Olshølen, Nysætra og Øyungen (20 km)

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"Round-trip with Kvarstadsaga as starting point: approx. 20 km Suitable for: This round-trip is ideal for those looking for more varied terrain. Along the route are a couple of old dairies of particular interest in terms of mountain dairy farming history. This varied and beautiful trip runs through woodland, open landscape, and mountain farm areas. The route features a suspension bridge and follows a combination of dirt-roads and a few short trails where you can roll your bike if you prefer. You will follow the Birken route some of the way. The starting point is Kvarstadsaga, and the first destination is the old Olshølen mountain farm. Today, Olshølen is used as a cabin and owned by the TINE corporation, but for years it was a dairy receiving milk from the farms in the area. It sits in beautiful open landscape by the road above the river. This short round via Olshølen is well worth the few extra minutes before you pedal back towards Åkersætra and then Nysætra. The suspension bridge by Åkersætra adds some excitement as it sways heavily when you stop at the halfway point to look at the cascading river below. Balance the bicycle with one hand and hold on to the “railing” with the other. (PS! It is safely secured.) Although the bridge is not long, it feels good to reach solid ground on the other side of river Åsta. From the suspension bridge there is a trail leading up to the dirt-road. Turn right and continue downhill for a couple of kilometres (through a gravel pit), before turning left up towards Nysætra. Follow the dirt-road as it gently inclines for almost four kilometres. When you reach Nysætra, mountain farms line the road as you ride through. There used to be a dairy here as well, which was in operation from 1908 until after the war. The route continues, mostly through woodland, up towards Øyungen, but without any long, challenging climbs. It is a comfortable, quiet, and peaceful stretch. As you reach the junction by Øyungen, continue along the road signposted Øyungshytta. A few metres after the junction, you will see the old mountain farm ideal for a break and a stroll. The old barn with its flaky red paint, the small outside loo standing all alone by the fence, and the sheep squeezing against the wall for shade – this is a place well worth checking out. It is a world where time has stood still, and perhaps this is why it feels good to stay for a while and soak up the atmosphere. From Øyungen, continue downhill and past the Kattugltjernet tarn on your left, and then go straight ahead to get back to the starting point. You have visited old mountain dairy farms, balanced on a suspension bridge, and cycled part of the Birken route. In summary, you have experienced some of the most beautiful scenery and cultural landscape the Ringsaker mountain has to offer – by bicycle. Text and photo: Åse Kari Gravråk"