The road between the east and west of Norway, which dates back over 100 years, is an experience in its own right. Old stone walls meticulously crafted by hand and long rows of guard stones define the character of the road leading across the mountain plateau. In the olden days, many routes through the mountains were used for transport on foot and on horseback, but the journey was invariably strenuous and demanding. In 1881, a decision was therefore made to build a road, and construction workers were recruited from Sweden to assist local people in the heavy construction work. The road was completed in 1884, and it remains today as a monument to previous eras.
Grotli, at the eastern end of the road, has for centuries been a meeting-place for travellers coming from east and west, and in former times it was also visited by many cruise tourists eager to experience Norwegian mountain scenery. The road always offers a scenic drive, especially in the splendour of autumn.
National Tourist Route Gamle Stynefjellsvegen runs from Grotli to Videsæter, a total length of 27 kilometres.
The road is closed in winter. It opens in June, and remains open until the first snowfall.
Information about National Tourist Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, download pdf.