How to drive the scenic Hardangervidda National Tourist Route in eastern Norway?
Norway, europe
67 km
1,250 m
easy
Year-round
# Hardangervidda National Tourist Route
Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives? Road 7 (RV7) is a 67 km stretch that'll have you questioning why you ever drove anywhere else. Starting in Eidfjord down in Fjord Norway and ending in Haugastøl over in Eastern Norway, this fully paved route takes you straight through Hardangervidda National Park and across the biggest high mountain plateau in all of Northern Europe.
The drive climbs to a respectable 1,250 meters above sea level, and here's the best part—it's open year-round. Thanks to the Hardanger Bridge, you won't need to worry about ferries either. Winter driving is definitely doable, though you'll want to pack winter tires and be prepared for occasional closures when the weather turns seriously gnarly. But honestly? Even winter here is spectacular.
This is the kind of road that makes you understand why people fall in love with Norwegian landscapes. Buckle up and go experience it.
Where is it?
How to drive the scenic Hardangervidda National Tourist Route in eastern Norway? is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 63.1670, 9.1960
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 67 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,250 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 63.1670, 9.1960
Related Roads in europe
hardHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip Through Haukadalsskardh Pass
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising the western coast of Iceland and craving a serious off-road thrill, you HAVE to check out Haukadalsskarð. This mountain pass tops out at 375 meters (that's around 1,230 feet) and the road through it, F586, is legendary. Clocking in at almost 35 kilometers (a little over 21 miles), this unpaved beast runs from Road 60 in the west all the way to the Ring Road on the east side. Think narrow, think steep, and definitely think REMOTE. You'll be hugging a river for most of the ride and ford it several times, so prepare for some seriously splashy crossings – we're talking ankle-deep water, give or take. Word to the wise: this road is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. The traffic? Basically non-existent. The payoff? Jaw-dropping landscapes that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget!
hardWhere is Colle Malaberghe?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Colle Malaberghe, a seriously high mountain pass way up in the Alpes-Maritimes department, France. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, practically breathing down Italy's neck. This isn't some modern highway. We're talking about a route with serious history, used for centuries to move goods and, you know, defend stuff. It started as a medieval path hauling goods from the coast, and later got beefed up for military use. Heads up: the road *to* the pass is all unpaved. We're talking rough, narrow, exposed sections. Leave your fancy sports car at home. You'll need something tough and a super careful driver. The higher you go, the bumpier it gets. And listen, this road closes from November to April. Snow, avalanches, ice… it's a no-go. The weather can flip on you in a heartbeat. But if you're up for it, the views? Epic! You're cruising along the crests where France shakes hands with Italy, with views stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean. Totally untamed and unforgettable!
hardRoccaraso-Aremogna
🇮🇹 Italy
# Roccaraso-Aremogna: A Scenic Alpine Climb in Italy's Heartland Tucked away in Abruzzo's stunning central Italian landscape, Roccaraso-Aremogna is a ski resort sitting pretty at 1,663 meters (5,456 feet) above sea level. If you're planning a visit, here's what you need to know about getting there. The drive up is doable on a well-maintained asphalt road, though don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. Starting from Roccaraso Ombrellone, you're looking at a 9.25-kilometer ascent that climbs 395 meters in elevation. The average gradient hangs around 4.4%, which is manageable, but here's the catch: you'll hit some genuinely steep sections pushing up to 12.7%. Those gnarly stretches demand respect and careful driving, especially if you're navigating them during winter or in wet conditions. The payoff? Views that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. This is classic Alpine driving country, where the road hugs the mountainside and the scenery just keeps getting better the higher you go. Whether you're tackling this climb during ski season or exploring it in summer, bring your A-game and enjoy the ride.
hardWhere is Devil’s Throat Cave in Bulgaria?
🌍 Bulgaria
Cruising through the Smolyan Province of Bulgaria? You HAVE to check out the road through Trigrad Gorge! It's absolutely breathtaking, especially as it leads to the legendary Devil's Throat Cave. This natural wonder is nestled high in the Rhodope Mountains, practically kissing the Greek border. Legend has it that Orpheus himself used this route to venture into the underworld! The road itself? A wild ride! It’s paved, sure, but think narrow and winding. Picture this: you're hugging the curves, the Trigrad river burbling alongside you, and towering cliffs of up to 250 meters on either side. The river actually vanishes into the Devil's Throat Cave (said to resemble a devil’s head with a waterfall for a throat!), only to reappear further down as a massive spring. Seriously epic. This 10.6 km (6.58 miles) stretch from Teshel to Trigrad isn't for the faint of heart. The views are unreal – rocky shores, vertical walls of marble, and a sliver of sky above. But you’ll definitely need your wits about you! It takes about 20-30 minutes to drive without stopping. With tunnels, blind corners, and other cars trying to squeeze past. Seriously, bring your patience and your best driving skills. The best time to go? Summer is fantastic, with the elevation keeping things nice and cool (around 1200 meters!). Winter can bring snow, but the area is generally accessible year-round. July and August are peak season, so be prepared for company! Devil's Throat Cave itself, with its incredible 42-meter underground waterfall, is worth the effort. Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget!