Discover Panoramavegen – a Scenic Mountain Road in Norway

Hidden in the heart of Southern Norway lies Panoramavegen – The Panorama Road – a beautiful mountain road that feels like a secret passage through the clouds, and Valdres’ most scenic detour for anyone road tripping through Norway.

This private toll road connects Fagernes, Golsfjellet, and Hemsedal, offering one of the most breathtaking drives in Valdres. It’s not the fastest route – but definitely the one with the best views. The road winds across open mountain plateaus, past quiet lakes and grazing sheep, revealing endless horizons in every direction.

More than just a way to get somewhere, Panoramavegen is a journey in itself – a slow adventure through traditional summer farms, alpine landscapes, and that rare Norwegian silence that makes you want to pull over and simply breathe it all in.

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From Summer Farms to Mountain Peaks

Panoramavegen winds its way up from the valley and into a cultural landscape shaped by centuries of summer farming. You can drive it or cycle it. Along the way you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, rolling mountain plateaus, fishing lakes, rivers, and birch forests.

Many of the mountain farms are still active today – like Ulsåkstølen in Hemsedal or Øynebråten støl on Golsfjellet. Some are still run the old way, others stand as reminders of the past. When you see the old turf-roof barns and sheep grazing freely, it’s like stepping into history.

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Views Worth the Name – The Panorama Road

Panoramavegen truly lives up to its name. On clear days you can see all the way to Jotunheimen’s glaciers and peaks, while Hemsedal’s mountains rise in the southwest. Small lakes and summer pastures dot the landscape like pearls on a string. It’s the kind of road that makes you stop the car again and again – wishing you had packed a picnic.

The road stretches for about 50 km, running from Hemsedal to Fagernes across Golsfjellet and back. Along the way you’ll spot Skogshorn (1,728 m), one of Hemsedal’s most iconic peaks. The hike to the top takes around four hours and rewards you with sweeping views.

In Lykkja, Norway’s highest farming settlement, you’ll also find Lykkja Chapel, built in 1961.

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A Local Tourist Road

Panoramavegen was created by locals as a way to connect valleys and give visitors a richer experience than just the main highway. It’s not as famous as Norway’s national tourist routes, but that’s part of its charm. Here you’ll meet not only travelers, but also locals on their way to the summer farms or cabins.

There are two toll stations along the road, with clear signs and easy payment. The fee goes to maintain the road – and it’s worth every krone.

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A Side Trip from Panoramavegen: Tislevegen

If you want to extend your raod trip adventure, take a detour onto Tislevegen, another toll road linking Panoramavegen with Golsfjellet. Here the landscape opens up in every direction – wide mountain plateaus, small fishing lakes, and views all the way to Jotunheimen and Hallingskarvet on clear days.

It’s a favorite among cyclists because traffic is light and the scenery endless. Bring a tent or camper, and you’ll find beautiful wild camping spots along the lakes. Late summer is berry season, with blueberries and cloudberries right off the roadside.

We’ve cycled here ourselves, staying at Vasetdansen Camping – and it’s an experience we can truly recommend.

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Places to Pause

Panoramavegen has plenty of places to slow down. Take a short hike to a nearby peak, cast a fishing line into a quiet lake, or simply enjoy coffee from a thermos with the mountains as your backdrop. Many rest spots are simple, but that’s what makes them feel authentic – like you’re part of the mountain, not just a visitor.

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🍴 Where to Eat

• Vasetstølen – rustic farm serving food with genuine mountain hospitality. This is our favorite place -supercosy.
  
• Langestølen Kolonial & Kafe – popular stop along Tislevegen, famous for homemade meals and baked goods.
  
• Gomobu Fjellstue – meals and accommodation with panoramic views.
  
• Bistro Bar & Café, Oset Fjellhotell – cozy stop for lunch or dinner.
  

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🧺 Farm Shops & Local Produce

Valdres is famous for its living summer farm culture. Look out for small farm shops along the road – selling traditional brown cheese, butter, sour cream, and cured meats. Perfect souvenirs you can actually taste.

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🏛️ Sights Along the Way

• Lykkja Chapel – Norway’s highest farming settlement, with its own chapel from 1961.
  
• Historic summer farm clusters – reminders of the region’s long mountain farming traditions.

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🛏️ Where to Stay

• Hotels, cabins, and campgrounds in Hemsedal or Fagernes.
  
• Simple, authentic farm stays at summer farms.
  
• Wild camping or campervan parking along the road, plus facilities at Vaset Camping and Vasetdansen Camping.
  
• Dedicated campervan spots at Oset Høyfjellshotell.
  

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Slow Down and Soak It In

I’ve driven Panoramavegen many times – in blazing sunshine and when the fog rolls in like a blanket. Both are magical in their own way. Sunshine makes the mountains sparkle, while fog gives a mystical, almost fairytale atmosphere. Whatever the weather, it always feels like stepping back in time – and a reminder of how rich and varied Valdres and the Norwegian mountains really are.

Travel greetings,
Anne Bente

Have you ever driven one of Norway’s hidden mountain roads?

🔗 Read More & Useful Links

If you’re planning to explore more of Norway’s scenic roads, these guides might come in handy:

• 🛣️ Discover the Mountain Roads in Norway
• 🌄 Suleskarvegen – A Scenic Mountain Road in Norway You’ll Never Forget
• 🏔️ 10 Epic Mountain Roads in Southern Norway – Drive Into the Sky

External resources:

• Statens Vegvesen Road Information – check road openings and conditions before driving.