Text and photo: Helena Bergström
The Old Strynefjellsvegen is not the road you choose to get there the fastest. You choose it when the journey itself is the goal. Here the road winds through a historic mountain landscape with blue-green lakes, snowfields and miles of views – one of the most beautiful roads we have driven in Norway.
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The Old Strynefjell Road – a journey through the mountain landscape
The Old Strynefjellsvegen was built in the late 19th century. At the time, it may have been about transportation, but today the road functions as one of Norway's national tourist routes.
If you want to get there quickly, there are other options. Choose Gamle Strynefjellsvegen to experience the views and vistas.
Facts about Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
- Construction: Built in the late 19th century
- Tourist route: One of Norway's national tourist routes
- Opening hours: Open only during the summer
- Length: Approximately 27 kilometers
Our journey towards Geiranger
We drove through a lush and beautiful valley on our way to Geiranger. We had read about the Old Strynefjell Road in advance, but we were still a bit unprepared when it appeared. Should we take it or not? We knew it would be beautiful, but not really how beautiful.
The waterfall before the mountain road
Just before the mountain road appeared, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall, Øvstefossen, where we both enjoyed the view and took photos.
Should we take Gamle Strynefjellsvegen ... or not?
A curve later we stopped again. Then came the choice: Gamle Strynefjellsvegen or not? We hesitated for a moment and double-checked the route with ChatGPT, who thought it was an excellent choice if we wanted nice views and were not in a hurry.
Since we are looking for beautiful views, and since our camper is shorter than the 8-meter limit, we decided to drive.
Old Strynefjellsvegen – a road through history
The Old Strynefjellsvegen is a historic stretch of road, sometimes lined with old stones, stone walls and ancient bridges. It feels special to drive on a road where people have traveled for more than a hundred years. Most people who drive here today do so for a different reason – to enjoy the views and the vastness.
The road winds its way between stone walls and mountain lakes. In some sections it is narrow and lined with old stone walls, in others the landscape opens up with miles of mountain views.
The mountain landscape
The landscape is constantly changing as you drive along Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. One moment you pass a blue-green mountain lake, the next you see vast expanses of land where the snow still remains, even though it is the height of summer.
It is stunningly beautiful, and the landscape also contributes a kind of meditative calm.
Parts of the road are on asphalt, while others are on thin gravel, which is easy to drive on. You don't drive fast, but that's not the point, of course.
We slowly glided through the landscape, and at one point we stopped for a break with coffee and chocolate. Once you stop, it's easy to sit down – the views are magical.
Driving the Old Strynefjell Road
Driving Gamle Strynefjellsvegen was not difficult, but you have to drive relatively slowly and sometimes it can be crowded at junctions. This is a road you drive for the experience – not to get there quickly.
Our best tips for the trip
- You can drive with a motorhome if the motorhome is a maximum of 8 meters long.
- Don't be in a hurry – this is a path for experiences and views.
- Please bring your own coffee. for a nice break. It is not certain that you will find an open coffee shop along the way.
More to see on the trip
Of course, there is much more to see around Norway. Here you will find more tips on sights and places that are not too far away:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Old Strynefjell Road
Where is Gamle Strynefjellsvegen?
The Old Strynefjellsvegen is located in Vestland county and runs between Videseter in Stryn municipality and Grotli in Innlandet. The road passes through a magnificent high mountain landscape with lakes, waterfalls and snowfields.
What is the Old Strynefjell Road?
The Old Strynefjellsvegen is a historic mountain road that was inaugurated in 1894. It was built of hand-hewn stone and is still used during the summer. The road is today one of Norway's national tourist routes and is considered one of the country's most beautiful roads.
When is Old Strynefjellsvegen open?
The road is normally open from sometime in June until the fall, but opening dates vary depending on snow and weather. Always check current road conditions before traveling.
Can you drive the Old Strynefjell Road with a camper?
Yes, it is possible to drive the road with a camper van, if it is a maximum of 8 meters long. The road is narrow in some sections and has meeting points, so it is important to drive slowly and be prepared to give way where necessary. We did not experience the driving as difficult, but it is not a road to stress on.
Is the Old Strynefjell Road paved?
No. The road is largely gravel, but the surface is normally smooth and well-maintained during the summer season.
How long does it take to drive the Old Strynefjell Road?
The drive itself doesn't take very long, but most people will want to stop several times to take photos and enjoy the views. Allow at least two to three hours if you want to experience the road at your leisure.
Does it cost anything to drive the Old Strynefjell Road?
No, it doesn't cost anything to drive the road.
What is the difference between the Old Strynefjell Road and the new road?
The new national road is faster and is used by through traffic. The Old Strynefjellsvegen is the historic road over the mountain and is chosen primarily for the nature experience and the beautiful views.
What shouldn't be missed along the Old Strynefjell Road?
Along the way there are several beautiful viewpoints, old stone bridges, mountain lakes and waterfalls. Take your time - the journey itself is the greatest experience.
Which direction is best to drive?
The road is beautiful in both directions. We drove towards Geiranger and found it a fantastic experience to see the landscape change from lush valleys to open high mountains before continuing towards the world famous fjord.
Is the Old Strynefjell Road worth a visit?
Yes, absolutely. For us, the road was one of the great highlights of our trip to Norway. The combination of historic road, high mountains, snowfields, waterfalls and magnificent views meant that we stopped significantly more often than we had planned. If you have time, we recommend choosing the Old Strynefjellsvegen over the faster national road.
You might also like:
Trollstigen – one of Norway's most dramatic roads
Vinnufossen in Norway – Europe's highest waterfall
The Atlantic Road in Norway – and smoked salmon in Bud
Geirangerfjord – dramatic views from Geiranger to Hellesylt
The Sognefjord – our journey along Norway's most powerful fjord
Spectacular waterfalls in Voss – Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen
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Ditte says:
A fantastic road that we traveled with the Golf when I tested the Stryn glacier for summer skiing.
No, there's no rush. But it's definitely a route to take to enjoy Norwegian nature even more.
25 July 2026 - 12:13
Helena says:
Great that you went here, and also tried summer skiing!! The Norwegian nature is amazing! 🙂
26 July 2026 - 18:28
bmlarsreseblogg says:
What a cool road to ride and such wonderful views! It looks absolutely wonderful but maybe not easy to ride it!
25 July 2026 - 20:11
Helena says:
Fantastic views! Not too difficult really, but you have to take it easy for slow meetings and other things. And then there is a size restriction: max 8 meters.
26 July 2026 - 18:29