Vikings Odyssey: 26 days, 2 countries, and one unforgettable ride into the heart of Scandinavia

There are bike tours, and then there’s The Vikings Odyssey. It’s a richly rewarding, soul-stirring adventure, blending luxurious comfort with the thrill of truly exceptional riding. It’s a world-class cycling expedition that’s as much a plunge into the soul of Scandinavia as it is a discovery of strength, stamina and wonder.

Over 26 unforgettable days, Bike Odyssey takes you on a ride that feels torn straight from the sagas: from Copenhagen to Ålesund, by way of ancient Viking trails, misty fjords, and some of the most spectacular riding on earth.

A ride worthy of Norse gods

Starting in the slick cycling haven of Copenhagen, the tour wastes no time setting the tone. You’re not here to dabble in light sightseeing; this is about immersion, movement, and meaning. From Denmark’s modern boulevards, the route launches into a grand arc northward, tracing the path of Viking raiders and traders who once changed the course of European history. Along the way, their legacy looms large; crumbling shipyards, rune stones, burial mounds, and reconstructed longships that make you feel like you’re riding through a living museum.

And yes, at one point, you even sail across the sea to Norway, just like the Vikings did, except your next challenge is against 27 heart-thumping, thigh-burning switchbacks up Lysebotn, the legendary climb etched into every serious cyclist’s dream log.

This is not your average holiday

Expect a wild variety of terrain, from rolling coastal lanes and pine forest backroads to formidable mountain ascents that demand grit and reward it with grandeur. One moment you’re sweeping past turf-roofed villages straight out of a storybook; the next, you’re rounding a bend to find a glacier-fed waterfall exploding from the cliffs above. Every pedal stroke brings something new and more spectacular.

In between rides, Bike Odyssey delivers the goods: boutique hotels packed with character, saunas that soothe your muscles (and your soul), and dinners that rival anything you’d find in Oslo or Copenhagen’s top restaurants. Think fine wine, local produce, and that satisfying glow of exhaustion that makes every bite taste better.

From fjords to fire roads

Halfway through, you’ll pause in the stunning harbour city of Bergen. Time to catch your breath before diving into Norway’s mythic interior. This second leg is the crown jewel. Fjords cut deep into the mountains; roads twist skyward to legendary places like Geiranger and the Trollstigen, known locally as The Troll’s Path, but cyclists might better know it as Norway’s answer to Alpe d’Huez.

There are no crowds. No barriers. Just the road, the mountain, and the breathtaking silence of the Nordic wilderness.

The real magic? It’s not just the scenery

This isn’t a race. It’s not about ticking boxes or maxing out your Strava stats. The Vikings Odyssey is about the journey itself; the camaraderie of the group, the quiet moments on the bike, the personal milestones that come when you ride a little further, climb a little higher, and soak up a little more than you thought possible.

By the time you roll into Ålesund its pastel buildings glowing in the late summer sun, you’ll have ridden through two countries, countless landscapes, and centuries of history. But more than that, you’ll have ridden into something rare: a story you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.

The Vikings Odyssey is not just a tour. It’s a rite of passage for those who believe the best way to see the world is from the saddle.