Riksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake

Riksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake

Norway, europe

Length

2.3 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Riksvegen Old Road: A Hidden Gem in Norway's Fjord Country

Nestled in Vestland county's Eidfjord municipality, the Riksvegen Old Road is a nostalgic slice of Norwegian engineering history that's perfect for those who prefer a slower pace. This charming 2.3 km (1.42 miles) stretch hugs the western shore of Eidfjordvatnet, treating you to absolutely stunning lake views at every turn.

Here's the cool part: this road is now exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians—no cars allowed. Back in the day, it was the main route, complete with a tunnel that King Oscar II himself opened. You can still spot that historic tunnel today, a testament to the road's bygone era as a motorway.

The entire route is paved and manageable, making it ideal for a leisurely bike ride or scenic walk. That said, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockslide, which is a real hazard in this mountainous region. It's a small price to pay for the experience, honestly.

So what happened to all the traffic? In stepped the Eidfjordtunnelen, a modern tunnel that's part of Norway's National Road 7 (Rv7). The new route is wider, faster, and comes loaded with multiple tunnels—perfect for those in a hurry. But if you're anything like us, you'll skip the highway and stick to this beautifully preserved old road for an authentic Norwegian adventure.

Where is it?

Riksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.7704, 15.2835

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
2.3 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
65.7704, 15.2835

Related Roads in europe

Villach Alpine Road is a scenic drive with 116 turnshard

Villach Alpine Road is a scenic drive with 116 turns

🇦🇹 Austria

# Villacher Alpenstraße: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Austria's most stunning Alpine drives? The Villacher Alpenstraße in Carinthia is calling your name. Nestled near the Italian and Slovenian borders, this scenic toll road has been wowing drivers since 1965. Here's what you're getting into: a thrilling 16.5 km (10.25 miles) climb toward Dobratsch, sitting pretty just below Carinthia's highest peak. The road gains a serious 1,200 meters in elevation, topping out at 1,732 meters above sea level. With seven hairpin turns and 116 curves total, you'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping—and those steep 10% grades aren't for the faint of heart. Mother Nature keeps things interesting up here too. Expect strong winds and rapidly shifting weather conditions, but the good news is the road stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're ready. The real magic? The views are absolutely incredible. Multiple parking spots and viewing platforms dot the route, giving you plenty of chances to snap photos and soak in the scenery—from the Karawanken mountains all the way to the Julian Alps spanning across into Italy and Slovenia. Starting at the pay desk in Villach-Möltschach and finishing at the Rosstratte View Point, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The constant twists and narrow sections will keep even experienced drivers on their toes. But every hairpin turn rewards you with fresh vistas of Villach, the majestic Julian Alps, and the Dobratsch. Whether you hit the official lookouts or find your own secret spots, this road delivers pure scenic magic around every corner.

Cime des Cabanellesmoderate

Cime des Cabanelles

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes Maritimes, southeastern France, craving an adventure. Buckle up your 4x4 and head for Cime des Cabanelles! This peak hits 1,087m (3,566ft) and getting there? Totally worth it, but not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think gravel, rocks, bumps – the kind of terrain that'll have you tipping and teetering the whole way. Oh, and there's a barrier at the start, just to keep things interesting. The trail is pretty darn steep with constant twists and turns. The reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the eastern Côte d'Azur. Plus, you'll find a bunch of Radio Monte Carlo radio masts chilling at the summit. Trust me, the views make every rocky, bumpy, tippy moment fade away.

Balcon du Bozelethard

Balcon du Bozelet

🇫🇷 France

Okay, so you're looking for adventure? Then buckle up and point your rig towards the Balcon du Bozelet, a mountain-top restaurant chilling at a cool 2,411 meters (that's 7,910 feet!) in the French Alps. We're talking Savoie department, deep in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, inside the northern part of Vanoise National Park. Now, heads up: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. The track up there is rocky, bumpy, and can get a little tippy – all part of the fun, right? Best to hit this one between late June and October; otherwise, snow's likely to shut it down. Even in summer, keep an eye on the forecast – you might catch some late-season snow! Temps get brutal here, and the wind? Let's just say it's consistently *enthusiastic*. This is a trail for experienced off-roaders, and trust me, you'll want a 4x4. It’s STEEP, with grades hitting 10% in spots. And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe grab a postcard instead. But the reward? Absolutely unreal views from the top. Seriously, the panoramas are worth every white-knuckle moment!

Where is Testa Grigia?extreme

Where is Testa Grigia?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of touching the sky? Then you NEED to experience Testa Grigia, a mind-blowing peak straddling Switzerland and Italy at a staggering 3,471 meters (11,387 feet)! Seriously, this is one of Europe's highest roads, and it's calling your name. You'll find this beauty nestled in the eastern Pennine Alps, marking the border between Switzerland's Valais canton and Italy's Valle d'Aosta. At the top, reward yourself with a visit to the Rifugio Guide del Cervino, a mountain refuge offering insane views. Now, let's be real: getting there is no walk in the park. The "road" is actually an unpaved chairlift access trail, and it's STEEP. We're talking a maximum gradient of 30% on some ramps! Think loose stones that turn into full-on rocks as you climb. It's only open for a short window in summer, usually around late August. Brace yourself for strong winds – they're a constant companion up here. And even in summer, snow is a possibility. Oh, and winter? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. But the epic scenery? Totally worth it.