Trollstigen

Eleven hairpin bends climbing the mountainside above Åndalsnes

The Trollstigen — the Troll's Path — is one of Europe's most famous mountain roads. From the valley floor near Åndalsnes it climbs 850 metres in eleven hairpin bends, threading between waterfalls and rock walls, before levelling out on a high plateau and dropping down the far side toward Geiranger. The Stigfossen waterfall thunders alongside the upper bends, sending spray across the road.

At the top is a visitor centre with a modern architectural viewing platform that cantilevers out over the drop. Walk the path to the edge and the whole serpentine road is laid out below you. The pass is open from late May or early June through October, depending on snow. Drive it early or late in the day to dodge the tour buses, and allow time for the inevitable photo stops.

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The road took eight years to build and was opened by King Haakon VII in 1936. It is closed from October to May because of avalanche risk and snow depth, and even in early summer the opening date is announced only a few days in advance once the upper switchbacks have been cleared.