Explore the Breathtaking Fjordlandscapes of Norway in Summer: 5 Standout Routes to Treasure
Exploring Norway's National Tourist Routes: A Journey Through Natural Wonders
Norway's National Tourist Routes offer a captivating journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Here's a guide to five of these routes, each showcasing a unique aspect of Norway's iconic beauty.
Route 63 (Geiranger-Trollstigen)
This route is renowned for its breathtaking fjords and dramatic mountain scenery. The highlight is the Trollstigen road, with its 11 hairpin bends climbing steep mountain sides, lush valleys, and viewpoints. The route also takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Geirangerfjord, known for its steep cliffs and waterfalls. Nearby, the Romsdalsgondola from Åndalsnes offers panoramic mountain views and opportunities for hiking the renowned Romsdalseggen ridge.
Route 17 (Coastal Highway / Kystriksveien)
Known for its stunning coastal landscapes and island hopping via ferries, Route 17 offers unique seaside views, walking paths, and opportunities for fishing and windsurfing. The Atlantic Road, with spectacular bridges and islands, is a must-see. Nearby islands like Håholmen provide idyllic nature and local culture experiences.
Route 44 (Jæren Coast)
This coastal drive along the southwest coast of Norway is noted for its long sandy beaches, rolling moorlands, and traditional coastal villages. Visitors can enjoy the beach landscapes, lighthouses, and local seafood culture. The route offers views of the North Sea and is especially popular for beach walks and birdwatching.
Route 55 (Sognefjellsvegen)
This mountain route crosses the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. Scenic highlights include towering peaks, glaciers, alpine tundra, and serene lakes. Along the way is the famous Borgund Stave Church, one of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches. The route passes through the Jotunheimen and Breheimen mountain areas, ideal for hiking and nature photography.
Route 13 (Ryfylke Route)
This route goes through fjords, waterfalls, and mountains in southwestern Norway. Visitors experience tranquil fjord landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and characteristic villages. The route connects areas around Stavanger and offers access to natural attractions like the Lysefjord, famous for the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike.
In summary, these National Tourist Routes showcase a wide range of Norway’s iconic natural beauty, including UNESCO fjords, dramatic mountain roads with hairpin bends, coastal archipelagos with accessible trails, and high mountain passes with historical stave churches. They provide excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, wildlife spotting, and cultural experiences along scenic drives.
Additional Information
- Route 55 traverses the Jotunheimen National Park, the domain of Norway's highest peaks.
- Route 17 traverses coastal landscapes with fjords, granite archipelagos, and isolated beaches.
- The stretch between Sand and Røldal on Route 13 is particularly spectacular, with tunnels dug into the sides of cliffs and belvederes overlooking the fjords.
- The Sogndalstrand archipelago, a former fishing village known for its pretty white wooden houses, is crossed by Route 44.
- Helleren, an open-air museum, is located along Route 44 and is sheltered under a gigantic rocky overhang.
- The Lustrafjord, a narrow fjord with turquoise waters, is traced by Route 55.
- Route 17, also known as Kystriksveien, is a 630 km road between Steinkjer and Bodø.
- Route 17 hugs the Saltfjord just before Bodø, where the tidal current is considered the strongest in the world.
- Route 13 crosses the counties of Rogaland and Vestland, connecting the Boknafjord to the Sørfjord, the eastern arm of the Hardangerfjord.
- Trollstigen features eleven tight turns and ends at the Stigfossen waterfall.
- Six ferry crossings are necessary to complete Route 17.
- Route 63, stretching 104 km, connects Geiranger, a UNESCO-listed village at the bottom of the Geirangerfjord, to Trollstigen.
- Route 55, or Sognefjellsvegen, is 108 km long and connects Lom to Gaupne, crossing the highest road pass in Northern Europe (1434 m).
During your in-flights to Norway, prepare for an exceptional lifestyle travel experience as you traverse the country's National Tourist Routes, each offering unique glimpses into Norway's iconic beauty. For instance, Route 63 (Geiranger-Trollstigen) showcases breathtaking fjords and dramatic mountain scenery with the Trollstigen road's 11 hairpin bends, while Route 17 (Coastal Highway/Kystriksveien) offers stunning coastal landscapes and island hopping opportunities. Additionally, Route 13 (Ryfylke Route) takes you through fjords, waterfalls, and mountains, creating picturesque settings for lifestyle exploration.
