Gaularfjellet
A serene journey passing protected rivers, waterfalls and a tranquil fjord. The road runs along an arm of the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord, before curving up the steep slopes to the mountain. Further on, the road follows the protected Gaula river system, which is famous for its many waterfalls, but also has white-water rapids and tranquil mountain lakes.
Trails have been laid along selected stretches of the river to provide better access to the waterfalls, which are well worth seeing. Here, children and adults can enjoy trout fishing at its best, and wander along well-maintained trails by waterfalls and rapids. There are boats for hire, but those who prefer to hike through the mountains also have plenty of opportunities. The tourist centre in Balestrand is a good point of departure for day trips, and the boat ride to Fjærland with its Glacier Museum is a splendid way to explore nature in this locality.
National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet from Balestrand to Eldalsosen and Moskog and from Eldalsosen to Sande has a total length of 130 kilometres.
The stretch between Mel and Mjell on the Gaularfjellet plateau is closed during the winter season.
Information about National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet, download pdf.
Trails have been laid along selected stretches of the river to provide better access to the waterfalls, which are well worth seeing. Here, children and adults can enjoy trout fishing at its best, and wander along well-maintained trails by waterfalls and rapids. There are boats for hire, but those who prefer to hike through the mountains also have plenty of opportunities. The tourist centre in Balestrand is a good point of departure for day trips, and the boat ride to Fjærland with its Glacier Museum is a splendid way to explore nature in this locality.
National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet from Balestrand to Eldalsosen and Moskog and from Eldalsosen to Sande has a total length of 130 kilometres.
The stretch between Mel and Mjell on the Gaularfjellet plateau is closed during the winter season.
Information about National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet, download pdf.
Travel info Gaularfjellet
During the winter season, National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet is closed on the stretch between Mel and Mjell (see the "Map" menu and red flags). The road is normally closed in December and reopens in May.
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!
Balestrand seen from across the fjord at Dragsvik. The end point of National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Sværefjord in Balestrand.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Svære fjord in Balestrand.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The Svære fjord in Balestrand.
Photo: Werner Harstad
Photo: Werner Harstad
The road curves from the Vetlefjorden arm of the Sognefjord, up along the Bårddalen valley to its highest point at Nystølvatnet lake, here seen from the “Utsikten".
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
County Road 13, Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route, at the highest point on the road. Here looking east towards the descent to Sognefjord.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
The road curves from the Vetlefjorden arm of the Sognefjord, up along the Bårddalen valley to its highest point at Nystølvatnet lake, here seen from the “Utsikten”.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
Photo: Jarle Wæhler
From Esebotn bay in Esefjord, near the town of Balestrand.
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Esefjorden, Balestrand.
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Sværefjord with Grønlund village in the foreground and the Meneseggi and Bjørnaeggi peaks in the background.
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Sværefjord in Balestrand municipality.
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
Photo: Roger Ellingsen
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.
A serene journey passing protected rivers, waterfalls and a tranquil fjord. The road runs along an arm of the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord, before curving up the steep slopes to the mountain. Further on, the road follows the protected Gaula river system, which is famous for its many waterfalls, but also has white-water rapids and tranquil mountain lakes.
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".
Gaularfjellet