We are going to Norway in September. We will be renting a car in Voss and driving up to Solvorn to spend time in the Lustrafjord area. We will have already done Norway in a nutshell from Oslo to Voss. We are looking looking for two routes and beautiful places to stop along the way. Is the snow road closed in September?
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7246 posts
Just to make it clear, you are returning to Voss to return the car? So you are looking for two different routes, one to Solvorn and one back to Voss? How long can each route take?
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Yes the two routes are so we can pick up and return the car to Voss. We have a full day in each direction
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8050 posts
I sure hope that the Snow Road is open this September, when we’ll be there. This item from the Internet indicates it’s closed as of October, but would seem to be open until then. There are other attractions mentioned for drivers, as well. https://www.lifeinnorway.net/aurlandsfjellet-snow-road/#:~:text=While%20the%20mountain%20pass%20is,from%20the%20striking%20viewing%20platform.
Posted by
Schwerin
3278 posts
phyllise3 & Cyn,
The road over the mountain is closed in winter. The road is normally
closed from November to June. Previous closures have started between
07 October and 6 November. Previous openings have taken place between
7 May and 3 June. The road from Aurlandsvangen to the viewpoint at
Stegastein is open all year round.
Source: https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/routes/aurlandsfjellet/
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8050 posts
Thank you, MarkK. So, phyllise3, the a snow Road will certainly be wide open in September. Maybe “Snow Road” is really a misnomer, as when it’s going to be buried in snow, there’s no road!
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7246 posts
When you say Snow road, I assume that means Gamle Aurlandsvegen? In that case I think it will be open, but as always, check the weather forecast and road information before as that might change. Also keep in mind that the weather changes a lot with altitude. Do not assume that it will certainly be open in September, it is up to nature to decide in the end.
As for route suggestions from Vossevangen to Solvorn, another route that can be an option is to continue north on road 13 and take the the ferry across the fjord from Vangsnes. Then either continue on road 13 the shortest way to Solvorn. Or if you want a bit more mountain scenery, take road 613 towards Førde and then road 5 over to Solvorn. The latter option will probably take most of the day but can be worth it.
Posted by
Schwerin
3278 posts
Support route 13 option. It is really a nice fjell route before Vikøyri (example).
The Hopperstad stave church there is worth a visit.
At Vangsnes ferry quay take care to sort yourself correctly in a lane to Hella.
After ferry route 13 along Sognefjord is sometimes a little bit narrow.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you so much for your suggestions. So as of now we plan to take the snow road route to Solvorn and the the route 13 option from Solvorn back to Voss. About how long of a drive is the route 13 option? Does the ferry come often or is there a ferry schedule we should keep in mind? I am assuming we can take the car on the ferry. We will stop at the Hopperstand stave church. Are there other suggestions for stops along either route. Thanks again
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7246 posts
The road 13 option is around 3-4 hours driving. The ferry schedule can be found here: https://www.norled.no/globalassets/2021-ferjetakster/hella-2.pdf And yes, you bring the car on the ferry. There are no bridges across Sognefjorden so the ferries are the only way to cross it. And make sure you know how to pay for the ferry, it should be done automatically, but ask the rental company just to be sure if it isn't obvious.