
Why is it called Peer Gynt Vegen Road?
Norway, europe
57 km
1,053 m
easy
Year-round
Wanna wander through the mystical land of Peer Gynt? Then hit up the Peer Gynt Road in Norway's Gudbrandsdalen Valley! This isn't your typical paved highway, though. We're talking about 57 kilometers of unpaved adventure, totally doable in any car, that winds its way from Skeikampen to Dalseter, passing through Gålå and Fefor. Keep in mind, it's a toll road, so you'll need to pay up at the four stations along the way.
Heads up: this road isn't open year-round. It climbs to over 1,053 meters above sea level, so it's usually open from early June, once the snow melts, until late autumn when the snow starts falling again.
But trust me, it's worth the wait! The views are absolutely stunning, and you'll find tons of hiking trails along the way. Plus, you're driving right through Peer Gynt's legendary territory! Don't miss the Solbra-Seter farm – it's a must-see!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 57 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,053 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
extremeLac de Derborence: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac de Derborence: Switzerland's Heart-Pounding Alpine Road Nestled in Valais, Switzerland, Lac de Derborence sits pretty at 1,465m (4,806ft) above sea level—and getting there is half the adventure. This isn't your typical scenic drive; it's a genuinely thrilling experience that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. The lake itself has an epic origin story. Two catastrophic landslides (way back in 1714 and 1749) sent roughly 50 million cubic meters of rock tumbling into the Derbonne river, essentially creating Switzerland's youngest natural lake. Today, it's an ecological hotspot packed with rare aquatic species that caught the attention of famous author Charles Ferdinand Ramuz, who even wrote a novel about it. The Route de Derborence winds 18.2km (11.3 miles) through the dramatic Lizerne gorges from Conthey, and it's absolutely bonkers in the best way. The road is fully paved but genuinely narrow—we're talking single-file in spots. Here's where it gets wild: you'll snake through hand-carved tunnels with windows literally cut into the rock face, with some seriously exposed 300m drop-offs keeping things interesting. There are two tunnel stretches (one's really long), but don't worry—those carved-out windows mean you won't be driving in pitch darkness, and the views are utterly spectacular. Fair warning: this road isn't for the faint-hearted. Vehicles over 3.4m tall aren't permitted, and the steep climbs hit 15% gradients. You're looking at an elevation gain of 1,133 meters over those 18.2km, with an average gradient of 6.22%. Plan on 30-45 minutes of actual driving time. Pro tip: skip the weekends. The parking area gets absolutely rammed, and the narrow road becomes a real white-knuckle experience with heavy traffic. Also worth noting—winter closes this road from May through October or November, so time your visit for the summer months. And if you're stopping for photos, be extra careful; there aren't many pull-outs, and that cliff edge is no joke.
hardWhere is Colletto Campanino?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the southwest of Piedmont, in the northern reaches of Italy, lies Colletto Campanino. Forget smooth asphalt, this road to the summit is unpaved and ready to rumble. Don't expect a Sunday drive! Think challenging – like navigating the iconic road to Colletto Pramand. It’s the kind of drive that tests your mettle, but the views? Oh, the views are worth every bump and grind. You'll be climbing to a significant elevation, so prepare for some serious alpine scenery. Just keep your eyes peeled for any tricky spots along the way. It's a wild ride, but one you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Strada Statale 18?
🇮🇹 Italy
Cruising along the Strada Statale 18, from Sapri to Acquafredda in Italy? Get ready for a treat! This coastal route hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania and Basilicata, offering views that have made it a star in movies (like Bond's "No Time to Die") and luxury car commercials. This stretch of the SS 18 is just under 5 miles of pure driving bliss, but don't let the short distance fool you. Carved right into the cliffs since 1928 (and revamped in '53), the road is a twisty, turny adventure. The road is a bit on the narrow side, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic, especially when passing. But the views? Absolutely insane. Think dramatic coastal scenery, with the iconic Torre dei Crivi – a 16th-century tower you might recognize from that Bond flick. Just maybe pack some motion sickness pills if your passengers are prone to feeling queasy, because those bends are no joke! But trust me, the combination of stunning views and impressive engineering makes this one of Italy's most unforgettable drives.
extremeWhere is Col de Turini?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Turini, nestled high in the French Alpes-Maritimes, is a mountain pass reaching a dizzying 1,610m (5,282ft). This isn't just any road; it's a 44.9 km (27.89 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little terror!). Part of the famed Route des Grandes Alpes, this paved beauty (aka D2566 or Route de Turini) connects Sospel and Lucéram. Prepare for a wild ride! The road is a series of hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside. We're talking 34 tight bends that will test your skills while rewarding you with stunning views. Think dramatic drops, exposed rock faces, and lush pine forests. This engineering marvel is not for the faint of heart. While the lower section is relatively open, don't get complacent. Narrow sections and blind corners demand your attention. As you climb, the challenge intensifies with hairpin turns galore, rock walls on one side, and sheer drops on the other. Some sections hit a steep 9% gradient! Keep an eye out for rocks on the road, especially near the summit, and be prepared for changeable weather. Set high in the Alps, snow and ice can make this road treacherous. The Col de Turini is legendary, and has a rich history. It's famous for being a challenging stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, where rally legends like Larousse, McRae and Solberg have pushed their limits (and sometimes exceeded them!). For years the "night of the long knives" ran the stage at night, with fans lining the roads. This place has earned the respect of every driver who's dared to take it on. It's also been featured in the Tour de France and Paris–Nice races, proving it's a versatile and breathtaking route.