
A windy road with a few white-knuckle hairpin turns to Fantesteinen Pass
Norway, europe
N/A
1,437 m
moderate
Year-round
# Fantesteinen Pass: Norway's Alpine Adventure
Ready to tackle one of Norway's most thrilling high-altitude drives? Welcome to Fantesteinen Pass, sitting pretty at 1,437 meters (4,714 ft) in the stunning Jotunheimen Mountains of Oppland county. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's one of the country's highest roads, and honestly, the views are absolutely worth the drive.
The journey follows the Sognefjell National Route (Road 55), a fully paved ribbon of asphalt that connects the charming villages of Galdbygde and Fortun. While the road narrows in spots, it's generally in great condition. Fair warning though: this route gets seriously windy up top, and the weather can flip on a dime, so pack layers and keep your wits about you.
Plan your visit between June and October—the pass closes from November through May and usually reopens around May 1st after snow ploughing. Summer is peak season, and for good reason: thousands of tourists flock here annually to soak in the alpine scenery.
At the summit, you'll find the gorgeous Fantesteinsvatnet, a glacial lake that's perfect for photos. Here's a cool detail: this pass has been a trading route for centuries, with merchants historically hauling leather, butter, tar, salt, and fish across these mountains.
Pro tip: time your visit for clear, sunny weather if you can. The panoramic views from up here are truly spectacular, but clouds and wind can steal the show. Aim for the calmest day possible for the best experience.
Where is it?
A windy road with a few white-knuckle hairpin turns to Fantesteinen Pass is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 61.2427, 12.1300
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,437 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 61.2427, 12.1300
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Strood is a flooded road to Mersea Island in UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: Essex, UK, just southeast of Colchester. You're headed to Mersea Island, the UK's easternmost inhabited island, and there's only one way to get there: Mersea Road, or as the locals call it, the Strood Causeway. Now, this isn't your average road trip. This fully paved stretch, part of the B102, disappears *twice* a day for about a week each month! Yep, the tide rolls in, turning Mersea Island into a true island for about 90 minutes each time. The Strood has been around since Roman times with the first causeway built around 700 AD. Starting in the village of Peldon, this 3-mile (4.82km) road becomes an underwater adventure when the tide hits 4.9 meters or higher. A word to the wise: don't try to be a hero and drive through it! Saltwater and car engines do NOT mix. Instead, grab a snack, enjoy the view, and wait for the water to recede. Before you go, ALWAYS check those tide tables – you don't want to get stranded!
hardFurka Pass is the Alpine road for James Bond
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Furka Pass: Switzerland's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Want to experience one of the Swiss Alps' most legendary roads? The Furka Pass is calling your name. Sitting at a jaw-dropping 2,431 meters (7,976 feet) above sea level, this iconic route cuts through one of Switzerland's snowiest regions and delivers some seriously unforgettable Alpine scenery. Located on the border between Uri and Valais cantons near the Italian frontier, Furka Pass has been turning heads since the 14th century. When the 31.5 km route officially opened in 1867, it was Switzerland's longest pass road. Today, the well-maintained Furkastrasse (Route 19) connects Andermatt to Gletsch, mostly paved with just a few cobblestone sections for character. The drive gets serious pretty quickly. From Amsteg, you're climbing 1,942 meters over 42 km with an average gradient of 4.6% (max 10.3%). Starting from Brig? That's a 57.8 km ascent with a maximum gradient of 10.8%. These aren't just numbers on a page—you'll feel every percentage point in those hairpin turns. Fair warning: bring your A-game as a driver. The switchbacks are exhilarating (read: genuinely challenging), especially on the first section with its precipitous slopes. Rain and darkness ramp up the difficulty significantly. But here's the thing—the road is beautifully maintained and well-marked, because, well, it's Switzerland. The views? Absolutely spectacular. Glaciers, mountain peaks, dense forests, and charming villages unfold as you climb. You'll spot the historic rack-and-pinion steam train chugging along the mountainside, adding to the magic. Most thrilling detail: you get within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the actual source of the Rhone River. Park up and walk inside the glacier itself (200 meters of pure ice-cold adventure—dress warmly!). Despite dramatic retreating in recent years, this 7 km glacier remains genuinely awe-inspiring. Over 250,000 visitors tackle this pass annually by car, bike, motorcycle, or historic train. Weekends and peak season get crowded, so plan accordingly. Pro tip: only open from late May through early November due to heavy winter snow. Check the weather before you go—driving through clouds kills the whole point. Yes, this road has serious street cred. The legendary hairpin bends made cinema history in 1964's Goldfinger when they filmed that iconic car chase in front of the Rhone Glacier. There's even a "James Bond Strasse" curve with its own lookout point. For the full Bond experience, hunt down the historic petrol station in Andermatt where the characters parted ways (now part of the Aurora Hotel). Bottom line? The Furka Pass is one of the most thrilling, challenging, and visually stunning Alpine crossings you can drive. Take your time, stop constantly for photos, and soak it all in. This is bucket-list territory.
hardRefugi Cap del Rec
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugi Cap del Rec Want to experience some seriously stunning mountain scenery? Head to Refugi Cap del Rec in Girona, Catalonia, where you'll find yourself at a crisp 1,986 meters (6,515 feet) above sea level in northern Spain. The good news? The road is fully paved and well-maintained. The catch? It's genuinely steep—we're talking sections that climb at up to 10% gradient. Don't let that intimidate you though; it just means you'll earn those incredible views of the Sierra del Cadí Mountains and the picturesque Cerdanya Valley below. As you approach the summit, you'll notice the nearby ski station, which gives you a sense of just how high you're climbing. It's a perfect destination if you're after that adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking landscapes. Pack some patience for those steep stretches and prepare yourself for scenery that'll make every hairpin turn worth it.
hardHow long is the road to Ravin de la Platte?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ravin de la Platte! This insane mountain ravine sits way up high in the French Alps, clocking in at 1,853m (that's over 6,000ft!). If you're not a fan of heights, maybe sit this one out. You'll find this gnarly, unpaved track in southeastern France, deep in the Lauzet valley. Trust me, this road has seen some things. Starting near the little town of La Roche-de-Rame (at a mere 950m!), the road stretches for 11km (almost 7 miles). Now, is it challenging? Oh yeah. We're talking 25 hairpin turns, an average gradient of 8.20% (with some seriously steep bits hitting 10%), and a road that's barely 3 meters wide. Oh, and did I mention the terrifying drop-offs? Be warned: log trucks use this route, so keep your eyes peeled! But hey, if you're after a thrilling drive with epic mountain views, Ravin de la Platte might just be your thing. Just don't say I didn't warn you!