Stalheimskleiva
Norway, europe
1.5 km
400 m
extreme
June to September
Stalheimskleiva is one of northern Europe's steepest roads, descending 400 meters over just 1.5 kilometers with a gradient of up to 20 percent. Located in Voss municipality in western Norway, the old road drops from the Stalheim Hotel into the Naerodal valley through 13 hairpin bends, offering dramatic views of the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls cascading down the valley walls on either side.
The road was originally built in 1846 as part of the main route between Oslo and Bergen and served as the primary highway until a modern tunnel bypassed it in 1980. Today it functions as a one-way tourist road (downhill only) during the summer months. The hairpins are extremely tight with retaining walls of mortared stone, and the road surface is a mix of old cobblestones and worn asphalt. The views into the narrow Naerodal valley, a branch of the Sognefjord system, are vertigo-inducing. It is considered a living monument to 19th-century Norwegian road engineering.
Where is it?
Stalheimskleiva is located in Vestland, Norway (europe). Coordinates: 60.8539, 6.6181
Driving Tips
One-way downhill traffic only. Open June to September. The gradient reaches 20%, so use low gear. Not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes. The viewpoint at the Stalheim Hotel at the top is stunning.
Road Surface
Mixed cobblestone and asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Vestland
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 400 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Surface
- Mixed cobblestone and asphalt
- Best Season
- June to September
- Coordinates
- 60.8539, 6.6181
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