Take the Scenic Route and Discover Valdresflye
Norway, europe
49 km
1,393 m
moderate
Year-round
# Valdresflye: Norway's Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the easternmost reaches of Jotunheimen, Valdresflye stands as one of Norway's highest mountain passes at a breathtaking 1,393 meters (4,570 feet). This fully paved route, officially known as the National Tourist Route Valdresflye or Fylkesvei 51, stretches for an impressive 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) from Garli near Beitostølen all the way to Besstrondsæter in Vågå.
What makes this mountain plateau drive so special? The journey itself is fairly straightforward—the road is mostly well-maintained, though you'll hit some narrow sections that keep things interesting. The real drama comes from the weather and timing. The pass typically opens in early May and stays accessible well into November, though winter can shut it down unexpectedly when snow decides to reclaim the mountain.
Here's the thing about driving up here: conditions can shift faster than you can say "Norse mythology." The weather at the plateau is notoriously unpredictable, so come prepared and keep your wits about you. But if you're chasing that perfect combination of stunning alpine scenery, genuine mountain driving, and the satisfaction of conquering one of Scandinavia's highest roads, Valdresflye absolutely delivers. It's the kind of route that reminds you why Norway's landscapes capture hearts (and camera rolls) worldwide.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Valdresflye is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.9135, 10.3702
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 49 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,393 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.9135, 10.3702
Related Roads in europe
hardTravel guide to the top of Mont'Arrubiu
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure awaits in Sardinia! Let's talk about Monte Arrubiu, a sweet little peak sitting pretty at 442 meters above sea level, right in the Province of Cagliari. The road up? Think rugged! It's all unpaved, but don't worry, most cars can handle it. Just follow Strada della pineta and Via Monte Arrubiu, and get ready for a fun climb. The road gets a bit narrow in spots and throws in five hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Now, hold on tight, because this climb is STEEP. We're talking a maximum gradient of 17% in places! Starting from Soleminis, you've got about 3.9 kilometers to conquer, climbing 238 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.10%, so get ready for a bit of a workout! What you get at the top is pure Sardinian bliss!
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Markinkele
🇦🇹 Austria
# Markinkele: An Alpine Adventure Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 2,545 meters (8,349 feet) in the Alps, Markinkele straddles the Austria-Italy border like a dramatic sentinel. Known by several names—Cornetto di Confine, Marchkinkele, and Marchginggele—this old military road is the real deal for adrenaline seekers and mountain enthusiasts. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. If heights make you queasy or landslides keep you up at night, skip this one. Honestly, only the truly fearless (or those getting paid) should tackle the descent here. The road demands respect and precision. One moment of distraction, one slip of judgment, and you're staring down thousands of feet of empty air. The Italian side is where things get properly intense—narrow, gravel-covered, plastered with hairpin turns, steep as they come, and slick as ice when wet. Winter? Forget about it entirely. The Swiss side? That's essentially a hiking trail. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. From the summit, the surrounding mountains unfold in panoramic glory. Vintage military installations dot the landscape, adding a historic layer to your journey. Just don't get too distracted by the scenery—many stretches offer unguarded drops of hundreds of meters straight down. This is mountain driving at its most unforgiving. The landscape is stunning, the challenge is real, and the memories will last forever.
hardJulier Pass is one of Switzerland’s most scenic roads
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Julier Pass: A Scenic Alpine Classic Nestled in Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland, the Julier Pass sits at a breathtaking 2,287 meters (7,503 feet) above sea level. This iconic route is one of three paved mountain passes that connect the stunning Engadin valley with northern Grisons—alongside the Fluela and Albula passes. The history here is seriously cool. Traders have been crossing this route since prehistoric times, and the Romans actually used it for commerce. The modern road was first carved out between 1820 and 1826, but it didn't get its full asphalt treatment until 1935–1940, making it one of the Alps' first paved traverses. A 2009 renovation smoothed out many of the serpentine switchbacks, giving it a friendlier feel. The 34.2-kilometer (21.25-mile) Route 3 runs from Sursés to Silvaplana and is totally paved the whole way. While the road gets steep—maxing out at a 13% gradient on some sections—it's still totally manageable for regular cars and trucks. Expect about 40 minutes of driving time if you head straight through. The pass typically stays open year-round, though winter can bring occasional closures when weather gets sketchy. If you're going in the cold months, bring winter tires and chains just in case. And here's a bonus: you'll spot the remains of two Roman sanctuary pillars at the summit itself. The real star? Those jaw-dropping Alpine views that'll make you want to pull over constantly.
hardHow long is Ryfylke National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Norway, cruising along the Ryfylke National Tourist Route. This isn't just a drive, it's an experience! We're talking dramatic mountains, seriously cool rock formations, sheer cliffs, and of course, those iconic fjords Norway is famous for. Stretching for 260 km (161 miles), it's the perfect length for a multi-day adventure. Fair warning though: some parts, especially over the mountains, get a little tight with some twisty bends. Keep your eyes on the road, folks! The route winds its way from Røldal (a cute village nestled in a valley) all the way to Oanes (a charming farming village). Trust me, this trip is packed with variety. Heads up for winter travelers! The road climbs to 972m (3,188 ft) and usually closes around November, reopening in June. The section from Helandsbygd to Røldal is usually closed in the winter in November and reopens in June. So plan accordingly. Overall, if you're after breathtaking views and a true taste of Norway's natural beauty, Ryfylke is an absolute must-do.