Experience a piece of Norwegian history on the old road that was completed in 1894. Hand-built stone walls and long rows of guard stones define this mountain road, built through sheer manual labour.
Norwegian Scenic
Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
Travel back in time on a journey through the mountains
The Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, one of 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes, is the historic way to drive over the Strynefjellet mountain pass.
Following the old road
This road is a museum in itself, allowing you to marvel at engineering design that has withstood the elements for centuries. Not to mention the beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds it. The Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is 27 kilometres long, and runs between Grotli and Videsæter.
To reach the old road, you can fly to Ørsta/Volda airport and drive for about two hours, or fly to Ålesund and drive for about three hours. You can also drive for about six hours from Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim.
You can book plane tickets with Norwegian, Widerøe, or SAS.
If you want to start the route at Grotli, you can spend a night or enjoy a home cooked meal at Grotli Høyfjellshotell. It's right by the start of the scenic route and you'll also find a notice board (pictured), with information about the old road.
Follow the charming, narrow road for about four kilometres until you reach Heillstuguvatnet lake. This is a beautiful area for pictures and a great starting point for several hikes or a spot of fishing.
There's also a plane wreck nearby that was shot down during WW2, as well as a memorial that you can take a look at.
The road is known for its hand-built walls and rows of guard stones. A rise in tourism along the western fjords was the catalyst for building the road in the late 19th century. In 2009, it was listed as a protected road due to its historical significance.
Carry on for seven kilometres past streams, brooks and towering mountains towards Vassvendtjønnin lake, which is the highest point of the route at 1139 masl.
The next 13 kilometres will take you past Langvatnet lake and into the Videdalen valley. Marvel at the wonderful landscapes as you start your descent down the mountain pass.
Where to stay
Explore accommodation options near Strynefjellet.
StrynLodgen Stryn
Lodgen Stryn is your perfect base for adventures in Nordfjord! With a central location in the heart of Stryn, we offer accommodation in unique surroundings – from rustic rooms in Låven to comfortable apartments and our charming Villa. Enjoy the community in our spacious common areas, featuring a sauna, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, cozy fire pit, and one of Norway’s most unique bars. After a day filled with activities, you can relax in a laid-back and social atmosphere, nestled between fjords and mountains. Perfect for both adventurers and those who want to enjoy the spectacular nature of Western Norway.
StrynPlusCamp Strynsvatn Camping
Strynsvatn Camping is part of the PlusCamp chain and is classified with 4 stars. We are affiliated with ASCI, ANWB, and ADAC. We offer 35 rental cabins, 2 summer houses, a mountain lodge, 5 holiday apartments, and approximately 40 pitches for motorhomes, caravans, and tents. On-site activities include boat and canoe rental, a swimming area, a waterfront barbecue area, playground, trampolines, a playroom with pool and pingpong, and a hiking trail
StrynVisnes Hotel Stryn
Welcome to Visnes Hotel in Stryn! Visnes hotel is a historic hotel with 19 rooms, located just outside the centre of Stryn. Here we are, with many famous attractions in short distance from the hotel. The hotel is a member of Historic hotels and restaurants, and we work hard to provide personal service and serving of authentic, local food. The hotel has been operating here since 1850, and the hotel building, which is protected, is a visit back in time, but with today's comfort. In 2020, the old barn in the yard was also renovated, and here we also have guestrooms, and a cafeteria and meeting room in ground floor.
OldenOlden Fjordhotel
Right outside the hotel there is a wealth of opportunities to experience everything that Nordfjord has to offer. There are also many other hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. Contact the reception and we will be happy to help you with what you might be wondering about.
StrynStryn Camping
Nestled in the heart of Nordfjord is one of Norway’s scenic gems; the beautiful municipality of Stryn — and ideally located in the centre of its township is Stryn Camping. With its magnificent mountains, blue-ice glaciers, the fjord, rivers, waterfalls and deep lakes, Stryn offers all you could wish from spectacular scenic attractions, a wide range of activities - or if you like - lazy days just relaxing and taking in the world from one of Stryn’s outdoor cafes.
LoenSandeåsen Feriesenter
Sandeåsen Feriesenter opened in July 2022, the centre offers accommodations for motorhomes, caravans, tents, and hammocks. The 46 pitches comply with the new standards with 4 meters between each unit. The centre also provides accommodations for cabins. The cabins hold good standard and can room 4-5 pax. The service building offers family rooms with shower and WC, washing machine and dryer, you can also do dishes. In the service building you can also find a café, restaurant, and bar.
StrynJølet
Imagine lying floating above the ground on a bed of rushing water with stars in your eyes! That is exactly what you can experience in Jølet, the cabin that has been specially designed to give an optimal feeling of closeness to nature. On the edge of a gorge, created by the river's thousand-year struggle to reach the fjord, the cabin partially floats in the terrain. Situated completely by itself with no close neighbours, but with a view over the cultural landscape and rural areas, this is a perfect place for both relaxation and activity.
OppstrynAarneset Gardstun
Aarneset farmstead is an old sheriff's farm along Oppstrynsvatnet with a lot of history. The old houses vary in age - from the 1700s and 1800s. The sheriff's office was operated on the farm until the beginning of the 20th century. People came to the farm by steamboat to get in touch with the sheriff, who was also the mayor and a member of parliament.
