Is the Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route paved?
Norway, europe
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route, one of Norway’s most scenic drives, and trust me, that’s saying something! You’ll cruise past the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest, so have your camera ready.
This route basically strings together roads 613, 57 and 55, so punch that into your GPS. Get ready for some serious curves – some of them are real doozies! This beauty officially opened in 1994 and snakes its way up to a max elevation of 750 meters.
Now, a heads up: this stretch over Gaularfjellet, specifically from Mel to Mjell, closes down during the winter months, so plan accordingly.
But when it's open? Oh man. Think epic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and jaw-dropping mountain views. It's a drive that throws everything at you – narrow fjords, steep climbs, high mountain passes, and lush valleys. Seriously, if you want a taste of Norway's raw beauty, this is it!
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Sella Ciampigotto?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sella Ciampigotto—or Sella di Razzo as the locals call it—is an awesome mountain pass sitting way up high at 1,830m (6,003ft), right on the border between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy. You'll find a bar-restaurant and lodge at the top, perfect for a breather! The SP619 is fully paved and stretches for about 46 km (28.5 miles) from Lozzo di Cadore to Comeglians. Get ready for a wild ride—this road throws a ton of curves and hairpin turns at you, plus some seriously steep and narrow bits. Keep your eyes peeled when passing other cars, especially around those blind corners. Perched in the Dolomites, this road usually stays open all year. But hey, check the weather before you go; things can get dicey up there! You'll be rewarded with knockout views of the Dolomites and those amazing valleys. Seriously, the scenery is worth the white knuckles!
moderateDriving the remote Henningsværveien (Road 816)
🇳🇴 Norway
# Henningsværveien (Road 816): Norway's Hidden Island Gem Want to drive one of the most spectacular roads in the world? Head to Henningsvaer, a charming fishing village tucked away in Nordland county, Norway – and the only way to get there is via Road 816, which is absolutely worth the trip. This 7.7 km stretch of asphalt is pure magic. Starting from the E10, the narrow road hugs the mountainside as it winds along the water, connecting a string of tiny islands that seem almost impossibly placed in the middle of the ocean. You're driving through the Lofoten archipelago, just off the coast of Austvågøya, and honestly, the views are unreal. Henningsvaer itself has earned the nickname "Venice of Lofoten" – and once you arrive, you'll understand why. The drive features everything a scenery-lover could want: dramatic mountains rising up beside you, crystal-clear water with pristine sandy beaches, and elegant bridges connecting the islands like something out of a postcard. Every turn offers another photo opportunity, so definitely bring your camera (you'll want to capture this). This isn't a long drive, but it's the kind of road that stays with you. It's the perfect example of how sometimes the journey is just as incredible as the destination itself.
hardWhere is Pura Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Passo del Pura! This epic mountain pass lives in the Province of Udine, Italy, nestled in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, not far from the Austrian border. You'll find a sweet little parking spot waiting for you at the top (elevation: 1,445m or 4,740ft). The road itself, known as Via San Valentino, is paved the whole way. It's about 15.4 km (9.56 miles) long, connecting the SP73 and SS52 roads with a north-south run. Budget around 25-35 minutes to cruise it without stopping. Now, don't think this is a simple Sunday drive. Passo del Pura is a real test! Expect some tight squeezes, a somewhat questionable road surface in places, dark tunnels, and a constant threat of rockslides. Oh, and did I mention the 28 hairpin turns?! Some sections are seriously steep, hitting a max gradient of 12%. This pass is so legendary it's even been featured in the Giro d’Italia! But trust me, the views of the Carnia mountains in the Apennines are worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateKystriksveien Coastal Road is one of the 101 World’s most Scenic Routes
🇳🇴 Norway
# Kystriksveien: Norway's Ultimate Coastal Road Trip Ready for one of the world's most stunning drives? Kystriksveien—Norwegian County Road 17—stretches 630 kilometres along Norway's Nordland coastline, connecting Steinkjer in Trøndelag to Bodø in the north. You'll literally cross the Arctic Circle on this adventure, and National Geographic ranked it among the 101 most scenic routes on the planet for good reason. This winding, narrow (but fully paved) coastal highway is totally doable in a single day if you're in a rush—most drivers knock it out in 7-10 hours. But honestly? Don't do that. Set aside 4-5 days minimum. You'll need it to properly soak in the experience, especially since the route includes at least six ferry crossings (ranging from 10 minutes to an hour each). The islands themselves are worth exploring too. What makes Kystriksveien so special is the sheer variety packed into one drive. You've got charming fishing villages, pristine white sandy beaches, dramatic mountain peaks, and some seriously jaw-dropping fjords carved deep by ancient glaciers—some stretching over 200 kilometres inland. Along the way, you'll spot famous landmarks like Torghatten mountain, the Seven Sisters range, Svartisen glacier, and Saltstraumen, home to the world's most powerful whirlpools. With roughly 12,000 islands dotting the coast, there's endless exploring to be done. The traffic is light most of the time, though weekends and peak holiday season get busier. Gas stations and grocery stores are conveniently scattered along the route. One fun fact: this road was built by 144,000 prisoners during the 1940s. Pro tip—check the weather forecast before you go. This drive is genuinely magical in good conditions, so timing matters.