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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

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Distance

41 miles / 65.4km

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Elevation Gain

6,053ft / 1,845m

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Best Time to Visit

Summer

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Surface

Paved Road

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Difficulty

Level 4

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Traffic

Level 2

Discover this ride on our Norway bike tour

Explore the land of fjords on two wheels

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.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself