How long is Sognefjell National Route?
Norway, europe
110 km
1.437 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable road trip on the Sognefjell National Route in Norway! This scenic beauty straddles Vestland and Innlandet counties and it's a total must-do.
This fully paved ribbon of road, also known as Fylkesvei 55, stretches for 110 km (70 mi) from Sogndalsfjøra to Lom. Just be aware it can get a little narrow in places, and those hairpin turns will definitely keep you on your toes!
Heads up: this road is a high-altitude experience, so it's usually closed from November to May due to snow. But don't worry, they plow it open around May 1st, and driving between those towering snowbanks (up to 10 meters high!) is seriously epic. Even in the summer, it can get pretty windy, and the weather up there can change in a flash, so be prepared.
Why is this road so special? Well, for starters, it's one of the highest mountain roads in Northern Europe, peaking at 1,437m (4,714ft) above sea level. And the views? Prepare to be blown away by jagged peaks, emerald lakes, and dramatic landscapes. It runs through Jotunheimen National Park and Breheimen National Park, so you'll transition from lush fjords to a stark, treeless plateau. Seriously, plan for a sunny day if you can, and make time for those hiking trails at the top! You'll be stopping at viewpoints every few minutes – trust me, the scenery is *that* good.
Just remember, the section from Liasanden to Turtagrø is usually closed in winter and reopens in May. Happy driving!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.437 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateEngland’s Most Iconic Scenic Routes: From Engineering Marvels to Coastal Erosion
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the Military Road from Chale to Freshwater Bay is like racing Father Time himself! This stunning route clings to the Isle of Wight's cliff edge, treating you to epic English Channel views on one side and lush, rolling hills on the other. But here's the kicker: coastal erosion is a real threat. Geologists predict parts of this road are destined for a watery grave. So, soak up every moment of this unspoiled National Trust landscape while you can! Seeking driving bliss? The B4632 is your answer! This Cotswold gem, once a bustling A-road, has been downgraded, resulting in sweet, sweet solitude. Glide along its well-maintained surface, feasting your eyes on the Vale of Evesham. It's the perfect escape from those traffic-choked main roads. Prepare to be awestruck crossing the Humber Bridge, connecting North Lincolnshire and Yorkshire! This architectural marvel was once the longest single-span suspension bridge *in the world*. Prepare for a unique perspective on the sheer scale of British 20th-century engineering – it's a true gateway between the North and South. For a postcard-perfect slice of England, you HAVE to drive through Hutton-Le-Hole! This village in North Yorkshire is pure charm: sheep munching on village greens and a tiny stream meandering through it all. It's a hub within the North York Moors National Park, guiding you toward the Ryedale Folk Museum and the wild Yorkshire landscape. Who says motorways are boring? Cruising the A1 past Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, offers an unexpected treat: Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North! This colossal sculpture looms large, a welcome jolt of art amidst the monotony of a long haul between London and Edinburgh.
hardPuerto de las Estacas de Trueba
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! We're heading to Puerto de las Estacas de Trueba, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,157m (3,795ft) on the border of Cantabria and Castile and Leon in northern Spain. Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains, this road is a bit rough around the edges with some seriously questionable asphalt. Keep your eyes peeled – it's got some major drop-offs that'll get your heart pumping! But hey, the views from the top are totally worth it, especially that killer panorama to the north. The pass is generally open year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in things with occasional closures due to weather. You've got a couple of choices to conquer this beauty. Option one: start in Vega de Pas on the CA-631 for a 14.1 km climb, gaining 807 meters with a 5.72% average gradient. It's a leg burner! Or, take the BU-570 from Espinosa de los Monteros, a longer 16.9 km route with a more mellow 2.34% average gradient, climbing 397 meters. Either way, you're in for a treat!
hardMontejunto
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: you're in central-western Portugal, craving a killer view. Head to Montejunto, a mountain peak rising to 655 meters (that's 2,148 feet!). Up top, you'll find cool old churches, chapels, and some pretty high-tech communication towers. The road to the summit, Rua do Montejunto, winds through the Montejunto-Estrela range. It's paved, but be warned: it gets a little narrow in spots. Trust me, though, it's worth it, as it’s the highest natural viewpoint around! The panoramic views from the top are simply incredible. The climb is definitely a leg-burner. Starting in Vila Verde dos Francos, you've got about 8.2 kilometers to reach the top, gaining a hefty 461 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of over 5%, so get ready for some serious uphill action. Keep an eye out for the airforce radar station on a neighboring peak, too!
moderateCan you drive the 570 Road (Jökulshálsvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Road 570 (Jökulshálsvegur) on the western edge of Iceland's Snæfellsnes peninsula! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking serious 4x4 territory. Can *you* handle it? Think steep climbs, loose gravel, potholes that could swallow a small car, and blind turns galore. It's rough, it's challenging, and it demands a high-clearance vehicle. The track itself is pretty gnarly, with big rocks and ruts everywhere. If the clouds are low, seriously consider skipping it; you'll be driving *in* them! But if you are confident, be prepared for the views to be incredible. Picture this: a lunar landscape surrounds you as you rumble along this bumpy road. And the best part? You'll probably be completely alone. Seriously, this track isn't exactly a tourist hotspot, so consider bringing a buddy. Even though it's been upgraded and isn't *technically* an F-road anymore, don't let that fool you. This is still a *mountain* road. No river crossings, thankfully! This 18.3km (11.37-mile) stretch connects Arnarstapi (or Stapi) on the southern side of Snæfellsnes to Ólafsvík in the north. And trust me, the payoff is HUGE. You're talking about insane views of Snæfellsjökull, that majestic, glacier-topped volcano. Lava fields stretch as far as the eye can see, some bare, some cloaked in moss. It's a natural wonderland of insane landscapes and geology! Just a heads up: this road is only open during the summer, typically from late June to early September. And it's high! We're talking 658m (2,158ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. If heights aren't your thing, maybe think twice, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire Snaefellsnes peninsula are unbelievable.