Stalheimskleiva is the steepest road in Northern Europe

# Stalheimskleiva: Norway's Wild Mountain Ride

If you're hunting for one of Europe's most intense driving experiences, head to Stalheimskleiva in western Norway, just a short drive north of Voss in Vestland county. Trust us, this 1.9-kilometer stretch is absolutely bonkers—and we mean that in the best way possible.

This paved serpent of a road is famous for good reason: it features a jaw-dropping 20% gradient at its steepest points, making it one of Northern Europe's most extreme roads. But that's not even the wildest part. The road is packed with thirteen hairpin bends that'll have you gripping the wheel (and possibly the armrest). It's so narrow that it's now one-way traffic—a necessary move to handle all the adventure-seeking tourists who flock here.

Built between 1842 and 1846 by around 1,000 laborers, this route was originally created to connect the postal routes between Oslo and Bergen. It wasn't until 1937 that it got widened for cars, and gradually, it was paved over. Pretty cool considering the history, right?

The six-minute drive gains 244 meters in elevation, and the views? Absolutely spectacular. You'll be sandwiched between two stunning waterfalls: the Sivlefossen (dropping 140 meters) to the north and the Stalheimsfossen (126 meters) to the south. The whole experience is framed by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen valley stretching below you.

**Fair warning though:** this road is typically closed from late October through late June due to snow and ice. It's currently under maintenance, so check conditions before you go. Winter closures are pretty much guaranteed, so plan your adventure for the warmer months when the weather cooperates.