Unionsleden Cycle Route

A classic cross‑border ride linking Norway and Sweden, Unionsleden rolls from coastal Moss on the Oslofjord to Karlstad on Lake Vänern. It’s a signed, multi‑day route on mostly quiet roads with a good mix of asphalt and gravel, winding through Østfold and Värmland’s forests, lakes, and small towns.

Expect gentle rolling hills rather than big mountain passes, plenty of swim spots, and easy café and fika stops along the way. Highlights include canal locks around Ørje, border forests near Töcksfors, and Karlstad’s riverfront at the mouth of the Klarälven.

Best ridden late spring to early autumn. A touring or gravel bike with 32–40 mm tires is ideal. You can ride it in either direction, break it into short family‑friendly stages, or go light and fast over a long weekend. Trains and ferries serve Moss, and Karlstad has good rail and bus links for the return.

Fun fact: the name nods to the old union between Norway and Sweden—this route loosely follows that historic connection.