
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
extremeCol de Ve Gautier: good road quality and pleasant grading
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Vé Gautier Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, Col de Vé Gautier sits at 1,099 meters (3,605 feet) and serves as a scenic connector between the Esteron and Fleuve valleys in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The D27 road stretching 11.7 km (7.27 miles) from Toudon to Ascros is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this is a proper mountain drive. The narrow, winding route climbs steeply with sections hitting 8.0% grades, so you'll definitely want to keep your eyes on the road and your hands steady on the wheel. Watch out for some seriously rocky passages that demand careful navigation. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views over the low-lying Estéron valley that make every switchback worthwhile. Just take your time, respect the terrain, and you'll have an unforgettable alpine experience.
extremeZirmsee
🇦🇹 Austria
# Lake Zirm: A Wild Alpine Adventure in Austria Nestled in the rocky heart of Carinthia's eastern Alps, Lake Zirm sits pretty at a stunning 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adrenaline-fueled mountain experience that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Starting from the charming town of Heiligenblut am Großglockner, the journey kicks off on smooth asphalt, but don't get too comfortable. Once you hit the parking area at the Fleißbach bridge (1,814m), the real adventure begins. The road transforms into a gravel and rocky beast that demands your full attention. You're looking at a punishing 11.24 km climb with 1,224 meters of elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 10.88%, with gnarly sections pushing 20%. This route snakes through the dramatic Hüttwinkltal valley with hairpin curves that'll make your palms sweat and elevation that'll make your heart race. Sheer dropoffs and steep pitches mean there's absolutely zero margin for error. One slip-up, and gravity wins. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. The concentration required? Absolute and unforgiving. Fair warning: this road is typically closed from October through June due to weather. Don't even think about attempting it in bad conditions or if heights make you queasy. And if unpaved mountain roads aren't your specialty, do yourself a favor and skip this one. This is serious terrain that respects only experienced, fearless drivers who know what they're getting into.
hardWhere is LZ-67 Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down LZ-67, also known as the "Mountains of Fire Road," on Lanzarote. This isn't just any drive; it's a trip through a volcanic wonderland in Timanfaya National Park! The road is in tip-top shape, so no worries there. This paved beauty snakes its way through the heart of the island, cutting through a rocky landscape that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Think barren, otherworldly, and totally Instagrammable. Trust me, the views are mind-blowing and so worth the drive! Just keep an eye out for those influencers chasing the perfect shot in the middle of the road, and get ready for some serious volcanic vibes.
extremeIs the road to Berghaus Nagens paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, in the Imboden Region of Graubünden, you'll find Berghaus Nagens, a mountain escape sitting pretty at 2,172 meters (7,121 feet). It's smack-dab in the middle of the Flims-Laax-Falera playground. Okay, road trippers, here's the deal: getting there is an adventure in itself! The 8.0 km (4.9 miles) gravel service road from Flims is strictly off-limits to private cars, so this is one you'll have to earn with your hiking boots or bike tires. Don't let that deter you though, because this climb is intense! Prepare for a serious workout as you gain a whopping 1,031 meters in elevation. We're talking average gradients of 13% and some thigh-burning stretches hitting 20%. Ouch! The views? Absolutely worth the sweat. This track serves up panoramic vistas of the Graubünden mountains. As you snake up those steep Alpine slopes, the entire Flims-Laax-Falera region unfolds beneath you. Heads up, this road is usually a no-go from September to June. Winter brings heavy snow, burying the track until things thaw out. So plan accordingly for a summer or early fall trek!