
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
hardIm Hinteren Eis
🇮🇹 Italy
# Im Hinteren Eis: A High-Alpine Adventure Sitting pretty at 3,030m (9,940ft) above sea level in South Tyrol's Ötztal Alps, Im Hinteren Eis ranks among Europe's highest accessible roads. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a gravel and rocky path that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure. Fair warning: this track is seriously steep, with bumpy, tippy sections that demand respect. You'll need a proper 4x4 and genuine off-road experience to tackle it. If unpaved mountain roads make you uneasy or you're not comfortable with heights, skip this one. The road typically closes from October through June depending on conditions, so plan your visit for the brief window when it's passable. Once you summit, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Hintereisferner glacier—but don't get too comfortable. Expect relentless winds year-round and be prepared for surprise snowstorms even in summer. Winter temperatures here are genuinely brutal, and afternoon thunderstorms can transform the trail into a gnarly four-wheel-drive situation in minutes. Low visibility and heavy mist are common hazards, especially when the weather turns. This chairlift access road isn't for casual explorers, but if you're an experienced wheeler who craves high-altitude thrills and stunning scenery, Im Hinteren Eis delivers an unforgettable alpine experience.
hardIs the road to Großsee paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Großsee, a stunning alpine reservoir perched way up in Carinthia, Austria. Think jaw-dropping views from 2,481m (8,139ft)! The road? Mostly paved, thankfully, but hold on tight. It's a twisty, turny climb with around 30 hairpin bends. The asphalt gives way to a rougher track near the top at 2,470m (8,103ft), so be prepared for some boulders and maybe even snow. The adventure kicks off in Großkirchheim, and from there it's a 15.8 km (9.81 miles) ascent. And get this - the road is seriously steep! We're talking gradients of up to 24% in places. You'll be climbing 1,459 meters in total, averaging over 9% along the way. Built in 1978, this road will test your car and reward you with incredible scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardLlanada del Mulhacen: The Road That Has It All
🇪🇸 Spain
# Llanada del Mulhacén: Spain's Sky-High Alpine Adventure Ready to experience one of Europe's most dramatic mountain plateaus? Welcome to Llanada del Mulhacén, sitting pretty at a jaw-dropping 3,408m (11,181ft) in Granada's Sierra Nevada National Park. This isn't just any high-altitude spot—it's legitimately one of the continent's loftiest roads. Nestled in Andalusia's stunning Penibética range, this historic track has quite the backstory. Built way back in the 19th century to haul equipment for a geodesic survey connecting Europe and Africa, the old unpaved route starts from Alto del Chorrillo and climbs toward Mulhacén, Spain's highest peak. Pretty cool, right? Here's the thing though: while the trail used to welcome motor vehicles, it's been closed to all traffic (cars, bikes, you name it) since the early 1990s. The park authorities want to keep this place wild and pristine. Plus, the current state of the road is pretty rough—maintenance has taken a backseat to conservation. Fair warning: this isn't your typical summer drive. Winter conditions? Absolutely brutal. Expect treacherous snow fields and relentless winds that'll test your nerve. Come prepared. But here's what you get in return: views that'll absolutely take your breath away. From up here, you'll drink in panoramic vistas of nearly every major peak in Sierra Nevada—Veleta, Alcazaba, Caballo, Vacares, and more stretching out before you like a feast for the eyes. Few places on Earth offer perspectives quite like this.
hardWildes Mannle: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
🇦🇹 Austria
# Wildes Mannle: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Want to experience one of the Ötztal's most thrilling drives? Head to the stunning Ötztal Nature Park in Tyrol, near the Italian border and just southwest of Sölden, where you'll find the Wildes Mannle peak and its notorious gravel road. Starting from the village of Vent, this 5.6 km (3.47 miles) chairlift service road is absolutely not for the faint of heart. You're looking at a serious climb—656 meters of elevation gain with an average gradient of 11.71%—and that's before you factor in the six hairpin turns and brutally steep sections. The road climbs all the way up to 2,648m (8,687ft), offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Ötztal Alps with countless peaks towering above 3,000 meters. Here's the catch: this road is strictly 4x4 territory only. The unpaved surface combined with the relentless steepness means regular vehicles just won't cut it. Plus, Mother Nature has her say—snow blocks access from October through June, and the road is closed to private vehicles altogether. So if you're planning an attempt, come prepared and come in summer. This is pure alpine adrenaline for serious off-road adventurers.