How long is the National Tourist Route Valdresflye?

How long is the National Tourist Route Valdresflye?

Norway, europe

Length

49 km

Elevation

1,393 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for the Valdresflye National Tourist Route, a must-do scenic drive in Norway's Innlandet county! This baby clocks in at 49km (30.44 miles) of pure driving bliss, connecting Garli (near Beitostølen) with Besstrondsæter in Vågå via County Road 51.

Picture this: smooth pavement winding through ever-changing terrain. Sure, it gets a tad narrow in spots, but nothing your adventurous spirit can't handle. You'll be cruising high, crossing a mountain plateau at 1,393m (4,570ft) above sea level – one of the country's highest roads! This beauty is usually open from early May until well into November, so plan accordingly. Just remember, mountain weather can be a fickle beast!

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Prepare to be blown away by the incredible contrasts of the Norwegian landscape. Gaze out over the Jotunheimen National Park from the plateau, then descend into lush, cultivated mountain pastures. The summit is a jumping-off point for epic spring ski adventures. As you drive, feel like you're soaring above the world, with Jotunheimen National Park unfolding before your eyes. To the north, the mountains are rugged and dramatic, while the south offers peaceful, rolling hills.

A word of warning: sections between Garli and Maurvangen are closed in winter, though the route between Hindsæter and Gjendesheim stays open. And keep your eyes peeled for domestic reindeer – they love to wander!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
49 km
Max Elevation
1,393 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Añisclo Canyon?hard

Where is Añisclo Canyon?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Aragon, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head to Huesca province and find the Cañon del Añisclo! This canyon road is seriously one of Spain's most scenic. We're talking about the Sobrarbe region, nestled inside the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The HU-631, carved by the Bellos River, is your path. Keep in mind, this road is paved, but it can be rough, especially after rain. Think slippery! And some sections are *narrow*. You might even find it's one-way during certain times. The whole shebang stretches 34.3 km (21.31 miles) from Escalona to Puértolas. Expect some steep climbs, topping out at 1,360m (4,461ft). You'll hug the Bellos River through Valle de Añisclo, los Sestrales, and Desfiladero de las Cambras. Look up, and those canyon walls will make you feel *tiny*. Oh, and keep an eye out for unlit tunnels! Starting in Escalona, you'll hit a fork in the road about 2km in. HU-631 takes you straight through the gorgeous canyon. The other route is south of the HU-631 that bypasses it on a small, bumpy, and winding street. Word to the wise: this road can close suddenly due to unstable geology, so be prepared. The pavement's bumpy, so if you're rocking a low-rider, think twice. There are no gas stations, patchy cell service, and you're pretty far from help if you break down. But the views? Absolutely incredible. If you're a motorcyclist who loves to explore, not speed, this is your jam. Hiking, canyoning, rafting, swimming – the whole region is an outdoor playground in summer!

The road to Col Nazie, pure adventuremoderate

The road to Col Nazie, pure adventure

🇫🇷 France

# Col Nazie: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Col Nazie sits at a pretty impressive 1,902 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely mountain drive—it's an exhilarating challenge that rewards confident drivers with stunning alpine scenery. Starting from Besse, you've got just 4.9km of mostly paved road to conquer, but don't let that short distance fool you. The narrow sections demand your full attention, and you'll definitely want to be comfortable with tight spaces and, honestly, reversing—because meeting another car head-on in those pinched sections can get seriously awkward. Once you've conquered the pass, a well-maintained gravel road stretches onward toward Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand, opening up even more breathtaking views of the highlands. Just be prepared for the moody mountain atmosphere: the area is notorious for thick mist that can roll in without warning, drastically reducing visibility. When conditions get foggy, caution becomes your best friend. This is definitely one for drivers who enjoy a technical, engaging drive through spectacular alpine terrain. Come prepared, stay alert, and you'll have an unforgettable experience in the French mountains.

Where is Peña Ubiña? extreme

Where is Peña Ubiña? 

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, so you want to tackle Peña Ubiña? This iconic peak in the Cantabrian Mountains is a stunner! While you'll have to hike to actually reach the summit, there's a gnarly dirt track that gets you pretty darn close. Think of it as a shortcut for mountaineers heading to the "Normal Route". You'll find this track in the northern part of León, Spain, smack-dab in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. It kicks off from the village of Torrebarrio and climbs like crazy towards Asturias. You're basically just south of the Puerto de la Cubilla, that famous pass with killer views connecting Asturias and León. This road's goal? Collado del Terreros, your gateway to the epic limestone cliffs of the Ubiña Massif. Now, let's talk reality: This isn't your Sunday drive. You NEED a high-clearance 4x4. We're talking a relentlessly steep climb – averaging around 12% grade with some seriously spicy sections. The unpaved road is narrow with hairpin turns that'll test your skills, especially when the snow starts melting. Speaking of snow, the Macizo de Ubiña is known for its brutal winters. It gets dumped on with snow and is prone to crazy blizzards. Forget even trying this track from November to May. Even late spring can be dicey with lingering snow patches blocking the way. But if you're equipped and experienced, the views and the access it provides are absolutely worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

The ultimate guide to exploring Gorges de la Restonica in Corsica by carhard

The ultimate guide to exploring Gorges de la Restonica in Corsica by car

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges de la Restonica: Corsica's Hidden Canyon Drive Ready for one of Corsica's most stunning scenic drives? Head to the Haute-Corse department and take on the D623, a fully paved 14.9 km (9.25 miles) adventure that winds from Corte up through the breathtaking Restonica Valley. Fair warning: this isn't your average leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously narrow in places—we're talking barely wider than a single car in spots. As the gorge walls squeeze in around you, you'll need sharp focus and solid mountain driving skills. The views are absolutely gorgeous, but those steep drops demand respect. Also note that vehicles over 4.5 meters long or 1.9 meters wide aren't permitted, so check your rental beforehand. Summer season brings crowds, and that means congestion on these tight lanes. It's manageable if you stay patient and keep your eyes on the road. The good news? There are restaurants and rest stops scattered along the way where you can grab food or take a refreshing dip in the river. Once you've conquered the drive, park it and hit the trails. A two-hour hike gets you to Lac de Mélo, a gorgeous mountain lake sitting at 6,528 feet. Push further and you'll reach Lac de Capitello, which often stays snow-capped well into summer—or stays frozen entirely outside peak season. This drive rewards confident drivers with some of Corsica's most spectacular alpine scenery.