Stalheimskleiva – Norway's Famous Winding Road

Built in the 1840s, Stalheimskleiva was once an important link between Western and Eastern Norway. With its 13 tight bends and a gradient of nearly 20 percent, it stands as one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe. Every curve reveals a new scene: deep valleys, rushing waterfalls, and sheer rock faces that tell the story of Norway’s wild landscape.

Although the road is now closed to regular traffic, visitors can still stop at Stalheim Hotel to enjoy one of the most famous viewpoints in the region. From there, you can look straight down into the valley, with the Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen waterfalls cascading on either side — a view that has inspired travelers, artists, and poets for generations.

Walking along parts of Stalheimskleiva today is like stepping into a living postcard. You can sense the craftsmanship and courage that went into carving this route into the mountain, long before tunnels and highways made travel easier.

Whether you come for the view, the history, or simply the thrill of standing where the mountains meet the sky, Stalheimskleiva captures the essence of Norway — raw, dramatic, and unforgettable.