Saudafjellet Mountain Road – Driving a Motorhome Across a Hidden Gem in Ryfylke
Located off the beaten track, the mountain pass between Røldal and Sauda remains a hidden gem that many road-trippers miss. But if you take the drive, you’ll likely wonder why more people don’t come here… while also understanding exactly why they don’t.
The Saudafjellet Mountain Road (Fv 520) is one of the lesser-known stretches of the Norwegian Scenic Routes Ryfylke. Connecting Røldal and Sauda, driving it feels like discovering a hidden corner of Western Norway. For travelers planning a Road Trip Norway, this quiet mountain road offers a very different experience compared to the more famous routes.
We didn’t have the highest expectations when we rolled onto the mountain road from Røldal to Sauda on a bright August day. There were hardly any other cars around. Where all the holiday traffic had gone, we have no idea – but we were quite happy they had chosen to go somewhere else.
From the E134 to a Completely Different World
On the E134 everything feels easy – a wide, well-maintained road with great views toward Røldal. But the moment you turn off toward Sauda, the world changes quickly.
The Røldal to Sauda road, also known as Fv 520 Norway, quickly transforms from a comfortable highway into a much narrower mountain road. For travelers exploring Road Trip Ryfylke, this is often the moment where the real adventure begins.
A thrilling climb up the mountainside
The first stretch of road is narrow. Very narrow. The road winds its way up the mountainside with a steep drop on one side and a rock wall on the other. The guardrail between you and the abyss doesn’t exactly look like it’s been hitting the gym lately. If you’re driving a motorhome, this is the moment you really start appreciating the passing places.
But it works. In some spots the road is also a bit worn, yet it’s easy enough to read the road ahead – you usually see oncoming traffic well in advance. And once you reach the mountain plateau, the road improves. Your pulse slows down again, and you can look back at the thrilling climb up the mountainside while enjoying a calmer drive across the highlands.
A useful tip if you’re driving a motorhome: check the width of your vehicle before turning off the E134. On this road, it definitely pays to know your margins.
Dollarvegen – The Road the Americans Built
Did you know that the asphalt beneath your wheels between Røldal and Sauda has roots in American industry?
The road across Saudafjellet Mountain Road, often called Sauda Mountain Road, carries the distinctive nickname “Dollarvegen” – the Dollar Road – and the name is meant quite literally.
When hydropower development in Sauda accelerated in the 1950s, the American-owned company Union Carbide needed a reliable route to transport people and equipment across the mountains. The Americans invested enormous sums and covered most of the construction costs themselves, while the Norwegian state agreed to take over maintenance afterwards.
When the Minister of Transport officially opened the road in 1960, the old cableways that had once carried heavy loads across the mountains were retired. In their place came what is today one of the most weather-beaten and characterful mountain drives in Norway.
Today the road forms part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes Ryfylke, making it an excellent detour for anyone planning Road Tripping in Norway.
Across the Mountain – Sheep, Stone and Silence
Once the narrowest section is behind you and you reach the mountain plateau, the landscape opens up. Suddenly you’re surrounded by a wide, green mountain landscape with a calm atmosphere that’s hard to describe.
This stretch of the Sauda mountain pass feels far removed from busy highways and tourist traffic. Instead, it’s a quiet and authentic scenic drive Ryfylke that rewards travelers who choose the slightly less obvious route.
Much like the Lyseveien road further east, the mountains here look more like smooth, glacially polished rock slabs than sharp peaks – a reminder of the ice sheets that once covered the entire area.
We encountered far more sheep than cars on Saudafjellet. They wandered calmly across the road, hardly bothered by a motorhome approaching them. It felt appropriate somehow – as if this was clearly their territory, not ours.
Along the way we passed stone cairns, narrow sections, and a small lake where the road crosses a dam with space for exactly one car. But with good visibility and very little traffic, passing was never a problem. We stopped often, simply because the views were impossible to ignore.
Why the Snow Poles Are So Tall
If you drive across the Saudafjellet Mountain Road, there’s one thing that will definitely catch your attention: the snow poles.
