Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

… 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 there might be a queue (it's both tasty and popular)!

Then head to the start of the route at Grotli, where you can spend the night or enjoy a home cooked meal at Grotli Høyfjellshotell. You'll also find a placard (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 or fishing, and a great starting point for several hikes.

There's also a plane wreck nearby that was shot down during WW2, as well as a memorial.

Carry on for seven kilometres past streams, brooks and towering mountains towards Vassvendtjønnin lake, which is the highest point of the route at 1,139 metres.

The next 13 kilometres takes you past Langvatnet lake and into the Videdalen valley. Take in the lovely landscapes as you start your descent down the mountain pass.

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.

One of the first things you'll see in Hjelle is Hjelle Hotel and Gamlebutikken, a historic shop and café. Stop for some delicious afternoon tea or to 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 Strynsvatnet lake. The scenery makes you feel as if you've stepped into a real-life postcard and it's a great place to spend a few days exploring Norwegian nature.

From Hjelle, you can drive the roughly 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).

In nearby Loen, you can either take the Loen Skylift up to the top of Mount Hoven, or try the more adventurous route on a via ferrata. Reward yourself with a tasty meal made from local ingredients at Hoven Restaurant, which sits atop the mountain.