Suleskarvegen – A Scenic Mountain Road in Norway You’ll Never Forget

Drive Suleskarvegen – a spectacular mountain road trip in Norway – the most scenic shortcut between Oslo and Stavanger.

Some roads are built to get you somewhere fast. Others are built to make the journey itself the highlight. Suleskarvegen, one of the most scenic mountain roads in Norway, is definitely the second kind.

Climbing up to 1050 meters above sea level, this winding road connects Dalen in Telemark with Setesdal and Sirdal further west. It’s the shortest route between Oslo and Stavanger – but it’s not the fastest. What it is, is one of the most spectacular road trips you can take in Southern Norway.

Read more: 10 Epic Mountain Roads in Southern Norway – Drive Into the Sky

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Open Only in Summer

From May to November , Suleskarvegen is open to travelers. The rest of the year it disappears under meters of snow. When it reopens each spring, the contrasts are magical: lingering snowbanks, fresh mountain air, and wide-open views.

But remember – this is a high mountain road, and the weather can change quickly. Even in spring or autumn, you might encounter sudden rain showers, sleet, or even fresh snow. Always check the forecast before you set out, and be prepared for shifting driving conditions.

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Driving Suleskarvegen – Narrow but Doable

Don’t expect a highway. Suleskarvegen is a narrow mountain road, often just one lane, but with plenty of meeting points. Driving a campervan or motorhome is absolutely possible – just take it slow and enjoy the ride.

And you’ll want to slow down anyway, because this is sheep country. All summer long, hundreds of sheep roam freely in the mountains. They nap in the middle of the asphalt, wander across bends, or run alongside your car. Passing them is part of the experience.

💡 Tip: Only stop in safe places – never on blind corners or at passing bays.

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Over the Treeline – Between Brokke and Suleskar

The stretch between Brokke and Suleskar is where Suleskarvegen feels at its wildest. The road climbs high above the treeline, winding through a landscape shaped by ice and time. Here, the mountains are gentle and green in the summer, with smooth rock formations rising against the sky.

Tiny lakes and tarns sparkle along the roadside, some so close you can almost dip your hand in as you pass. In early summer, pockets of snow still linger in the hollows, while autumn transforms the ground into a patchwork of golden moss and deep red heather. And just when you think the season is over, the first dusting of fresh snow can arrive as early as September or October – reminding you how quickly the mountains change.

Driving here feels like crossing a roof of Southern Norway – a vast, open world where you’re more likely to meet sheep than people, and where every curve reveals another view worth stopping for.

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Best Stops and Viewpoints on Suleskarvegen

Suleskarvegen isn’t just about driving – it’s about the places you stop along the way. Here are the highlights:

Dalen – Gateway to Suleskarvegen

If you start your journey from the east, the mountain road begins in Dalen, a small village at the end of the Telemark Canal. Surrounded by steep mountains and lush valleys, Dalen feels like a hidden gem. It’s home to the historic Dalen Hotel – often called “the fairytale hotel” – with its turrets and dragon heads straight out of a saga. From here, Suleskarvegen climbs quickly into the highlands, transforming the scenery from green forests to bare mountain plateaus.

Grimsdalstunet – Rustic Café With a Creative Twist

A charming farm café serving traditional food in rustic surroundings. It feels like stepping back in time.

Grimsdalstunet is also an open-air gallery. Scattered around the yard you’ll find beautifully carved wooden statues of animals, from bears and moose to smaller woodland creatures. The artwork adds a playful, almost magical touch to the historic setting, making it a memorable stop whether you come for a meal, a coffee, or just to stretch your legs.

Hallbjønnsekken – From Winter Ski Haven to Summer Mountain Drive

Hallbjønnsekken is known as a popular cabin area and a true ski paradise in winter. In summer, the same slopes and open terrain turn into a scenic stretch of Suleskarvegen, with mountain views and small lakes along the road.

Edlandsfossen

A dramatic roadside waterfall that demands a photo stop. The waterfall changes with the seasons. In spring and early summer it runs strong with melting snow, but after heavy autumn rain it can be absolutely wild – a roaring mass of water crashing down the smooth rocks. Easy to stop for photos, and one of the most dramatic natural sights along Suleskarvegen.”

