The viewpoint is designed by Code Arkitektur and was officially opened as part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes program in 2016.
The viewing platform is cantilevered, extending far enough over the ledge to remove the immediate mountain slope from the visitor's line of sight.
The design uses a heavy concrete base and a thin steel viewing deck to create a sense of floating above the valley.
The Gaularfjellet mountain pass road was historically one of the most difficult routes to maintain due to heavy snowfall and steep terrain.
The structure is specifically engineered to withstand the extreme wind loads and heavy winter snow accumulation prevalent at this altitude.
Gaularfjellet Utsiktspunkt is a cantilevered steel and concrete viewing platform located at the summit of the Gaularfjellet mountain pass along the Norwegian Scenic Route. The structure projects over the edge of the mountainside, providing an unobstructed vista of the Vetlefjord and the surrounding mountain landscape. It is part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes project, which features curated architectural interventions in nature. The platform is designed to provide a secure vantage point at an elevation that significantly alters the perspective of the Utsola mountain range. The surrounding road, Rv13, is known for its steep gradients and tight switchbacks, making the viewpoint a focal point for travelers navigating the mountain pass. The design emphasizes minimal impact on the local geography while facilitating expansive views. It serves as a primary stop for tourists traversing the connection between the Sognefjord and Sunnfjord regions.
The very tip of the cantilevered platform, which allows for a shot looking straight down the mountainside toward the fjord.
Check local mountain pass conditions before departing, as the road is prone to sudden closures during severe weather.
Bring layers, as the wind chill at the exposed platform can be significantly colder than in the valley below.
Use the designated parking area rather than stopping on the narrow road shoulders.
Attempting to drive this route with large motorhomes or trailers if uncomfortable with steep, narrow, and winding mountain roads.
The road and viewpoint are closed during the winter season due to heavy snow; typically reopens in late spring once cleared.
