Driving the scenic Rondane National Tourist Route in Norway
Norway, europe
75 km
1.064 m
easy
Year-round
# Rondane National Tourist Route
If you're hunting for one of Norway's most stunning scenic drives, the Rondane National Tourist Route in Hedmark is absolutely calling your name. This iconic 75km (46 miles) stretch runs north-south from Venabygdsfjellet to Folldal, and it's completely paved—perfect for a smooth ride.
The route follows Roads 27 and 219 as it winds through the heart of the country, climbing to 1,064m (3,490ft) above sea level. You'll be skirting right along the eastern edge of Rondane National Park, and trust us, the views are incredible. Most people can knock out the drive in about 1.5 to 2 hours if they're just passing through, but why would you want to rush?
The real magic happens when you actually stop and soak it all in. The route is dotted with thoughtfully designed pull-offs—perfect spots for stretching your legs, catching some serious hiking, or just snapping those jaw-dropping photos. You're basically getting front-row seats to authentic Norwegian wilderness.
Fair warning though: winter weather can occasionally close the road for brief periods around Ringebufjellet, so check conditions if you're planning a cold-season adventure. Otherwise, this beauty stays open year-round, making it accessible whenever the mood strikes.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Rondane National Tourist Route in Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 66.3353, 11.9031
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 75 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.064 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 66.3353, 11.9031
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat's at Alpe Galm?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up, up, UP into the Swiss Alps in Valais, headed for Alpe Galm. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure to 2,231 meters (7,319 ft)! At the top, you'll find a tiny village, complete with a quaint chapel built way back in 1681. Now, let's be real: getting there is a bit of a challenge. The road's mostly paved, but those last 1.5 kilometers are gravel, and the whole thing is NARROW and seriously steep – we're talking up to 14% gradients in spots! They say it's one of the toughest climbs in the Alps, but most cars can handle it in summer. Oh, and bonus points: you'll cruise through the highest roundabout in Central Europe! Starting in Guttet-Feschel, the climb stretches for 10.7 km (6.6 miles), with a whopping 1,001 meters of elevation gain. As you climb, you're surrounded by classic Swiss scenery: alpine meadows, charming villages, and jaw-dropping views of the valley and mountains as you near the top. Trust me; the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!
moderateHow to Drive the D662, a Balcony Road Along the Lot River
🇫🇷 France
Route Départementale D662 is a stunning scenic drive tucked away in the Lot department of southwestern France. It's one of those legendary French "balcony roads" that actually lives up to the hype. Located in the Occitania Region, this fully paved route hugs the banks of the Lot River with some seriously gorgeous views. You'll navigate narrow sections and a few tunnels, but nothing too intense—just keep in mind there's a 4.1-meter height limit, so leave the big RVs at home. The elevation changes are manageable, making it a genuinely enjoyable ride without being too demanding. The real star of the show is the western stretch from Saint-Géry to Cajarc, about 30km (18 miles) of pure riverside magic. Traffic is refreshingly light on this road, so you can actually take your time soaking it all in. Fair warning though: the Lot River moves fast through here, and since the road runs right along the water's edge, you'll want to stay sharp on those curves. Keep your eyes on the road ahead and respect the speed limits—this is one of those drives where attention really matters. But if you're up for it, you've got an unforgettable adventure waiting.
moderateWhere is Gorges de l'Aude?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges de l'Aude in the Aude department of France is an unforgettable experience! This scenic canyon, south of Quillan in the Pyrenees, has been carved out by the Aude River over millennia. The D118 is your path, a fully paved but oh-so-narrow road snaking through the gorge. Be warned: rock slides are a real threat here, and the tight squeezes will test your driving skills. Expect to reverse around blind corners on roads barely wide enough for one car! This 23.1 km (14.3 miles) stretch runs from Notre-Dame d'Escouloubre in the south to the Gorges de Saint-Georges in the north. The canyon itself is a masterpiece of natural erosion, with sheer white limestone cliffs rising dramatically on either side. Ideally, ditch the car and explore on foot or by bike – that way, you can soak up the views without white knuckles gripping the steering wheel! If you do drive, factor in plenty of stops to truly appreciate the scenery. Trust me, you'll want to!
hardWhere is Pico del Águila?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Pico del Águila, a killer peak nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, specifically in the Huesca province of Aragón. This baby tops out at 1,611 meters (that's 5,285 feet for you imperial system folks). Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road *is* paved, technically... but be warned, it's seen better days. Think potholes galore and random boulders just chillin' on the asphalt. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; you'll thank me later. The road stretches for just under 5 kilometers (about 3 miles), and climbs a hefty 331 meters. That's an average incline of nearly 7%, but don't get comfy, because there are spots that ramp up to almost 9%! So, is it worth the bone-jarring ride? Absolutely! Once you conquer that climb, you're rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Pyrenees range. Plus, there's a rad communication tower at the summit. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready to be amazed!