How to drive the scenic Ryfylke National Tourist?
Norway, europe
260 km
972 m
moderate
Year-round
# Ryfylke National Tourist Route
If you're craving one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives, the Ryfylke National Tourist Route is calling your name. This 260 km (161 miles) beauty stretches from north to south between the charming village of Røldal and the tiny farming community of Oanes, and it's packed with everything that makes Scandinavian scenery legendary.
Picture yourself winding through a landscape that screams dramatic contrasts—towering mountains, polished glacier-carved cliffs, cascading rockslides, and the deep blue fjords that Norway is famous for. It's the kind of drive that makes you want to pull over constantly just to soak it all in.
The route follows Road 520 and Road 13, both fully paved, though fair warning: the sections heading over the mountain to Røldal get pretty narrow and twisty. If you're thinking of bringing a big bus, you might want to reconsider—shorter buses handle these hairpin turns way better.
You'll climb to 972 meters (3,188 feet) above sea level at the highest point, and you'll want to save this adventure for the warmer months. The road typically shuts down starting in November and doesn't reopen until June, so plan accordingly.
With two ferries included in the route and scenery that'll make every mile feel like a victory lap, this is absolutely one for the bucket list.
Where is it?
How to drive the scenic Ryfylke National Tourist? is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 62.9387, 10.3854
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 260 km
- Max Elevation
- 972 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 62.9387, 10.3854
Related Roads in europe
hardMonte Botte Donato
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Botte Donato Perched at a dramatic 1,928 meters (6,325 feet) in Calabria's mountainous heart, Monte Botte Donato is a serious climb that rewards bold drivers. The route to the summit follows Strada delle Vette—a paved road that keeps you honest with its narrow stretches and gnarly 11.7% grades that'll definitely test your driving chops. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and soak in those incredible views. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a couple of rougher alternatives worth exploring: an old military road heading down toward Lago d'Arpon and an unpaved track leading to Feudo Pass. These rough tracks add an extra layer of adventure for those looking to go off the beaten path and experience the raw mountain terrain that makes this corner of Southern Italy so compelling.
hardZupalseehütte
🇦🇹 Austria
# Zupalseehütte: A True Alpine Adventure in Tyrol Tucked away in Austria's Tyrol region, Zupalseehütte sits pretty at 2,339 meters (7,673 feet) above sea level—and getting there is half the fun. Starting from the charming village of Virgen, you're looking at a wild 12.2 km ride that climbs a seriously impressive 1,145 meters. Yeah, that's a 9.38% average gradient, so bring your A-game (and a sturdy vehicle). Here's the real talk: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road is gravel and rocky, with sections that'll have you bouncing around like you're in a pinball machine. It's bumpy, tippy, and genuinely steep in places—you absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Timing matters too. The road is typically snowbound and impassable from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you want to make it through. Mother Nature's the boss up here. But here's why it's worth it: the alpine scenery is absolutely stunning, and you'll feel like a total legend once you've conquered this beast of a climb. The mountain refuge itself offers that perfect reward after pushing yourself on one of the Alps' gnarliest drives.
hardRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Col des Ruillans in the Hautes-Alpes
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ruillans: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Europe's most extreme driving experiences? Col des Ruillans sits at a jaw-dropping 3,231m (10,600ft) in the Hautes-Alpes, making it one of the continent's highest roads. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Écrins National Park in southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. And yes, there's actually a bar at the summit—because why not celebrate your conquest with a drink? Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Starting from La Grave, the 8.3 km (5.15 miles) route climbs a brutal 1,742m with an average gradient of nearly 21%. We're talking steep. The entire road is unpaved and basically serves as a chairlift access trail, which means you'll need a seriously modified vehicle to even attempt it. Regular cars? Absolutely not. The real kicker? You can only realistically drive this beast during a tiny window at the end of August, when the snow finally melts enough to make the road passable. Winter and spring? Forget about it. But if you time it right and your vehicle is up for the challenge, you're looking at one of the most spectacular alpine experiences France has to offer, surrounded by some genuinely breathtaking scenery.
extremeWhere is Porlock Hill?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is about to test your mettle! This legendary stretch of tarmac, just west of the charming village of Porlock, isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the steepest A road in England, folks! Clocking in at around 2 miles, it throws you straight into the Exmoor hills, climbing a hefty 1,300 feet. Expect narrow sections and two seriously tight 180-degree hairpin bends that'll make your palms sweat. Porlock Hill's claim to fame? A gut-busting 25% gradient! The final stretch is a killer, averaging 8% but with bursts over 25%. You might even catch a whiff of burning brakes from folks who've just conquered the descent. Speaking of which, there are two escape lanes for runaway vehicles—yikes! Opened way back in 1843, this road is not for the faint of heart (or those towing caravans!). Seriously, caravans and HGVs should find another way. Cyclists? You might want to walk this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some breathtaking views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience. Just remember, there's a toll road alternative if you need a breather.