Distance
41 miles / 65.4km
Elevation Gain
6,053ft / 1,845m
Sognefjellet Pass
Sognefjellet Pass
#8 on our Great Rides list
Norway
This iconic Northern Europe climb will test both your legs and your Gortex riding gear as it winds up from the small village of Skjolden up to the famous glaciers of Sognefjellet pass.
Location
Skjolden, Sognog Fjordane, Norway
Surface
Paved Road
Difficulty
Level 4
Traffic
Level 2
Only clear of snow a few months of the year, this relentless climb will offer incredible views of the vast and extremely remote mountainscape above the Fjords.
Designated, for good reason, as a Norwegian National Scenic route, you won’t regret testing the legs on this incredible, bucket list climb. Open May to mid August, the Sognefjellet ski center at 32.7kms, is a beautifully remodeled old ski lodge that offers tons of warm food options for lunch or a quick stop. It is not uncommon to see the Norwegian XC ski team training out on the glacier here during the summer.
What you need to know
Ride details:
The 21.1 km climb crawls 1481m up from the Fjord to the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. Average grade is 8.8% but don’t be surprised if you see grades as steep as 15%
Weather:
Due to the extreme environment of the far North, the weather changes incredibly fast here. Make sure to pack all the rain gear and a good attitude because you will likely need both.
Fuel:
Water, coffee, assorted pastries and the best carrot cake you’ll ever have available at Turtagrø hotel 10km up the climb. They also have a big fireplace and lots of old mountaineering books to flip through while you warm up.
While you're in town
Stay at the Skjolden hotel right on the iconic Sognefjord, the largest and deepest fjord in Norway and only 5km from the base of the climb. The owner, Siri, of the Skjolden hotel is a great resource for the best hikes, rentals or various fjord adventures. You can almost always count on her being behind the front desk with a huge smile on her face.
All your grocery needs can be met at markets in Skjolden and Gaupne. About an hour from Skjolden is the larger town of Sogndal with a large outdoor store, cell phone stores and more food options.
Ready for Sognefjellet Pass?
Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.