The view on Gaularfjellet gives you a real pang in your stomach

1 Feb.

*Photo: Jiri Havran, Norwegian Scenic Routes.*

When you look over the edge of the concrete cliff, which is thrust out into the open air, you can see 700 meters straight down into the valley!

The view has always been there, at the top of the bends up Gaularfjellet from Balestrand. You look out over the Vetlefjord with high mountains of 1500 meters in the background. But the small platform that used to be there has been replaced by some exciting architecture. A viewing platform that will really get the summer birds going.

- "This will give people a wow effect. It's supposed to be a bit scary," says Trine Kanter Zerwekh of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

A more popular tourist route

Gaularfjellet is one of 18 National Tourist Routes, but has been less well known than attractions such as Geiranger-Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road. With the opening of Utsikten in June, the beautiful stretch of road in Sogn og Fjordane will get a lot of attention.

- This will give a major boost to Gaularfjellet, which will have one of the most spectacular viewpoints built in Norway. The distinctive character of the Norwegian Scenic Routes - spectacular architecture in magnificent nature - really comes into its own here," says Kanter Zerwekh, who is responsible for profiling and tourism contact.

*Overview of the new viewing platform. Photo: Eivind Nygaard, Code AS.*

*One of the three snippets. Photo: Eivind Nygaard, Code AS.*

Tolerate more cars and buses

The concrete slab is built over the edge of the mountain, with a concrete slab that soars 18 meters out from the rock face without support, 700 meters above sea level. In total, the concrete slab is 850 m2 in size, and the longest side is 50 meters long!

- About half of the surface is drivable for cars and buses. This part is on the ground. The part outside the edge is for pedestrians," says architect Eivind Nygaard of Code AS.

The entire slab is almost a meter thick. With 80 centimeters of concrete, a hole and steps can be removed without collapsing. Nygaard explains that all rainwater from the slab will drain out through a hole in cut 1. This will become a small artificial waterfall when it rains heavily.

*Model of the finished project. Construction started in 2014 and will be completed in June 2016. Model: Code AS*

*Several solar panels have been installed on one of the slopes and will get enough sun to power water for toilets and lighting for the area. Photo: Henden Elektro AS*

40 minutes from the hotel

The trip up to Utsikten takes no more than 40 minutes from Kviknes Hotel. After you have calmed the summer birds in your stomach, you can continue along the Gaular watercourse. This is a protected watercourse that will give you everything from wild rapids and waterfalls to rolege parts where the water flows quietly. Feel free to take your feet if you really want to feel the closeness to nature.

You can also combine the tour with lunch/dinner and an opera performance at Åmot Operagard, a historical gem in Bygstad. This is an experience where all the senses are catered for. Follow the tourist road over Gaularfjellet towards Sande. Then it's about 13 kilometers to Åmot Operagard. You'll experience fantastic Western Norway nature, accompanied by good stories, beautiful music and tasty gastronomy.

This is an unforgettable day trip for those who want to experience something truly special. Just ask usand we'll help you plan your trip.