There are roads that simply take you from one place to another. Then there are roads that make you want to stop every few minutes. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen or "The Old Strynefjell Road" is definitely one of those places.
The road is about 27 kilometres long and reaches over 1,100 metres above sea level. Stone guardrails, mountain lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and snowfields shape the landscape.
Our journey started from Grotli and soon we were facing some exciting challenges. You definitely need to feel comfortable driving narrow gravel sections and sharp bends. Passing other vehicles sometimes takes patience. Driving slowly and staying alert makes it manageable.
We found a spot on the road where our mini camper fit perfectly. Just behind us, “1139 moh” was carved into a rock, marking the altitude.
We were greeted by a soft sunset glow on the mountains. What a sight!
The next day
Without a schedule, we had time to explore. After years of travelling, I've found this to be the most rewarding way to experience a place. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, simply choose a destination and stay awhile. Wander, take in the scenery, and let the landscape set the pace. It gives you time to connect with your surroundings and truly recharge.
We started the morning with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake. Since there was a heatwave in Norway, this beautiful turquoise glacial water did not feel as freezing anymore.
After a while we decided to pack our bags and head up a nearby mountain. It felt like a perfect spot to set up our tent and enjoy the views from even higher altitudes.
The climb was rewarding from the very beginning. Up close, we noticed details that disappear from the road below. As we gained elevation, the landscape opened up, revealing wider views with every step.
Reaching the summit area was one of the highlights. The panoramic views over glaciers, lakes and winding roads were worth every step.
Our tent blended into the landscape, looking just like another grey boulder. It is difficult to imagine that we were almost on top of a mountain, but that fine line underneath is the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, where our car was parked.
Luckily, the clouds stayed away, and we never got any rain during our time up there.
The final day
We woke up to the most beautiful morning, made breakfast and enjoyed the amazing views.
Cooking at 1400 metres felt different. Water reaches boiling at a slightly lower temperature at higher altitude, so it boiled a bit faster than usual at sea level. A small detail you only notice in the mountains.
We packed up our camp and began making our way back down the mountain. Since it was still early, we took a short detour to a nearby lake formed by melting snow.
And of course, my adventurous husband had to jump into that freezing water. It felt nothing like those glacial lakes back in the valley. This was a real ice bath.
Refreshed and full of endorphins, the descent felt shorter than expected.
After the hike back down, there was no better reward than another swim in the glacial water. It may sound strange, but once it became our daily bath, the freezing water no longer felt intimidating. Instead, it left us feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
On our hikes, we always make time to stop and look around. One of our favourite things is discovering the flowers and plants that thrive in such harsh mountain conditions. It's amazing how much life can flourish among bare rock, snow, and strong winds. Some of these tiny plants are so beautiful that they leave you in awe.
Suddenly, we felt sad to leave this place. That feeling often comes when you get to know a place more closely.
While travelling in Norway, we try to stay mindful of leaving space for others and not overstaying in popular spots. Even when moving on, we could have searched for another nearby stop, but it felt right to continue the journey and free up space for others, especially since parking options in the area are limited.
We continued our journey west towards Videsæter. Along the way, we kept stopping at viewpoints and could not just drive past them.
Many others were also out enjoying the glacial waters, and the lake showed an even deeper turquoise colour than before.
After driving for a little while, the road began to descend and the valley opened up in front of us.
Another beautiful stop along the road was a small bridge over a river coming directly from the lakes we had just been swimming in.
And I am sure there are many other remarkable stops you can make along this road. If you plan to visit, make sure to tag us on Instagram @kaisartravels - would love to see your photos of this amazing old road!
If you enjoy slow travel, hiking, photography, and quiet nights in nature, this road deserves a spot on your Norway itinerary.
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