How long is Kystriksveien Coastal Road?
Norway, europe
630 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Kystriksveien (Coastal Highway) in Norway's Nordland? Get ready for an epic adventure! This 630-kilometer (390-mile) stretch of Norwegian County Road 17 hugs the coastline from Steinkjer in Trøndelag to Bodø, even crossing the Arctic Circle. Think charming fishing villages, pristine white sand beaches, and majestic mountains all rolled into one unforgettable drive.
Now, this isn't a quick jaunt. Sure, you *could* technically blast through it in 7-10 hours, but where's the fun in that? This road demands a leisurely pace – at least 4-5 days to truly soak it all in. Factor in at least six ferry crossings (some just 10 minutes, others an hour or more), and you'll understand why slow travel is key here.
Trust me, it’s worth every second. The scenery is mind-blowing, with dramatic landscapes and postcard-perfect fjords carved by ancient glaciers. You can explore countless islands by ferry or boat, visit landmarks like Torghatten (the mountain with a hole!), the Seven Sisters mountain range, the Svartisen glacier, and the insane Saltstraumen whirlpools.
The Kystriksveien offers the best of the Norwegian coastline, so be prepared for breathtaking views around every bend. You'll find gas stations and grocery stores along the way, but it's worth noting that the road can get busy on weekends and during peak season. Check the weather before you go – sunshine makes this route even more magical!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 630 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is 'The Road' on the island of Saba?
🌍 Netherlands
Alright, picture this: Saba, a ridiculously charming little Dutch Caribbean island. And smack dab in the middle of it is "The Road," the island's lifeline. Seriously, this isn't just any road – it connects the airport to the harbor and weaves through all four of Saba's adorable villages. Josephus Lambert Hassell, a local legend, was the mastermind behind it all. Everyone thought he was nuts trying to build a road here, but he proved them wrong! We're talking a 10.6 km (6.58 miles) concrete ribbon that stretches from the airport, through Hell's Gate (yikes!), Windwardside, St. John, and finally The Bottom. Locals call it "The Road that Couldn't Be Built," and for good reason. Imagine building a road on this crazy island back in 1938 with zero machines. The first bit opened in 1943, and the whole thing was done by 1958. Incredible, right? Now, let's be real – this road is NARROW. There are spots where two cars can't even pass each other. Some find it nerve-wracking to drive, especially those crazy curves in Windwardside. We are climbing over 1,200 feet in less than a mile! But here's the payoff: the VIEWS! You're hugging cliff sides, gawking at neighboring islands, villages, and ever-changing seascapes. And the scenery? Unreal. You go from dry scrubland to lush tropical forests in minutes. Head towards the Mt. Scenery trail, and you'll hit the highest point – over 1,800 feet! You might even drive from sunshine into the clouds in a blink. It’s a wild, exhilarating ride you won't forget.
hardRavenola Pass is an adventure road you'll never forget
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Ravenola: Italy's Heart-Pounding Mountain Adventure Want to test your nerves? Head to the Brescia province in Lombardy, Italy, where the SP345B (also called Strada Provinziale 345B or Delle Tre Valli) winds its way up to Passo Ravenola at a dizzying 2,072 meters (6,797 feet). This 17.4 km (11-mile) unpaved beast starts from Passo del Maniva on the Anfo Ridge Road and connects to the SP 669. Fair warning: it's not for the faint-hearted. The road sits almost entirely above 2,000 meters, with jaw-dropping cliffs that plunge hundreds of meters straight down—and yep, most of them aren't protected by guardrails. In some spots, it's so narrow that two vehicles can barely squeeze past each other. The route transitions from asphalt at both ends to gravel in the middle section, which means loose rocks and sketchy curves are pretty much guaranteed. That's why there's a strict 20 km/h speed limit, and overtaking is a big no-no. There are designated parking areas if you need to stop and catch your breath (and your composure). The payoff? Stunning mountain-top scenery that'll make your white knuckles worth it. This is a road that'll stay with you long after the drive ends—if you make it through!
moderateWhere is Col du Fréjus?
🇫🇷 France
Col du Fréjus, also known as Passo del Frejus, is a crazy-high international mountain pass chilling right on the border between France and Italy at 2,546m (8,353ft). You'll find it linking the Piedmont region of Italy with the Savoie department of France. At the top, you're greeted by the serene Petit lac du Frejus, a simple cross, and some seriously cool views. Back in the 1890s, some French general decided they needed a road up here. The area is littered with old military ruins – barracks, forts, the works – with little signs dotted around giving you a history lesson. Apparently, there were even some scuffles between the Italians and French during WWII. This pass used to be the main route, but then they built a massive 13 km tunnel in 1980, and everyone started using that instead. Now, here's the thing: if you're thinking of driving up, listen up. The French side is all unpaved. You'll NEED a 4x4, and even then, the road is officially closed to private vehicles. Word is the road surface isn't too bad, but it can get slippery. The Italian side? Forget about it. It's just a super-steep hiking trail. The French side, starting from Le Seuil, is a beast, stretching 8.4 km (5.21 miles) with an elevation gain of 873 meters. We're talking some brutally steep sections, maxing out at a gradient of 30%! On average, you're looking at a 10.39% incline. It's a proper workout for your vehicle! You'll find this tough climb on the western edge of the Massif du Mont Cenis, nestled in the Cottian Alps.
hardA wild paved road to Lago dei Cavagnöö
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lago dei Cavagnöö: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Ticino, Switzerland, Lago dei Cavagnöö sits at a breathtaking 2,352 meters (7,716 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is surrounded by dramatic primary rock formations and crystal-clear waters that'll make you forget you're driving on one of the most intense roads in the Alps. The route itself? Totally worth it, but definitely not for the faint of heart. The asphalt road is narrow and relentlessly steep, with endless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. You'll be constantly switching between climbing and descending, twisting left then right, navigating exposed sections with minimal guardrails. Even seasoned mountain drivers will find this one challenging. Fair warning: this road is only passable from roughly July through September, weather permitting. Come October, snow and ice take over, making access nearly impossible until late spring rolls around again. The lake itself was created when the reservoir was completed in 1968, and the journey to reach it is nothing short of exhilarating. Those endless switchbacks and narrow passages aren't just obstacles—they're part of what makes this drive so memorable. If you're the type who lives for winding mountain roads and stunning alpine scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.