Experience a piece of Norwegian history on the old road from 1894. Hand-built stone walls and long rows of guard stones define the Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, built through sheer manual labour.
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 between Lom and Stryn.
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.
It was the old main road between Lom in Ottadalen and Stryn, connecting the inland in the East with Nordfjord in the West.
To reach the old road, you must drive for about six hours from Oslo, Bergen, or Trondheim. From Ålesund, drive for about three hours.
If you start this scenic route from the east, the cosy mountain village of Lom is a great place to stay overnight and explore before you go.
Enjoy lots of fun activities: visit the stave church, go zip-lining over the Prestfossen waterfall, and…
… pick up some of the best local food in the Norwegian mountains at Smak i Lom!
The Bakery in Lom is an essential stop on a road trip, but expect to queue for a while!
Then head to the start of the route at Grotli, where you can spend a night or enjoy a home cooked meal at Grotli Høyfjellshotell. You'll also find a notice board (pictured) in the area 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 photography, 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.- Stryn
PlusCamp 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 a historic shop and café. Stop for their delicious afternoon tea or peruse the shelves full of English porcelain. This is also the starting point if you want to drive the route in 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.
From Hjelle, you can drive for about 26 kilometres to Stryn. This is another great adventure hub. Ski year-round in the surrounding mountains, go on a guided glacier hike, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear Lovatnet (pictured).
From Hjelle, it's about 26 kilometres to Stryn. This is another great adventure hub. Ski year-round in the surrounding mountains or go on a guided glacier hike!
In nearby Loen, you can either take the Loen Skylift up to the top of mount Hoven, or try the more adventurous route via a via ferrata. Reward yourself with a tasty meal made from local ingredients at Hoven Restaurant, which sits atop the mountain.
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
OppstrynKayak on the fjord | Loen Active
LoenLovatnet Lake
StrynStryn summer ski
LoenVia Ferrata Loen
StrynHydlaparken
OppstrynLoen Skylift
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 mountain roads up valleys, and the famous Trollstigen road (pictured).
Nice to know before you go
The road becomes very 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.
Drive slowly on the old gravel road and use lay-bys to allow space for oncoming traffic.
The road is closed during the winter months from around September/October to May/June, 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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