Sognefjellet Road Trip – Driving Norway’s Highest Mountain Pass
Crossing Sognefjellet – A Road Trip Above the Clouds. Where glaciers, winding roads and sky-high silence create one of Norway’s most unforgettable drive.
Some roads are built to get you somewhere. Others are built to make you feel something. Sognefjellet, the road between Lom and Turtagrø, belongs to the latter. Winding across Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass at 1,434 meters above sea level, this is not just a route – it’s a stage where nature performs in grand, sweeping gestures.
Driving across Sognefjellet is like traveling through several worlds in one day – from the cultural heart of Lom with its stave church and legendary bakery, through green valleys and waterfalls in Bøverdalen, up to a barren plateau where snow lingers all summer and glaciers sparkle on the horizon.
Sognefjellet – part of Norway’s Scenic Routes
Sognefjellet is one of Norway’s 18 National Scenic Routes (Nasjonale turistveger), specially chosen for their beauty and cultural value. Along the drive you’ll find architecture, art installations and carefully designed rest areas that make the journey even more memorable. The road itself becomes part of the experience – not just a way to get from one place to another.
Pull-outs and pauses – the hidden gems
One of the great joys of driving across Sognefjellet is the sheer number of places that invite you to stop. Some are official viewpoints, others are nothing more than gravel lay-bys just wide enough for a campervan. Don’t rush past them. These little pauses are often where the magic happens – where you can brew a quick coffee, stretch your legs, or simply lean against the guardrail and watch the light dance across the glaciers.
Along the way, mountain lodges offer warmth and history, roadside pockets give you solitude and silence, and towards the end of the journey the jagged Hurrungane peaks rise to greet you as you descend towards Turtagrø. More than just a road, Sognefjellet is a series of moments strung together – a journey into the very soul of the Norwegian mountains.
Lom – where the mountain journey begin
I always like to start slowly in Lom. It feels like a true gateway: history at your feet, a charming mountain village around you, and peaks rising on the horizon. The stave church stands proudly in the center, its dark wooden spires contrasting beautifully with the green valley. Just steps away, the Bøvra River churns with icy meltwater from the glaciers above.
Lom is made for a pause on your road trip, and a short stroll down to the river is something you shouldn’t miss.
And then, of course, there’s the bakery in Lom – perhaps the most famous in Norway. In this otherwise quiet mountain village, the line often snakes out the door, as everyone wants a taste of the legendary cinnamon buns. I’ve stood in that line myself, and I can promise: the reward is worth every minute of waiting.
Through Bøverdalen – the valley of light and shadow
The road winds into Bøverdalen, and this stretch always feels like stepping into a storybook. The valley floor is lush and green, dotted with wooden farmhouses, while the mountains rise like silent guardians on both sides. Waterfalls tumble down the cliffs, feeding the Bøvra River that runs alongside the road, guiding you deeper into the mountains.
It’s worth pausing at the historic Elveseter Hotel, which has welcomed travelers since the late 1800s. In the courtyard you’ll find the towering Sagasøyla column, an impressive monument that tells the story of Norway from the Viking Age in 872 up to the country’s independence in 1814. It’s a striking reminder that this valley has been a route for centuries, not just for tourists but for traders, farmers and kings.
There’s no need to rush through Bøverdalen. Along the road you’ll find plenty of rest areas and viewpoints, each inviting you to stop and take in the scenery.
Two of the most beautiful are Liasanden and Vegaskjelet, where you can step out of the car, breathe in the mountain air, and let the view remind you why this road trip is about the journey, not just the destination.
Climbing higher – into another world
The further you climb, the quieter it becomes. Trees vanish, the grass grows sparse, and suddenly you’re surrounded only by rock, snow and sky. Even in summer you might step out of the car and touch the snow that still lingers along the roadside. It feels unreal: summer in the valley, winter on the mountain, only a few kilometers apart.
This stretch also takes you to the highest point of the Sognefjellet road – 1,434 meters above sea level, making it the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. Standing here, by Prestesteinsvatnet lake, you truly feel as if you’re on the roof of Norway.
If you want to stretch your legs, there are trails leading from the roadside into the mountains. But unless you’re experienced in Norwegian hiking, it’s best to stay close to the road. The weather can shift in minutes, and when the fog rolls in, you’ll be grateful for the safety of the marked path.
Luckily, there are plenty of safe and spectacular places to pause:
- Nufshaug Viewpoint – one of the first clear panoramas of the high mountains, where the valley behind you seems to vanish into the distance.
