Driving the remote Henningsværveien (Road 816)
Norway, europe
7.7 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Henningsværveien (Road 816): Norway's Hidden Island Gem
Want to drive one of the most spectacular roads in the world? Head to Henningsvaer, a charming fishing village tucked away in Nordland county, Norway – and the only way to get there is via Road 816, which is absolutely worth the trip.
This 7.7 km stretch of asphalt is pure magic. Starting from the E10, the narrow road hugs the mountainside as it winds along the water, connecting a string of tiny islands that seem almost impossibly placed in the middle of the ocean. You're driving through the Lofoten archipelago, just off the coast of Austvågøya, and honestly, the views are unreal.
Henningsvaer itself has earned the nickname "Venice of Lofoten" – and once you arrive, you'll understand why. The drive features everything a scenery-lover could want: dramatic mountains rising up beside you, crystal-clear water with pristine sandy beaches, and elegant bridges connecting the islands like something out of a postcard. Every turn offers another photo opportunity, so definitely bring your camera (you'll want to capture this).
This isn't a long drive, but it's the kind of road that stays with you. It's the perfect example of how sometimes the journey is just as incredible as the destination itself.
Where is it?
Driving the remote Henningsværveien (Road 816) is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 63.7731, 11.2139
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 63.7731, 11.2139
Related Roads in europe
hardMihaliç Tepe in Karaman: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Mihaliç Tepe! This extinct volcano soars to 2,238 meters (7,342 feet) in the heart of Turkey's Karaman Province. Forget smooth asphalt – the road to the top is a wild, unpaved ride that demands a high-clearance vehicle. Seriously, this track is narrow and unforgiving! Keep your fingers crossed you don't meet anyone coming the other way, because you might be reversing for a kilometer to find a place to turn around. Just north of the peak, you can explore the ruins of a Byzantine church, chapel, and monastery. The summit itself is home to a TV transmitter station. Starting from the village of Madenşehri, the climb stretches for 11.8 km (7.33 miles) with a whopping 957-meter elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 8.11% – get ready for some serious uphill action! But trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive.
moderateWhere is Bernina Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Passo del Bernina, one of Switzerland's most iconic Alpine roads. We're talking Graubünden, near the Italian border, so get ready for some serious scenery. This isn't just any drive; it's a 53 km (33-mile) stretch of pure awesomeness connecting St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. The road, also known as Hauptstrasse 29, climbs to a dizzying 2,332m (7,650ft) above sea level, so expect some steep sections with gradients hitting 10.4%. It can get busy with tour buses, so patience is key. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bernina Express, the highest railway in the Alps, which crisscrosses the road. Sometimes, you'll even find the train tracks running right on the road! The road has been around since 1865, and is normally open year-round since 1965, although snow can fall for eight months of the year, so check conditions before you go, especially in winter. The drive itself takes about 1 to 1.5 hours without stops. You'll be treated to incredible views of Alpine peaks and stunning lakes, including the bright turquoise Lago Bianco. At the summit, you'll find a hotel and a couple of restaurants to refuel before continuing your adventure.
hardClue du Peroure is a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
# Clue du Pérouré: A Canyon Drive You Won't Forget Hidden in the southeastern corner of France lies one of the most breathtaking canyon roads you'll ever experience. Welcome to Clue du Pérouré, where the D900A winds through dramatic cliffs carved by the Le Bes river in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. This fully paved route is no casual Sunday drive—it's genuinely intense. The road clings to the mountainside through sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and those height restriction signs (ranging from 2.8m to 3.2m) aren't just decorative. Rockslides are a real concern here, so you'll want to stay alert. Stretching 31.7 kilometers through the stunning Bès valley, the road runs north-south between Digne-les-Bains and Verdaches. Plan on spending 40 to 50 minutes behind the wheel if you push through without stopping—though honestly, you'll probably want to pull over multiple times to soak in those incredible views. This is genuinely one of France's most jaw-dropping balcony roads, and if you love driving with a side of adrenaline and scenery, Clue du Pérouré absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
easyDriving the Sensational Paved Road to Lac de Moiry
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac de Moiry: A Alpine Lake Worth the Drive Head to the Sierre district in Valais, Switzerland, and you'll find yourself at Lac de Moiry, a jaw-dropping high mountain reservoir sitting pretty at 2,249m (7,378ft). Seriously, this place has to be seen to be believed—the water is this incredible turquoise blue that'll make your Instagram feed sing. The dam itself is pretty impressive too, built back in 1958. We're talking a 600m stretch of concrete standing 148m tall. It's the kind of engineering feat that makes you stop and appreciate human ambition (and the incredible views from the top). Starting from Chippis, you've got a pleasant 29km (18 miles) cruise ahead of you on a fully paved road that's been smooth sailing since the 1950s. The drive is pure magic—expect glacier views, dramatic snow-capped peaks, and scenery that'll have you pulling over constantly for photos. But there's more! Once you hit Lac de Moiry, the road doesn't stop. Continue for another easy 4km to reach Lac de Châteaupré, perched even higher at 2,357m (7,732ft). It's like the cherry on top of an already perfect mountain experience. Here's the catch: this route plays by mountain rules. You can typically access it from late June through the first big snowfall of the season. Winter? That's a gamble—closures happen whenever the snow decides to stick around without getting cleared. Plan accordingly, and you'll have the time of your life.