Tour of East Norway, Stage 4 (Filefjell)

Tour of East Norway, Stage 4 (Filefjell)

Filefjell is a high-altitude mountainous region in Norway that serves as a vital natural corridor between Eastern and Western Norway. Spanning the border area where Innlandet and Vestland counties meet—near the Jotunheimen mountain range—the area is characterized by a vast, rugged plateau of tundra, glacial lakes, and steep alpine terrain. Because the main European route E16 passes through a protective valley here, it remains one of the most reliable and year-round accessible mountain crossings in the country.

Beyond its geography, Filefjell is deeply significant as the site of the historic Kongevegen (the King’s Road). Completed in the 1790s as the first road capable of supporting horse-drawn carts between Oslo and Bergen, it replaced treacherous medieval bridle paths. Today, sections of this historic route have been restored as a premier hiking and cultural attraction, featuring landmarks like the nearby Borgund Stave Church. For those exploring the area, the route offers a world-class cycling experience, winding through dramatic mountain vistas and fjord-side valleys that showcase Norway’s rich engineering and travel heritage.