Discover the Thrills of Lysevegen: Norway's Famous Hairpinned Road
Norway, europe
32.6 km
932 m
extreme
Year-round
# Lysevegen: Norway's Ultimate Mountain Thrill Ride
Nestled in southwestern Norway between Rogaland and Vest Agder counties, Lysevegen (FV500) is the kind of road that'll make your heart race and your knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. This isn't just any mountain pass – it's legitimately one of the most jaw-dropping hairpin roads on the planet.
Starting from FV450, the 32.6 km (20.25 miles) stretch climbs up to Andersvatn lake at 932 meters (3,057 feet) before plunging down to the remote village of Lysebotn nestled in an isolated valley at the edge of Lysefjorden. What makes it truly wild? Twenty-seven hairpin turns. Yes, you read that right. The road was originally built as a construction access for the Tjodan hydroelectric power station and officially opened in 1984, finally ending the isolation that once made boats the only lifeline to the outside world.
Here's what you're actually getting into: steep gradients averaging 9.4% (peaking at 16%), relentless twists and turns on a single-track road, and the kind of reverse camber bends that demand serious concentration. The last section is genuinely challenging – even pros get nervous. Oh, and there's a mind-bending 340-degree tunnel that'll completely disorient you before you emerge in quiet Lysebotn. The road gets genuinely narrow in spots, so expect to pull over and let oncoming traffic pass.
Fair warning: this road only opens May through October/November depending on snow conditions. It's famous for being shrouded in mist, and summer snow isn't uncommon even in June. Winter? The summit gets absolutely buried.
Between the insane driving experience and the stunning views, this route also gets you close to the epic Kjerag hike and the scenic Lysefjord ferry back toward Stavanger. Even professional racing drivers like Aksel Lund Svindal and WRC champion Andreas Mikkelsen have taken on this beast – and yes, they raced to catch the last ferry. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Lysevegen, nothing will.
Where is it?
Discover the Thrills of Lysevegen: Norway's Famous Hairpinned Road is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 63.4964, 12.4816
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 932 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 63.4964, 12.4816
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