Sognefjell National Route is a scenic mountain road in Norway
Norway, europe
110 km
1.437 m
moderate
Year-round
# Sognefjell National Route
Ready for one of Norway's most breathtaking drives? Sognefjell National Route is a 110 km (70 mi) stunner that'll have you questioning why you've never heard of it before. This fully paved mountain road connects Sogndalsfjøra in Vestland county to Lom in Innlandet county, weaving through some seriously dramatic scenery.
Opened way back in 1938, this iconic route climbs high into the Jotunheimen Mountains, peaking at Fantesteinen pass at 1,437m (4,714 ft) above sea level—making it one of Northern Europe's highest mountain roads. Fair warning: the road gets a bit narrow in spots and throws some legit hairpin turns your way that'll definitely test your nerve.
Here's the thing about timing: the road's only open from early May through October, with winter closures and those incredible ten-meter walls of snow marking the season's opening. The weather up here is wild and unpredictable, so check conditions before you go. Summer's short, and even in the sun, shadowy patches might still hold winter's grip.
But the payoff? Absolutely worth it. You're cruising past jagged peaks, pristine emerald lakes, and landscapes that shift from lush green fjords to stark, treeless plateaus. The road earns its National Tourist Route status fair and square. Plan your trip for clear, sunny weather if you can, and budget extra time to explore the hiking trails and viewpoints scattered along the way. Trust us—you'll want to linger.
Where is it?
Sognefjell National Route is a scenic mountain road in Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.1026, 12.3535
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.437 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 65.1026, 12.3535
Related Roads in europe
hardA steep paved road to Col de Mehatche in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Méhatché Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees on the Spanish-French border, Col de Méhatché (also known as Artzamendiko Bidea) is a mountain pass that connects Spain's Navarre region with France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Sitting at 716m (2,349ft) above sea level, this scenic route is definitely worth adding to your mountain driving bucket list. The pass stretches just 4.1km (2.54 miles) from Col des Veaux to Sommet de l'Artzamendi, where you'll find a small parking lot waiting at the summit. Fair warning though: this isn't your typical cruise-through-the-mountains road. The route features plenty of hairpin turns and seriously steep sections, with gradients reaching up to 17.2% at their steepest. The real challenge? The narrow sections that make you hold your breath whenever you hear an engine coming from the opposite direction. If you're not confident with tight spaces and reversing, you might want to save this one for when your driving skills are a bit sharper. But if you're up for the challenge, the reward is a thrilling alpine experience with spectacular Pyrenean views.
extremeWhat is Cow Green Reservoir?
🇬🇧 England
Nestled high up on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, Cow Green Reservoir sits pretty at 510m above sea level. This little gem holds back a whopping 40,000 million litres of water and stretches for 3km, so it's quite the sight. Getting there is part of the adventure! The road is fully paved, but be warned, it's a bit on the narrow side – expect some cozy moments if you meet another car. Starting from the village of Langdon Beck, the climb is a 4.66km push with some seriously steep sections hitting a 9% gradient. You'll end up at a car park. From there, a private road continues 2 miles to the dam and the awesome Cauldron Snout. The road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Being high up, conditions can change in a heartbeat, and it can get pretty chilly. The water even freezes over in the winter! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are incredible, with panoramas stretching out to Cross Fell, Great and Little Dun Fells, Meldon Hill, Mickle Fell, and other stunning North Pennine peaks. Get your camera ready!
hardWhere is Port de Boucharo-Puerto de Bujaruelo?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between France and Spain, way up in the Pyrenees, at the Port de Boucharo, also known as Puerto de Bujaruelo. This place is seriously high, sitting at 2,278 meters (7,473 feet)! Getting here is an adventure in itself. From the French side, you can cruise up the D-923 from Gavarnie. It's about 12.4 km (7.7 miles) of paved road, switchbacking its way up with an average gradient of 7.21%. Sounds easy? It's steep and narrow, and the last 1.6 km are blocked off by boulders, so it’s hike-a-bike or foot traffic only from there. Keep an eye out for falling rocks! Alternatively, you can hike up a mule track from the Spanish side, starting at Sant Nicolau de Buixaruelo. Keep in mind this pass is only accessible during the warmer months (May to November). The weather up here is no joke, so be prepared for anything! Once you make it to the top, the views are totally worth it!
hardWhere is Casielles?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Asturian council of Ponga in Spain, especially to the ghost town of Casielles nestled high in the Picos de Europa National Park, you're in for a treat… and a challenge! Casielles itself is a gem, a step back in time with its old stone houses and a charming church. The views? Epic! But first, you gotta get there. This road? It's not for the faint of heart. Think narrow paths carved straight into the rock, mostly paved, but definitely a white-knuckle ride. Locals probably curse this road every day, but for us road trip warriors, it's an experience! We're talking about a twisty, turny beast starting from the Desfiladero de los Beyos, about 6.5 km of pure driving adrenaline. Get ready for 23 hairpin turns that will test your skills. And the elevation? You'll be climbing, climbing, climbing from the gorge to the town which sits at 809 meters (2,654ft). The average incline is already noticeable, but prepare yourself for some corners where you'll be battling a 21% gradient! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!