Scenic route Gaularfjellet
From Sognefjorden to Fosseheimen, the realm of falling waters
A peaceful alternative to the main roads from Sunnfjord to Sogn. Along protected waterways and a quiet fiord towards the tourist destination of Balestrand
Gaularfjellet is a well-preserved secret for most people. The drive runs along the fiord before the road begins its sharply meandering climb up towards the top of the mountain. From the rest area of Utsikten you can admire the view of a lush and beautiful landscape and the road winding its way up the hill.
The road follows Gaularvassdraget, a protected watercourse offering everything from wild rapids and waterfalls to calm stretches where the water glides quietly along. A walk over the exciting bridge at Likholefossen waterfall gives you a sense of being in the midst of the swirling cascades. The Scenic Route can be included in a number of circular trips.
Travel information
- Length
- 114 km
- MASL
- 0 – 784
Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet runs Between Moskog and Balestrand [613] and between Sande and Eldalsosen [610]. From Balestrand you can make beautiful detours. A boat trip that ends almost at the Jostadalsbreen glacier is a wonderful way to experience the natural surroundings.
For cyclists: Start your bike ride at Moskog, so that the climbs up towards Rørvikfjellet and towards the top of Gaularfjellet will not be too strenuous. An alternative is to start at Sande. From the Utsikten viewpoint and down to the fiord, the road is a steep downhill ride.
Traffic and road information
Telephone +47 815 48 991
Traffic alerts in map (Norwegian only)
Scenic Routes closed in winter season
- GPS, Moskog:
- 61.442286, 6.002698
- GPS, Balestrand:
- 61.210477, 6.528711
- GPS, Sande:
- 61.326786, 5.797906
THE ROAD IS 0PEN. The road over Gaularfjellet is closed during winter from Mel to Mjell. This section is normally closed in December and reopens end of April. Spring is capricious in the mountains. In bad weather, the road can be closed at short notice. For the first few weeks after opening, the road may be closed at night.
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Photo 1 of 14: Sværefjorden. Photo: Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 2 of 14: Balestrand. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 3 of 14: Bårddalen. Photo: Trine Kanter Zerwekh, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 4 of 14: Utsikten. Photo: Hilde M Strangstadstuen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 5 of 14: Utsikten. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 6 of 14: Nystølsvatnet. Photo: Bjørn Andresen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 7 of 14: Nystølsvatnet. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 8 of 14: Eikelandsfossen. Photo: Trine Kanter Zerwekh, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 9 of 14: Likholefossen. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 10 of 14: Holmevatnet. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 11 of 14: Hestad. Photo: Bjørn Andresen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 12 of 14: Hestad. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 13 of 14: Råheimselva, Viksdalen. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 14 of 14: Balestrand. Photo: Trine Kanter Zerwekh, Statens vegvesen
Experiences
This road soon became an important travel route when it was opened in 1938. Today, the road is a peaceful alternative to the main roads that absorb most of the traffic.
Balestrand is a great place to start the trip, from where you are also advised to take a boat to Fjærland and visit the glacier museum. There are simple and functional points along the entire route where it is easy to stop and stretch your legs or just enjoy the view. The Gaula river has 29 large waterfalls, with Likholefossen and the bridge across it as one of the highlights.
The 21-km-long Fossestien Waterfall Trail runs along the Gaula river, parallel to the Scenic Route. You can walk the trail in its entirety, or choose a shorter section. The trail runs past a number of waterfalls and through a lush cultural landscape with active farms. Along the route you will also find mountain hikes to spectacular viewpoints and quiet mountain lakes where fishing is possible.
Useful links
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The official travel guide to Norway
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Map with information on sleep, eat and do
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Travel by bus, train, ferry, metro and plane
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Charge map & route planner (Norwegian and English)
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Map with places suitable for motorhomes (Norwegian)
The 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes
Norwegian Scenic Routes are roads that run through unique Norwegian nature. Along the roads you will find artworks, viewpoints and rest areas with innovative architecture in beautiful landscapes.
