Riksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake
Norway, europe
2.3 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Riksvegen Old Road: A Hidden Gem in Norway's Fjord Country
Nestled in Vestland county's Eidfjord municipality, the Riksvegen Old Road is a nostalgic slice of Norwegian engineering history that's perfect for those who prefer a slower pace. This charming 2.3 km (1.42 miles) stretch hugs the western shore of Eidfjordvatnet, treating you to absolutely stunning lake views at every turn.
Here's the cool part: this road is now exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians—no cars allowed. Back in the day, it was the main route, complete with a tunnel that King Oscar II himself opened. You can still spot that historic tunnel today, a testament to the road's bygone era as a motorway.
The entire route is paved and manageable, making it ideal for a leisurely bike ride or scenic walk. That said, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockslide, which is a real hazard in this mountainous region. It's a small price to pay for the experience, honestly.
So what happened to all the traffic? In stepped the Eidfjordtunnelen, a modern tunnel that's part of Norway's National Road 7 (Rv7). The new route is wider, faster, and comes loaded with multiple tunnels—perfect for those in a hurry. But if you're anything like us, you'll skip the highway and stick to this beautifully preserved old road for an authentic Norwegian adventure.
Where is it?
Riksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.7704, 15.2835
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.3 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 65.7704, 15.2835
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Großer Oscheniksee?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're in Carinthia, Austria, deep in the Fragant valley, ready to tackle a beast of a road up to Großer Oscheniksee, a stunning mountain reservoir perched at 2,390m (7,841ft). This climb? Legendary. Starting from Innerfragant, you've got 8.5km (5.28 miles) of paved, but seriously narrow road ahead. And get this—39 hairpin turns! Hope you're not prone to motion sickness. The road's typically open only from early May to late September, thanks to the heavy snow. But the real kicker? This road isn't messing around. Prepare for sections hitting a brutal 20% gradient. Seriously, some say it's one of the toughest climbs in the Alps. You'll gain 1,106 meters in elevation, averaging a lung-busting 13.01% incline. But trust me, the views from the top make it all worthwhile! Just be aware that access to the reservoir is currently blocked by a barrier.
moderateThe main avenue of Pyramiden, a Soviet Ghost Town in the Arctic Circle
🇳🇴 Norway
# Pyramiden: A Haunting Journey to the Arctic Perched at over 78 degrees north on the remote Svalbard archipelago, Pyramiden is one of those surreal places that feels frozen in time. This abandoned Russian mining village, nestled between Norway and the North Pole, is basically a real-life time capsule—the settlement was shut down in 1998, but the Pyramiden Hotel got a glow-up and reopened in 2013. It's now recognized as the northernmost hotel in the world, which is pretty wild. Sitting at the foot of Billefjorden on Spitsbergen island, the ghost town's main drag is a striking concrete avenue that stretches 4.22 km (2.62 miles) from the port all the way to the western edge of town. Back in its heyday, this street was bustling with shops and storefronts. Today, it's hauntingly quiet—a concrete ribbon cutting through an eerie urban landscape. Here's the thing though: exploring Pyramiden isn't a solo mission. You absolutely need an armed guide because polar bears roam these Arctic waters, and encounters are a genuine risk. It's an adventure that demands respect for the wilderness, but if you can handle the cold and the remote atmosphere, walking through this frozen-in-time Russian settlement is truly unforgettable.
hardCol de la Quillane
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Quillane Tucked away in the Pyrénées-Orientales of southern France, Col de la Quillane sits pretty at 1,714 meters (5,623 feet) above sea level. This is the real deal for mountain enthusiasts. The climb up via the D118 is all asphalt—no gravel surprises here—but don't let that fool you. You'll encounter some seriously steep pitches along the way, hitting grades up to 9.0%, which means your engine (and your legs, if you're cycling) will definitely feel the burn. The gradient is legit enough that the Tour de France has actually featured this pass during the race, so you know it's got some serious credentials. If you're planning a drive through this stretch of the French Pyrenees, expect a challenging but rewarding climb with some stunning alpine scenery. It's the kind of road that'll test your driving skills while rewarding you with incredible views. Perfect for anyone looking to tackle an authentic mountain pass experience.
hardIs the road to Monte Faro paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Monte Faro, a hidden gem nestled in Galicia, Spain, straddling the provinces of Lugo and Pontevedra. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a fully paved but narrow and steep road winding its way up to 1,181m (3,874ft)! Located inside the Monte Faro National Park in the northwestern part of the country, the views are simply breathtaking! You'll be treated to panoramic vistas stretching across all four Galician provinces. And at the top? The Ermita do Faro, a charming 17th-century chapel built on the ruins of even older temples. History and scenery? Yes, please! The road itself is about 9.9 km (6.15 miles) long, connecting Asperelo (in Pontevedra) with Requeixo (in Lugo). Up on top, you'll find a decent-sized parking lot and a fire observation tower. You know, because Galicia gets a little toasty in the summer. Keep in mind that you're high up in the Serra do Faro mountains, so expect some rain and maybe even heavy snow some years, but the road is usually open year-round. Happy travels!