Bicycle trip from Gjøvik to Granum Gård in Søndre Land

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Bicycle ride from Gjøvik to Granum Gård in Søndre Land
Enjoy a beautiful bicycle ride from Mjøsa to Randsfjorden!
The trip runs from Gjøvik to the farm Granum Gård, and follows the “bridleway” – the same route as the Oslo bishop Jens Nilssønn used when he in 1594 arrived on horseback to visit Fluberg church.
A spectacular trip from Mjøsa by Gjøvik to Granum Gård with panoramic views of Randsfjorden, or in the opposite direction from Granum to Gjøvik. The bicycle route follows ancient thoroughfares through a varied cultural landscape with working farms. Old Gjøvikvegen was the main route to Gjøvik (which at the time was not a town) up until 1860. As the glassworks prospered, Gjøvik grew into a town and the current main road was built. This trip follows the old route through beautiful countryside and vibrant villages. 
Would you like help with luggage transfer?
Contact the host at Granum farm on tel. +47 930 84 702 or +47 413 37 560 and they will assist for a small fee.

Practical info:
• Level of difficulty: moderate / challenging (some climbs from east to west)
• Length: 28 kilometres one way
• The route is described on the app UT.no. Here you can download a gpx-fil as well. 
• Way-marked: no
• Surface: Tarmac / gravel / forest lane

The cycle route:
- Start by Gjøvik station (129 m a.s.l.)
- 4 km on tarmac to Eiktunet/Gjøvik Klatrepark
- 7.5 km on tarmac to Vardal church (775 m a.s.l.)
- 4 km on gravel to Mustad Gård
- 5 km on tarmac to Seval (turn off towards Borgen and not towards Landåsbygda, and turn right onto the gravel road)
- 1.8 km on gravel to Sevaldselva
- 4 km along forest lane to Hævop
- 1 km on tarmac to Nerby Gård
- 1.3 km along forest lane/gravel road to Granum Gård (400 m a.s.l.)

When you arrive at Granum, we recommend staying for a night or two at this welcoming old farm before returning to Gjøvik. The ride back to Gjøvik is easier as most of the climbs are from east to west. 
- Read more about Granum Gård

See route description from a guest who cycled from Granum to Gjøvik and back.
The trip is approx. 28 km one way. Some uphill and downhill sections, but a stunning ride with plenty to look at and lots to photograph along the way. Dinner/evening meal and accommodation with breakfast can be booked at the historical Granum Gård.
We were three adults cycling the old Gjøvikvegen. Our route was Granum Gård by Randsfjorden to Gjøvik station by Mjøsa, and back. We made the trip in a day, and we used a standard e-bike, a mountain bike, and a standard road bike.

From Granum Gård to Gjøvik station:
We spent 3.5 hours (incl. breaks) on this 30 km stretch, and we were on the move for 2 hours and 15 minutes. 
After an initial stretch on gravel from Granum to Hannval, the route follows a forest lane/track to Nerby. Then there is a short stretch on tarmac to Hævop. There is a gate and then a long section on gravel to Sevalselva – a stream where you have to carry the bikes across. The route continues on gravel and then on to Borgenvegen before reaching Sevalvegen (route 2388). Here there is a shortcut along a slightly more rugged trail. When on Sevalvegen, you have reached the highest point along the route, and the rest is mostly downhill. Having the uphill sections at the start keeps you motivated, although you hardly notice the climbs as is such an exciting trip. As you continue, there are excellent views in the direction of travel and you can see that you are approaching your destination.

Mjøsa comes into view as early as at Seval, and reappears occasionally all the way to Gjøvik. From Seval, you ride on tarmac to the crossroads and to the bottom of the hill by Mustad. Then there is a slightly hilly stretch on gravel down to Vardal church, followed by a final stretch to Gjøvik on tarmac. The entire route has a 60 km/h speed limit and little traffic. There is a flat section from Vardal before you reach a gentle downhill stretch to Eiktunet. This is a great place to stop and take in the views. As you continue, the ride down to the residential area, town centre, and finally the station, is quite steep. Follow route 2388 all the way down to Gjøvik Stadion. From here there are several routes to choose from, and we left the main road and followed a way-marked bicycle route down through the town centre for the final kilometre to the station.

Return trip from Gjøvik to Granum Gård: 
We did not time ourselves for this entire leg, but we did take a bit longer in this direction as there are more hills to climb. The stretch from Gjøvik station to the crossroads by Mustad took us a total of 1 hour and 40 min. This trip feels a bit long with all the uphill sections; perhaps particularly long if you have cycled the other direction first. When most of the climbs are over though, it feels better. We had an e-bike that we took turns using, something we recommend! This is not a route for the very young as 30 km with numerous uphill sections are quite demanding, and as most of the stretch is along a main road.
From the station, we recommend following the small, brown bicycle signs marked route 5, Øverby. This leads past Gjøvik church and onto route 2388 by Gjøvik Stadion. From there you can also follow road signs for Øverby, but you should stay on route 2388 all the way to Seval. When you reach Eiktunet, the steepest climb is behind you – and there is ice cream for sale! Along the stretch Gjøvik to Granum, you have to turn around to catch the views of Mjøsa. However, there are beautiful mountains in direction Granum and lots to see if you look around – including horses and long-haired cattle!
 

Show consideration during your visit, and follow these basic guidelines: 
• Adhere to the code of conduct for public right of access
• Park at designated car parks and campsites
• Take your litter home or use the bins provided
• Remember the rules for keeping dogs on a lead; respect campfire bans and restrictions, and use designated sites only
• Try to use local shops along the route
• Drive nicely, but not too nicely – keep up with the traffic
• Last, but not least; ENJOY your trip!