Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route

Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route

Norway, europe

Length

433 km

Elevation

346 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Helgelandskysten: Norway's Coastal Masterpiece

Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping scenic drives? The Helgelandskysten (FV17/County Road 17) in Northern Nordland is an absolute must-do for any road trip enthusiast.

This 433-kilometer coastal adventure winds from Holm to Godøystraumen, hugging the shoreline with stunning views at practically every turn. The route is mostly asphalted, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that'll keep you on your toes. Fair warning: this journey includes several ferry crossings, so factor those into your travel time. And if you've got the time, definitely take the scenic detour to Torghatten—it's worth every kilometer.

Expect some genuine thrills along the way, especially at Fantesteinen Pass, where you'll navigate winding roads with a few seriously fun hairpin turns that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The highest point tops out at 346 meters, so while it's not extreme elevation-wise, the scenery more than makes up for it.

The good news? This route is open year-round, so you can experience it whenever inspiration strikes. Just keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally close sections temporarily when conditions get rough—typical Norwegian drama, really. Overall, combining routes 17, 76, and 54, this is an unforgettable coastal escape that showcases everything that makes Northern Norway special.

Where is it?

Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.4265, 11.7125

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
433 km
Max Elevation
346 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
64.4265, 11.7125

Related Roads in europe

Driving the gravity-defying Electric Brae in Ayrshireeasy

Driving the gravity-defying Electric Brae in Ayrshire

🇬🇧 Scotland

Cruising the A719 in South Ayrshire, Scotland? Get ready for the Electric Brae, or Croy Brae as the locals call it! This isn't your average coastal drive, though the views across to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig are stunning. A quick detour lands you in the charming village of Dunure, complete with castle ruins. Just south of Dunure, the road takes a sharp turn inland, and that's where the magic happens. For about a quarter of a mile, you'll find yourself on a gravity hill that'll mess with your head. The name "Electric" comes from old theories about magnets and electricity, but it's really an optical illusion. Even though the inland end of the road is actually 17 feet higher than the coastal end (a 1 in 86 gradient), the surrounding landscape tricks your eyes. Pop your car into neutral, and it looks like you're rolling uphill! It's wild, and the illusion is so strong you can even capture it in photos. The good news is, the road is fully paved and well-maintained, so it's an easy drive. Plus, there's a layby where you can safely pull over and test the illusion for yourself. A stone marker explains the whole thing, so you can understand the science behind the weirdness. It's a short stretch, only a quarter mile, but definitely one of the most unique driving experiences you can have in Scotland.

Where is Lago di Cancano?extreme

Where is Lago di Cancano?

🇮🇹 Italy

Lago di Cancano—prepare to be wowed! This high-altitude reservoir sits way up in the Italian Alps (Province of Sondrio), and the views? Seriously unreal. You'll find this gem in Valtellina, up north near the Swiss border, smack dab in Stelvio National Park. Look for the Rifugio Ristoro Solena if you need a break. The road here has major history – once the old "Salt & Wine Route" linking Valtellina to Switzerland. Keep an eye out for the Torri di Fraele, towers with origins dating back to 1391! The area below the cliff is eerily called the "Valle dei Morti," or Ravine of the Dead. Now, about the drive itself: nestled in the Italian Alps, the road's a mix of paved and unpaved, with lots of narrow, steep bits (hitting up to 18% grade!). There are also hairpin turns aplenty, especially near the Torri di Fraele. The stretch along Lago Scale's northern shore can be a bit nerve-wracking, as there are no guardrails to protect you! The road is a good 9.5 km long, climbs about 700 meters, and averages around a 7.4% gradient. Get ready for an adventure!

How long is Road Fv805?moderate

How long is Road Fv805?

🇳🇴 Norway

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Road Fv805 in Norway, one of the most breathtaking coastal drives on the planet! This 3.41-mile stretch hugs the northern coast of an island, winding its way along the water's edge. Be warned, things get a little narrow in places! Most of the road is paved, though there might be a few unpaved bits to keep things interesting. The real star of the show here is the scenery—get ready for views that'll blow your mind. You'll kick things off right off the main highway, just north of this adorable little fishing village (which is totally up-and-coming, by the way). Then, you'll meander your way to another charming spot. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination!

Monte Motta: The Ultimate Road Trip Guidehard

Monte Motta: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Motta: A Wild Alpine Adventure Perched high in Italy's western Alps near the French border, Monte Motta (also called Monte Banchetta) sits at a breathtaking 2,776 meters (9,107 feet) above sea level. This is seriously one of Italy's highest drivable roads, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart. Starting from Sestriere ski resort, you're looking at a 7-kilometer (4.34-mile) climb that gains a hefty 841 meters in elevation. The average gradient sits at around 12%, but here's where it gets gnarly: the road hits maximum grades of 22% on some sections. Yeah, you read that right. And that's assuming you even make it there. Here's the catch—this is an unpaved alpine trail that doubles as a chairlift access road. Seriously rugged terrain. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle, and even then, you can only tackle this drive from late June or early July through September. Winter snowfall makes this road completely impassable for most of the year, so timing is everything. But if you manage to conquer those steep ramps and rough conditions, the payoff is spectacular. The views from this high-altitude drive are absolutely stunning, offering panoramic vistas that'll make every white-knuckle moment worth it. It's the kind of adventure that separates the serious mountain drivers from the rest.