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.
Havøysund
Varanger
Senja Andøya
Lofoten
18 NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTES. Each of these selected routes represents a unique motoring Helgelandskysten experience, and each offers its own distinctive combination of road, scenery and history. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration seeks to enhance your journey by providing Atlanterhavsvegen spectacular viewing platforms, service Geiranger-Trollstigen facilities, car parks, picnic areas, Gamle StryneRondane fjellsvegen walking trails and art installations Sognefjellet GaularValdresflye fjellet along these routes. Aurlandsfjellet Hardangervidda
Hardanger
Ryfylke Jæren
1
LIASANDEN. Hidden in the pine forest in Leirdalen in Lom municipality is a very unusual rest area where you ought to take time to make a stop. Here, the trees and the terrain have determined the design of the rest area, down to the most minute detail. Architect: Jensen & Skodvin. 1
VEGASKJELET. At Vegaskjelet, a viewing platform juts directly out from the car park, at sufficient elevation above the shrubs to allow enjoyment of the superb view up and down the valley. Architect: Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk. 2
2
NEDRE OSCARSHAUG. This location offers a spectacular view of the road crossing the mountains. Using a viewing scope, you can identify the highest peaks of the Hurrungane range. Architect: Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk. 3
MEFJELLET (front page). At Storevasskrysset in the centre of the mountain plateau you will find a rest area where you can enjoy the view of the Fanaråken glacier and its surrounding peaks. The stone sculpture by Knut Wold in the midst of the high-altitude scenery is a motif favoured by photographers. Architect: Jensen & Skodvin. Artist: Knut Wold.
Statens vegvesen Turistvegseksjonen
Address: Industrigata 17 N-2605 Lillehammer
0541-12 grafisk.senter@vegvesen.no
3
Photos: Norwegian Public Roads Administration
Postal address: PO Box 1010 N-2605 Lillehammer
Phone: +47 815 22 000
Internet: nasjonaleturistveger.no vegvesen.no/nasjonaleturistveger