Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norway
Norway, europe
8.9 km
1,001 m
extreme
Year-round
# Kistefjell: Norway's Peak with a View
Kistefjell is a 1,001-meter (3,284ft) mountain peak that stands out in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway—mainly because of the massive TV mast planted right on top. Nestled between Gisundet to the west and Rossfjordvatnet to the east, this summit has some serious broadcasting credentials.
That iconic 78-meter-high transmitter—nicknamed Tårnet på Kistefjell—is basically the mountain's claim to fame. Originally standing at 60 meters, it got a growth spurt in summer 2008 when they extended it to 78 meters for the digital TV network rollout. Since 1964, it's been pumping out FM radio signals, and TV broadcasts started flowing in 1966. The mast is visible for miles around and even hosts one of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute's weather stations.
Now, here's where things get real: the road to the summit is no leisurely drive. Built back in the 1960s, this entirely unpaved route climbs a punishing 8.9 km (5.53 miles) from the paved Fv86, gaining 988 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 11.10%. You'll need serious 4x4 credentials and nerves of steel to tackle this beast.
The weather up here is absolutely brutal, especially in winter. Ice and heavy snow can make the road impassable without warning, and conditions can shut things down at any moment. Seriously, don't attempt this in winter unless you've got genuine mountain driving experience and a death wish.
Where is it?
Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.4379, 12.5464
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,001 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 64.4379, 12.5464
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is the R21 Highway?
🌍 Russia
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're craving an epic adventure across Russia, the R21 Highway is calling your name. This beast stretches a whopping 1,340 km (832 miles) from the vibrant city of Saint Petersburg on the Baltic Sea all the way north to Murmansk, perched on the edge of the Barents Sea. Get ready to trade cityscapes for sprawling landscapes as you cruise through the heart of Karelia and the Murmansk Oblast. You'll even cross the Arctic Circle, so keep an eye out for the Northern Lights! The good news? The road is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. Just be aware that you'll be sharing the road with plenty of heavy trucks, so stay alert. Word to the wise: this area can be pretty polluted, and conditions can be rough. But don't let that scare you off; just make sure you're well-prepared for a long haul. This is one seriously unforgettable drive.
hardZig Zag Hill in Shaftesbury is the bendiest road in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! You absolutely HAVE to check out Zig Zag Hill in Dorset, England. Seriously, it's rumored to be the windiest mile of road in all of Great Britain. Tucked away near the charming town of Shaftesbury (think rolling hills and that classic English countryside vibe), this little gem is part of the B3081. The whole thing is paved, so no worries there, but get this – it's like a mini Alpine pass right in the UK. Four hairpin bends in just one mile? Mind blown! You’ll start near Cann Common and shoot straight up. Now, I'm not gonna lie, it's STEEP. We're talking gradients up to 13% on some of those ramps. Those hairpin turns are tight and can be a bit slick with leaves, especially in the autumn when the foliage is just spectacular. Just take it slow, enjoy the views, and embrace the challenge. Trust me, it’s worth it. This one’s a definite contender for best driving road in Great Britain.
moderateResia Pass is one of the lowest crossings of the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Reschenpass-Passo di Resia: A Hidden Alpine Gem Looking for a way to cross the Alps without tackling the notorious Brenner Pass? Let me introduce you to Reschenpass-Passo di Resia, a stellar alternative sitting pretty at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, right near the Austrian border. This mountain pass has serious history. Built between 1850 and 1854, it's actually one of the lowest Alpine crossings around—which is exactly why smart travelers choose it over the busier Brenner to the east (the Splügenpass hangs out to the west, too). Fun fact: during WWII, Mussolini fortified this strategic spot with defensive barrages like the Passo di Resia and Plamort installations to guard against a potential Nazi invasion. The drive itself? Completely paved along the Strada Statale 40, running 22.4 kilometers (13.91 miles) from south to north between Malles Venosta and the Austrian border. Fair warning though—those steep sections crank up to an 8% gradient in places, so it's not a casual Sunday cruise. But with those Alpine vistas and the thrill of conquering a historic pass, it's absolutely worth the twists and turns.
moderateDriving Through the Curvy SP11 Road in Trentino
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Provinziale 11 (SP11): A Mountain Gem in Trentino Looking for a thrilling mountain drive in northern Italy? The SP11 in Trentino is a short but seriously fun 10.5km (6.52 miles) stretch that'll get your adrenaline pumping and your camera ready. This fully paved road climbs from the charming spa town of Levico Terme (520m elevation) up to the picturesque Vetriolo Terme (1,381m elevation) – that's an elevation gain of 867 meters if you're keeping track. Fair warning: the climb is relentless, with an average gradient of 8.3% and a whopping 11 hairpin bends to navigate. These aren't gentle curves either; some sections get seriously steep, so you'll want to keep your wits about you. But here's the payoff – the views are absolutely spectacular. As you wind your way up the mountainside, you're treated to breathtaking panoramas of the valley below. There's even a scenic lookout with a little parking area where you can pull over, catch your breath, and soak in the scenery. At the top, you'll arrive in Vetriolo Terme, a verdant oasis famous for its unique arsenical-ferruginous thermal springs. The spas here have earned international recognition, making it the perfect place to reward yourself after conquering this exhilarating drive. If you love mountain roads that combine challenging driving with stunning Alpine scenery, SP11 absolutely belongs on your bucket list.