Bright Midnight Ultra: 1100km Non-Stop Solo Bikepacking Across Norway

Forget what you know about long-distance cycling. This is a self-supported, non-stop adventure where the sun never goes down, taking you through some of the wildest, most beautiful landscapes in Norway. The race covers approximately 1,100 kilometers with a brutal 20,000 meters of elevation gain and loss, all under the famous Midnight Sun.

If you are into bikepacking in Norway or ultra-endurance cycling here is everything you need to know.

The Bright Midnight Route: A Journey Through Norwegian Extremes

The Bright Midnight route is a demanding yet rewarding mixed-terrain challenge. The course starts and finishes in the small, charming village of Tolga, which is easily reachable by train from Oslo (a journey of about 4 hours, typically via Hamar). The registration process was seamless, and I made sure to stay in a cozy cabin nearby before the 9 AM start to get a proper rest.

The race immediately introduces you to its unique character. It starts very fast-rolling, with smooth gravel and a combination of countryside gravel roads and some trails before you quickly head up into the mountains. This initial section is deceptive, it feels like a time trial before the real climbs begin.

The Midnight Sun: A Game-Changer

The biggest difference from other ultra races is the Bright Midnight itself. Since the race is run in the height of summer, the sun never sets. It was incredible! This continuous light is a huge advantage, allowing you to see everything. Unlike the Atlas Mountain Race where cycling through the night means missing the views, here you don't miss any of Norway's amazing landscape.

Self-Service and Swift Resupply

Logistics in a remote race can be a nightmare, but I found an efficient solution on the first night: self-service supermarkets. These allow you to enter with just your bank card, day or night. I was able to resupply on fresh water and, crucially, my favorite candies for the night. I had to hurry, though, because the next day I was aiming for an early ferry that typically runs from 6 AM to 11 PM.

The Trollstigen Hike-a-Bike Horror

My schedule was derailed by what was arguably the biggest challenge of the entire race: the Trollstigen hike-a-bike. Due to construction on the main road, the race deviation led us onto a treacherous hiker-bike path. It was next to a roaring waterfall, with slippery, vertical rocks that felt truly scary. It took me hours and cost me a lot of time on my schedule.

However, the effort was rewarded at the top. The descent into the fjord, navigating the iconic Trollstigen hairpin turns, was a jaw-dropping reward for the earlier suffering.

Fellow Riders and Fjordland Majesty

I finally reached the ferry where I met all the other riders, a great moment of camaraderie after hours of solo effort. Cyclists can take the ferry for free, which is a great bonus. From there, I continued onto one of the major highlights of the route: cycling deep into the fjords, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine water.

The remainder of the ride was a battle against mounting fatigue. I was aiming for a 3-day finish, but had to dig deep. Despite the toll of the mountains, the high-speed gravel roads that cut through the valleys and highlands, including a section of the famous Mjølkevegen, kept me pushing. I managed to arrive back in Tolga, exhausted but exhilarated, after riding for 3 days and 8 hours more or less, with only one night of sleep.

The Gear for mixed terrain bikepacking in Norway

I can't talk about conquering this race without giving huge credit to my setup. For an event like the Bright Midnight with its mix of fast roads and brutally rough trails you need comfort, speed, and durability.

My Rose Backroad was the perfect canvas. It handled everything from the muddy descents to the fast tarmac sections without a complaint. But the single most important addition for my body was the Redshift suspension stem. This race is tough on the body, but the suspension stem absorbed so much vibration on the never-ending gravel and rocky descents. It was absolutely essential for maintaining comfort and control over 1,100 kilometers.

ROSE BACKROAD GRAVEL BIKE

And of course, the ever-changing Norwegian weather demanded top-tier kit. My Albion cycling apparel performed flawlessly, especially when the light rain turned into a freezing storm. Having reliable, waterproof layers meant I could keep moving forward when others were stopping.

ALBION CYCLING KIT