Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a road with breathtaking views
Norway, europe
47 km
650 m
moderate
Year-round
# Aurlandsfjellet: Norway's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Drive
Ready for one of Norway's most spectacular road trips? Road 243 winds through Vestland county as a National Tourist Route, stretching 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Aurlandsvangen to Lærdal. Opened back in 1967, this legendary drive has since been complemented by the Lærdalstunnelen—the world's longest road tunnel at a massive 24.5 kilometers.
## The Challenge Ahead
Fair warning: this isn't your average leisurely cruise. You'll navigate 20 hairpin turns on roads that get seriously narrow—think single-car-wide stretches that demand respect. Buses over 12.4 meters? They're not welcome here. Keep your vehicle in low gear and go easy on the brakes, especially on the steeper sections. Traffic can get thick heading toward Aurlandsfjorden, so stay alert.
## Winter? Not Here
This road earns its nickname "Snow Road" honestly. The entire upper section shuts down completely during winter once you hit the 1,305-meter (4,281-foot) summit. You can drive year-round from Aurlandsvangen up to the Stegastein viewpoint, but beyond that? Forget it from November through spring.
## Why It's Worth Every Hairpin Turn
The real magic? Once you crest that barren, desolate plateau of snow and rock, the views on the descent toward Aurland are absolutely mind-blowing. The landscape shifts dramatically from sparse alpine terrain to lush fjord scenery. And then there's Stegastein—an architectural marvel of timber and steel that juts 30 meters out into thin air, 650 meters above the fjord. It's the kind of viewpoint that stops you in your tracks.
Waterfalls, forests, and cascading fjord views await at numerous pull-offs along the way. This is quintessential Norwegian scenery at its finest.
Where is it?
Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a road with breathtaking views is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.9411, 12.7079
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 650 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.9411, 12.7079
Related Roads in europe
moderateCan you drive up the Black Mountains?
🇬🇧 Wales
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog. Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks. Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level. It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country! Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to. The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!
easyA defiant narrow road through Foz de Biniés
🇪🇸 Spain
# Foz de Biniés: Spain's Hidden Canyon Drive Ever heard of Foz de Biniés? If you haven't, you're missing out on one of Spain's most breathtaking canyon roads. Nestled in the La Jacetania region of Huesca, deep in the Pyrenees of northern Spain, this 21.1 km (13.11 miles) stretch is an absolute must-do for road trippers, cyclists, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Running from Canal de Berdún to Ansó along the A-1602, this route carves straight through a dramatic landscape shaped by the Veral river. We're talking towering vertical walls that soar over 200 meters high—seriously jaw-dropping scenery. The entire road is nicely paved, so you can focus on soaking in those incredible views rather than wrestling with rough terrain. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You'll encounter several primitive stone tunnels along the way, and the canyon is prone to rockslides, so staying alert is essential. But that's part of what makes it such a thrilling experience. Whether you're riding a bike, cruising on two wheels, or hiking the surrounding trails, Foz de Biniés delivers an unforgettable adventure through some of northern Spain's most spectacular mountain scenery.
hardTunnel des Montets
🇫🇷 France
# Tunnel des Montets: Your Alpine Escape Route Tucked away in the Haute-Savoie region of France, the Tunnel des Montets (also called Col des Montets Tunnel) is a clever bit of engineering that's been saving travelers since 1907. Located just past Argentiere at Montroc village, this dual-purpose railway and road tunnel is your lifeline when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum in the mountains. At nearly 1,900 meters long and sitting at 1,386 meters elevation, this tunnel is all about practicality. When the Col des Montets pass gets hammered with snow or avalanche danger spikes, cars can slip straight through to Le Buet and Vallorcine instead of getting stuck outside. It's that simple. Just keep a few rules in mind if you're using it: your vehicle can't exceed 2.5 meters in height or 5.5 meters in length, the speed limit caps out at 50 km/h, and you need to maintain at least 100 meters between you and the car ahead. These aren't suggestions—they're there for a reason in this narrow underground passage. After a major renovation and reopening in December 2014, the tunnel is back in action and ready to get you safely through the mountains when conditions demand it. It's the kind of road feature that doesn't make headlines, but mountain travelers definitely appreciate it.
moderateWhere is Coll de la Creueta?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Coll de la Creueta in Barcelona province is calling your name! Nestled in the Pyrenees, this pass carves its way through the Catalan region of northern Spain. We're talking a fully paved adventure here, folks, but don't let that fool you—it's not for the faint of heart! This route clocks in at a challenging distance, with sections that will really test your mettle. Prepare for some seriously steep inclines, hitting a max gradient of 12% in places. Starting from a lower elevation, you'll climb to the top—so yeah, expect some incredible panoramic views! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, because while the scenery is stunning, this pass demands your full attention. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!