While many roads in Norway manage with small sticks along the roadside, here you’ll find massive wooden poles reaching high into the sky. Our motorhome suddenly felt small next to them – and there’s a good reason for that.
Saudafjellet is one of the snowiest mountain passes in Norway. When the snowplough crews begin reopening the road in May or June, it’s not unusual for the snow depth to reach between 5 and 10 meters in the most exposed sections.
Driving across the Sauda mountain pass early in the season can feel like navigating through a white corridor, where the asphalt is the only dark line in an otherwise bright white world.
The Descent Toward Sauda
As the descent begins, the landscape softens a little. The colors grow greener, the terrain more inviting – and you start breathing a bit easier. Or at least, that’s what we thought.
Because just when we assumed the narrow roads were behind us, they became even narrower.
A deep gorge suddenly appeared just as we thought we were almost there, reminding us that the Saudafjellet Mountain Road doesn’t really let go until the journey is truly over.
We eventually found a small oasis along the road – a sheltered rest area tucked against the mountains – and stopped for lunch. Sometimes the planned stops disappoint, while the unexpected ones become the most memorable.
For travelers doing a Road Trip Norway, these spontaneous stops are often the moments that stay with you the longest.
Driving a Motorhome Across Saudafjellet Mountain Road – What You Should Know
The Saudafjellet Mountain Road (Fv 520 Norway) is slightly more demanding than some of the better-known Norwegian mountain passes. Before turning off the E134, here are a few things worth knowing:
The first section is the toughest. Right after leaving the E134 the road is at its narrowest. Take it slow, use the passing places, and don’t rush.
Parts of the road are worn. Some stretches are in rough condition. Don’t expect motorway standards – expect adventure. Drive slowly and enjoy the views.
Visibility is your friend. Even where the road is narrow, you can usually see far enough ahead to spot oncoming traffic.
Passing places exist – use them actively. Pull in early when you see another vehicle approaching.
Check the width of your vehicle. Especially near the dam and in the gorge toward the end, things get tight.
For travelers planning Road Tripping in Norway, a little patience and careful driving will make the experience both safe and memorable.
Fact Box – Saudafjellet Mountain Road
- Route: Røldal – Sauda
- Road number: County Road 520
- Length: Approx. 41 km
- Highest point: Approx. 900 m above sea level
- Driving time: About 1.5–2 hours (with stops)
- Season: June–November (closed in winter)
- Road standard: Narrow asphalt road, partly worn
- National Scenic Route: Part of Norwegian Scenic Routes Ryfylke
- Motorhomes: Possible, but demanding in the beginning and in some sections
- Rest areas: Several stopping spots
- More information: vegvesen.no
Practical Questions About Saudafjellet
When is the road open?
Usually from June to November. Always check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (vegvesen.no) before you go.
Can I drive a motorhome?
Yes – but be prepared for narrow sections. If you’re comfortable driving on narrow Norwegian mountain roads, it should be manageable.
Where can I refuel?
Fill up in Røldal or before leaving the E134. There are no fuel stations on the mountain.
Where does the drive start?
Turn off the E134 near Røldal and follow the signs toward Sauda – or drive the opposite direction and start from Sauda.
Are there places to stop along the way?
Absolutely. The views toward Røldal from the mountainside are beautiful, and there are many natural stopping points across the mountain. Take your time – that’s the whole point of this road.
Read more about road trips in Norway
- Explore more unforgettable experiences in Western Norway
- Explore more scenic roads in Norway
- Learn everything you need to know about free camping in Norway
A Road That Surprises
The Saudafjellet Mountain Road is a road you drive because you enjoy taking the slightly less obvious route, because you’re curious about what lies around the next bend – and because the best journeys are often the ones you expected the least from.
For travelers exploring Road Trip Ryfylke or planning a longer Road Trip Norway, this hidden mountain pass is a rewarding detour.
We drove across Saudafjellet on a brilliant August day, almost alone on the road, with sheep as our audience and the mountains as our backdrop. It’s a choice we look back on with great pleasure – and one day we’ll probably drive it again.
Happy road tripping in Norway
-Anne Bente
