Ryfylke Scenic Route

The National Tourist Route Ryfylke is the longest of the seven routes here: 260 km in the borderland between the archipelago and the highland moors, from the Lysefjord past green fjord villages and Sauda’s industrial history, over the rough Saudafjellet mountain (up to 972 metres) to Håra near Røldal. It includes two ferries – Lauvvika–Oanes and Nesvik–Hjelmeland.

Start and end: the pin marks the start at the Oanes ferry quay on the Lysefjord – the direction of Nasjonale turistveger’s route file. The route ends at Håra near Røldal. Towards the Røldal end it splits into two branches – along Suldalslågen with a detour to Høse bru, and to Sauda – that meet again after the Sandsfjord Bridge, so you can drive it as a loop. You can drive it either way.

Stops on the way: Høllesli, Lovra, Høse bru, Juvo, Flesefossen, Ropeid, Allmannajuvet, Svandalsfossen and Ostasteidn. Close to the start are two of Norway’s most famous hikes: Preikestolen (8,8 km return, around 4 hours, steep and rocky in places) and Kjeragbolten from Lysebotn (long and demanding – not in heavy rain; parking there costs about 300 NOK).

Tips for campers: Check before you go: the road reports further down this page show live what is reported along the whole route, and the map with the road conditions shows closures in red. the road between Helandsbygd and Røldal over Saudafjellet (Fv520) is closed in winter – it has opened between early May and mid-June and closed between late November and late December. Parts of the route, especially over the mountain to Røldal, are narrow with many bends, so a shorter vehicle is easier. Preikestolen Camping and Lysebotn Camping take guests without booking; in high season come early. Emptying toilets is not allowed at the rest areas.