Honnevje Rest and Swim Area near Valle in Setesdal

With natural swimming pools and smooth rock slides, it’s one of the most inviting spots on a hot summer day. Voted Norway’s most beautiful picnic area, it’s worth a stop even if you’re not planning to swim.

Setesdal Museum – A Window Into Valley Life

In Rysstad, right along Suleskarvegen, you’ll find the Setesdal Museum, an open-air museum that brings the valley’s history and culture to life. The site includes traditional log houses, farm buildings, and artifacts that show how people lived in Setesdal through the centuries. Inside the exhibition halls you’ll also find folk costumes, silver jewelry, and examples of the valley’s famous crafts and music traditions.

It’s a great place to pause your road trip, stretch your legs, and step into the stories of the people who called this valley home long before cars ever crossed the mountains.

Brokke swimming spot

A local favorite with smooth rock slides shaped by the river. Over time, the water has polished the rocks into natural slides and pools, perfect for a refreshing dip on hot days. Sometimes, though, the river runs low – and that’s when you get to see even more of the unique stone formations, making it a fun and unusual stop even if you’re not swimming.

Sandvigvatnet Rest Stop

A peaceful mountain lake with a picnic area and walking trails. This stop is more than just a place to stretch your legs – it’s a chance to enjoy the silence of the high mountains, follow a short trail along the water or hike up to a small peak, or simply sit down at a table and take in the view.

On calm days, the lake mirrors the sky, making it one of the most tranquil stops along Suleskarvegen. The area is also part of Norway’s villreinfjell – mountain ranges that are home to Europe’s last wild reindeer. You may not spot them, but knowing they still roam here adds a wild and timeless feel to the landscape.

Suleskar – Where the Mountain Road Meets Sirdal

At the western end of the drive you descend towards Suleskar, a tiny mountain settlement surrounded by wide plateaus and grazing land. The road down offers beautiful views across the valley, with Suleskar framed by the mountains all around. It may be small, but Suleskar is the gateway to Sirdal – a popular year-round destination for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

From here, you can continue westward towards Lysefjord or south towards Stavanger, making it a fitting finale (or starting point) to one of Norway’s most scenic summer drives.

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Cabins and Mountain Culture

This region is also one of Norway’s most popular cabin areas. Cabins – or hytter – are central to Norwegian culture. Whether simple wooden huts without electricity or modern glass-and-wood escapes, they’re all about the same thing: escaping everyday life and getting closer to nature.

Driving Suleskarvegen, you’ll pass countless clusters of cabins scattered across the mountains – a living reminder of how deeply Norwegians treasure their mountain escapes.

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A Road Made for Motorcyclists and Road-Trippers

It’s no coincidence that Bike Magazine named Suleskarvegen Mountain Road one of Norway’s very best motorcycle routes. The combination of curves, climbs, and changing landscapes makes it unforgettable – whether you’re on two wheels or four.

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Bonus Detour: Lysefjord and Lysebotn

If you have time, add a detour down to Lysebotn at the end of Lysefjord. This descent is legendary: 27 hairpin bends twisting from the mountain plateau to the fjord. At the top, stop at the Øygardsstølen viewpoint for breathtaking views towards Kjerag mountain.

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Practical Info

• Highest point: 1050 m.a.s.l.
  
• Length: 114 km total (Dalen–Valle 59 km, Valle–Suleskard 55 km).
  
• Season: May – November  (check conditions before travel).
  
• Driving: Narrow but safe, with many meeting places.
  
• Wildlife: Sheep everywhere – often asleep in the road.
  
• Why drive it: One of the most scenic mountain roads in Norway, full of surprises.
  

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Have You Added Suleskarvegen to Your Norway Road Trip Itinerary?

Suleskarvegen Mountain Road isn’t the quickest way to cross Southern Norway – it’s the most beautiful. Every bend offers a new surprise, from waterfalls and mountain lakes to sheep traffic jams and hidden cultural gems.

If you’re planning a road trip in Norway and want to experience one of the country’s most spectacular mountain roads, Suleskarvegen belongs on your list.

Happy Road Tripping from Anne Bente

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