Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bøverdal Valley to the Lustrafjord (an arm of the Sognefjord—see previous
chapter). Centuries ago, the farmers of Gudbrandsdal took their horse cara-
vans over this difficult mountain pass on treks to Bergen. Today, the road
(Route 55) is still narrow, windy, and otherworldly (and usually closed mid-
Oct-May).
As you begin to ascend just beyond Elvesæter, notice the viewpoint on the
left for the Leirdalen Valley—capped at the end with the Kyrkja peak (de-
scribed earlier). Then you'll twist up into a lake-filled valley, then through a
mild canyon with grand waterfalls. Before long, as you corkscrew up more
switchbacks, you're above the tree line, enjoying a “top of the world” feel-
ing. The best views (to the south) are of the cut-glass range called Hurrungane
(“Noisy Children”). The 10 hairpin turns between Turtagrø and Fortun are ex-
citing. Be sure to stop, get out, look around, and enjoy the lavish views. Treat
each turn as if it were your last.
Just before you descend to the fjord, the terrain changes, and you reach a
pullout on the right, next to a hilltop viewpoint—offering your first glimpse
of the fjord. The Lustrafjord village of Skjolden is just around the bend
(and down several more switchbacks). Entering Skjolden, continue following
Route 55, which now traces the west bank of the Lustrafjord. For more on the
