Scenic route Ryfylke
Along verdant fjords and stark mountains
A drive in the borderland between the archipelago and the highland moors, from Lysefjorden to Sauda and over the mountain pass to Røldal.
The drive along Scenic Route Ryfylke is a journey full of contrasts. Here you will encounter high barren mountains, lush hillsides, steep mountainsides and deep fiords. The Saudafjellet mountain displays distinctive natural features. It is rough, rugged and unyielding.
Since Ryfylke is a long and varied route, it is worth taking your time. There are lots of opportunities for short detours and breaks along the way, whether you are keen to find out more about Sauda’s industrial history or just want to explore one of the lovely little shore villages such as Sand.
The route is closed.
Travel information
- Length
- 260 km
- MASL
- 0 – 972
- Sea crossing
- 1 ferry
Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke travels between Håra and Oanes at Lysefjorden [46] [520] [13] [523]. From Håra the tourist route splits into two sections. One section travels [13] down Brattlandsdalen and Suldalslågen with a small detour to Høse Bridge at Sand [4716]. The other section [520] [46] to Sauda, with a short detour to Ropeid rest area. The road sections meet after crossing the Sandsfjord Bridge - creating a round trip. The route has one ferry crossing: Nesvik – Hjelmeland (click on the ferry icon for timetable).
For syclists: Starting from Håra near Røldal, you will have a steep climb up toward Saudafjellet. Avoid tunnels along Saudafjorden by cycling along the old road on the outside. Between Ropeid and Ostasteidn, you have to ride through a tunnel that is approximately 1 km long. From Håra to Lovra, the route includes many long tunnels where there is no alternative outside route.
Combine this trip with National Cycle Route 2, which includes the road from Stavanger to Lysebotn. From Stavanger you can also follow National Cycle Route 1 along the coast. This stretch is also part of the European “North Sea Cycle Route” EuroVelo 12.
Traffic and road information
Telephone +47 815 48 991
Traffic alerts in map (Norwegian only)
Overview Scenic Routes closed in winter season
- GPS, Oanes:
- 58.914264, 6.077564
- GPS, Håra:
- 59.8138, 6.773779
The road between Helandsbygd and Røldal [520] is normally closed from November to June. Previous closures have started between 21 November and 20 December. Previous openings have taken place between 1 May and 16 June.
It is important to note that even when roads have been opened for the summer season, they may still for some time be closed at night. Spring is a volatile season in the mountains, and in bad weather the road may be closed on short notice.
A red line in the map marks a road that is closed in winter.
Sections of the road, particularly over the mountain to Røldal, are narrow with a number of bends. There is currently no maximum length for buses but the use of shorter buses is advisable.
-
Photo 1 of 11: Suldalsporten, Suldalsvatnet. Photo: Fredrik Fløgstad, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 2 of 11: Svartavatnet. Photo: Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 3 of 11: Fv. 520 Røldal - Sauda. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 4 of 11: Suldalsvatnet. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 5 of 11: Fv. 520 Røldal - Sauda. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 6 of 11: Svandalsfossen. Photo: Steinar Skaar, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 7 of 11: Svandalsfossen. Photo: Helge Stikbakke, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 8 of 11: Suldalsosen. Photo: Frid-Jorunn Stabell, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 9 of 11: Hjelmeland. Photo: Werner Harstad, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 10 of 11: Hjelmelandsfjorden. Photo: Fredrik Fløgstad, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 11 of 11: Røldal - Sauda. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen
Experiences
Many tourists find their way to Ryfylke. The area is home to some of the most spectacular nature attractions Norway has to offer. Preikestolen (“Pulpit Rock”) and Kjeragbolten, with the Lysefjord in the background, are both popular as hiking destinations and photgraphic motifs. But the area also has many other unique hiking destinations that are little known.
On sunny days you should consider hiking to Reinaknuten and Skomakernibå. From both tops you will have an impressive view of large parts of Ryfylke, including Lake Tysdalsvatnet and Jøsenfjorden.
The circular trail to Ritlandskrateret - the Ritland Crater - is a unique experience where you take in the crater of a meteor that hit the Earth 500-600 million years ago. You can also hike to Hovlandsnuten near Sauda. Here, sherpas from Nepal have built solid stone steps to facilitate the walk.
There are two short ferry rides on this route where you can enjoy a breath of fresh sea air and admire the fiords up close.
Useful links
-
The official travel guide to Norway
-
Map with information on sleep, eat and do
-
Ferry routes and timetables (Norwegian)
-
Travel by bus, train, ferry, metro and plane
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.
