Man on skis jumps from one side of the road to the other from verge to verge
© Spectacular Norway

High snow banks when the road opens for summer

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Suleskarvegen – Norway's most beautiful mountain pass?

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Last updated 2025-05-10

Suleskarvegen is one of Norway's highest and most spectacular mountain passes, perfect for a road trip between east and west.

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This scenic route stretches from Tokke in the east via Setesdal to Rogaland in the west. It offers dramatic mountain landscapes, winding roads, and idyllic places to stop. Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome, or motorbike, Suleskarvegen is an unforgettable experience for the adventurous.

The summer road between the fjord and the mountains

When the snow melts and the mountain passes open, few routes are more beautiful than Suleskarvegen – the summer road that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery southern Norway offers. The road is usually open from 21 May to 1 November, but weather and snow conditions can affect opening and closing times, so it is always a good idea to check the conditions before setting off.

When the journey itself is the destination

Suleskarvegen is not just a road – it is an experience in itself. You'll find dramatic mountain scenery, idyllic villages, fun activities and authentic local food – perfect for a summer holiday filled with relaxation and wonderful nature views in every direction. The winter-closed section of the road winds between Brokke in Setesdal and Suleskar in Sirdal. From there, you can also continue to Lysebotn in Ryfylke. If you drive the entire route from Høydalsmo in Telemark to Sandnes in the west, you will cross three counties and six municipalities.

At the highest point, you will be driving over 1,000 metres above sea level, and in early summer, you can experience high snow banks on both sides of the road – a spectacular and popular experience.

This is a stretch of road where you should not be in a hurry. Here, you take your time. Stop. Breathe. Look.

What can you do along the Suleskarveien road?

Many people travel along the Suleskarveien road just to enjoy the view, but there are also countless wonderful stops and experiences along the way. Here are some of the highlights:

Natural highlights: Lysevegen and Kjerag

On the way down to Lysebotn, you will encounter 27 hairpin bends and one of Norway's most dramatic roads. From here, you can walk to Kjeragbolten, a spectacular hiking destination with panoramic views of the Lysefjord. Find more attractions along the route here.

nature, mountain formations in norway, famous kjerag mountain and kjerag boulder

Mountain hikes and walks

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Sandnes

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Nesatindane

Mountain hikes and walks

Hike to Nesatindane near Kjerag

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Nesatindane: Breathtaking fjord views along the Kjerag trail. A spectacular viewpoint for hikers on their way to Kjeragbolten in the Lysefjord.

Oversiktsbilde over Lysebotn med hårnålsvingene og Lysefjorden mens solen går ned.

On your own

Lysevegen road in Lysebotn

Lysebotn

Lysevegen in Lysebotn is an unforgettable journey through Norway's majestic landscape.

Family highlights: For those travelling on a road trip with the kids

Suleskarvegen offers exciting experiences for the entire family! Start your adventure with a day at the theme park Kongeparken, where children can enjoy carousels and other fun rides. For families who love shopping, Norwegian Outlet is a great stop with great deals. The nature along the route is also a playground in itself – explore the giant boulders in Gloppedalsura, or enjoy a picnic by the salmon river in Bjerkreim. At Tonstad Water Park, children can splash and play on hot summer days, while Sirdal Fjellpark offers both a climbing park and family-friendly hiking trails. If you want a quieter experience, visit the Setesdal Museum or take a relaxing swim at the Hovden Badeland. For an adventurous end to your trip, check into Dalen Hotel and let the children dream away in the story of the adventurous tree hotel. It's also worth visiting Eidsborg Stave Church, right next to the museum in Eidsborg. Find more activities along the route here.

Activities along the route

  • Stupet

    Amusement parks

    Kongeparken Daypass

    Ålgård

    All Kongeparken Daypasses give you access to the park and give you a day full of magic and excitement. In the park, over 60 attractions and experiences await you and your family. Brumle and all his friends welcome to Kongeparken.

  • Shops and people, models in clothing from brands at Norwegian Outlet

    Retail

    Norwegian Outlet

    Ålgård

    The largest brand village in the western part of Norway with 200 brands in 24 stores, all gathered under one roof. The best part is that everything is on sale! Always! With 30 - 70% discount on all products, you are guaranteed to make a bargain.

  • Climb the boulders at Via Ferrata Gloppedalsura

    Climbing, canyoning and zip wire

    Via Ferrata in Gloppedalsura

    Byrkjedal

    The Via Ferrata Gloppedalsura, introduced in 2023, provides an exciting climbing experience to explore Northern Europe's largest scree.

Activities along the route

  • Fisketur ved Bjerkreimselva

    Fishing

    Bjerkreimselva

    Magma UNESCO Global Geopark

    Bjerkreimselva is one of Rogaland's longest rivers. The river is a popular area for salmon fishing, and every year more than 7,000 salmon are fished here.

  • Stupetårn og sviktbrett ved innendørsbasseng på Tonstadbadet

    Water parks and swimming pools

    Tonstadbadet swimming pool

    Sirdal

    Train, relax or have fun with the whole family - Tonstadbadet swimming pool in Sirdal got you covered!

  • Slalom snowboard

    Skiing

    Sirdal Fjellpark

    Sirdal

    Sirdal Fjellpark is South West Norway's largest ski resort with 8 lifts, 2 children's areas and 21 slopes, designed for the whole family to enjoy and have fun.

Activities along the route

  • Høyt & lavt, Sirdal

    Climbing, canyoning and zip wire

    Høyt & Lavt Sirdal Climbing Park

    Sirdal

    This climbing park is amusing for the whole family and all your friends. A visit here is guaranteed great fun!

  • Hundekjøring i Sirdal

    Horse riding and dog sledding

    Sirdal Huskyfarm

    Sirdal

    Get excited as the dogs race across snow-covered expanses. Find tranquillity in the absolute silence of the mountains.

  • kanopadling på Svelavatnet

    Water sport and kayaking

    Canoeing in Bjerkreim

    Magma UNESCO Global Geopark

    Try out the canoe pier located just next to the Tourist Information at Vikeså Veiservice

For those travelling by car, motorhome, motorbike or bicycle

Suleskarvegen is suitable for all types of travellers, whether you are driving a car, motorhome or motorbike. The road is also popular among cyclists who want a scenic challenge. There are several places to stop, stay overnight and enjoy both tranquillity and nature, and you can easily tailor your trip to suit the time you have available.

Practical information about weather and road conditions

Suleskarvegen is a mountain pass, and the weather can change quickly here. It is therefore advisable to check the conditions before you travel – both for weather, snow and sudden road closures. You can find more information about driving and road conditions here.

Book accommodation in advance

We recommend booking accommodation in advance to ensure you can enjoy the experiences along the route without stress, and to know that you always have a place to rest before and after exploring and making memories. Find accommodation along the route here. It is furthermore a good idea to check the opening hours of the attractions and activities you want to see and visit, especially if you are travelling outside the high season. The high season is generally considered to be July, August and September.

Next time you plan a holiday or weekend trip to Norway, add Suleskarvegen to your itinerary! You will have memories for a lifetime and nature experiences you will never forget.