1. Places to visit
  2. The Aurlandsfjord

The Aurlandsfjord

Together with the Nærøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world.
Aurland - Stegasteinen
Located on the spectacular Sognefjord is Aurlandsfjord, one of Norway’s most idyllic fjords. It’s often referred to as the “Grand Canyon” of Norway, and it’s not a sight you want to miss. With the awe-inspiring beauty it has to offer, one can easily see why this is one of the most visited and photographed fjords in the area.
Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do while exploring this part of Norway!
The Aurlandsfjorden In Spring Colours - Norway

Enjoy panoramic views at Stegastein

One of the activities in the area that international travelers look forward to the most is going up to the Stegastein viewpoint to get a full panoramic view of the stunning Aurlandsfjord. You don’t need to travel by boat to get there – you can drive through Aurland and follow the signs on the mountainside up to the area where the viewpoint is, then take a short walk out to be able to experience some of the best views in Aurlandsfjord.
Activities in Flåm - Electric bus from Flåm to Stegastein viewpoint - view of the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm, Norway
You can book an electric minibus tour through the serpentine roads to the viewing platform for a fantastic and sustainable way to experience the beauty of the area. Stegastein is open all year round, so you have the option of seeing the greenery and blue hues of summer, or a beautiful snowy wonderland that you definitely won’t see anywhere else.
Things to do in Flåm - Kayak trip on the Aurlandsfjord 3 hours - Flåm, Norway

Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord

One of the best ways to really view the fjord is to get out on the water. Because of the popularity of the area, the ferries on the fjord are often crowded with tourists during the high season, but that won’t stop you from seeing the majestic natural surroundings!
Another fantastic option to explore the fjord is to join a guided kayak tour in Flåm and explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. This will provide you with a more private option if you’re not a fan of crowded tourist ferries, and is a fun and active way to enjoy the scenery. You can also take a RIB boat tour which will allow you to visit the quaint fjord side town of Undredal where you get to sample their world-famous goat cheese!
Located in the heart of the UNESCO world heritage landscape, Njardarheim Viking Valley allows you to learn about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Vikings. Here, you’ll find knowledgeable people who are enthusiastic about the Viking era and who are all excited to share their way of life with visitors. You can get a guided tour of the village, eat traditionally prepared Viking food, participate in an ax-throwing competition or aim for the bullseye while shooting arrows.
The Lærdal tunnel - Lærdal, Norway

Drive through Lærdalstunnelen

Lærdalstunnelen (the Lærdal Tunnel) is a 25.4 kilomtre long stretch that connects Aurland and Lærdal. It’s the world’s longest car tunnel and it helps to provide a ferry-free connection between Oslo and Bergen. It cuts into the mountain, so this fascinating tunnel provides an experience that allows you to experience the mountains both inside and out.
During construction, emphasis was placed on the lighting to prevent monotony in the driving experience. A team of psychologists played a part in the lighting by advising the use of blue and orange to mimic natural light at sunrise, and Lærdalstunnelen is a very interesting attraction for visitors to Aurlandsfjorden!
Sognefjord in a Nutshell - Flåmsbana Myrdal- Flåm, Norway

Experience the Flam Railway and Sognefjord

The train ride on the Flåm Railway is said to be one of the most beautiful railway experiences in the world. The train runs from Aurlandsfjord to the Myrdal mountain train station, and anyone would enjoy this scenic journey. In just one hour, you’ll be taken from the bottom of Aurlandsfjord to the high peak of Myrdal, which is over 800 meters above sea level. The stunning train ride provides you with panoramic views of the wild nature, mountaintops covered in a soft white blanket of snow, lush nature, cascading waterfalls, lush greenery, and fjord side farms.
You can combine a ride with the Flam railway with a boat cruise on the Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord on the popular Sognefjord in a nutshell™ tour. On this tour, you get to explore the Sognefjord area with its exceptional natural beauty, high mountains, and roaring waterfalls. Along the fjord, you will find charming villages where you relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, or have some fun and action-packed adventures.
There are a number of spectacular sights to see and activities to take part in during your visit to Aurlandsfjord. We hope you enjoy your visit to this stunning part of Norway!
Autumn in the Aurlandsfjord

Facts about the Aurlandsfjord:

  • The Aurlandsfjord is a part of the World Heritage area surrounding the Nærøyfjord
  • It is a 17-kilometer arm of the world’s second longest fjord, the Sognefjord (204 km)
  • It is surrounded by high mountains that reaches heights of over 1,400 metres
  • The fjord is considerd to be one of the most picturesque fjords in the world

Experience more with Norway in a Nutshell®

Our most popular tour shows you the very best of Norway. See the stunning UNESCO-listed fjords. Ride the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway, two of the world's most scenic railway lines. The tour includes a visit to several traditional villages, where it's well worth spending an extra night. You can take the tour in a single day, but we recommend taking longer to experience even more.

Highlights

  • Incredible scenery
  • A fjord cruise on the magnificent Nærøyfjord
  • The scenic Bergen Railway and the historic Flåm Railway
  • The quaint villages of Flåm and Gudvangen
  • Start in Oslo, Bergen, Voss, Geilo, or Flåm
Book hereSee more tours

Experience more with Sognefjord in a Nutshell™

Enjoy a fjord cruise on the spectacular Sognefjord, the second longest fjord in the world. Experience two of the world’s most beautiful train rides, the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway.
The trip can be completed in a single day but is best when combined with an overnight stay in Flåm or Balestrand.

Highlights

Book hereSee more tours

The famous Norwegian fjords

Norway has an incredible number of fjords. Get to know some of our favorite fjords here!