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In the heart of Fjord Norway lies one of its best kept secrets. Often overlooked for its more famous neighbours, Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet runs for 114 kilometers across mountains from fjord to fjord. The route celebrates the abundance of water in the area, featuring not only the famous fjords but following along the protected Gaularvassdraget watercourse with its mountain lakes and waterfalls.
Beginning in the popular village of Balestrand on the edge of the Sognefjord, the road winds along the coast, passing under steep mountains, before climbing up into the Gaularfjellet mountain area. Here, high above the valley, the unmissable Utsitken Viewpoint delivers a tremendous outlook across to the surrounding mountains. The road continues alongside the Gaula River, but the journey can also be enjoyed on foot. The 21-kilometer long Fossestien Waterfall Trail meanders past serene lakes and stunning waterfalls like Likholefossen. The road then splits, leading past yet more lakes and old mountain farms, including the idyllic Årsnesstølen, on the way to Sande and Moskog.
Road Closures
The section of road between Mel and Mjell in the middle of the route is closed during winter, normally from December to April.
Check the current status and see closure dates from recent years.
Tips
- For the tougher hikes along the Sognefjord you can organize a guide in Balestrand
- Boats run to Fjærland at the end of the Fjærlandsfjord, home to the Norwegian Glacier Museum and within viewing distance of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier
- Stay overnight along the route and hike a longer stretch of Fossestien with help of the shuttle bus from Hov Hyttegrend
- With the abundance of lakes in the area there are great options for pitching a tent along most of the hiking trails
