Nøtterøy. Veierland is a charming car-free island that is explored on foot or by bike. After arriving in Tenvik you can ride your bake to the magnificent The World's End for magical nature experiences and a bite to eat. 

 

Period: Every day from May 15 to August 3, 2020.
Price: NOK 1.750,-
For more information and to book your tour, contact Merlot Travels. 

Bicycle trails in Horten

A wonderful place to bike
Could you imagine a bike ride along a beautiful coastline with exciting historic trails?
Then Horten is the right place. This is Vestfold's bike deerado due to the flat nice stretches Horten has to offer. Here young and old can join – for the terrain is suitable for people of all ages and with different physical levels.

Horten – a bikefriendly city
In 2016 it was decided that the municipality of Horten will be a bicycle city. A cooperation between the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Vestfold County Municipality and the municipality of Horten will help develop the cycling opportunities in Horten until 2020. Yet, today, Horten stands out with its long straight stretches through beautiful countryside, adventurous forests, historical trails and a beautiful coast.

Sykkelvei 1 (Bicycle road 1)
Part of the national cycle network is Sykkelvei 1. This is clearly marked with dark red signs with a green number route. Sykkelvei 1 leaves from the ferry port of Horten, and follows the coastal path to Åsgårdstrand. The coastal trail is also well distinguished with its light blue markings.

Recommended bike paths
* Horten – Åsgårdstrand (Sykkelvei 1) A beautiful ride along beaches, svaberg and through Fjugstad's rare ash forest and natural recreational areas.
* Karljohansvern around Bike past exciting architecture, museums, cafés, galleries, parks, canals and an adventurous deciduous forest.
* Lystlunden – Borre (the old railway) An historic route past the Gildehallen and Borrehaugene.

Map
Vestfold Bicycle Map is a detailed chart which can be bought at most of the hotels in Vestfold. It can also be purchased by VisitVestfold.
The coastal trails between Horten and Åsgårdstrand is part of Sykkelvei 1. This trail is well marked with light blue signs.
Maps of the coastal trails in Horten is also suitable for bikers. You will get maps of the trails in Horten for free at the Library in Horten (Addr.: Apotekergaten 10, next to the City Hall and the Sjøsiden shopping mall). You can also find maps on the information board at Paletten shopping center in Åsgårdstrand.