How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?

How to drive the scenic Road Fv551 on the southeastern shore of the Hardangerfjorden?

Norway, europe

Length

12.1 km

Elevation

11,150 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Is the National Road DN73A paved?hard

Is the National Road DN73A paved?

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, buckle up for the DN73A between Râșnov and Predeal! This road, also known as the "Cold Stream" Road, is 100% paved but get ready for a wild ride. You'll be tackling a seriously challenging section near Predeal, the highest town in Romania, perched over 3,444 feet above sea level in the Bucegi Mountains. The highlight (or lowlight, depending on your driving skills!) is a series of *twelve* super-tight hairpin turns. The scenery is breathtaking, trust me, but keep your eyes on the road. This route can get dicey in winter, and the pavement isn't always perfect – it sees its fair share of patching after the snow melts. So, drive carefully and enjoy the views!

Col de Clozehard

Col de Cloze

🇫🇷 France

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col de Cloze, sitting pretty in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, is calling your name! This beast clocks in at 2,483 meters (8,146 feet), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled right in the heart of the Parc national des Pyrénées, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. We’re talking a super-steep, narrow gravel road that demands respect. This isn't one for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Heads up: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one requires your full attention!

Zavratchitsa Huthard

Zavratchitsa Hut

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Bulgaria, you HAVE to check out the trail to Zavratchitsa Hut. We're talking Sofia province, deep in the Rila Mountains, aiming for a refuge perched way up at 2,188 meters (that's over 7,100 feet!). The track? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Imagine a super rocky, teeth-chattering path that hugs the Prava Maritsa River. It's often closed in winter due to the snow, so plan accordingly. Think narrow lanes (passing? good luck!), seriously steep climbs, and a surface that will test your suspension. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute MUST. But here's the payoff: breathtaking scenery. You'll wind through changing elevations, past shimmering lakes, and through the dramatic gorges carved by mountain rivers, all framed by thick forests of dwarf pine. It's a true feast for the eyes, and totally worth the white-knuckle drive! Just be prepared for a challenging adventure.

Crossing the scenic Pont de la Marieemoderate

Crossing the scenic Pont de la Mariee

🇫🇷 France

# Pont de la Mariée: France's Most Dramatic Bridge Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, within the stunning Mercantour National Park, sits one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges—Pont de la Mariée, or "Bride's Bridge." This architectural marvel is seriously impressive. Built in 1923, it was one of France's pioneering reinforced concrete arch bridges, originally constructed to carry a tramway. Today, the RD16 road crosses its 62-metre span, soaring a heart-stopping 80 metres above the Var River below. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The bridge comes with a haunting backstory: legend whispers of a young bride who tragically threw herself off on her wedding night—a dark tale that somehow adds to its mystique. These days, it's become a major tourist hotspot in the area, and you'll particularly see crowds on weekends and throughout summer when daredevils come to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush: bungee jumping from the bridge itself. Fair warning though—the road is currently partially blocked by large rocks and operates as one-way traffic, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of visiting this spectacular spot. But trust us, the dramatic scenery and sheer audacity of the engineering make it absolutely worth the effort to witness in person.