- Sognefjellshytta – a mountain lodge perched right at the summit of the pass. Stop for a hot coffee, a hearty Norwegian waffle, or even spend the night surrounded by glaciers.
- Mefjellet Rest Area – home to the iconic stone sculpture “Mefjellet,” perfectly framing the glaciers in the distance.
- Prestesteinsvatnet Rest Area – a surreal stop beside a high mountain lake, often still dotted with ice even in midsummer.
Each stop is a reminder that the road itself is only part of the adventure. The true magic lies in stepping out, breathing the thin mountain air, and realizing that for a brief moment you are standing in the heart of Norway’s wildest landscapes.
The long straight road above the clouds
And then it happens. In the middle of Sognefjellet, the winding mountain road suddenly transforms into an endless, straight and gently undulating stretch of asphalt, cutting across a barren plateau with glaciers gleaming in the distance. It feels less like a road and more like a runway into the sky.
Most mountain roads in Norway twist and turn through valleys and around peaks, but here the builders chose a bold, straight line. From your car you get a sweeping panoramic view of the wild, dramatic landscape, with no bends to block the horizon.
This is the kind of place that makes you forget your to-do list, your inbox, your worries. It’s just you, the road, and the feeling of being very, very small – in the best possible way.
Descending to Turtagrø – into the realm of giants
The descent towards Turtagrø is a spectacle of its own. The road twists in hairpin bends while the jagged peaks of Hurrungane rise ahead – sharp, dramatic, almost intimidating. This range has lured mountaineers for more than a century, and the historic Turtagrø Hotel still feels like the spiritual home for anyone with a love for climbing and alpine adventure.
For me, this part always feels like entering another country – the peaks here are unlike anything else in Norway. They remind me of the Alps, but wilder, rougher, untamed.
On your way down from Sognefjellet, don’t miss these viewpoints:
- Korpen Viewpoint – a dramatic perch where the Hurrungane massif fills the horizon.
- Øvre Oscarshaug – a classic photo stop with interpretive panels about the peaks.
- Nedre Oscarshaug – lower down, offering a different perspective of the same wild range.
From Turtagrø, adventurous drivers can also choose to continue on the Tindevegen toll road towards Årdalstangen. Be aware: this road is narrow and demanding, and only recommended for small cars or very experienced campervan drivers with smaller vehicles. For most travelers, it’s best to stay on the main road.
From Turtagrø to Skjolden – the fjord awaits
Leaving Turtagrø, the road winds steeply down through the valley towards the fjord. It’s a route of constant contrasts – waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs, lush farmland returning, and the mountains slowly giving way to softer landscapes.
Great places to pause along the way include:
- Opptun Rest Area – a quiet spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the valley scenery.
- Fortun Viewpoint – a perfect place to look back at the peaks you’ve just crossed before the road continues down to the fjord.
The journey ends in Skjolden, where the road meets the innermost arm of the Lustrafjord. Standing here, gazing across the still water framed by towering mountains, it’s hard not to glance back and marvel: only hours ago you were driving among snow, glaciers and silence on the roof of Norway.
Activities along the way
If you want to go beyond the driver’s seat, Sognefjellet is also a gateway to adventures:
- Glacier walks on Smørstabbreen – starting from Krossbu, guided tours take you safely onto Norway’s largest glacier massif.
- Hike to Fannaråken – from Prestesteinsvatnet or Sognefjellshytta you can climb to Fannaråkhytta, one of Norway’s highest mountain lodges, with incredible views over Jotunheimen.
- Climbing in Hurrungane – Turtagrø is the starting point for some of Norway’s most famous alpine peaks, attracting mountaineers from all over the world.
Even if you don’t plan on a big adventure, just stepping out for a short walk along the trails near the road gives you a taste of the high mountain wilderness.
Practical tips for road trip travelers
Season: The Sognefjellet road is only open in summer – usually from late May/early June until October, depending on snowfall. Outside of this period, the road is completely closed. Always check opening status before you go.
Weather: Bring warm clothes, no matter the month.Conditions can shift quickly, so dress in layers.
Overnight: There are plenty of options for staying the night. In Lom and Skjolden you’ll find campsites and hotels. Along the pass, Sognefjellshytta and Krossbu offer simple rooms and hearty mountain meals, while Turtagrø Hotel is a legendary base for climbers. Campervans can also make use of designated camping areas or practice responsible wild camping.
Driving time: The stretch from Lom to Skjolden is about 110 km. If you drove non-stop, it would take around 2 hours – but plan for at least 3–4 hours with stops, as the viewpoints and lodges are part of the experience.
