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Steep, narrow, and prone to landslides. This is what it's like to drive on Norway's worst road
County Road No. 33. Photo submitted by a contest participant. Fot. OFV
In a national poll organized by the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV), nearly 9,000 people cast their votes, naming County Road No. 33 as the worst road in Norway. Initially, more than 1,500 nominations were submitted, covering around 250 different road sections. The highlighted stretch runs along Lake Mjøsa between Minnesund and Bjørgo, crossing the border between the Akershus and Innlandet regions.
The road is characterized by a narrow carriageway, steep sections, and the risk of landslides. These conditions make daily travel difficult for residents and for drivers who use it when the E6 highway is closed. Users point to numerous potholes, falling rocks, and stretches where it is hard to pass without reversing or pulling onto the shoulder.
Buses or trucks often require careful maneuvering in very tight spaces. For local communities, the route is of great transport importance, but its standard does not meet the needs of users or local businesses.
Buses or trucks often require careful maneuvering in very tight spaces. For local communities, the route is of great transport importance, but its standard does not meet the needs of users or local businesses.
The condition of Norwegian roads is far from perfect
OFV points out that the problem concerns not just this one road, but the entire network of municipal roads in Norway. An analysis prepared by Vista Analyse for OFV showed that the condition of routes is deteriorating due to insufficient funding and flaws in the financing system.
Although in some regions spending on roads has increased by as much as 18 percent compared to 2018, many investments still depend on one-off grants and political decisions. As a result, regions that neglect regular maintenance may receive more funds, which disrupts budget balance and long-term planning.
Although in some regions spending on roads has increased by as much as 18 percent compared to 2018, many investments still depend on one-off grants and political decisions. As a result, regions that neglect regular maintenance may receive more funds, which disrupts budget balance and long-term planning.
Huge backlog in road maintenance
With the upcoming presentation of the state budget for 2026, the government and parliament will have the opportunity to address the problems raised by drivers and municipalities. OFV proposes three remedial actions: introducing a new financing model based on fixed criteria, increasing support for road investments through compensation, and creating additional funds for landslide and avalanche protection.
County roads make up nearly half of Norway's entire road network, with four out of ten rated as low standard. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) estimates the maintenance backlog at around NOK 100 billion, while the current budget provides only NOK 0.5 billion for targeted actions.
County roads make up nearly half of Norway's entire road network, with four out of ten rated as low standard. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) estimates the maintenance backlog at around NOK 100 billion, while the current budget provides only NOK 0.5 billion for targeted actions.
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