Bicycle ride around lake Dokkfløyvatnet in Gausdal Vestfjell (30 km)

About

A long trip on a quiet dirt road from Holsbru on the western side of lake Dokkfløyvatnet, down Manstadlivegen, across the dam, up Dokkfløyvegen to Kittilbu, and then back to Holsbru. Along Dokkfløyvegen, there are opportunities to explore a cultural heritage dam, a cultural trail, and Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum. Starts with easy downhill terrain, and continues with a gentle climb from the dam to Kittilbu. Committing an entire day for trip is recommended in order to fit in the detours and fully experience and learn about the area and its history.

Start at Holsbru (the café by the barrier to Liomseter) and follow Vestfjellvegen, route 204, across the Holsbrua bridge.

After some 700 m, turn left onto Manstadlivegen. Follow this road for approx. 15 km down to Dokkfløydemningen. Lake Dokkfløyvatnet was dammed in the late 1980s as part of the hydropower development of the Dokkavassdraget watercourse. The lake grew to nine times its original size, and archaeological excavations prior to the damming uncovered some unexpected ancient activity in this lowland area. Hunters and gatherers settled as early as in the Stone Age. During the Iron and Middle Ages, large quantities of iron were produced.  Archaeologists discovered 69 Stone Age settlements and 92 iron mining sites. Many of the heritage sites are today covered by the lake, but the traces in the terrain are still visible. A large stone-built dam was constructed, and is an impressive sight.

Turn left and ride across the dam. Then turn left onto Dokkfløyvegen and continue uphill along Dokkfløy. You have now reached the halfway point! The fishing opportunities are excellent with several good spots along the lake. Picnic tables are also provided. The water level varies as the reservoir is drained to produce hydropower, and the banks may not look particularly appealing when spring arrives. This improves when water reserves are topped up during the summer, and there are also boats available for hire. A cultural heritage dam has been built on the right-hand side of the road, approx. 1 km from the dam. Located only 500 m from the road, this is a true “natural gem”!

It features “Pervigen Hotell” and the cabin in which the log drivers lived, and the bridge and dam have been constructed to show what it was like prior to the development. Forestry as we know it today started in the late 1800s, and the logs were floated on the river to Torpa. There was a water-powered gate saw by Dokkelva and circular saw by Kittilbubekken. Mannstadsaga, which was a double circular saw powered by a locomobile by Dokkelva, remained in full operation well into the 1950s. The first timber floating dam was built in wood here by Dokkfløy in 1859, and was replaced by a stone-built dam in 1872. Timber floating came to an end in 1969, and logs were then transported by road. The area around the picturesque cultural heritage dam is ideal for a break and a packed lunch.

A refreshing swim is also possible before you continue towards Kittilbu. From here the distance to the cultural trail is approx. 10 km, and we recommend a detour (1.5 km) up the cultural trail to Kittilbu Utmarksmuseum – a rural museum built on the foundations of ancient activity in the area. The trail is way-marked, and you will need an hour to take it all in. Information displays are provided along the way, and you will see pitfall traps, a reconstructed animal pit, a forest cabin, iron mining sites, and more. At the museum, there are exhibitions and a café. As you continue from where the cultural trail starts, there is a gentle climb for approx. 1.5 km until you reach Vestfjellvegen, route 204. Turn left towards Holsbru, and the road is relatively flat with some downhill sections for 4 km.

As you reach Holsbru, you have completed the round!

We recommend checking the information display by the car park for other trips in the area and in Langsua National Park.

It is a long ride, and it is important to bring enough drinks and a packed lunch! Long-distance cycling experience is an advantage. The trip is best suited for older children who are used to long bicycle rides, and who are accompanied by adults. Due to the distance, this trip is not suitable for younger children. An alternative is for an adult to bring a bicycle trailer in which the young can have a rest.

Welcome back!

Recommended maps:
Gausdal Vestfjell med Langsua nasjonalpark. 1:50000. Issued by Gausdal Fjellstyre. Available for purchase in shops and at tourist destination in Gausdal.