Drive smart on mountain roads
- Use engine braking – shift down on steep descents to avoid overheating your brakes.
- Take short pauses – let both your vehicle and your brakes cool down if needed.
- Pull over often – use the many pockets along the road to let faster cars pass. Not everyone on Sognefjellet is on holiday!
- Stay alert – weather and visibility can change fast. Fog can roll in without warning, so keep your lights on and drive with care.
🐑 Wildlife on the road
One of the charms (and challenges) of driving over Sognefjellet is that you share the road with the animals:
- Sheep – by far the most common sight. They wander freely in summer and often enjoy resting right on the warm asphalt – sometimes in the middle of the road. They are often not afraid of cars and may not move until they feel like it.
- Reindeer – occasionally a herd crosses the plateau, an unforgettable encounter if you’re lucky.
- Cattle – especially lower down in Bøverdalen, cows may block the road in their calm, unhurried way.
- Ptarmigan, fox or hare – smaller animals sometimes dart across the road, especially in the early morning hours.
Driving tip: On Sognefjellet, the animals always have right of way. Drive slowly, especially on the open plateau, and be prepared to stop. Never honk – it only stresses them. Patience and a smile go a long way, wait patiently or ease past carefully.
Good to know – practical details for your Sognefjellet Road Trip
- Fuel up (and charge) before you go: Gas stations are available in Lom and Skjolden, but there are none along the mountain pass itself. If you’re driving an EV, you’ll also find charging stations in both Lom and Skjolden, including fast chargers – but nothing in between. Always top up before starting the climb.
- Groceries and food: Stock up in Lom (supermarkets, bakery, farm shops). At the summit, Sognefjellshytta and Krossbu serve hot meals and coffee. In Skjolden, you’ll find a grocery store and small cafés by the fjord.
- Mobile coverage: Expect patchy signal at the highest points of the pass. Coverage is good in Lom and Skjolden, but limited across the plateau. Download maps before you go.
- Facilities: Larger rest areas like Mefjellet and Oscarshaug have toilets and information boards. Smaller pull-outs usually don’t, so plan ahead.
Useful links for your Sognefjellet road trip
Here are some resources that will help you plan your journey across Norway’s highest mountain pass:
- National Scenic Routes – Sognefjellet
Official map, highlights and updated road information.
👉 nasjonaleturistveger.no/sognefjellet - Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen)
Live traffic updates and seasonal closure info.
👉 vegvesen.no/trafikk - Weather forecast (yr.no)
Always check the mountain forecast before you go.
👉 yr.no
Suggested Stops – Sognefjellet Road Trip
- Lom – Stave church, famous bakery, Mountain Center, riverside walk.
- Bøverdalen – waterfalls, farms, valley views, Elveseter Hotel with the historic Sagasøyla column.
- Liasanden & Vegaskjelet – scenic picnic spots and viewpoints.
- Nufshaug Viewpoint – first wide panorama of the high mountains.
- Sognefjellshytta – mountain lodge at the summit, food, coffee, and overnight stay.
- Mefjellet Rest Area – stone sculpture framing the glaciers.
- Prestesteinsvatnet lake – icy reflections at the highest point of the road (1,434 m).
- The Straight Road Plateau – iconic arrow-straight stretch of asphalt across the plateau.
- Korpen Viewpoint – dramatic views of the Hurrungane peaks.
- Øvre Oscarshaug – classic photo stop with info boards.
- Nedre Oscarshaug – another perspective of the wild Hurrungane range.
- Turtagrø Hotel – legendary mountaineering hub, coffee stop or overnight stay.
- Opptun Rest Area – quiet picnic spot in the valley.
- Fortun Viewpoint – look back at the mountains you just crossed.
- Skjolden – end of the journey at Lustrafjord, surrounded by towering peaks.
It’s not just a road. It’s an experience.
Sognefjellet road trip isn’t just about the scenery – it’s about how it makes you feel. The silence, the vast open spaces, the shifting weather, and those sudden bursts of joy when the clouds lift to reveal a glacier sparkling in the sun.
I’ve crossed this road more than once, and each time it feels new. Sometimes dramatic, sometimes serene – but always unforgettable. If you’re planning a road trip through Norway, give yourself the gift of this drive.
It’s not just a road. It’s an experience.
Warm greetings from the road – Anne Bente
If you’ve made it all the way here, thank you for joining me on this journey across Sognefjellet. Have you tried the drive yourself, or are you planning to? Share your experiences or questions in the comments – I’d be happy to hear from you.
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