The Union Trail is a 350 km long cycle path that stretches from Karlstad in Sweden to Moss in Norway. Here you cycle through a constantly changing landscape, from small villages and open cultural landscapes to winding gravel roads through forests and along vast lakes. One moment you're following a quiet shoreline, the next you're cycling through pastures where cows and sheep graze.
You'll pass canals, locks, rivers and lakes, and along the way you may be lucky enough to see moose, deer, cranes, hares and other wildlife. The cycling is mostly on quiet, low-traffic roads, although some sections follow major roads. Stage 7 is not recommended for children due to more traffic on this section.
A hybrid or gravel bike is the best choice. Some sections have looser gravel and some elevation gain, making the trail best suited for those who are used to slightly longer bike rides.
Useful to know: Many cafés and accommodation along the trail are open seasonally, mainly during the summer. Check opening hours and book accommodation in advance, as distances between hotels can be long. The trail can be cycled in both directions, if you want to start in Norway, more information and digital maps are available at Norway by Bike.
Bus transportation
You can travel with your bike back to the starting point - or travel part of the way by bus along the Union Trail. Dalslands Buss runs a summer route with a bicycle trolley every Tuesday and Thursday during 2025. More information can be found here.
Journey to the Union Way
You can take your bike on Öresundståget (Malmö-Gothenburg), TÅGAB (Göteborg-Karlstad-Stockholm), Vy Tåg (Oslo-Mysen) or on Värmlandstrafik's bus (Karlstad-Årjäng). Read more about cycling rules, route maps and booking via each transport company.
Car parking in Norway
You can park your car in these places: Moss (at FSKE Parkering, Sjøbade, Sjøgata 11), Indre Østfold (at the sports halls in Spydeberg, Askim and Mysen) and in Ørje (behind Storgata 55 and below the church).
