Take the Scenic Road to Roldalsfjellet and Discover the Real Norway
Norway, europe
9.8 km
1,125 m
extreme
Year-round
# Røldalsfjellet: Norway's Thrilling Mountain Pass
Ready for a scenic adventure? Røldalsfjellet is a stunning mountain pass sitting at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) in Vestland County, Norway. This gem of a road, officially called Røldalsfjellet Turistveg, stretches for 9.8 kilometers (6.08 miles) and has been winding its way up the mountainside since 1884.
Here's the thing—this isn't your typical highway. The road is fully paved but seriously narrow, with a strict 2.2-meter width limit that means only regular cars can handle it (sorry, trucks!). With a jaw-dropping maximum gradient of 11.7% and eight sharp hairpin turns, you'll definitely want to take your time navigating this one. Oh, and watch out for sheep casually hanging out on the pavement—they don't always know the rules of the road.
Thanks to modern engineering, most traffic now bypasses this beauty through the 4,673-meter Røldalstunnelen, which means you get a quieter, more peaceful drive if you choose the scenic route.
Fair warning: this road isn't for winter wanderers. It's closed from October through June (depending on weather) and shuts down in the evenings, so plan accordingly. When conditions are right though, you're treated to absolutely breathtaking views of the Røldal and Odda mountains. At the summit, a small lake called Elversvatnet adds the perfect finishing touch to this unforgettable journey.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Road to Roldalsfjellet and Discover the Real Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 62.6845, 9.0680
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,125 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 62.6845, 9.0680
Related Roads in europe
hardTravel guide to the top of Col des Ves
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Ves Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Ves sits pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) above sea level. You'll find this alpine gem tucked within the stunning Vanoise National Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and primarily serves as a maintenance route for the ski lifts and lodges dotting the peaks. It's legitimately one of France's highest accessible roads—pretty cool bragging rights, right? Don't expect an easy cruise. Starting from Val Claret, you're looking at a 6.4-kilometer (3.97-mile) climb that's seriously steep. You'll gain 671 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of 10.48%. Your legs (and your car) will definitely feel it. Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise within the French Alps, this road is absolutely off-limits come winter—conditions make it completely impassable. Plus, expect relentless winds that'll keep things interesting. This is pure alpine adventure territory, but definitely best tackled during the summer months when conditions are actually manageable.
extremeWhere is the road to Col de Bassachaux?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because we're heading to the Col de Bassachaux in the Haute-Savoie department of France, practically spitting distance from Switzerland! This mountain pass is like a split personality: one side is a smooth, paved dream, the other a gnarly, gravelly beast. We're talking about a legendary balcony view over the French Alps, reaching almost 1,800 meters above sea level. The traditional route kicks off from the charming village of Châtel, climbing over 670 meters. This part, called the Montée de Bassachaux, is pure asphalt, ending at a parking lot near the Refuge de L'Auberge de Haute Bise – your pit stop for grub and stunning views, usually open from mid-June to mid-September. Now, the northern approach *is* paved, but don't get complacent! The D228A throws narrow stretches and a serious lack of guardrails your way. Watch out for cyclists and wandering livestock, especially during the annual "La Montée de Bassachaux" cycle race. But the *real* thrill starts at the summit. The south side is a different animal entirely – a rugged gravel track leading down to the "Village of Goats" (Les Lindarets). This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is super narrow, carved into some seriously steep hills. We're talking remote, rugged, and requiring some serious driving chops. Think exposure, bumpy surfaces, and hairpin turns demanding 100% attention. Not for newbies or low-riding vehicles! Hazards? The paved side has narrowness and summer traffic. The gravel side? Erosion, sudden storms turning the track into a mudslide, and quickly vanishing visibility. Plus, lingering snow can block the unpaved section well into spring. If you choose the gravel route, make sure those brakes are in tip-top shape for a slow and technical descent through some of the most beautiful (and demanding) scenery in the Portes du Soleil!
hardThe Contact Patch: Your Only Line of Defense
🇬🇧 England
Okay, gearheads and wanderlusters, listen up! Forget squeezing every last mile out of your tires. That 1.6mm legal tread depth? Yeah, that's basically the "danger zone." Turns out, your stopping power takes a nosedive way before you hit that mark. Think of it as a "performance cliff" – one minute you're good, the next you're sliding towards trouble, especially on roads that demand the best from your vehicle. So, what's the deal? It all comes down to your contact patch – that tiny bit of rubber connecting you to the asphalt. New tires (around 8mm tread) are water-wicking wizards. But as you wear them down, those grooves can't channel water away as efficiently. Wet roads become skating rinks, and steering and braking go out the window. The sweet spot? Experts recommend swapping your tires around 3mm. That little bit of extra tread makes a HUGE difference. I'm talking up to a whopping 44.6% increase in stopping distance on smooth surfaces when your tires are worn. That's insane! And here's another thing to consider: the road itself. Some surfaces, like hot rolled asphalt, are more forgiving. But venture onto slick concrete, and worn tires become basically useless in the rain. If you are driving those roads, an emergency stop becomes a prayer. Bottom line: New tires aren't just about avoiding a ticket. They're about keeping your ride safe and letting those fancy safety systems like ABS actually do their job. Don't push your luck! If your tread is creeping towards 3mm, treat yourself (and your car) to a fresh set. Your tires are the only thing standing between you and disaster. Drive smart, and stay safe out there!
extremeColl Midós
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll Midós Tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees near the Spanish-French border, Coll Midós is a serious mountain adventure that'll take your breath away—literally, at 2,193m elevation. This unpaved gem connects the tiny villages of Arànser and Bescaran across a wild 20.5 km stretch that's definitely not your typical Sunday drive. Here's the thing: this pass is strictly a late spring through early fall kind of road. Once winter starts rolling in, Mother Nature gets moody. We're talking heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides that can shut things down completely. Even when conditions look decent, sneaky patches of ice lurk around corners ready to catch you off guard. It's genuinely hazardous terrain that demands respect and serious driving skills. But man, if you time it right and come prepared, the payoff is incredible. You're rewarded with classic high-altitude Pyrenean scenery—rugged mountains, sweeping views, and that pristine wilderness feeling that makes you forget about civilization entirely. It's the kind of road that tests both your vehicle and your nerve, making every kilometer feel like an authentic mountain conquest.