Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is a beautiful Norwegian scenic route not far from the highlight Geirangerfjord. This route is actually a detour if you want to get to the fjord or even the nearby Dalsnibba, but this detour is definitely worth it. Why this scenic route is so worth seeing and in our opinion belongs to the best things to do in Norway, we clarify in this article.
What is a Norwegian Scenic Route?
When planning your trip through Norway, you should definitely consider driving some of the Norwegian Scenic Routes. There are a total of 18 of these scenic routes that have good rest stops, viewpoints, attractions and mostly pass through breathtaking landscape.
You should definitely try to include some sections of your route on these roads. More information and all the highlights of these routes can be found on the official website https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/de
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen Scenic Route
The Norway scenic route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is an old pass road and runs between Grotli and Videsæter and has a total length of 27 kilometers. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen was carved out of the rock by hand in 12 years in the 19th century and was at that time the only connection through the mountains between the two towns of Stryn and Skjåk. In the course of time, however, the route became superfluous and since the 1970s it has only been used for tourist purposes, as there is the much more passable road 15 Until today, not much has changed on Gamle Strynefjellsvegen.
If you look closely, you can still see traces of old mule tracks and stone slabs that were used for overnight stays in the past. You can drive through this Norway scenic route in less than an hour, but it is much better to stop in between and admire the scenery or take a hike or two. There are no houses or other buildings left and right of the road. Only pure nature, wonderful landscape and a turquoise blue shining mountain lake.
You can always park your car somewhere and set off on short or even longer hikes to the left and right of the trail. Often you can see cottongrass, which wiggles back and forth in the wind to the left and right of the roadway. Everywhere small streams flow and when hiking off the track you have to be careful to get through dry feet. The highest point of the route is at 1139 meters above zero and from here you have a fantastic view over the valley and there are truly postcard motifs.
Things To Do along Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
Ovstebrufossen Waterfall
Strictly speaking, the waterfall is outside the scenic route, but still close enough that we want to list it here. It is located directly on the western approach to the Norway scenic route and is not the most spectacular waterfall in Norway, but still very worth seeing.
Buldrefossen Waterfall
Also a beautiful waterfall right at the western entrance to the Norway scenic route. It has its own small parking area and a small platform from which you can take great photos.
Stryn Summer Ski
Opening Hours of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is only open in the summer and is snowed in all winter and therefore closed. And winter in Norway can be long. Often Gamle Strynefjellsvegen does not open until June and closes again by October. For more information about when the scenic route is open, visit this website: https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/
However, there are no restrictions on access to the Norway scenic route, it is open all day. Also with camper vans you have no problems on this landscape route, because it is asphalted throughout and there are always enough alternative possibilities.
Camping in the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
There is no designated campground on the scenic route, but we have seen several tents in the middle of nature during our passage. So if you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely find a place to camp here. The landscape route also seems to be the only place in the vicinity of the Geirangerfjord where wild camping is possible. Because nowhere else is there enough space off the roads.
Overnight stay near the panoramic road
Who could imagine anything better than just enjoying the view of the Geirangerfjord for hours? You sleep here in a cozy little cabin with a well-equipped kitchen. You can spend the evening on the terrace and just enjoy this amazing view.
Cozy cabin on the Geirangerfjord at Booking*
Places of interest near Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
When you drive along Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, you are in Fjord Norway and therefore very close to many other highlights of Norway. Right next to it is the world famous Geirangerfjord which you will of course visit on your round trip. But also the viewpoint Dalsnibba is worth a visit despite the toll of almost 17 euros. Nowhere else will you have such a great view of the surrounding mountain peaks and the Geirangerfjord in front of you.
Want to combine Gamle Strynefjellsvegen with a Norway itinerary in 2 weeks? Have a look at our travel report here: Norway Road Trip | 2 Weeks Itinerary and Highlights