The curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road
Norway, europe
15 km
857 m
extreme
Year-round
# Trollstigen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning scenery, Trollstigen Mountain Road is calling your name. Located in Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 kilometers south of Åndalsnes on Norway's western coast, this legendary stretch of National Road 63 is basically the country's ultimate scenic drive—and yeah, it lives up to the hype.
The fully paved route spans 49.9 kilometers (31 miles) from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. Block out around two hours for the drive, though honestly? You'll want to linger longer. The name says it all—Trollstigen means "Troll's Ladder"—and legend has it that trolls roam these mountains at night before turning to stone at sunrise. When you see the dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, you'll totally get it.
What makes this road legendary are those 11 iconic hairpin turns snaking up a steep 9-10% gradient. Each bend has its own personality and name, often honoring the construction workers who built that particular section. You'll twist through tunnels, past frozen lakes, alongside cascading waterfalls, and over deep fjords with lush valleys sprawling below you. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level.
At the summit, there's a parking area where a ten-minute walk takes you to a viewing balcony overlooking those famous hairpin bends and the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. During peak season, about 2,500 vehicles tackle this road daily—making it Norway's most-visited tourist route. Pro tip: bring your camera. The photo ops are absolutely insane.
Fair warning though: this road demands respect. Rain and fog can slash visibility, narrow lanes leave little room for error, and unpredictable mountain weather can turn things gnarly fast. Rock falls and tight turns mean it's not suitable for buses longer than 12.4 meters. The road's only open from mid-May through October (depending on snow conditions), and winter closures are real.
Built between 1916 and 1936 (and officially opened by King Haakon VII), this engineering marvel replaced an ancient pack horse trail that had connected the valleys for centuries. You can still spot remnants of the original track in places. The road's been featured in James Bond's "No Time to Die" and countless car commercials—proof that Trollstigen isn't just beautiful, it's iconic.
Where is it?
The curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.6485, 11.8712
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 857 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 65.6485, 11.8712
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving Strada dei Cannoni, a military mountain road in Italy
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada dei Cannoni: Italy's Hidden Alpine Adventure Ready for a road trip that feels like stepping back in time? The Strada dei Cannoni is calling your name. Tucked in the northern Italian Alps between the Maira and Varaita valleys, this legendary 56km route climbs from a modest 680m to a breathtaking 2,287m (7,503ft), delivering some seriously jaw-dropping views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps—with the iconic Monviso dominating the skyline. Here's the deal: about 75% of this road is unpaved, which means you're getting the full off-road experience. What started as a military engineering marvel in 1744 (built by the Piedmontese army to block French-Spanish forces during the War of the Austrian Succession) has evolved into a bucket-list route for adventurous travelers and cyclists. The road wasn't actually completed in its current form until 1893 and was adapted for cars in the 1940s, but it's kept that raw, authentic alpine character that makes it so thrilling. The scenery is genuinely spectacular—you'll follow the watershed ridge with panoramic views at every turn. But here's what you need to know before you go: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Expect coarse gravel, hairpin bends so tight they'll test your nerves, steep climbs, and unprotected drops that plunge hundreds of meters. You'll need serious off-roading skills and a vehicle that can handle it. Access is strictly managed during summer (July–September). Weekends and holidays see closures from 9am to 6pm for vehicles, and nighttime restrictions apply year-round. Winter? Forget about it—heavy snow makes the route impassable. Stick to clear weather and daylight hours, and only attempt this if you're an experienced off-roader. The historical touches are everywhere—old military barracks dot the landscape, telling stories of its strategic past. A small paved section built in 2014 creates a fantastic loop for cyclists. This is raw, real alpine adventure, and it's waiting for you.
moderateWhy Is the M25 the Busiest Motorway in England?
🇬🇧 England
Located in London, the capital of England, the M25 is an orbital motorway that almost completely encircles the country’s largest city. Officially known as the London Orbital Motorway, it is one of the busiest and most controversial roads in the United Kingdom. Loved by very few but used by millions, the M25 is essential for London’s transport network, linking counties, cities, airports, and major routes across the southeast of England. The M25 is a 188 km (117 miles) long motorway, forming a near-complete circle around Greater London. It is one of the world’s largest orbital roads, connecting key motorways and A-roads that lead into the city. Its official designation is the London Orbital Motorway, though drivers know it simply as the M25. The M25 was part of the ambitious Ringways Scheme, a plan from the 1960s to build several concentric motorways around London. Much of the scheme was cancelled due to protests, funding problems, and controversy. However, sections already under construction were connected together, creating the motorway we know today. Construction began in 1975, and the motorway was officially completed in 1986, opened by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. At the time, it was designed to handle around 100,000 vehicles per day. Today, traffic has doubled in some stretches, with over 200,000 vehicles per day recorded between certain junctions. The motorway is often described as Britain’s busiest and most disliked road. It is a vital link not only for Londoners but also for travelers heading to destinations such as Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, or popular attractions like the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden. Its strategic role means that locals, tourists, and freight transport all rely heavily on it. Yes. As a major motorway, the M25 is fully paved and open year-round, although congestion is frequent. It is often jokingly referred to as “Britain’s biggest car park” due to its notorious traffic jams. To manage the flow, variable speed limits and traffic management systems were introduced, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite its bad reputation, the M25 is crucial for the UK’s economy and mobility. It links together several motorways, connects key counties, and allows for the movement of goods and people around London without having to pass through the city itself. It remains a symbol of both modern engineering and modern frustration.Road suggested by: Derncho74 // Lankyyy Gaming Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Col de la Faucille?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because Col de la Faucille is a *stunner* of a mountain pass! You'll find this beauty perched high in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. We're talking summit views from way up high! The road itself is completely paved and winds its way through the mountains with hairpin turns galore - get ready to put those driving skills to the test! Clocking in between Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux (in the Jura department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region) and somewhere in the Ain department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it's a fairly popular route for cyclists. Plus, because it’s a shortcut for drivers, expect to share the road! Keep your eyes peeled and enjoy the ride! It has been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's iconic.
extremeHow To Drive The Defiant Pista de la Estiva in Bielsa
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pista de la Estiva: A Wild Alpine Adventure in Spain Ready for one of Spain's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to northeastern Aragon, where you'll find Pista de la Estiva (also called Pista de la Espierba) snaking through the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure through the Pyrenees that'll test your nerves and your vehicle. Here's the lowdown: you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast, and it'll cost you just 3.5 euros for the privilege. Starting from the paved HU-V-6402, you've got 11.7 km (7.27 miles) of mostly unpaved road ahead, climbing 918 meters in elevation. That might not sound like much until you realize the average gradient is 7.84%—with some sections hitting a jaw-dropping 15%. The road climbs to Pico de la Estiva at 2,107 meters (6,912 feet), making it one of Spain's highest drivable peaks. The views? Absolutely spectacular. But here's the catch: the road gets *narrow*—like, dangerously narrow. Two cars can't pass each other, and the drop-offs plunge over 600 meters straight down. Not for the faint of heart. Fair warning: expect snow, fog, freezing temperatures, and rain even in summer. The mountain typically closes from November through June, so plan accordingly. Near the summit sits a humble mountain cabin, Caseta de la Estiva, a perfect spot to catch your breath after conquering this beast.