Ride a roller coaster in the spruce forest – 41 km

Gravel cycling

Get ready for a really great gravel ride, along narrow forest roads surrounded by spruce trees and small lakes in northwest Dalsland. This round tour has a charming elevation profile that can most closely be compared to a roller coaster.

Length: 40.7 km
Elevation: 537 m
Surfaces: 77% gravel, 23% asphalt

Book cycle friendly accommodation

Welcome to Torrskog!

The route starts in the little village of Torrskog, in one of the more remote corners of Dalsland, so you really get the chance to cycle in your own world without risking meeting anyone else (if that’s what is important to you). The start point is at Torrskog’s community centre, where there’s a summer cafe that’s usually open from midsummer to the end of July.

The ride starts gently on the asphalt road alongside Lake Lelång. Keep an eye out for the swimming area coming up on the right side after several kilometres, it can be worth returning to when you’ve finished the ride, especially if it’s a warm summer’s day.

A taste of the Dalsland Gravel Race

Not long after you’ve passed another lake, this time on the left side, it’s time to leave the asphalt behind and start grinding gravel. Keep an eye on the GPS so that you don’t miss the turning, because as you’ll notice, gravel roads in Dalsland aren’t the biggest but they are surprisingly fast and smooth.

Around the same time as you transition to gravel the first of the roller coaster’s total of five climbs begins. Make sure you have extra fluids with you as its quite a demanding route. You’ll pass several lovely forest lakes along the way, giving you the chance to rest your legs in beautiful surroundings.

Did you know by the way that more or less all sections of this route are included in some way in the popular Dalsland Gravel Race, which takes place in autumn every year?

A swim and fika – the best reward

Back in Torrskog you can round off with a cooling dip and of course a substantial fika in the community centre.

Did you fall totally in love with the beautiful scenery in Torrskog as well? In which case we recommend that you change your cycling shoes for hiking boots and set out on an expedition along the 25 kilometre long Torrskogsleden. The hiking trail also starts at the community centre.

Tips for cycle friendly accommodation in the area

See the route on Ride with GPS

Pictures from the area