Stalheimskleiva
Category 21.9 km
Distance
250 m
Elevation Gain
13%
Average Gradient
20%
Max Gradient
Stalheimskleiva is one of the steepest public roads in Norway and a short, savage climbing test that no rider in the Hardanger and Voss region should overlook. The old post road climbs 250m in under 2km at an average of 13%, with the steepest section touching 20% — gradients that reduce even strong climbers to a grinding tempo. The road is narrow, cobbled in sections, and winds above two of Norway's most impressive waterfalls: Stalheimsfossen (126m) and Sivlefossen (142m), which frame the ascent with a scale of cascading water that makes the effort feel cinematically appropriate. A tunnel bypasses Stalheimskleiva for standard traffic — the old road is a designated cycling and pedestrian route, meaning no vehicles to contend with on the steepest section.
Pro Tip
The old road is closed to motorised traffic but freely accessible to cyclists year-round when not snow-covered. The natural approach is from Gudvangen in the Nærøyfjord valley below — a UNESCO World Heritage fjord landscape that makes the approach ride as memorable as the climb itself. Combine with a descent on the main E16 road for a spectacular 60km loop from Voss.
Part of
Cycling in Western Fjords