Geiranger–Trollstigen National Tourist Route

Geiranger–Trollstigen National Tourist Route
Name	Geiranger–Trollstigen National Tourist Route
Caption	A view of the Geirangerfjord from the route.
Length km	106
Direction a	West
Terminus a	Langvatnet (near Åndalsnes)
Direction b	East
Terminus b	Geiranger
Counties	Møre og Romsdal
Established	2005 (as a National Tourist Route)
System	Norwegian National Road System
Rest areas	Ørnesvingen, Gudbrandsjuvet, Flydalsjuvet

Geiranger–Trollstigen National Tourist Route. This 106-kilometer scenic highway in Møre og Romsdal county is one of eighteen designated National Tourist Routes in Norway. It connects the iconic Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the dramatic mountain pass of Trollstigen. Managed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the route is celebrated for its integration of advanced engineering with the raw beauty of the Norwegian fjords and Scandinavian Mountains.

Overview

The route was officially designated as a National Tourist Routes in Norway in 2005, part of a government initiative to promote scenic travel. It traverses some of Norway's most spectacular terrain, linking the villages of Geiranger and Åndalsnes. The journey encapsulates quintessential Western Norway landscapes, from deep fjords carved by glaciers to sheer mountain cliffs. Key administrative and scenic points along the way include Stranda Municipality and Rauma Municipality.

Route Description

Beginning at the Geirangerfjord, the route ascends via a series of hairpin bends known as the Ørnesvingen (Eagle's Bend). It continues eastward, passing the lakes Djupvatnet and Grotli before crossing into the Romsdalen valley. The western section culminates in the famed Trollstigen (Troll's Path), an engineering marvel with eleven steep hairpins descending towards Isterdalen. The route utilizes parts of Norwegian County Road 63 and passes near historic sites like the Juvet Landscape Hotel.

Key Attractions

Primary landmarks include the Geirangerfjord with its waterfalls De syv søstrene and Friaren. The Trollstigen plateau offers a view of the Stigfossen waterfall and the peaks of the Romsdalsalpene range, including Kongen, Dronninga, and Trollveggen. Notable viewpoints and rest areas are Flydalsjuvet, Gudbrandsjuvet gorge, and the Trollstigen Plateau. The nearby Atlantic Ocean Road and Romsdalsfjord are also major regional draws.

Engineering and Design

The route features significant mid-20th century engineering, such as the construction of the modern Trollstigen road, which opened in 1936 after work by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. Contemporary architectural interventions include award-winning rest stops designed by firms like Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and Jensen & Skodvin Arkitektkontor. These structures, like the viewing platforms at Ørnesvingen, use materials like Corten steel and glass to create minimalist forms that complement the landscape.

Tourism and Access

Tourism peaks during the summer months, with the route typically open from late May to October, depending on snow conditions at Trollstigen. The area is a hub for cruise ships visiting Geiranger and hikers exploring trails in Jotunheimen National Park or Rondane National Park. Access is via European route E136 from Åndalsnes or by ferry from Hellesylt across the Geirangerfjord. The nearest major airport is Molde Airport, Årø.

Environmental Considerations

The route passes through sensitive alpine and fjord environments, including the Geirangerfjord World Heritage Site. Management focuses on mitigating impacts from high visitor numbers, with measures to control erosion and manage wastewater. The threat of rockslides from mountains like Åkerneset is monitored by Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate. Sustainable design in new infrastructure aims to minimize the visual and ecological footprint in this pristine region.

Category:National Tourist Routes in Norway Category:Transport in Møre og Romsdal Category:Tourist attractions in Møre og Romsdal