How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?
Norway, europe
12.1 km
11,150 m
easy
Year-round
# County Road 551 (Fv551) – Norway's Hidden Fjord Gem
Ready to experience one of Norway's most scenic drives? County Road 551 winds along the stunning southeastern shore of Hardangerfjorden in Hordaland county, just north of the charming town of Odda. This 12.1 km (7.51 miles) east-west route connects the peaceful village of Eitrheim in Ullensvang municipality to Austrepollen in Kvinnherad municipality, cutting right through the heart of Folgefonna National Park.
The entire route is fully paved, which is great news for your car – but here's the cool part: most of the drive actually takes you through the Folgefonntunnelen, an impressive 11,150-meter (36,580 ft) tunnel that opened back in 2001. It's a marvel of engineering that lets you bypass some seriously dramatic alpine terrain. Just a heads up: if you're planning to bike or hike this route, the tunnel is strictly off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists.
The scenery surrounding this road is absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic fjord views and mountain landscapes that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Whether you're a road-tripping enthusiast or just looking to explore one of Norway's hidden gems, this drive delivers an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden? is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.1019, 13.4761
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 11,150 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 65.1019, 13.4761
Related Roads in europe
extremeAdventure along the wild road to Furggen in Valais
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Furggen is a stunning high-altitude meadow perched at 2,457 meters (8,061 feet) in the Raron district of Valais, Switzerland. This is seriously remote mountain territory—we're talking deep in the Pennine Alps, practically in the shadow of the Matterhorn and just a stone's throw from the Italian border. What makes Furggen really special is its history. The road itself is a relic from World War II, originally carved out by the Swiss military as a strategic route. It's completely unpaved, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast—this road has earned a reputation as one of the gnarliest in the entire Alps. The 21.6-kilometer (13.4-mile) stretch runs from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz, and it's relentless. You're looking at 27 hairpin turns, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and grades that hit a punishing 17%. It's the kind of drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping and test your off-road skills in serious ways. But the views? Absolutely worth it. And there's a charming detail at the top—a small chapel called Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen, sitting pretty on a gentle rise overlooking the mountain huts. This little gem has been watching over the peaks since 1662, when it was originally built. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time while standing on top of the world.
moderateLa Cuevona is one of the few caves you can drive through by car
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Cuevona: Drive Through a Cave in Spain Ever wanted to drive through an actual cave? Welcome to La Cuevona in Asturias, Spain – one of the world's most mind-blowing road experiences. This isn't some tourist attraction; it's the genuine way to reach the nearby village, making it a legitimate part of the region's infrastructure. Located in Cuevas del Agua municipality in northern Asturias, this 300-meter (984ft) natural cavern has been converted into a drivable route via the RS-3 Road. What makes it even cooler? The Sella River flows right alongside the road as you pass through – yes, you're literally driving next to a river inside a mountain. (Fun fact: the river is so iconic that the nearby town of Ribadesella is actually named after it!) **What to Expect** The paved road is narrow and winding, so timing matters – avoid rush hours if you can. Fair warning: it's a dead-end route, so you'll need to turn around and head back out. Orange road lights illuminate your path, though the lighting gives the whole experience an almost otherworldly vibe. There's a small parking area on the southern side with space for about six cars, which tells you something about how intimate this experience really is. **Pro Tips** Here's the thing – you *can* drive through in a few minutes, but you'll miss everything. The cave features incredible natural artwork: towering stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that took millennia to create. Do yourself a favor and park it, then explore on foot. No sidewalks exist along the road, so if you're walking, wear bright fluorescent jackets to stay visible to any vehicles. It's a small precaution for an unforgettable adventure.
extremePizzo Groppera
🇮🇹 Italy
# Pizzo Groppera: A Alpine Adventure in Lombardy Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Head to Pizzo Groppera, where you'll find yourself at a jaw-dropping 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level in the Italian Alps. This peak sits pretty in the Province of Sondrio, smack in the heart of Lombardy's stunning Alpi del Platta range. Here's the real deal: the road up to the summit is no Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocky terrain that'll test your nerves and your vehicle. The route follows an old chairlift access trail with seriously steep slopes scattered with loose stones – and it only gets gnarlier as you climb higher. You'll definitely need 4WD for this one, and even then, be prepared for a white-knuckle experience. Timing is everything here. Your best window is roughly June through early October when conditions are most favorable, though Mother Nature has the final say. The altitude alone keeps things interesting, and if the elevation doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, the relentless high winds certainly will – they're a constant presence year-round. If you're the type who craves epic Alpine scenery mixed with a genuine sense of accomplishment (and conquest), Pizzo Groppera delivers. Just make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge and your nerves are even steadier.
moderateTravel Guide to Col de Mahourat in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're up for a real adventure, right? Then check out the Col de Mahourat, way up in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques of southwestern France! We're talking a whopping 1,740 meters (that's 5,708 feet!) above sea level. Perched right on the French-Spanish border in the western Pyrenees, getting to the top is a true off-road experience. Think rocky, gravelly goodness. Seriously, this is more of a chairlift access trail than a leisurely drive, so a 4x4 is a must. And heads up: expect it to be totally snowed in and impassable from around October until June. This isn't your average Sunday drive, but the views? Totally worth it!