Driving the scenic road to Ornesvingen viewpoint
Norway, europe
7.3 km
620 m
moderate
Year-round
# Ørnesvingen: Norway's Thrilling Eagle Road
Ready for an adrenaline-pumping drive with jaw-dropping views? Head to Ørnesvingen, a spectacular viewing platform perched above Geirangerfjord in western Norway. This fully paved route is part of the Norwegian County Road 63 and lives up to its nickname—"The Eagle Road"—in every way.
Starting from the charming village of Geiranger, you're looking at a 7.3 km (4.53 miles) climb that'll get your heart racing. The road doesn't mess around: it twists through 11 dramatic hairpin bends, throwing everything at you—ups, downs, sharp lefts, sharper rights. The steepest sections hit a brutal one-in-ten gradient, so this isn't your casual Sunday drive.
You'll top out at 620 metres (2,034 feet) at Korsmyra, where the road officially opened back in 1955. That final hairpin turn? Pure magic. You're rewarded with an unforgettable panorama of the fjord below, the stunning Seven Sisters waterfall cascading down the cliffs, and Geiranger village nestled along the water.
A couple of practical tips: vehicles longer than 15 metres need to skip this one, and the parking area at the top is tiny—seriously tiny. Try to avoid it during peak bus traffic hours. If you're planning a spring visit (May), double-check that the road isn't still partially closed from winter.
This is one for the bucket list.
Where is it?
Driving the scenic road to Ornesvingen viewpoint is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.4218, 11.8342
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 620 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.4218, 11.8342
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe Peak District: Technical Challenges for Riders
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the East Midlands on two wheels, wind in your hair, but hold up! This isn't just any ride; it's a trek through some of the UK's trickiest tarmac. First, there's the infamous "Cat and Fiddle" (A537 Macclesfield-Buxton), notorious for catching out even experienced riders. It’s got these awesome, sweeping curves that just beg you to crank the throttle, but sneaky cambers can send you sliding if you're not careful. Then, buckle up for the Snake Pass, a slithering beast across the Pennines. Sudden grip changes will keep you guessing, and if you crash your phone probably won’t work. Heading into Nottingham? Get ready for urban chaos. The A6002, A6130, and A611 are a tangle of heavy traffic and blind junctions where the biggest danger is other drivers claiming they "didn't see you". Out towards Leicester and Mansfield, the A46 and A60 are loops of multi-lane madness and tricky roundabouts. The A614 heads into more rural territory but is busy with HGVs and tractors. These roads aren't just scenic; they demand your full attention. Some sections have been improved with better surfaces and cameras, but many remain raw and challenging because of the natural landscape. So, whether you're commuting through the city or blasting through the Peaks on a weekend escape, know these roads. Ride smart, read the road, and remember: awareness saves lives!
hardHow long is the road to Peña Cabarga?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, cycling fans, buckle up because Peña Cabarga in Cantabria is a MUST for your Spain bucket list! This peak hits 560m (1,837ft) and the road up? Legendary! We're talking a 5.9km (3.66 miles) ride straight outta Heras on the CA-412. Don't let the short distance fool you: you'll climb 543 vertical meters. It's paved, but hold on tight. This climb averages almost 10%... and the last 2km spike to 11.5%, with sections hitting a crazy 19%! Ouch! Even pros like Chris Froome (it's one of his favorites!) and Joaquim Rodríguez have conquered it during the Vuelta a España. Once you've made it to the top in the Sierra de la Gándara, park the car and soak it all in. Sure, there are some communications towers, but the real prize is the Monumento al Indiano y a la Marina de Castilla. This tower stands tall at 569 meters, giving you insane panoramic views of Santander and the Bay of Cantabria. Trust me, the pain will be worth the view!
moderateWhere Are the Chegem Waterfalls Located?
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, headed towards the Chegem Waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria. Seriously, this place is a gem! You'll be winding your way south of Nizhnii Chegem through gorges carved by the Chegem River. The road follows the river, and it’s all about those views! The waterfalls themselves are a sight to behold – water gushing through this deep mountain ravine before flowing into the river. They're formed by water meeting these massive rocks, so you get different sizes and types of falls, some up to 50m high. These falls actually sit where three tributaries – Adai-Su, Sakal-Tup, and Kayaarty – meet the Chegem River. Pretty cool, right? The road is paved the whole way (about 58.7 km / 36.5 miles from Chegem to El'tiubiu), which is a plus, but be warned: it's narrow and the weather hasn’t been kind to it. But honestly, the scenery is SO worth it. Plus, you’ll find a small hotel, cafe, and market selling local handicrafts along the way. It's captivating any time of year!
hardColl de Finestres
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Finestres: A Wild Ride at the Top of Andorra Tucked right on the border between Andorra's Sant Julià de Lòria and Spain's Lleida province, the Coll de Finestres sits pretty at 2,392 meters (7,847 feet) above sea level. Yep, this is one seriously high mountain pass—and one of the loftiest roads you'll find in the country. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees, the route to the summit is basically an unpaved adventure—gravel, rocks, ruts, and all. The road gets bumpy and tippy in spots, and winter basically shuts this place down completely. Think of it as a true mountain trail that demands respect and skill. This one's absolutely for experienced off-roaders only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, skip it. You'll genuinely need 4x4 capability, and honestly, a healthy comfort level with heights is essential. The climb is steep and unforgiving, especially when things get wet and muddy—conditions that can turn the whole experience into a serious test of your driving chops. It's the kind of road that separates the wheat from the chaff when it comes to mountain driving. Stunning Pyrenees scenery awaits those bold enough to tackle it, but only if you know what you're doing.