The road here follows the northern shore of the Jøsenfjord. This is one of the more dramatic stretches of the Scenic Route.
The fjord extends about 25 kilometres inland, with mountains rising steeply to over 700 metres on both sides. It is up to 400 metres deep. There were plans to replace the Hjelmeland ferry with a tunnel, but engineers discovered the fjord was simply too deep to make it feasible.
The road only runs along the north side. The southern shore has no road at all and can only be reached by boat. You will see farms scattered on both sides. Some are still working, others abandoned. The small crofter's cottages were the first to go when people moved to easier lives elsewhere.
Look across to the south side and you can see the distinctive profile of Skomakarnibbå, the cliff formation at 741 metres.
The fjord has always been known for good fishing. Today you will also see salmon and halibut farms floating in the water. If you are lucky, you might spot sea eagles circling above.