National Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway
Norway, europe
49 km
1,393 m
hard
Year-round
# Valdresflye: Norway's Epic Mountain Drive
Craving one of Norway's most iconic scenic drives? Look no further than Valdresflye, a stunning 49km (30.44 miles) mountain road that'll blow your mind. This gem winds through Innlandet county in eastern Norway, connecting the charming town of Garli near Beitostølen to Besstrondsæter in Vågå.
What makes this route so special? It's totally paved and sits perched high on the eastern slopes of the Jotunheimen mountains, topping out at an impressive 1,393m (4,570ft) above sea level. You're literally driving one of the country's highest roads. The road gets narrow in spots, but it's mostly smooth sailing across rolling terrain that feels absolutely effortless—like it's floating above the landscape.
The views? Absolutely breathtaking. From the mountain plateau, you'll catch stunning vistas of Jotunheimen National Park, then swoop down through gorgeous cultivated valleys dotted with mountain pastures. The contrast is incredible—wild, jagged peaks to the north giving way to serene rolling hills to the south. It's like you're getting two completely different landscapes in one drive.
The route typically opens in early May and stays accessible through November, though the summit weather can shift in a heartbeat, so come prepared. The plateau is a legendary launching point for spring skiing expeditions and hikes into the Jotunheimen peaks.
**Quick Details:** No ferries, but note that winter closures affect some stretches between Garli and Maurvangen (though the Hindsæter to Gjendesheim section stays open). Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer herds along the way!
Where is it?
National Tourist Route Valdresflye is a scenic drive in Norway is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.7436, 12.0259
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 49 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,393 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.7436, 12.0259
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Coll de Sansa?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to the Coll de Sansa, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled way up in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France. Locals sometimes call it the Col d'Eylac, so keep an ear out for that! Heads up, this isn't a Sunday cruise kind of road. We're talking full-on unpaved adventure, folks! The surface is generally okay, but expect some rough patches thanks to washouts. The whole shebang stretches for a bit, hugging the breathtaking peaks that form the border between France and Spain. We’re talking real height here, with the summit sitting high above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled for the usual mountain suspects: water damage to the road, rogue patches of snow even in warmer months, and fog rolling in to steal your view. But honestly, the scenery is so epic, it's worth every single white-knuckle moment!
hardCol de Pierre Grosse
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Pierre Grosse Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Col de Pierre Grosse sits at a respectable 1,322 meters (4,337 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass isn't for the faint of heart—the road up is a wild ride through the Alps that'll test your nerve and your vehicle alike. The asphalt is there, technically, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The road surface has definitely seen better days, and combined with the narrow lanes and seriously steep gradients, you're looking at a challenging climb that demands focus and respect. Every switchback feels like a puzzle, and your grip on the steering wheel won't loosen until you reach the top. It's the kind of drive that makes your palms sweat a little and your adrenaline spike—in the best way possible. If you're a road enthusiast searching for an authentic Alpine adventure that's off the usual tourist trail, this pass delivers exactly that. Just make sure you're comfortable with tight turns, altitude, and roads that remind you why you love driving in the first place.
hardPleta de Comabella
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pleta de Comabella: A High-Alpine Adventure in Catalonia Perched at 2,148 meters (7,047 feet) in Catalonia's Serra de Moixeró mountain range, Pleta de Comabella is a seriously thrilling mountain pass that'll test your nerve—and your vehicle. Located in the Berguedà comarca, this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road itself? Gravel, rocky, and genuinely bumpy in places. You'll need a 4x4 to even think about tackling this route, and it's strictly off-limits during winter when snow and ice make it completely impassable. If unpaved mountain roads aren't in your wheelhouse, turn back now. The steep grades combined with exposure (so definitely not for anyone uncomfortable with heights) mean this trail demands serious driving chops and respect. Weather matters big time here—wet conditions transform the muddy track into a genuine challenge that'll push experienced off-roaders to their limits. But if you've got the skills and the right rig? You're in for an unforgettable ride through dramatic alpine terrain. Once you crest the summit, you'll find the welcoming Refugi Niu de l'Àliga—the perfect reward after conquering one of Catalonia's most demanding mountain passes. This is pure, unfiltered adventure country.
moderateHow long is Ponti di Vara?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in Tuscany, near the marble mecca of Carrara. Forget your GPS, because you're about to experience Galleria Ponti di Vara, a wild 5.5km (3.41 mile) one-way ride from Miseglia to a working quarry. This isn’t just any road; it’s a historic bridge, the Vara Bridge, that used to be a railway tunnel built in 1876! Originally designed to transport marble, this entirely paved route now carries modern trucks loaded with that same precious stone. The bridge itself stretches 109m (359ft) across the valley, reaching a height of 38 meters. Check out its five semicircular arches, each spanning 16 meters – seriously impressive. But here's the catch: This isn’t your average scenic drive. The road is narrow and packed with unlit tunnels! Talk about an adventure. This area also has quite the history; the bridge was almost blown up by angry marble workers back in the 30's! Plus, this iconic spot was featured in the James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," so you know it's got the drama.