Stalheimskleiva

Stalheimskleiva is one of the steepest roads in Northern Europe, dropping into the Nærøydalen valley through 13 dramatic hairpin bends flanked by two powerful waterfalls, Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen. The classic shot is from the top near Stalheim Hotel, where you can compress the switchbacks with a telephoto lens to emphasize the road's intensity against the steep valley walls. A wider lens works well for capturing the full scene with both waterfalls visible on either side. Overcast days are ideal here since the deep valley walls create harsh shadows in direct sun, and soft diffused light keeps detail in both the bright waterfalls and darker road surface. The road is one-way going downhill and only open in summer, so plan to position yourself at the viewpoint near the hotel before traffic builds up in the morning. Sturdy footwear helps if you want to move along the grassy ridge for different angles. (Stalheim, Vestland, Norway)