What are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?
Norway, europe
12 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Norway's 18 National Tourist Routes: A Road Tripper's Guide
Norway's got 18 seriously stunning scenic drives that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just any roads—they're carefully curated National Tourist Routes that showcase the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're into dramatic fjords, wild mountains, or windswept coastal vibes, there's a route calling your name. Ten of them are tucked away in Western Norway, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Grab a car or hop on a bike and prepare for miles of unspoiled countryside, jaw-dropping views, and some seriously inspiring modern architecture along the way.
**Up North: The Arctic Adventures**
Head to the far north and you'll find some of Norway's most remote and magical corners. The Varanger National Tourist Route is a 160-km adventure between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg in Finnmark, where you'll catch the midnight sun, spot incredible bird life, and soak in some serious Arctic atmosphere.
Just 85 km long, the Havøysund route hugs the ocean's edge through barren, wild terrain, offering that otherworldly Arctic light you've dreamed about.
**Island Hopping in the North**
Senja's rugged outer coast stretches 90 km (plus 12 km of optional detours) from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn, where dramatic peaks meet the Norwegian Sea. The Andøya route is a breezy 58-km coastal drive famous for its endless white beaches and open ocean views.
The legendary Lofoten Islands deserve their reputation—this 230-km epic between Raftsundet and Å takes you across the Arctic Circle through some of Norway's most iconic scenery. Meanwhile, the Helgeland Coast stretches a massive 433 km, featuring everything from the stunning Svartisen Glacier to the scenic Vega Islands.
**The Famous Ones Everyone Talks About**
The Atlantic Road? It's so good The Guardian ranked it among the world's best road trips. Just 8 km long, but absolutely packed with sharp turns and wild coastal drama between Kristiansund and Molde.
The Geiranger-Trollstigen route is a 104-km masterpiece that combines the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road—two of Norway's most visited (and worthy) attractions.
**Mountain Passes & Hidden Gems**
Want to skip the tourist crush? The Rondane route (75 km) offers a peaceful alternative through pristine countryside. For something more dramatic, the Old Strynefjellsveien is a historic 27-km stretch completed way back in 1894 that's still a engineering marvel.
The Sognefjellet Mountain Road climbs to Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, while the Aurlandsfjellet route takes you across a barren, haunting 49-km plateau of snow and rock. The Valdresflye stretch (49 km) rewards you with endless vistas of rolling hills and dramatic peaks.
**Fjord-Side Drives**
The Gaularfjellet route (114 km) winds past countless waterfalls alongside the mighty Sognefjord. The Hardangervidda route (67 km) cuts through the continent's largest mountain plateau, while the Hardanger National Tourist Route hugs the stunning Hardangerfjord for 158 km east of Bergen.
**Coastal Vibes**
Ryfylke completely switches things up—lush green skerries suddenly give way to mountains and fjords across 260 km. And if you want pure beach vibes, Jæren delivers with 41 km of endless sandy beaches, wild dunes, and open skies between Ogna and Bore.
Where is it?
What are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway? is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 61.9518, 13.0518
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 61.9518, 13.0518
Related Roads in europe
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Etang de Soulcem in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Étang de Soulcem Ready for a seriously scenic mountain drive? Head to the Étang de Soulcem, a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 1,649 meters (5,410 feet) in the Ariège department of southern France, right near the Andorran-Spanish border in the Occitanie region. Starting from Val-de-Sos, this 17.8 km (11.06 miles) paved route climbs steadily upward with some seriously steep sections—we're talking 15% gradients on the hairpins. Over the entire drive, you'll gain 987 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.54%. Yeah, it's a workout, but trust us, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Built between 1980 and 1983, the road delivers absolutely tremendous views that just keep getting better the higher you climb. The narrow road winds through some genuinely challenging hairpin turns near the end—definitely keep your wits about you here, especially if you're meeting traffic coming the other way. Keep an eye out too, as the area can be prone to rockslides. Once you reach the end, you'll find the Parking du Chemin des Orris, where a gravel road continues onward toward the fascinating (and unfinished) Port de Rat tunnel. The reservoir itself is accessible from the nearby commune of Auzat and is home to some beautiful native fish species. Fair warning: this mountain beauty is usually completely impassable during winter months, so plan your visit for the warmer seasons when you can fully appreciate those incredible Pyrenean views.
moderateWhere is Kráľova Hoľa?
🌍 Slovakia
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Kráľova Hoľa – King's Hill! This epic peak in central Slovakia's Brezno District is a real showstopper, topping out at 1,934m (6,345ft). Think breathtaking views of Spiš, the Tatras, Liptov, and the Upper Hron Valley. The road up starts in Sumiac and winds its way for 11.9 km (7.39 miles), climbing a whopping 1,031 meters. That's an average gradient of 8.66%, but hold on tight because you'll hit some serious ramps with gradients up to 12%! The pavement is there, but let's just say it's seen better days. Now for the catch – this beauty is off-limits to private vehicles. The only ones making the trek are the mountain rescue service and the folks who keep the TV transmitter (built way back in 1960!) humming at the summit, along with the weather station. But even if you can't drive it yourself, just knowing this beast exists is pretty cool, right?
hardPlöcken Pass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico is an absolute must for road lovers
🇦🇹 Austria
# Plöckenpass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico Tucked away in the stunning Carnic Alps, this 1,370-meter (4,494ft) pass straddles the Austria-Italy border like a natural gateway between worlds. It connects the Italian Province of Udine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia with the Austrian district of Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia—a route that's been bringing travelers together since medieval times, when merchants used it as part of the trade route between Aquileia and Salzburg. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) road stretching from Tolmezzo, Italy to Oberdrauburg, Austria is completely paved (Strada Statale 52bis on the Italian side, Bundesstraße 110 on the Austrian), but don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. Expect twelve hairpin turns and four tunnels that'll keep you on your toes, with grades hitting up to 13% in some places. The drive down toward Italy is absolutely thrilling, though watch out for narrow sections and the occasional rockfall risk. Most drivers tackle it in 1 to 1.5 hours, and the good news? It stays open year-round. The pass is basically an open-air history book. Remnants of WWI fortifications—bunkers, tunnels, and trenches—are scattered throughout, and there's even a museum at the summit showcasing restored structures. The name itself is a throwback to medieval times, when it was called Kreuzberg (Monte Crucis), which evolved into its current Italian name.
moderateWhere is Karakaya Hill?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest roads in Turkey? Head to Erzurum Province and set your GPS for Karakaya Hill. This peak punches way up there at 3,148 meters (10,328 feet)! What awaits you at the top? Only Turkey's largest and first infrared telescope, housed in the Doğu Anadolu Gözlemevi (Eastern Anatolia Observatory) – a seriously cool astronomical research center. Think cutting-edge tech, space exploration vibes, and maybe even a peek at the cosmos (weather permitting!). The road itself? It’s an 18.8 km (11.68 miles) climb, so buckle up. You'll gain a whopping 1,206 meters in elevation, giving you an average gradient of 6.41%. The road is paved and in excellent condition till Ejder 3200 Ski Resort. But hold on! The section from the resort to the observatory turns into a bumpy, unpaved beast. A high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. Keep in mind, this is high-altitude territory. Expect heavy snowfall, low humidity, and freezing temperatures, especially during winter. But hey, those are the *perfect* conditions for stargazing! So, if you're up for a challenging drive with stellar views (pun intended), Karakaya Hill is calling your name.