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Sognefjellet

Scenic Route Sognefjellet

From peak to fjord

This 108-kilometre journey takes you from the historic mountain village of Lom, over the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe, and down to the emerald green waters of the Lusterfjord, ending in Gaupne village in Luster, the innermost part of the famous Sognefjord.

The drive takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, but you should spend several days to fully experience the glaciers, fjords and alpine culture along the way.

If you are driving from Oslo, getting to Lom takes about 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Bergen to the starting point in Luster, which typically takes around 4.5 hours.

Keep in mind that the mountain pass between Rustasætre and Turtagrø is closed during winter, typically reopening between mid-April and early May. Even after opening, the road may close at night or during bad weather. Snow and ice may occur, even in summer.

Closeup of a cinnamon bun from Lom

The adventure begins in Lom, a lively activity hub famous for its 12th century stave church and world-class local food. You can challenge yourself in the local activity park, and enjoy a delicious bun from Bakeriet i Lom!

Places to stay in Lom

Find a place in Lom that suits you and your travel plans.

More activities in Lom

Discover all there is to see in Lom.

Droneshot of Elveseter hotel
People hiking Galdhøpiggen from Juvasshytta
Juvasshytta in Jotunheimen

Begin by driving southwest for 25 minutes until you reach Elveseter Hotell, a former family farm turned creative mountain lodge. Stop and see the 34-metre tall Saga Column, which depicts historical scenes from Norway's long and storied past.

Just before reaching Elveseter, take a steep detour up to Juvasshytta. This is the base for hiking to the summit of Galdhøpiggen (2,469 metres high), the highest mountaintop in Northern Europe!

You can stay the night at the Juvasshytta, Raubergstulen or Spiterstulen mountain lodges to fully immerse yourself in the high-altitude environment and join a guided hike.

Activities near Galdhøpiggen

Climb Norway's highest mountain, and stay in cozy mountain lodges.

Sognefjellet
Liasanden rest stop
Man looking at the mountains from the vegaskjelet viewpoint
Wooden interior Sognefjellshytta
Two people posing at the Mefjellet stone scuplture
Restroom at Oscarshaug, Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet in Fjord Norway
A climber at the Skagastølsnebbet peak

Now let's get back on the Scenic Route again!

Continuing from Elveseter, the Liasanden rest area awaits a little further down the road, should you want to spend some time listening to the wind rustling in the pine trees.

While the towering peaks like Store Skagastølstind are a magnet for professional climbers, you can enjoy the dramatic scenery from the safety of the Vegaskjelet viewpoint, just a little further along the route!

Continue along the mountain road for another 25 minutes until your reach the summit at Sognefjellshytta. This modern lodge features a striking wood-and-glass design where you can watch cross-country skiers train on the glacier snow during the summer months.

If you're on the hunt for a great photo, Mefjellet viewpoint is located just three minutes further along the route! Here, you will find an iconic stone sculpture, which acts as a massive, natural frame for the landscape.

After another quick stop at Oscarshaug to use its unique restroom, designed by Snøhetta, the same firm that designed the iconic Oslo Opera House. A few minutes further down the road, Nedre Oscarshaug offers one of the finest viewpoints in Jotunheimen.

Your descent towards Turtagrø mountain lodge now begins. This area is the historic cradle of alpine climbing in Norway, and the primary gateway to the jagged Hurrungane range. It's a great place to sleep or enjoy some hearty mountain food!

Mountain lodges

… and unique places to stay along the route.

A child leading a llama in a lush green valley
Woman getting a massage outside Bestebakken Hotel
People rafting in clear blue water and ziplining over it.

Another 20 minutes by car brings you to Skjolden, at the innermost point of the Sognefjord. Here, you can take part in unique activities like alpaca trekking, high-speed RIB tours, and peaceful hikes into the lovely Mørkridsdalen valley.

Continue following the Lustrafjord for another 15 minutes, and you can refuel with wonderful baked goods at the Lustrabui bakery, or enjoy a luxurious night in one of the lovely places to stay in this area, like the quirky and beautiful Bestebakken boutique hotel.

After 20 more minutes you'll arrive in Gaupne, which marks the end of the Sognefjellet Scenic Route. From here, take a detour up the Jostedalen valley to see the Nigardsbreen glacier or try high-adrenaline rafting and ziplining with Icetroll (or a combined adventure with both!). Your trip does not need to end here…

Places to stay in Gaupne

Find a place to stay in Gaupne that suits you and your travel plans.

Things to do

More things to experience in the Luster area and Jostedalen.

Urnes stavkirke, Luster
Spring in Sogndal in Vestland County, Norway

Continue driving southwest for another 20 minutes, and you will reach the idyllic village of Solvorn. From here, you can take the small ferry to the Urnes Stave Church, the oldest in the world, or hike up to Molden for what many call the best fjord view in Sogn.

A 30-minute drive west from Gaupne brings you to the regional center of Sogndal. This vibrant town is the perfect place to find a local brewery or a modern café to reflect on your trip across Sognefjellet.

Nice to know before you go

Winter closures and spring openings

The high-mountain section between Rustasætre/Vegaskjelet and Turtagrø closes for winter in November and typically reopens around the middle of April and the beginning of May. Harsh weather can cause overnight or sudden closures, so always check the Roads Administration website, Statens Vegvesen, for live traffic updates before you go.

Tips for cyclists

Part of National Cycle Route 6, Sognefjellet is breathtaking, but can be challenging. Starting from Skjolden/Fortun in the west means climbing 850 vertical meters over just 10 kilometers, with steep gradients reaching 16% up to Turtagrø. Starting from Lom provides a gentler ascent, but rewards you with a very steep, technical descent down to Fortun.

Campervan facilities

The architecturally designed restroom facilities along the route are not equipped to handle waste from motorhomes and caravans. Emptying chemical toilets at these rest stops is prohibited. Instead, one must use the designated disposal stations in Lom, Vågåmo, or Gaupne.

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