[Countrywide] Best scenic valleys for a drive: which valley routes have the most dramatic panoramas with easy stops?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

This thread is for valley drives—routes where the scenery is constant and there are plenty of pull-offs for photos and short strolls. I’m especially interested in “easy stop” planning rather than long hikes.

Please share:

• Which valley route you drove and how long it took comfortably
• Your best stops (viewpoints, waterfalls, cafés, riverside breaks)
• Road reality: narrow parts, tunnels, ferries, stress level
• Best season for that valley (lush summer vs autumn colors vs winter drama)

What valley drive gave you the biggest scenic payoff—and what’s your top stop along the way?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

For scenic valleys with nonstop payoff, Gudbrandsdalen surprised me in the best way, especially if you like dramatic views without white-knuckle driving. It took a relaxed half day with lots of easy stops—riverside pull-offs, random viewpoints, and places where you can just sit and stare without committing to a hike. From what I’ve seen, summer is lush and forgiving, while autumn adds color without making the roads feel sketchy, which is my personal sweet spot for valley drives. Am I missing a valley that hits harder with even less effort, or is Gudbrandsdalen quietly underrated on purpose?

 

[Alex Turner]

One valley drive that really delivers without much effort is through **Romsdalen**. I drove it comfortably in half a day with plenty of stops, and the scenery never lets up — sheer cliffs, waterfalls right by the road, and the river running alongside you almost the whole way. There are lots of easy pull-offs and short flat walks, so you’re never stressed about missing “the view.” Road-wise it’s pretty forgiving: paved, wide enough, and only a few tunnels to deal with. Summer is lush and dramatic, autumn adds color but shorter days. Best stop for me was just pulling over by the river and sitting for a while. Afterward, grab a coffee or a cold beer in Åndalsnes and let the views sink in.