What do you do when you want to experience great roads, but don’t want to be ‘one-in-a-million’ and find yourself in a long cue of caravans and mobile homes in Geiranger or up Trollstigen? Check out these 9 lesser-known gem roads around Norway.
1. Fv17 – Kystriksveien
Region: Nordland & Trøndelag
Why Ride It: Remote coastal beauty, ferry crossings, and authentic fishing villages.
Facts:
Kystriksveien, or the Coastal Route, is often de-prioritized compared to E6 because of speed/time, but the lesser-known stretches between Steinkjer and Bodø offer a raw, untamed experience. The road weaves through a mosaic of islands, fjords, and cliffs, with frequent ferry rides that break up the journey and offer time to soak in the views. Expect to pass through tiny fishing communities, see sea eagles overhead, and ride alongside the Arctic Ocean. It’s a road for those who crave solitude and the rhythm of the sea.
Photo: Bengt A. Lundberg
2. Fv520 – Sauda to Røldal
Region: Rogaland
Why Ride It: Hairpin turns, dramatic elevation changes, and snow walls in early summer.
Facts:
This mountain pass a thrill to ride and a favorite of mine!❤️ It climbs from the fjord-side town of Sauda into the highlands, eventually descending into the village of Røldal. The road is narrow and winding, with steep gradients and tight switchbacks that demand attention. In early summer, snowbanks can tower over your bike, creating a surreal corridor through the mountains. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs, and the views stretch across deep valleys and rugged peaks. It’s a short ride, but one packed with drama and beauty.
This road is part of Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. If you look into it, it is a loop in the northern end, so make sure to take the westernmost stretch.
3. Fv55 – Sognefjellet (Off-Season)
Region: Vestland
Why Ride It: Norway’s highest mountain pass, best experienced in solitude.
Facts:
Sognefjellet is a well-known scenic route (Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet), but riding it in the shoulder seasons—early spring or late autumn—transforms it into a near-mystical experience. The road climbs to over 1,400 meters, cutting through a stark, glacial landscape. In the off-season, traffic is minimal, and the silence is profound. Snow often lingers, and the air is crisp and clean. It’s a place where you feel small in the face of nature’s grandeur, and the ride becomes a meditative journey through the clouds.
4. Fv258 – Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
Region: Innlandet
Why Ride It: Historic gravel road with glacier views and stone guardrails.
Facts:
Built in the late 1800s, this old mountain road is a living piece of Norwegian history. It’s narrow, partly gravel, and lined with hand-laid stone guardrails. The route winds through a high mountain plateau, with views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks. It’s a slower, more technical ride, but one that rewards with a deep sense of connection to the landscape and the past. Ideal for adventure bikes or riders looking for something off the beaten path.
The route is one of the 18 Scenic Routes and is called Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen.
5. Fv337 – Aurlandsfjellet (Snow Road)
Region: Vestland
Why Ride It: Towering snow walls and fjord views from above.
Facts:
Known by many as the “Snow Road,” this seasonal route from Aurland to Lærdal is only open in summer, but snow often lingers well into July. The road climbs steeply from the fjord, offering breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjord before crossing a high mountain plateau. On your way, you pass stop worthy places like Stegastein viewpiont, Flotane and Vedahaugane rest areas. Snowbanks can reach several meters high, creating a surreal corridor of white. The ride is peaceful, with little traffic and a sense of being on top of the world.
6. Fv44 – Jæren Coastal Route
Region: Rogaland
Why Ride It: Open farmland, windswept beaches, and lighthouses.
Facts:
Another favorite of mine! This gentle coastal ride is a contrast to Norway’s dramatic fjords and mountains. The Jæren route offers wide horizons, rolling farmland, and the constant presence of the sea. You’ll pass sandy beaches, ancient stone fences, and iconic lighthouses like Kvassheim and Obrestad. It’s a relaxing ride, perfect for a sunny day when you want to feel the wind and smell the salt air. The road is narrow and you’ll find a lot of sights along the route, like Norway’s southernmost point Lindesnes lighthouse, Helleren in Jøssingfoss, Tunnelstuo (the hammock tunnel), the UNESCO Magma Geopark, and others…
7. Fv243 – Valdresflye Scenic Route
Region: Innlandet
Why Ride It: High-altitude riding with views of Norway’s highest peaks.
Facts:
Valdresflye (Norwegian Senic Route Vardresflye) is a high mountain road that offers a unique perspective on the Jotunheimen range. The road stays above the treeline for much of its length, giving riders unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. It’s a smooth, flowing ride with gentle curves and a sense of openness that’s rare in Norway’s often narrow valleys. Ideal for a calm, contemplative ride. There are several photogenic stops along the route, like Ridderspranget, Jotunheimvegen, etc.
Photo: Finn-G. Frostad
8. Fv337 – Tindevegen (Øvre Årdal to Turtagrø)
Region: Vestland
Why Ride It: Private toll road with epic switchbacks and mountain views.
Facts:
Tindevegen is a steep, winding road that climbs from the fjord-side town of Årdal into the heart of the Hurrungane mountains. It’s a private toll road, which means it’s well-maintained but lightly trafficked. The switchbacks are tight and frequent, and the views are jaw-dropping. At the top, you’ll find yourself surrounded by jagged peaks and vast skies. It’s a short ride – 32 km – but one that packs a punch. You have to accept the high-power lines – because the maintenance of these are the reason for building this road in the first place…
9. Fv891 – Båtsfjord to Berlevåg
Region: Troms og Finnmark
Why Ride It: Arctic tundra, reindeer crossings, and lunar landscapes.
Facts:
This remote road in Norway’s far northeast is for the true adventurer. It crosses barren tundra, where the landscape is more lunar than earthly. Reindeer often wander onto the road, and the weather can change in an instant. But the sense of isolation and the stark beauty of the Arctic make it a ride like no other. It’s a place where you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world.
If you find yourself this far north, you have probably already decided to ride Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger, and visit the North Cape.
Photo by Anfrid Oline Hojem, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons