Why is the Storseisundet Bridge famous?
Norway, europe
N/A
259 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Atlantic Road on the midwest Norwegian coast? Buckle up for the Storseisundet Bridge! This cantilever marvel is the longest of eight bridges on the route, stretching 260 meters (850 ft) with a maximum clearance of 23 meters (75 ft) above the sea.
But here's the kicker: from a certain angle, it looks like a diving board to nowhere! Seriously, as you approach, it seems like you're about to drive right off the edge into the ocean. Locals even call it the "drunk bridge," because once you’re on it, the road seems to disappear before your eyes.
Opened in 1989, this paved beauty is perfectly safe, despite its rollercoaster-esque twists and turns. What makes it special is how the shape changes depending on your vantage point. Drivers can’t see the curve when they're on it, making it seem like the road vanishes and any car attempting to cross will plunge into the water. It’s just an optical illusion, of course, but it's guaranteed to give you a thrill!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 259 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateA scenic paved road to Lavaze Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Lavazé: A Hidden Alpine Gem Nestled in the Val di Fiemme region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Passo di Lavazé sits pretty at 1,824 meters (5,984 ft) above sea level. This fully paved mountain pass—also known as Lavazéjoch—stretches 22.7 km (14.10 miles) through some seriously stunning Dolomite terrain, connecting Cavalese to Ponte Nova on its south-north route via Strada Statale 620 (SS620). What makes this pass special? The panoramic views are absolutely incredible. From the summit, you get jaw-dropping vistas of the Catinaccio and Latemar mountain ranges that'll make you want to stop the car and just stare. It's the kind of place that begs you to explore—summer hikers flock here for epic trails, while winter visitors come for some of Italy's best cross-country skiing. And if you're feeling adventurous, there's a steep little road that climbs even higher to Passo di Oclini at 1,995 meters (6,545 ft). The road itself is in solid condition with moderate traffic, though fair warning: it gets seriously steep—we're talking maximum gradients of 14.8% on some sections. It's famous enough that the Giro d'Italia has tackled it. You can typically access the pass year-round, though occasional winter weather might briefly shut things down. Also worth noting: if you're driving a truck or articulated lorry, you're not allowed between the pass and Cavalese. It's a bucket-list drive for anyone who loves alpine scenery and challenging roads.
hardHow to drive the challenging Road F649 in the Westfords?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Westfjords of northwestern Iceland and craving off-the-beaten-path thrills, then the F649 – AKA Ófeigsfjarðarvegur – is calling your name. Picture this: you're on the tiny Seljanes peninsula, navigating what might be Iceland's most remote road, surrounded by mind-blowing landscapes and battling rugged rivers. This 20 km (12-mile) stretch runs east-west from Route 643 to the legendary Hvalárfoss, a massive and breathtaking waterfall chilling at what feels like the edge of the world. Seriously, only a handful of tourists make it here each year! But here’s the deal: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The entire road is unpaved and demands a serious 4x4 beast with major fording skills. We’re talking high clearance is a must, and leave that sedan at home. The Húsá River crossing, about 3 km before the falls, can get your heart pumping! The river's depth fluctuates with the tide (think 20 cm at low tide, up to 50 cm at high tide). This bad boy is generally only open during the summer months, usually late June to early September. That river crossing? Respect it! The Húsá meets the ocean right after, so tides play a big role. Always scout it out first. Avoid crossing alone or after heavy rain because flash floods are very real. Chat with the locals for the latest intel. And remember, rental insurance companies often laugh at water damage, so tread carefully. While the views are epic during the day, this road gets sketchy after dark. You might encounter smaller, water-filled dips along the way. Be prepared!
hardBarratge de Romedo de Baix
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Romedo de Baix! This stunning high-mountain lake sits way up in the Spanish Pyrenees, near the French border, at a cool 2,018 meters (that's over 6,600 feet!). The route to this glacial beauty is a real off-road experience, so leave your city car at home; you'll need a 4x4 for this one. I'd suggest hitting it up between late spring and early fall because these mountain roads get seriously snowy. Starting near the tiny village of Tavascan, the unpaved road stretches for about 17 kilometers. Prepare for breathtaking Pyrenees scenery the whole way. Just a heads-up, though: the road is super narrow, and there are some serious drop-offs, so maybe don't look down if you're afraid of heights! It's a bit of a white-knuckle ride, but the views are SO worth it!
hardWeissfluhjoch
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Weissfluhjoch: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of the Graubünden canton in Switzerland's majestic Alps, Weissfluhjoch stands at a commanding 2,666 meters (8,746 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain drive—it's a chairlift access trail that'll test your mettle. The route itself is pure alpine drama: rocky, gravelly terrain that gets progressively gnarlier as you climb. The grades are seriously steep, with some sections hitting a brutal 30% incline as you navigate this ski-station service road. Loose stones and exposed rocky sections characterize the upper stretches, making this one wild ride. Here's the catch—you've got a narrow window to attempt this. Late August offers your best shot, when summer conditions briefly align to make the route passable. Outside that sweet spot? Forget about it. Even during summer months, surprise snowfall can ambush you, and the wind here is no joke. We're talking relentless gusts year-round that'll keep you honest. Winter? Absolutely brutal. Temperatures plummet to genuinely punishing levels, transforming this already-challenging route into something for serious mountaineers only. But man, the payoff. The panoramic views sweeping across the peaks surrounding Davos are absolutely breathtaking. For those willing to tackle this beast during that fleeting summer window, Weissfluhjoch delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience.