Note: the guide is only published in Dutch and called Kristiansroute. You can place an order in the webshop. Here you can read how to use it as a non-Dutch speaker.
This Kristians route is a beautiful route from Kristiansand, along the southeastern Norwegian lakeshore, to Oslo. Along the way, you cycle past beautiful sandy beaches and impressive fjords, through picturesque fishing villages with charming white houses. This region is known as the 'Norwegian Riviera' and 'the smiling south' with the most sunshine hours in all of Norway. The route follows parts of the North Sea Cycle Route, some local cycling routes and two pilgrim paths, Borgleden and Tunsbergleden, among others. Those arriving by ferry in Larvik or Sandefjord can pick up the route at those respective ports. Those who arrive by ferry in Larvik or Sandefjord can pick up the appropriate route from there.
From Horten, after 310 km, the route is split in three branches which connect to The St. Olav's Way and On the Way to St. Olav.
- From Horten to Oslo, along the east side of the Oslofjord (66 km)
- From Horten to Oslo, along the west side of the Oslofjord (177 km)
- From Horten, via the ferry to Moss, eastwards to Sweden (152 km). Only online.
The name
The name Kristians route was chosen because of the starting point Kristiansand and the ending point Kristiania, the old name of Oslo. In the Middle Ages, people used the name Ánslo or Áslo and later Óslo or Opslo. In 1624, the city was largely destroyed by fire and King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway had the city rebuilt and gave it the name Christiania, named after himself. The spelling reform in 1877 changed the name to Kristiania. In the same year, Christiansand also changed to Kristiansand. In 1925, Kristiania was renamed Oslo again..
Read more about the making off the route here: On two wheels.
