When it comes to awe-inspiring landscapes and picturesque vistas, Norway never disappoints. My recent adventure took me on a remarkable journey through Norway's most iconic scenic route: Trollstigen and Geiranger. The famous Trollstigen is a road that winds its way up a steep mountainside through 11 exhilarating hairpin bends. Get ready to be mesmerized by the sheer drama of this route that never fails to leave visitors breathless.
Discover the breathtaking Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen, spanning 104 km from Langvatnet to Strynefjellet and Sogge Bru in Romsdalen (Road 63). Along this route, a ferry ride from Eidsdal to Linge adds to the adventure. Go on a single-day journey that seamlessly combines the allure of fjords and the magnificence of mountains.
Geiranger - Trollstigen Road Section Named Knuten
As we journeyed towards Geiranger, a hidden gem named "Knuten" beckoned. Once accessible by road, this marvel is now off-limits to vehicles. Don't miss it – search "Knuten" on your map along the Geiranger road. Knuten was once a drivable part of the original Geiranger road, opened in 1889. An engineering marvel, it featured 9 stone bridges, with "Knuten" being one. Its name arises from a unique experience – driving under the bridge and then emerging atop it after a breathtaking 270-degree curve.
Continuing to Geiranger
Continuing our journey, we arrived at Geiranger—another jewel in Norway's crown. The Flydalsjuvet viewpoint offered a dramatic outlook over the fjord, leaving us spellbound by the sheer grandeur of nature.
Geiranger offers more than just stunning viewpoints. Adventurers can indulge in boat tours, kayaking in the fjord's tranquil waters, and hikes that promise incredible vistas at every turn. The charm of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the plethora of activities that cater to all kinds of explorers.
Read more here for directions to the secret viewpoint of Flydalsjuvet.
Trollstigen Route
Next part of our journey was the thrilling Trollstigen road. Driving through this serpentine marvel was like stepping into a fantasy world. As we approached Trollstigen, we couldn't resist the allure of spending the night in our rooftop tent, perched just above the visitor center. The atmosphere turned enchanting as evening fog blanketed the area, creating an ethereal ambiance amidst the troll mountains.
Exploring the surrounding hiking trails, both in the evening and morning, added a touch of adventure. While smaller hikes offer stunning views, for more ambitious trekkers, challenges like Store Trolltind await—just be sure to be cautious and choose perfect weather for your journey.
The next morning, we made our way down to the visitor center, only to be greeted by the awe-inspiring Trollstigen road below. Venturing onto the plateau above, the vistas left us speechless. Every twist and turn of the road revealed breathtaking panoramas that were simply unparalleled.
Arriving to Åndalsnes
As we approached Åndalsnes, the Geiranger - Trollstigen road trip adventure was coming to an end, but the excitement was far from over. This charming town is nestled at the foot of the majestic Romsdal Alps, offering a plethora of outdoor activities for adventurers like us.
One of the most enticing options was the hike to Rampestreken, a viewpoint that promised sweeping panoramas of the fjords and mountains. The trail was a bit steep but well worth the effort. Alternatively, the renowned Romsdalseggen Ridge awaits for those seeking a more challenging hike, offering jaw-dropping vistas that would surely leave a lasting impression.
And for those who couldn't get enough of the open road, Åndalsnes marked a crossroads where you could decide to continue your journey to other parts of Norway. The possibilities were endless – from the stunning coastal routes to the picturesque villages, there was no shortage of beauty to discover.
Our road trip adventure took us through quaint villages, alongside grazing sheep, and along the dramatic edges of cliffs. We uncovered picturesque hikes, stunning viewpoints, and serene moments that will forever resonate.
This was my second time journeying along the Geiranger-Trollstigen route, and the experience was just as captivating as the first. Over the years, I noticed significant changes – during my initial visit, the landscape was more untamed and undeveloped. The viewpoints that now dot the route were absent, making it a more rugged encounter. However, the traffic volume seemed to remain consistent, reminding me that some things withstand the test of time.
What do you think?