
42 hairpin turns on the Tusenmeteren Road
Norway, europe
N/A
1,117 m
hard
Year-round
# Tusenmeteren: Norway's Ultimate Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of Norway's most thrilling drives? Head to Vestland county and discover Tusenmeteren, a wild unpaved road that'll test your nerves and reward you with incredible views.
This legendary route winds from Sletterust up to Øvre Årdal at the eastern edge of Sognefjord, climbing to a jaw-dropping 1,117 meters (3,664 feet) at Lake Tyin. The road is basically a rollercoaster carved into the mountainside—we're talking 42 hairpin turns and a tunnel to navigate, all while wrestling with steep drop-offs that'll keep your heart racing.
Built starting in 1910 and finally completed in 1934, this road became so notoriously hairy that they eventually bypassed it in 1962 with a safer route (Road 53). Today, that's kept the original road beautifully preserved and refreshingly car-free. Now it's gated and open only to pedestrians and cyclists—which honestly makes it even more special.
The panoramic views along the way are absolutely stunning, especially if you catch it during the open season from June to September when the weather cooperates. This is the kind of drive (or hike, depending on how you tackle it) that reminds you why Norway's mountain roads are legendary among adventure seekers.
Where is it?
42 hairpin turns on the Tusenmeteren Road is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.0134, 14.6119
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,117 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.0134, 14.6119
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