The Norwegian Fv946 is one of the steepest roads in the world

The Norwegian Fv946 is one of the steepest roads in the world

Norway, europe

Length

5.4 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

# Fv946 (Tronåsen): Norway's Gnarliest Mountain Drive

If you're craving an adrenaline-pumping road trip, buckle up—Norway's Fv946 might just be your ultimate challenge. Nestled between Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties in southern Norway, this legendary route sits at the northern tip of Lake Lundevatnet and will test even the most confident drivers.

We're talking about one of the steepest roads on the planet here. With gradients hitting 25-33%, this isn't your average Sunday cruise. The road demands respect—weak engines and dodgy brakes have no business here. Seriously, some cars actually need to reverse up sections because forward gears just don't cut it. That's the kind of intense you're signing up for.

The numbers alone tell the story: just 5.4 km (3.35 miles) of pure, concentrated mayhem. Starting from a parking area along E39 (complete with facilities), it climbs to Bakke Bro, a stunning 1844 suspension bridge spanning the River Sira. The route is narrow—only 2.5 to 3.5 meters wide—and twists through 11 wickedly sharp hairpin turns. The pavement exists, sure, but it's seen better days.

Here's the history kicker: this road has been connecting travelers since 1791 and was officially paved in 1844 as part of the Western Highway. It was originally built for horse transport (imagine that!) and was such a proving ground it earned a spot in the 1931 Rally Monte Carlo.

Fair warning: it's only open to regular cars May through September. Large vehicles, caravans, and trailers? Not happening—ever.

Where is it?

The Norwegian Fv946 is one of the steepest roads in the world is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 63.8640, 12.1801

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Length
5.4 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
63.8640, 12.1801

Related Roads in europe

Where is Collado de Sahún?hard

Where is Collado de Sahún?

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collado de Sahún, a beast of a mountain pass nestled in the Huesca province of Spain! You'll find this gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Aragon. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, a 24.1 km (14.97mi) stretch running from Chía to Plan, is mostly unpaved, mixing gravel with concrete sections. While passable in a car, be prepared for some seriously loose gravel. Think tight twists, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 20!), and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 25%! Seriously, an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. Comparisons can be drawn to some epic climbs in France. The Sahún side can be compared with the well-known ascent to in France, while the Ribagorzana side is quite similar to another mythical French pass. The official summit sits at 1,998m (6,555ft), overlooking the incredible Barranco Llisat, though the actual highest point of the road sneaks a little higher to 2,028m (6,653ft). Keep an eye out for rock slides along the way, but don’t miss the viewpoints – they're insane! Located between the Gistain and Benasque valleys, within the Chia mountain range, this road is often closed in winter. The north-facing sections on the west side make snow clearing a major challenge. Fog and rain? Expect them. At the top you'll find Refugio Puerto Sahún a mountain cabin.

Col de Plantarahard

Col de Plantara

🇫🇷 France

Okay, so you're heading to the Drôme region in southeastern France? Sweet! You absolutely HAVE to check out Col de Plantara. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,002 meters (that's about 3,287 feet). The road, known as the D627, is paved, but be warned – it's a bit of a rollercoaster! Think narrow, steep stretches that will definitely keep you on your toes. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? And get this – you'll even pass by the Fort de la Grande Maye. The scenery is killer, so keep your eyes peeled (but on the road mostly, haha). It’s a must-do if you’re in the area!

Is the road to Refugio de Las Hoyas unpaved?hard

Is the road to Refugio de Las Hoyas unpaved?

🇪🇸 Spain

Refugio de Las Hoyas is a high mountain hut at an elevation of 1,981m (6,499ft) above sea level, located in the Almería province of Andalusia, Spain. It sits in the heart of the Sierra de Los Filabres, a mountain range known for its rugged and arid landscapes. This area is famous for its clear skies, which is why the Calar Alto Observatory Is the road to Refugio de Las Hoyas unpaved? Yes, the road to the refuge is entirely unpaved. It is known as the Pista Calar Alto. While the track is generally wide, the surface consists of loose dirt and stones, so a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to handle the climb safely. Driving this road offers a real mountain experience, far from the paved highways of the coast, with wide views of the desert-like terrain of Almería. How long is the road through Refugio de Las Hoyas? The road is 11.5 km (7.14 miles) long, running in an east-west direction. It connects two well-known points for drivers in the region: . The route is a steady climb through the high ridges of the Filabres, and although it is not a very long drive, the unpaved surface means you should take your time and enjoy the scenery. Is the road to Refugio de Las Hoyas open all year? In general, the road is open all year round. However, you should be careful with the weather. In winter, even in Almería, you can find snow at almost 2,000 meters, which can make the dirt track very slippery. In the summer, the main challenge is the heat; the area can be extremely hot and dry, so it is important to bring plenty of water and make sure your vehicle's cooling system is in good shape before starting the ascent. Pic: Diego Fernández Sánchez Driving the wild 4x4 road to Pedras Blancas in Aragon Driving the wild Collado del Cabrito Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Col de Clozehard

Col de Cloze

🇫🇷 France

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col de Cloze, sitting pretty in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, is calling your name! This beast clocks in at 2,483 meters (8,146 feet), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled right in the heart of the Parc national des Pyrénées, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. We’re talking a super-steep, narrow gravel road that demands respect. This isn't one for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Heads up: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one requires your full attention!