How long is Aurlandsfjellet?
Norway, europe
47 km
650 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Vestland county in Norway, on Road 243, also known as Aurlandsfjellet. This isn't just any road trip; this is a National Tourist Route, people! Clocking in at 47 km (29 miles) between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal, this road is a total rollercoaster.
Fair warning, though: parts of the road are steep and narrow – think single-car-width territory. And keep your eyes peeled because there might be traffic heading towards Aurlandsfjorden from Stegastein. Bus drivers, take note: max length is 12.4 meters.
Heads up: this beauty is closed during winter. Its peak hits 1,305m (4,281ft) above sea level, earning it the nickname "Snow Road" since snow lingers even in summer. But the stretch to Stegastein viewpoint from Aurlandsvangen stays open year-round.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Imagine conquering 20 hairpin turns, surrounded by insane scenery, a landscape that shifts from lush to barren in a blink. Driving from Lærdal, you’ll be gobsmacked by the fjord views around Aurland. And Stegastein? Forget about it! This award-winning viewpoint juts 30 meters out, suspended 650 meters above the fjord.
Along the way, there are tons of spots to pull over and soak in the fjords, waterfalls, and forests. Just remember that winter closure on the mountain pass (between Aurland/Lærdal boundary and Nalfarbakkane). Trust me, this drive is an adventure you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 47 km
- Max Elevation
- 650 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderatePico Patana
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I just conquered Pico Patana, and you NEED to add this to your bucket list. This mountain peak punches way up there at 1,526 meters (that's over 5,000 feet!), nestled in the stunning Asturias region of northern Spain. We're talking serious Sierra de la Cabra mountain vibes here. Forget smooth tarmac – the road to the top (locals call it La Prida or Escuríu) is a proper off-road adventure. Expect a mix of gravel, rocks, and even a bit of grass thrown in for good measure. The summit is crowned with some cool communication towers. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're heading into remote territory, so pack accordingly. Trust me, you'll want a high-clearance 4WD to tackle this beast. The road's generally open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs – expect temporary closures if the weather gets nasty. And a word to the wise: mountain weather is wild! Be prepared for rapid changes and potentially harsh conditions. But the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhat is Wolf's Lair?
🌍 Poland
Okay, so you're heading to Wolf's Lair in Poland, right? Picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Masuria region, deep in the forest. The road starts off the main 592 Road, and it's a smooth 6 km (or just under 4 miles) paved drive. As you go, imagine what it was like back in the day when Wolf's Lair was a hidden mini-city with nearly 200 buildings. Pretty wild, huh? It's an eerie and fascinating place to visit.
hardHow long is the road to Col de la Buffaz?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Buffaz in the French Alps is calling your name! Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department, this mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,502 meters (that's 4,927 feet!). The road? Well, it's an experience! Think mostly unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy (but scenic!) ride. The first section is a real leg burner, seriously steep! Starting from Thônes, you're looking at a 6.4 km (almost 4 miles) climb. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain 900 meters in elevation, averaging a pretty intense 14% gradient. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! At the summit, you'll find the Chalets de la Buffaz, a mountain hut with postcard-worthy views, especially of La Croix du Lachat. The path itself is gorgeous, winding through lush undergrowth before opening up to breathtaking alpine scenery. Get ready for a taste of real mountain life!
hardWhere is Col d'Errozate?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Spain and France, high up in the Pyrenees, at the Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate pass. We're talking a lofty 1,076m (3,530ft) above sea level. The climb, kicking off from the French D301 road, is a short but intense 3.4km (2.11 miles) to the tippy-top at 1,281m (4,202ft). Now, here's the thing: there's NO road on the Spanish side, so this is a there-and-back kinda adventure. Word to the wise: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The road is super narrow, barely wider than a single lane, with some seriously gnarly drop-offs. Add in some broken asphalt and hairpin turns, and you've got yourself a recipe for needing your A-game. And hold on tight, because some sections hit a whopping 18.5% gradient! If reversing isn't your strong suit, maybe sit this one out. But the views? Absolutely killer!