Årdal - Songesang kai in Lysefjorden (Fv. 661)

Few roads in Norway feel more remote yet more perfectly balanced than Fylkesvei 661 between Årdal and Songesand kai. It rises from the fjord, crosses the windswept Lyngsheia plateau and drops again toward the shimmering water of Lysefjorden. The scenery changes constantly, from pine forests to barren upland and then to a narrow descent that hugs the mountainside. Every curve brings a new view, and the stillness up here can feel almost unreal.

Over the highlands of Lyngsheia

Leaving Årdal, the climb begins almost immediately. The tarmac narrows and the valley closes behind you. Soon you reach Lyngsheia, an open plateau surrounded by low ridges and endless sky. This area feels like a secret part of Ryfylke, where the road drifts across lonely moors and quiet lakes. Sheep wander freely, and on calm days the pools mirror the clouds perfectly. The stretch across the highland is short but unforgettable — a classic example of how Norwegian backroads reward patience and curiosity.

Descent toward the fjord

After crossing the high point, the landscape starts to fall. The road twists through birch and pine, and suddenly the Lysefjord appears far below. The descent is steep and sometimes rough, so riders should take it slow. The view makes every brake-tap worth it. Songesand kai soon appears in the valley, with its tiny quay, boathouse and still water reflecting the cliffs. This is a place that feels suspended between mountain and fjord, silence and story.

Why this belongs on your bucket list

For motorcyclists, this is one of Ryfylke’s hidden gems. The route is short (27 km) yet rich, never crowded and full of variation. It connects easily with other scenic stretches in the Lysefjord region, including the ferry link to Lysebotn and the road toward Jøsenfjorden. The ride over Lyngsheia gives the sense of standing alone on top of southern Norway — a reminder of how wild the fjord country still is.
But be careful, bicyclists have also began discovering this gem…

Book your ferry

If you plan to do this route, book the ferry long time in advance!! You can not just show up and hope for the best. There are few departures during the week, and if you don’t book in advance, you will have to turn around and go back since this road is dead-end. Book your ticket(s) at kolumbus.no.

In the area

Hopefully, if you find yourself at Songesand kai, you are either going to, or arriving from Lysebotn. A beautiful place with one of my favorite roads leading to it from the other side of the fjord: Lysevegen, with its 27 hairpins (!) leading to Suleskarvegen.

StreetView from Google Maps

They didn’t go all the way, but you’ll get an impression… 🙂
YouTube video by Longship