LoenLoen Apartments
Stay comfortably in new apartments located in the heart of Loen, just a short walk away from bus stops, shops, restaurants, Via Ferrata Loen and Loen Skylift. Guests at Loen Apartments receive a discount on the entrance ticket to Loen Play, which is located next door. This is an ideal base for a wonderful holiday in the charming fjord village.
StrynLidasanden cabins
Undisturbed, untouched, and unforgettable are the feedbacks we’ve received the most from our guests. Perhaps this means that Lidasanden is a place that doesn’t only take your breath away – but also brings it back to you? Locations like Stryn Summerski, Stad for surfing, Rakssetra, Loen, Loen Skylift are all in reach from Lidasanden. We are located right on the lake and on site you can rent SUP, rowing -boat or even a jetski if you have boat certifiate. Surrounded by magical mouintains a hike is never far away.
Book nowBriksdalsbreBriksdalsbre Mountain Lodge
The mighty Briksdal Glacier is part of the Jostedal Glacier national park. From a height of 1200 metres the wild glacier drops right down into the narrow, fertile Briksdalen – a sight which attracts 300,000 visitors from all over the world every year.
StrynStryn Hotel
Stryn Hotel is located centrally in Nordfjord, idyllically on the banks of Stryn river. A hotel with distinctive character, where you can enjoy social gatherings in picturesque and tranquil surroundings, with Stryn’s shops and all amenities just a short stroll away. A very pleasant frame for events/courses and conferences.
It won't take long before you come across the Videfossen waterfall. Watch as the water rushes down the cliff.
There's a viewpoint on top of the cliff and it feels like you're stood right on the water. Stop for pictures or just to marvel at the view and the powers of nature. If you want to stay in the area for longer, book a night or two at Videseter Hotel on the other side of the road.
Then drive down winding mountain roads for about two kilometres to another waterfall. The impressive Øvstefossen waterfall cascades down into Hjelledalen valley, and there's a 200-metre footpath with steel railings that allows you to safely get close to the foaming water.
By now you have technically completed the scenic route, but the actual old road continues for another eleven kilometres down to a village called Hjelle.
On the way you'll pass Jøl Bridge from 1883. The old stone bridge is not in use anymore, but you're welcome to stop for pictures and take in this piece of history.
One of the first things you'll see in Hjelle is Hjelle Hotel and Gamlebutikken, which is an old shop and a café. This is also the other starting point if you want to drive from the opposite direction. You'll find information about the route here too.
Hjelle is an idyllic village by the Strynsvatnet lake. It feels like you've stepped into a real-life post card and it's a great place to spend a few days exploring Norwegian nature.
Enjoy activities on the lake, or hike up to the abandoned Segestad farm, that lies on a mountain ridge 300 metres above the water. The trail is a 3-4 hour round trip. There are also plenty of other trails worth exploring.
If you want to see even more of Norway and go on another scenic route, you're only a few kilometres away from the Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen. It will give you even more breathtaking views, winding moutain roads up valleys, and the famous Trollstigen road (pictured).
Fun activities!
Explore the beautiful Geiranger area one activity at a time!
LoenSki touring | Loen Skylift
The mountains around Loen and Stryn are perfect for ski touring and backcountry skiing with views of the fjord and mountains. The Loen Skylift takes you up to 1011 metres above sea level/3316 ft., so you can set off with fresh legs. From Mt. Hoven you have many summits to choose from and even more downhill runs.
Book nowLoenBike rental | Loen Active
Rent a bike and travel to Lodalen Valley or explore other places in the area. Loen Active also offers guided bike tours. Loen Active has rental of e-bikes from the Loen Active shop. Helmet included. One of the bike has a children’s seat. We have two junior bikes.
OldenE-bike rental | Olden Active
Discover the stunning landscapes of Olden and beyond with our top-quality electric bikes. Designed to make your journey smooth and effortless, our e-bikes are perfect for riders of all experience levels, allowing you to comfortably navigate fjord-side paths and charming village roads. Feel the thrill of exploring Norway’s natural beauty with a reliable, eco-friendly mode of transportation.
LoenLodalen
The beautiful, untamed nature and the valley´s dramatic history make a visit to Lodalen an experience not to be missed. At the head of the valley lies Kjenndalsbreen glacier, which is the lowest-lying offshoot of Jostedalsbreen glacier. Further down the Lodalen valley lies a charming summer pasture farm called Breng.
StrynAlpine ski touring in Nordfjord | Breogfjell
Ski mountaineering among glaciers, mountains and fjords in the Nordfjord region, with qualified mountain guides from Breogfjell Mountain Guides. The mountains in Stryn, Loen and Olden offer summits with over 1500-meter hight meters, overlooking the world!
Nice to know before you go
The road becomes quite narrow along certain sections and there are several sharp bends, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Vehicles that are more than eight metres long with an axle load of more than eight tonnes are not permitted to drive on this road.
The road is closed during the winter months and may also close at other times of the year due to issues such as bad weather.
Information for cyclists: The best starting point is Grotli and it's a pretty short route that runs on tarmac and gravel roads.
Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes
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Norwegian Scenic Routes
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