Øvstefossen - Gamle Strynefjellsvegen - www.nasjonaleturistveger.no
 
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.

Travel info Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

National Tourist Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen  is closed during the winter season (see the "Map" menu and red flags). The road is normally closed in October and will reopen in June. 

Restrictions on buses: The maximum permitted length for buses and coaches on this route is 12.4 metres.

Questions concerning places to stay, places to eat, itineraries etc. should be addressed to local and regional tourist agencies and enterprises. In the menu on the left you will find some links that may be helpful.

Have a good trip!

Stopping place for a visit to Øvstefossen waterfall. View of the Hjelledalen valley.
Photo: Werner Harstad
Stopping place for a visit to Øvstefossen waterfall. View of the Hjelledalen valley.
Photo: Werner Harstad
Information about the Old Strynefjellsvegen Road at Øvstefossen waterfall. 

Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Information about the Old Strynefjellsvegen Road at Øvstefossen waterfall.

Photo: Roger Ellingsen
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up. 

Photo: Werner Harstad
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up.

Photo: Werner Harstad
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up. 

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up.

Photo: Jarle Wæhler
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up. 

Photo: Werner Harstad
In periods when the flow of water is strong, tourists can have a pretty wet experience close up.

Photo: Werner Harstad
Overview map of the stretch, with locations described under the "Architecture" menu. Red flags indicate tourist routes that are closed during the winter season.
Overview map of several stretches located within the same region.
Øvstefossen

Øvstefossen.

 Øvstefoss waterfall is an impressive sight which has been admired by travellers for more than 100 years. From the road, a trail leads to a viewing platform with a steel railing. This will ensure that you can have a safe, but close-up and intense experience of the waterfall. Architect: Jensen og Skodvin arkitektar.
Here you can find two simple maps of the route and the region. Map 1 provides a geographical overview of the route. There are other National Tourist Routes in the region. If you wish to visit several routes, Map 2 will give you a quick overview. For a more detailed planning of the journey or to see more detailed maps, follow the links under the menu "Travel info".
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