Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The Ryfylke National Scenic Route is one of 18 designated scenic highways in Norway. The road winds along fjords, and through the mountains and valleys of Ryfylke. Along the way you can see striking architecture, charming and friendly villages, and a lush cultural landscape.

The National Scenic Route Ryfylke follows parts of Rv13 and Fv520. From south to north you pass through the villages and towns of Oanes, Jørpeland, Årdal, Hjelmeland, Sand, Sauda and Røldal.

The most famous attraction along this road is Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. Other attractions range from Old Årdal Church to the world’s largest wicker Jærstol chair at Hjelmeland. As you make your way north, you see the distinctive Skomakarnibba (the Shoemaker’s Crag) towering above the southern shore of the Jøsenfjord.

At the junction of Rv13 and Rv46, you can continue along Rv13 or choose the National Scenic Route Ryfylke via Sauda. The latter route lets you experience Svandalsfossen falls, the town of Sauda, and the old zinc mines at Allmannajuvet gorge with its museum and facilities designed by renowned architect Peter Zumthor.

If you continue on Rv13, you reach Sand and can experience the Salmon Studio and cross the striking Høsebrua bridge over Sandsfossen falls, visit the Ryfylke Museum and take a stroll in the fjordside village of Sand. Farther north on Rv13 is the old farmstead Kolbeinstveit, Røynevarden crofter’s farm, and Nesflaten with its facilities built for the hydropower company. Afterwards, in the valley of Brattlandsdalen you can walk the old road and take a photo stop at the Flesåna waterfall.

The highlight in Røldal is the 13th-century stave church.

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