The experience of life in the Far North—at the 68th parallel, roughly 300 kilometers above the Arctic Circle—can be a challenging one, especially for an Italian born and raised in the warm, sun-drenched heart of Tuscany. To live at these latitudes is to confront a reality so profoundly different that it reshapes your relationship with nature in ways you never imagined.
Here, light and darkness do not simply follow one another; they dominate in turns, absolute and unrelenting. You cannot forget either, for they etch themselves into your very being. And yet, paradoxically, you long for both. When the sun never sets, you find yourself yearning for the comforting embrace of night. And when winter plunges the world into near-perpetual darkness, the memory of sunlight becomes almost painful—a nostalgia that ebbs and flows with the seasons, powerful and alive.
If I had to choose a single symbol to represent my traveling experience as a Southern European in the vast North, I would—brace yourselves, and allow me a smile—say: "The Norwegian Scenic Routes".
Yes, you heard that right. They are, to me, the perfect metaphor for my journey in Norway—a trip through light and darkness, between the external and the inner self.
Because here, the road is more than just a path; it is both an emblem of beauty, openness, and elevation, and a harbinger of danger, abyss, and subterranean shadow.
What do I mean? I am speaking of the astonishing complexity of Norway’s panoramic roads, which I have traveled countless times. Norway is not merely a land of open highways; it is a land of tunnels that plunge into the earth and magnificent bridges that, almost suspended, trace the contours of the landscape—even across the remote islands where I am living.
The road, much like life here, is a balance of contrasts. It is a journey between extremes, what is seen and what is hidden, between light and darkness, discovery and introspection.
The Norwegian Scenic Routes are a collection of 18 specially designated roads that pass through Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes. Together, they span 2136 kilometers, offering stunning views at every turn. Along the way, you'll find remarkable stops, including scenic viewpoints, striking art installations, and even rest areas featuring exceptionally stylish bathrooms.
Investing in roads has been crucial for linking communities across Norway, but these offer more than just a means of reaching a destination. Led by Statens Vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, this project seeks to enhance Norway’s appeal as a travel destination and support local businesses. And it has been successful so far, attracting visitors and significant international media attention, and positively engaging local communities.
The selection criteria for Norway’s Scenic Routes was made focusing on roads that pass through landscapes of exceptional natural beauty, where elements such as coastlines, fjords, mountains, and waterfalls play a defining role. These routes are designed to offer a visually stunning and enjoyable driving experience, with strategically placed stops that enhance the journey by showcasing the surrounding scenery. Key considerations include variations in terrain, contrasts between different landscapes, and the seamless interaction between the road and its natural environment. Additionally, the selected routes must be resilient to increased traffic without compromising their integrity. They are intended as scenic alternatives to main roads, avoiding heavy traffic and large vehicles to ensure a more immersive and tranquil travel experience. Installations have been constructed at locations where tourists have long paused to rest, admire the views, and capture photographs. The architecture needs to fulfill essential functions like providing rest areas, parking, viewpoints, information, waste disposal, and toilet facilities. In some rest areas, activities like hiking, fishing, or bird watching are also supported.
Designs can range from simple features, like benches on a smooth coastal rock, to expansive viewpoint platforms that elevate visitors above the landscape. The selection of materials and design should possess durability, ensuring that these projects endure over time.
Life is like a road trip, with landscapes that shift constantly. At times, you are bathed in light, soaring through the air as if you are flying. At other moments, you find yourself in the darkest and most introspective phases, lost in a profound inner journey. Here, the roads are just the same, subtly suggesting a parallel with your inner journey.
A short scenic road map from North to South of Norway
1. Varanger – Towards the Arctic Ocean
A journey to the edge of the world, where the landscape unfolds in a series of cliffs shaped by wind and water. Here, traces of prehistory are imprinted in ancient rocks, and the Arctic light paints the sky in ever-changing hues.
160 km between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg
2. Havøysund – The Untamed North
Driving through this landscape means entering a world where nature reigns supreme. Barren mountains, oceanic winds, and the icy waters of the Barents Sea tell the story of a rugged yet surprisingly vibrant land.
67 km between Kokelv and Havøysund
3. Senja – Where the Ocean Meets the Fjords and Mountains
Here, land and sea merge in a continuous interplay of steep mountains and deep inlets. The fjords bear witness to the slow work of glaciers that, over millennia, have sculpted this imposing landscape.
