Scenic route Aurlandsfjellet
The snow road between the fjords
From fjord to fjord across a barren mountain noticeably marked by the snow, and with the view of Aurdalsfjorden as the grand finale.
This scenic route will give you many powerful impressions, and the contrasts are compelling between the fiord and the high mountain where there is snow on the ground most of the year. One of the most characteristic features of this route is the desolate and apparently completely untouched landscape it runs through. The exception is the power line, which bears witness to the presence of human beings.
Combined with the Lærdal Tunnel, this makes a unique circular trip from Gamle Lærdalsøyri to Aurlandsvangen. The road is closed in winter, but the stretch from Aurlandsvangen is open as far as the viewpoint at Stegastein all year round.
Travel information
- Length
- 47 km
- MASL
- 0 – 1308
Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet runs between Lærdalsøyri and Aurlandsvangen [5627]. Driving through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, will allow you to enjoy a wonderful round trip.
For cyclists: Aurlandsfjellet can be a demanding cycle ride with a long climb up the mountain whether you start from Lærdal or from Aurland. The stretch from Stegastein towards Aurlandsfjorden may have a lot of traffic in the summer.
Traffic and road information
Telephone +47 815 48 991
Traffic alerts in map (Norwegian only)
Scenic Routes closed in winter season
- GPS, Lærdalsøyri:
- 61.101395, 7.460039
- GPS, Aurlandsvangen:
- 60.910982, 7.191303
THE ROAD IS OPEN. The route is closed over the mountain during the winter season between the Aurland/Lærdal municipal boundary and Nalfarbakkane above Aurlandsvangen. The stretch is normally closed in November and reopens in June. The road from Aurlandsvangen to the Stegastein viewing point is open all year round. Spring is capricious in the mountains. In bad weather, the road can be closed at short notice. For the first few weeks after opening, the road may be closed at night.
There are restrictions on the length of buses and the maximum length is 12,4 metres.
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Photo 1 of 11: Kvammadalen. Photo: Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 2 of 11: Vedahaugane. Photo: Roger Ellingsen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 3 of 11: Vedahaugane. Photo: Therese Ruud, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 4 of 11: Flotane. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 5 of 11: Flyvotni. Photo: Bjørn Andresen, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 6 of 11: Flotane. Photo: Therese Ruud, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 7 of 11: Flotane. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 8 of 11: Erdalselvi, Sluppen. Photo: Therese Ruud, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 9 of 11: Lærdalsøyri. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 10 of 11: Skålane. Photo: Therese Ruud, Statens vegvesen -
Photo 11 of 11: Erdalen. Photo: Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen
Experiences
What is often found to leave the strongest impression on visitors at Aurlandsfjellet is the feeling of being somewhere where there are few traces of human beings. Here the quality lies in the little things, such as touching the snow or dipping your toes in an ice-cold mountain lake. The desolate landscape is quite unique. The route runs from the fiord to the mountain, from the lush valley to the rocky high-mountain desert.
The "snow road" over Aurlandsfjellet offers many and strong contrasts, and the viewpoint of Stegastein is a natural place to stop on your way down from the mountain. The road between Aurlandsvangen on Aurlandsfjorden and Lærdalsøyri on Sognefjorden is an excellent starting point for great hikes with magnificent views of the fiords.
Useful links
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The official travel guide to Norway
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Map with information on sleep, eat and do
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Travel by bus, train, ferry, metro and plane
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Charge map & route planner (Norwegian and English)
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Map with places suitable for motorhomes (Norwegian)
The 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes
Norwegian Scenic Routes are roads that run through unique Norwegian nature. Along the roads you will find artworks, viewpoints and rest areas with innovative architecture in beautiful landscapes.
