SO G NE FJ E L L E T
Photo: Trine Kanter Zerwekh / Statens vegvesen
T
his journey along a route that has connected Norway between east and west for centuries includes Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, 1 434 m.a.s.l. The Sognefjell road starts in the lush cultural landscape of Bøverdalen valley in the east and crosses the mountain plateau, with panoramic views of glaciers and towering mountains, before descending through valleys to the inner reaches of the Sognefjord with their tranquil villages in the west. Travelling this route across the roof of Norway provides the opportunity to experience vast mountain expanses, dramatic fjords and valleys and a landscape brimming with cultural heritage sites. In a former era, this route was the main artery connecting the coast with the inland regions. Salt and fish were brought eastwards and exchanged for butter, tar and pelts for the return journey. In those days, farmers and merchants travelled together when crossing the mountains so as not to be waylaid by highwaymen. The adventure along the road today is found in the combination of magnificent mountain scenery, art and architecture.
nasjonaleturistveger.no
© Norwegian Public Roads Administration, May 2013
63 E136 60 15
Dombås
15
Stryn
Sandane
Vågåmo
E39
Lom
15
55
Gaupne 5
51
Øvre Årdal Kaupanger
53
Årdalstangen E16
Fagernes 52
National Tourist Route Sognefjellet runs from Lom to Gaupne over a total distance of 108 kilometres (County Road 55). The mountain crossing is closed in the winter season; when it opens in early May, the road may be lined with banks of snow up to ten metres in height.