102 km between Gryllefjord and Botnhamn, with detours to Mefjordvær and Husøya
4. Andøya – The Ocean in Motion
A drive along the coastline exposed to the relentless winds of the Atlantic. The landscape is shaped by tidal forces, with rare golden-sand beaches providing a striking contrast to the raw elements. Here, the sea is not just a backdrop but an undeniable force.
58 km between Bjørnskinn and Andenes
5. Lofoten – Mountains Rising from the Sea
The peaks of Lofoten stand like an ancient fortress, separated from the ocean only by small fishing villages. The midnight sun casts surreal colors on the cliffs, while the still waters of the fjords reflect a sky that seems endless.
230 km between Å and Raftsundet, with detours to Nusfjord, Vikten, Uttakleiv, Unstad, Eggum, and Henningsvær
6. Helgelandskysten – From Ice to Ocean
A journey through contrasts: shimmering glaciers descending to the coast, islands rising from the water like pearls, hidden fjords, and cliffs shaped by time. Here, the history of Earth is written in landscapes sculpted by the last Ice Age.
433 km between Holm and Godøystraumen, with a detour to Torghatten
7. Atlanterhavsvegen – The Road Across the Sea
A route that seems to float on the waves, with bridges leaping from one islet to another. The ocean is unstoppable here: storms send towering sprays into the air, while on calm days, the islands mirror themselves in the water like a painting.
36 km between Kårvåg and Bud
8. Geiranger - Trollstigen – The Road of Waterfalls and Hairpin Turns
A route carved into the mountains, with winding roads that climb steep slopes. Water is everywhere—powerful waterfalls plunge into the fjord, while streams weave through moss-covered rocks.
104 km between Langevatn and Sogge Bridge
9. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen – A Bridge Between Past and Present
A journey through time along a historic road winding between stone walls and glacial valleys. Once a vital trade route, today it offers a glimpse into Norway’s untouched mountain beauty.
27 km between Grotli and Videsæter
10. Rondane – The Silence of the Blue Mountains
The horizon opens onto a landscape where time seems to stand still. The mountains, with their bluish hues, rise from rolling tundra inhabited by reindeer and steeped in ancient Nordic traditions.
75 km between Venabygdsfjellet and Folldal, and between Sollia Church and Enden
11. Sognefjellet – The Road Above Norway’s Rooftop
A journey among the country’s highest peaks, through a landscape of eternal snow and vast rocky plateaus. The wind carries the crisp scent of the mountains, and the only sound is the distant movement of glaciers.
108 km between Lom and Gaupne
12. Valdresflye – Floating Above the Treeline
A drive that seems to rise above the land, crossing open plateaus and endless horizons. Beyond the tree line, nature is reduced to its essence—rocks, moss, and an infinite sky.
49 km between Garli and Hindsæter, with a detour to Gjende
13. Gaularfjellet – The Land of Flowing Water
A route where water takes center stage: rivers weaving through mountains, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, and lakes reflecting the Nordic light. A peaceful alternative to main roads, perfect for discovering Norway at a slower pace.
114 km between Balestrand and Moskog, and between Sande and Eldalsosen
14. Aurlandsfjellet – The Snow Road Between the Fjords
From the deep blue of the fjords to the vast whiteness of the high plateau, this journey takes you between two worlds. Even in midsummer, patches of snow resist the warmth, while the view over Aurlandsfjorden is breathtaking.
47 km between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri
15. Hardanger – Where Glaciers, Waterfalls, and Traditions Meet
A journey through the heart of authentic Norway, where nature and culture intertwine. Glaciers glisten above the fjords, waterfalls cascade down the slopes, and in the sheltered valleys, orchards tell the story of a long-standing agricultural tradition.
158 km covering four sections: Granvin - Steinsdalsfossen, Norheimsund - Tørvikbygd, Jondal - Utne, and Kinsarvik - Låtefoss
16. Hardangervidda – From Plateau to Fjords
Travel through Hardangervidda, Europe's largest plateau, where tundra and glacial lakes give way to the Vøringsfossen waterfalls, a testament to the erosive power of glaciers.
67 km between Eidfjord and Haugastøl.
17. Ryfylke – Fjords and Mountains
A route that alternates between deep fjords and ancient mountains, shaped by glaciation and rocky formations. The landscape transitions from forests to high peaks, offering breathtaking panoramas.
260 km between Oanes and Håra.
18. Jæren – Where Sky Meets Sea
A coastal journey where the sea and sky merge on the horizon, with sandy dunes and pebble beaches, while historic lighthouses tell the story of a landscape shaped by the power of the waves.
130 km between Bore and Flekkefjord
