Tour of East Norway, Stage 1 (Etnadalen)
Etnadalen is a scenic valley in the Innlandet county of Norway, carved by the river Etna as it flows southeastward from the mountainous terrain of the Valdres region. The landscape is defined by a transition from the sheltered, lush riverbanks at lower elevations near Dokka to the rugged, undulating alpine vistas that characterize the approach to higher ground. It is an area deeply connected to Norway’s agricultural heritage, dotted with traditional mountain farms, known locally as setre, which have historically been central to the seasonal movement of livestock and the preservation of local farming practices.
For those traveling through this region, the valley provides a gateway between the Mjøsa lake district and the high-altitude landscapes of Jotunheimen. The area is marked by a blend of deep pine forests, tranquil river stretches, and rolling hills that offer a serene environment for outdoor exploration. Culturally, the valley remains an important corridor, preserving historical paths that have connected coastal and inland communities for centuries. Whether viewed from the valley floor or from the higher vantage points along the slopes, Etnadalen remains a quintessential representation of the Norwegian inland landscape.
Region: Innlandet
City: Sør-Aurdal
Distance: 25.13 km
Elevation Gain: 107 m
Elevation Loss: 69 m
Difficulty: 90 (Easy)
FIETS Index: 0.03 FIETS
Avg Grade: 0.36 %
Max cat climb: 5
Min elevation: 179 m
Max elevation: 253 m
Ride Category: Flat