SOGNEFJELLET SCENIC ROUTE -summer 2022

SOGNEFJELLSVEGEN

Sognefjellsvegen – another Norwegian scenic route – is the highest mountain road in Northern Europe that winds its way through the Jotunheimen mountains. It starts in Gaupne by Lusterfjord and ends in Lom (or vice versa). The road makes its way between fjord and valley, over a high mountain pass between blue ice, jagged peaks and emerald green mountain lakes.
We travelled first along Lusterfjorden which is the innermost arm of Sognefjorden. The landscape towards Skjolden in the end of the fjord, is very picturesque. The fjord is surrounded by glaciers and high mountains of the Jotunheimen National Park and the Jostedalsbreen National Park. The beautiful bright green colour comes from the meltwater from the glaciers that flows into the fjord.

(All photos: B.Røe/Big5Travel)

View from Skjolden Hotel in the end of Lusterfjorden

Just east of Skjolden – the road passes the lake ” Eidvatnet”.

Great view as we climb the road to the top of the mountains

NEDRE OSCARSHAUG

The first stop was the view point “Nedre Oscarshaug”. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.

OSCARSHAUG

The next viewpoint Oscarshaug offers also a magnificent view towards the Hurrungane mountains, with the iconic Mount Store Skagastølstind.

The name of the rest area comes from a journey that King Oscar II made over the mountain in 1860, where a cairn was built in memory of this trip. From the parking area there is a well-maintained path up to the cairn at the top of Oscarshaug.

MELFJELLET

At the Melfjellet rest area, in the centre of the mountain plateau, you will find Knut Wold´s stone sculpture .
The sculpture is a massive concrete block standing in the centre of the high-altitude scenery! It is a favorite motif for photographers!

FANTESTEINEN – THE ROAD´S HIGHEST POINT

The highest point is at Fantesteinen, 1,434 metres above sealevel. A bit foggy this time – but great experience all the same- makes its even more magical.

The mountain road is quite special. A bit hazy – so we did not see the magical mountains tops this time.

VEGASJELET

Vegasjelet viewing point has been placed directly off the car park to rise above the trees and the undergrowth. From here you have a view of the 2,000-metre peaks of Skarsnebb and Steinetind.