Norway's longest flow trail at Høgevarde
- May 15
- 2-minute read
The 18-kilometer-long Blueberry Jam was designed and built by legendary Australian trail builder Glen Jacobs, his team at World Trail, and local trail builders. The trail stretches from the alpine areas above Høgevarde all the way down to the valley floor at Gulsvik, combining flow, nature experiences, and sustainability in a way that makes it one of Northern Europe’s most ambitious mountain biking experiences. This fall, we got to test-ride the trail alongside the trail builders—and spoke with Glen about the ideas behind the design—and how movement, terrain, and nature all come together in the trail experience.
Unlike many pure gravity trails, Blueberry Jam is designed as a holistic experience. Riders travel through varied landscapes—forests, mountains, and open plateaus—with gentle climbs that provide natural breathing room between sections of fast, rhythmic flow. The trail encourages riding in a group and exploring the area, with viewpoints and rest areas where you can stop and take in the surroundings.
The design philosophy follows Jacobs’ approach to “kinetic management”—using the natural contours of the terrain to regulate speed and energy, rather than relying on heavy braking or intense pedaling. The result is a sense of effortless movement and a connection to the landscape, while keeping the environmental impact low.
Sustainability has been a central focus throughout the project. The trail winds its way through the terrain, demonstrating how thoughtful trail design can protect and highlight nature.
As the Høgevarde network expands with new trails of varying difficulty levels, the area is on its way to becoming a mountain biking destination in Norway that should be on every mountain biker’s bucket list.
The Other Giants of Hallingdal
If you're planning a trip to ride the Blueberry Jam—and love a smooth ride—there are several trails you definitely shouldn't miss.
HallingSpranget in Nesbyen is a 17-kilometer-long, blue-rated trail suitable for most people. It runs from Nesfjellet down to the valley, consisting mainly of downhill sections, with a few short climbs and small rest areas. The trail passes through open high-mountain terrain, wetlands, old-growth forest, and pine forests.
Silverstone in Hemsedal is an 8-kilometer-long flow trail a 500-meter descent. It features rollers, sections requiring careful control, and small jumps for those who want them. The trail is rideable in most weather conditions and is suitable for most mountain bikes in good condition.
Together, these three trails—Blueberry Jam, HallingSpranget, and Silverstone—are must-try experiences for anyone who wants to explore mountain biking in Hallingdal.
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