Varanger National Tourist Route

Okay, picture this: you're cruising in Norway, and not just *anywhere* in Norway. We're talking about the designated National Tourist Routes – 18 absolute stunners that show off the country’s best scenery *and* incredible road design! Forget boring highways; these are journeys through landscapes that will leave you speechless. Think fjords, mountains, and coastlines that’ll make your jaw drop. Ten of these epic drives are right here in Western Norway. So grab your car or motorbike and let’s explore!

**Varanger National Tourist Route:** 160 km of pure Arctic bliss between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg. Imagine: dramatic landscapes, rich birdlife, and long summer nights bathed in the midnight sun. Heads up, though, Hamningbergveien between Smelror and Hamningberg is closed in the winter.

**Havøysund National Tourist Route:** Buckle up for 85 km of wild, windswept coastline from Kokelv to Havøysund. This is the far north, folks, so prepare for that incredible Arctic light. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter.

**Senja National Tourist Route:** Get ready for 90 km of striking scenery along the outer coast of Senja Island, stretching from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take the detours to Mefjordvær and Husøya, adding an extra 12 km to your trip! This one’s usually open, but watch out for winter closures.

**Andøya National Tourist Route:** Calling all beach lovers! This 58 km coastal route between Andenes and Bjørnskinn on Andøya Island is all about wide-open seas and long, white beaches. It’s typically open year-round, but winter weather can cause short closures.

**Lofoten National Tourist Route:** Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the Lofoten Islands! This 230 km route from Raftsundet to Å is one of Norway's most iconic. It’s open most of the time, but keep an eye on the weather reports in winter.

**Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route:** Spanning 433 km between Holm and Godøystraumen, this route is a journey through cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the Svartisen Glacier to the Vega Islands, you're in for a treat. Open most of the year, but be aware of possible winter closures.

**Atlantic Road:** This 8 km stretch between Kristiansund and Molde is an experience! Sharp turns, wild nature – this is a road trip you won't forget. Open year-round, but watch for winter weather.

**Geiranger - Trollstigen National Tourist Route:** Get ready for two of Norway’s most dramatic attractions! This 104 km route takes you to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and the thrilling Trollstigen Mountain Road. Note that Langvatnet to Geiranger is closed from November to May, and Trollstigen closes from October to May.

**Rondane National Tourist Route:** This 75 km route from Muen and Sollia Church to Folldal offers a peaceful alternative to the main highways. Open most of the year, but winter closures are possible.

**The Old Strynefjell National Tourist Route:** Step back in time on this 27 km masterpiece of road-building between Videseter and Grotli. Normally closed from October to June, so plan accordingly!

**Sognefjellet National Tourist Route:** Climb high into the Jotunheimen mountains on this route between the Sognefjord and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. It’s the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe! Liasanden to Turtagrø is usually closed from November to May.

**Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route:** Follow the waterfalls on this 114 km route between Balestrand, Moskog, and Sande, taking you past the mighty Sognefjord. The road over Gaularfjellet is closed during winter from Mel to Mjell.

**Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route:** Experience a barren plateau on this 49 km route between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal. Closed over the mountain during the winter season, so plan ahead!

**Valdresflye National Tourist Route:** Endless vistas await on this 49 km stretch between Garli and Hindsæter. Parts of the route are closed during the winter between Garli and Maurvangen.

**Hardangervidda National Tourist Route:** Drive through Hardangervidda National Park, across Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau! This 67 km route runs between Eidfjord and Haugastøl. It's open year-round, but watch out for short winter closures.

**Hardanger National Tourist Route:** Follow the scenic Hardangerfjord on this 158 km route east of Bergen. Expect mountains, fjords, and waterfalls galore! Open year-round, but be prepared for possible winter closures.

**Ryfylke National Tourist Route:** This 260 km route between Oanes and Hordalia in Røldal offers a mix of green landscapes and dramatic mountains and fjords. From Helandsbygd to Røldal is normally closed from November to June.

**Jæren National Tourist Route:** Open skies, wide horizons, and endless ocean await on this 41 km route between Ogna and Bore. Think sandy beaches and dunes for days! Open year-round, but may be closed for short periods in winter.