National Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway

National Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway

Norway, europe

Length

49 km

Elevation

1,393 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Valdresflye: Norway's Epic Mountain Drive

Craving one of Norway's most iconic scenic drives? Look no further than Valdresflye, a stunning 49km (30.44 miles) mountain road that'll blow your mind. This gem winds through Innlandet county in eastern Norway, connecting the charming town of Garli near Beitostølen to Besstrondsæter in Vågå.

What makes this route so special? It's totally paved and sits perched high on the eastern slopes of the Jotunheimen mountains, topping out at an impressive 1,393m (4,570ft) above sea level. You're literally driving one of the country's highest roads. The road gets narrow in spots, but it's mostly smooth sailing across rolling terrain that feels absolutely effortless—like it's floating above the landscape.

The views? Absolutely breathtaking. From the mountain plateau, you'll catch stunning vistas of Jotunheimen National Park, then swoop down through gorgeous cultivated valleys dotted with mountain pastures. The contrast is incredible—wild, jagged peaks to the north giving way to serene rolling hills to the south. It's like you're getting two completely different landscapes in one drive.

The route typically opens in early May and stays accessible through November, though the summit weather can shift in a heartbeat, so come prepared. The plateau is a legendary launching point for spring skiing expeditions and hikes into the Jotunheimen peaks.

**Quick Details:** No ferries, but note that winter closures affect some stretches between Garli and Maurvangen (though the Hindsæter to Gjendesheim section stays open). Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer herds along the way!

Where is it?

National Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.7436, 12.0259

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
49 km
Max Elevation
1,393 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
65.7436, 12.0259

Related Roads in europe

Where is the road to Lagu Terciellu?extreme

Where is the road to Lagu Terciellu?

🇪🇸 Spain

Located in the southern part of the Principality of Asturias, in northern Spain, is a high mountain lake at an elevation of above sea level. Situated within the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the road to the lake is a formidable challenge for off-roaders, known for its sustained verticality and breathtaking Cantabrian scenery. Road facts: Lagu Terciellu Asturias, Spain (Las Ubiñas-La Mesa) Where is the road to Lagu Terciellu? The road to the lake is a rugged mountain track officially known as . It starts from the small settlement of . The route penetrates deep into the central area of the Cantabrian Mountains, climbing through limestone massifs and high-altitude pastures. The area is a land of great beauty, ideal for nature lovers, but the driver's focus must remain on the track due to the technical nature of the climb and the stunning but distracting scenery. Is the road to Lagu Terciellu unpaved? Yes, the road to the summit is totally unpaved, narrow, and very steep with high ground clearance and low-range gearing is strictly required to navigate the Camín de La Poza. The surface consists of natural earth and loose limestone rock, which can be extremely slippery. Due to the high elevations and exposure, the road is subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes. During the ascent, you will be blown away by the raw beauty of the peaks, but the lack of safety barriers means there is no room for error on the narrowest sections. How long is the road to Lagu Terciellu? Starting from Las Vallinas, the drive is 5.6 km (3.4 miles) long . While the distance is relatively short, the climb is very demanding: over this stretch, the road tackles an elevation gain of 634 meters . This results in a brutal average gradient of 11.32% . This high percentage is relentless, with almost no sections for the engine or brakes to cool down. Maintaining constant traction on the 11% slope requires a steady foot and a capable vehicle, as any stop on the steepest unpaved ramps can make restarting the climb very difficult. Is the road to Lagu Terciellu open in winter? Technically, the road is open to traffic throughout the year, but it may be closed for short periods in winter during heavy snowfalls or extreme weather. At 1,435 meters, snow and ice can turn the steep 11.32% grade into an impassable slide. Even in good weather, make for tough driving along the muddy sections of the track. Before attempting this demanding Asturian climb, ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and check the local weather forecast for the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa area, as the weather can turn treacherous in minutes. Discover the Breathtaking AL-5107 Coastal Road and the Scenic Beauty of Almeria Driving the stunning road through Barranco de Guayadeque on the Canary Islands Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Where is Road DN73C?moderate

Where is Road DN73C?

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, buckle up for DN73C in Romania's Argeș County, Muntenia region! This 73-kilometer (45-mile) adventure isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth asphalt on some sections – you'll be bouncing along on concrete blocks. And while you're wrestling with the road, feast your eyes on the views, especially near Costila Peak in the Bucegi Mountains. Just remember, this Transylvanian route isn't for the faint of heart!

40 hairpin turns to Col de Braus in the Alpes Maritimesmoderate

40 hairpin turns to Col de Braus in the Alpes Maritimes

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Braus: A French Alpine Masterpiece Tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Col de Braus sits at 1,002m (3,287ft) and is arguably one of the world's most iconic hairpin-heavy mountain passes. This legendary stretch of road connects the charming town of Sospel to L'Escarène, cutting right through the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes and serving as the gateway between the Nice and Menton valleys. What makes this 21.5 km (13.35 miles) fully paved stretch of D2204 so special? Those jaw-dropping 40 stacked hairpin turns that spiral up the mountainside like something out of a racing video game. Seriously, they're architectural marvels—some even have walls that look like medieval fortifications holding them in place. You'll swap between tight switchbacks and flowing sweeping bends, all while soaking in genuinely stunning views of the French countryside below. Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday cruise. Those dramatic elevation changes come with some seriously long drops on the sides, and the narrow road means you'll need to stay sharp around oncoming traffic. Most drivers tackle it in 35-45 minutes (without stops), though you'd be missing out if you didn't pull over at one of the lookout points along the way. The climb itself is surprisingly manageable—never exceeding 12.3% gradient—but that steady 5.7-6.4% average grade combined with all those curves will definitely keep your driving skills sharp. Whether you're ascending from Sospel (11.2 km, 639m elevation gain) or L'Escarène (10.3 km, 662m gain), you're in for a treat. The pass has serious racing credentials too, hosting Tour de France and Giro d'Italia stages, plus serving as the famous Monte Carlo Rally stage. At the summit, you'll find a monument to René Vietto—a legendary French cyclist who never quite won the Tour. Perfect spot to catch your breath before descending those same thrilling switchbacks.

Yastrebets Summithard

Yastrebets Summit

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, so you're in Bulgaria, craving adventure? Check out Yastrebets Summit! This beast of a "road" climbs to 2,358m (7,736ft) in the Rila Mountains, near the Borovets resort. Forget smooth tarmac, though – we're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. Seriously, this track is rough and always changing. They built it to haul materials up for some buildings way up high. Expect stones, and a short window of opportunity to drive it safely - summer is your best bet. Once you're at the top, the views are insane. You can see pretty much every major mountain range in Bulgaria! You'll need a 4x4, no question. This area is all about unspoiled nature and outdoor fun, but driving this route calls for serious skill. Take it slow, watch for obstacles, and maybe pack some anti-vertigo meds! The name “Rila” means "well-watered mountain", stemming from Thracian times, and trust me, you'll see why! This climb is steep, patience is a must, and the payoff is one heck of a view.