Valdresflye - www.nasjonaleturistveger.no
 
The road across the Valdresflye plateau provides expansive views of mountains and plains, from which it seems to swoop into the Jotunheimen massif like the beginning of an endless journey. To the north, you can catch a view of the Jotunheimen National Park, where the mountains are steeper and wilder than to the south, where the landscape widens into serene, rolling hills.

Here, cultural landscapes dominate, with mountain pastures and several tourist lodges that have long traditions of catering to visitors. Large sections of the road run above the treeline, and it reaches its highest point at 1 389 metres above sea level.

No matter where you choose to stop you will find excellent opportunities for hiking. Especially the area around Gjende lake has a wide network of marked trails that allow for short as well as longer hikes. The most famous hiking route goes along the Besseggen ridge.

National Tourist Route Valdresflye runs from Garli to Besstrondsæter over a total distance of 37 kilometres.

The mountain crossing is closed in the winter season.



Information about National Tourist Route Valdresflye, download pdf.

Travel info Valdresflye

National Tourist Route Valdresflye  is closed during the winter season (see the "Map" menu and red flags). The road is normally closed in December and reopens in April.

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!

The Vargbakkan viewing platform. In the background is the Knutshøe peak, which in spite of its height of 1517 metres can offer a splendid view. Many visitors park their car here to hike up to Knutshøe. The route to the peak is in part very challenging, and care must be taken. The peak is inside a protected area, and the route to the top has therefore no markings. Architect: Knut Hjeltnes. Photo: Vegar Moen
The Vargbakkan viewing platform. In the background is the Knutshøe peak, which in spite of its height of 1517 metres can offer a splendid view. Many visitors park their car here to hike up to Knutshøe. The route to the peak is in part very challenging, and care must be taken. The peak is inside a protected area, and the route to the top has therefore no markings.

Architect: Knut Hjeltnes.

Photo: Vegar Moen
Sunshine and showers, National Tourist Route Valdresflye. Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Sunshine and showers, National Tourist Route Valdresflye.

Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Valdresflye, a couple of weeks after the road has been opened for the summer season. Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Valdresflye, a couple of weeks after the road has been opened for the summer season.

Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Valdresflye, ascending from Bygdin up to its highest point. Photo: Werner Harstad
Valdresflye, ascending from Bygdin up to its highest point.

Photo: Werner Harstad
Valdresflye, near the highest point on the road (1389 m). The picture was taken only a few days after the winter closure of the road was lifted. Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Valdresflye, near the highest point on the road (1389 m). The picture was taken only a few days after the winter closure of the road was lifted.

Photo: Helge Stikbakke
Looking north towards the area at Gjende. The prominent peak is the Nautgardstinden, 2257 m. Photo: Vegar Moen
Looking north towards the area at Gjende. The prominent peak is the Nautgardstinden, 2257 m.

Photo: Vegar Moen
The wide mountain plateau between Bygdin and Gjende in the eastern part of Jotunheimen. National Tourist Route Valdresflye can be glimpsed at the right edge of the picture. Photo: Roger Ellingsen
The wide mountain plateau between Bygdin and Gjende in the eastern part of Jotunheimen. National Tourist Route Valdresflye can be glimpsed at the right edge of the picture.

Photo: Roger Ellingsen
New-fallen snow and strong wind early in October. Photo: Hege Lysholm
New-fallen snow and strong wind early in October.

Photo: Hege Lysholm
Valdresflye. Photo: Vegar Moen
Valdresflye.

Photo: Vegar Moen
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.
The road across the Valdresflye plateau provides expansive views of mountains and plains, from which it seems to swoop into the Jotunheimen massif like the beginning of an endless journey. To the north, you can catch a view of the Jotunheimen National Park, where the mountains are steeper and wilder than to the south, where the landscape widens into serene, rolling hills.
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".
Valdresflye