Top 6 Mountain Passes in Hordaland

Hordaland, now part of Vestland county, offers several breathtaking mountain passes. Aurlandsfjellet, known as "The Snow Road," provides dramatic contrasts from lush valleys to snow-covered plateaus, with the stunning Stegastein viewpoint overlooking the Aurlandsfjord. The historic Gamle Strynefjellsvegen offers a journey back in time with hand-built stone walls and powerful waterfalls like Øvstefossen. Vikafjellet provides spectacular views of the Sognefjord as you ascend from Vik.

The Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (Old Strynefjell Mountain Road) is a prime example, hand-built between 1889 and 1894, featuring original stone walls and guard stones. It's considered a museum experience in itself. Additionally, the Old Odda–Røldal Pass Road is also recognized as a historical site, offering a quiet section that was newly paved in 2019.

You'll encounter a diverse range of natural beauty. Aurlandsfjellet features snow-covered plateaus even in summer and panoramic fjord views. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen boasts snowy peaks, glaciers, and powerful waterfalls. The vast Hardangervidda plateau is home to Europe's largest wild reindeer population, expansive mountain landscapes, and the impressive Vøringsfossen waterfall. You can also find highlights like Two Lakes at the Mountain Pass and a River View in the Norwegian Mountains.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn. Many high mountain passes, like Aurlandsfjellet and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, are closed during winter due to heavy snow and typically reopen from late May to October, depending on snow conditions. Even in summer, you might find snow on the higher sections, offering unique contrasts.

Yes, some passes offer more challenging terrain. The Steinreich Pass Summit is categorized as challenging, with a bumpy and rough road surface that requires wider tires for comfortable cycling. The general terrain of the Hardangervidda plateau also offers rugged and expansive landscapes suitable for experienced hikers.

The region around Hordaland's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, including the Rallarvegen. There are also many waterfall hikes, such as those around Vøringsfossen. For general cycling, explore routes like the Granvinsvatnet Lakeside Path, as detailed in the Cycling in Hordaland guide.

Absolutely. The Stegastein viewpoint on Aurlandsfjellet offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord. Along Hardangervidda, there are numerous parking lots with viewpoints, especially around Vøringsfossen. Vikafjellet also has a popular viewpoint with expansive views of the fjords and mountains. Additionally, the Incredible viewpoints highlight offers magical vistas across the fjord.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural scenery, the quiet and traffic-free sections, and the excellent road surfaces on many passes. For instance, the Old Odda–Røldal Pass Road is described as an "absolute dream route" with "ingenious nature." The combination of natural beauty and well-maintained or historically preserved routes makes for a memorable experience.

Yes, many passes can be part of a larger tour. For example, a trip over Aurlandsfjellet can be combined with a journey through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel, for a unique circular tour. The Hardangervidda plateau is also part of a national park, offering extensive hiking opportunities and access to attractions like Vøringsfossen.

For passes like the Steinreich Pass Summit, it's recommended to have at least 40 mm wide tires for comfortable cycling due to the bumpy road surface. Always check weather and road conditions, especially in late spring or early autumn, as snow can still be present on higher sections, as noted for Røldal Pass (Fv13).

The mountain passes in Hordaland reach significant elevations. Aurlandsfjellet climbs to 1,306 meters above sea level, while Gamle Strynefjellsvegen reaches its highest point at 1,139 meters. The Hardangervidda plateau itself has an average altitude of 1,100 meters, offering expansive high-mountain terrain.