Scenic Route Sognefjellet (Road 55)

The Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet is northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, and runs from Lom to Gaupne, a total distance of 108 km (Road 55).

From the verdant meadows and the lush cultural landscape of Bøverdalen you can catch a glimpse of towering mountains in the far distance, as the road slowly ascends through the valley. It makes its way up to the summit at 1,434 metres.

Description of the road:
From the starting point in Lom, your expectations rise even before you drive out of the small village. Not every tourist route provides such a natural dramatic setting with a profusion of powerful impressions. Along the road you will be tempted to stop at the viewing points to soak in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

At the Mefjellet stop you will find Knut Wold’s stone sculpture which allows us to view the mountain landscape from a different perspective. Continuing down towards the Sognefjord the mountain region appears untamed. Where the Hurrungane massif towers up to the heavens the mountains suddenly open up and the landscape changes once again.

Towards Gaupne, the final point on this stretch, the road descends to skirt the beautiful Sognefjord whose clear waters change colour from green to blue in tune with the light and the weather. What should you do when you arrive? Relax and let your impressions sink in. Some people turn and drive the same way back, and are surprised to see how different everything is. Although everything is the same, it’s as if you see the surroundings anew.

Biking at Sognefjellet:
Bringing your bike is a great experince at Sognefjellet. Starting from Fortun, the Sognefjellet ascent is 19.96 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1375 heightmeters.

History:
The road over Sognefjellet was an important transport artery linking the coast and inland areas. Trading led to the transport of salt and fish eastwards while butter, pitch and leather were transported west. Travelling across the mountain in the old days was not without its perils – vagabonds robbed travellers and merchants.

The forces of nature can also be difficult for us humans to defy. In the winter the weather is so severe and the snow masses so enormous that it is impossible to keep the road open. If you make the trip just after the road opens in springtime, the almost ten-metre high banks of snow at the side of the road will be visible proof of the power relationship in the mountains in winter. Nature is the deciding force and this is a reminder that it is we who must adapt.

Winter closed:
The mountain road from Liasanden to Turtagrø is closed during winter. Previous closures are between 17 November and 17 December. Previous openings are between 12 April and 1 May. NOTE! After opening, the road may be closed for a period at night and in bad weather.

Source: nasjonaleturistveger.no