The Aurlandsdalen Valley

The well-known and historic Aurlandsdalen Valley was once one of the main routes between the eastern and western parts of Norway. The area known as Norway's Grand Canyon is wild and breathtaking, rich in plant and animal life, cultural treasures, history and geological features.

You can hike through the valley and stay overnight in the mountain lodges along the way, or come by bus or private car for shorter trips.

Each section is also suitable as a single day tour.

Finse - Geiteryggshytta Cabin
From 1,222 to 1,224 metres above sea level

Trains to Finse. Cross the railway at the station, continue along the western side of Jomfrunut and over the Finseåni River bridge. A short detour to St. Pål (named by Lord Garvagh) is a must. Spectacular views over Gausta, Hardangerjøkulen and parts of Jotunheimen. The route continues towards Bakkaheleren. On the way you pass an old animals hunting pit. Continue along the south bank of the river to Geiterygghytta Mountain Lodge.

• Distance: Approximately 18 kilometres
• Time: Approximately five hours
• Starting point: Finse
• Directions to starting point: Train to Finse
• Marked trail

Geiteryggshytta Cabin - Stemmerdalen Valley
From 1,224 to 1,070 metres above sea level

Follow the path up from the construction road north of the lodge and ascend the west side of Sundellerskarvet. Here the path forks off to Kongshelleren and Iungsdalen. The path to Steinbergdalhytta continues northwards and cross Rausdalen. Another climb west of Bolhovd to Breibakka. Magnificent view over Stemmerdalen. The path descends diagonally along the mountainside to Steinbergdalhytta Mountain Lodge.

• Distance: Approximately 11 kilometres
• Time: Approximately three hours
• Starting point: Geiterygghytta
• Parking: By Geiteryggtunnelen on rv. 50 road from Aurland to Hol
• Directions to starting point: Three kilometres walk from the parking to Geiterygghytta
• Bus-connection several times a day May - September
• Marked trails

Stemmerdalen - Østerbø
From 1,070 to 820 metres above sea level

Rejoin the path up the slope north of the lodge and continue the ascent. Fine view over Stemmerdalen. The path joins an old route by Grøna-dam. Continue over the Grøna River bridge, up past Grønestølen and down to Østerbø Fjellstove and Østerbø Turisthytte.

• Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres
• Time: Approximately five hours
• Starting point: Stemmerdalen
• Parking: Stemmerdalen
• Directions to starting point: The rv. 50 road from Aurland to Hol, park by Steinbergdalhytta. Bus connection several times a day May – September
• Marked trail

Østerbø - Vassbygdi
From 820 to 50 metres above sea level

This section of the valley is famous. Past the old cemetery and over the Langdøla Bridge; continue past Viki to the once notorious Nesbøgalden (this was a system of ramshackle vertical and horizontal ladders fastened to cracks in the rock). Now a wide pathway has been blazed into the cliff face along the Nesbø-vatnet. The path continues past picturesque Nesbø to a fork at Tirtesva.

The original route is now restored, and it provides much better views than the path along the river. Handrails and steps assist the steep descent from Bjønnstigvarden. The walk continues past Svartatjødn. We recommend a visit to the "Vetlahelvete" Cave to the west of the path. Descend once again to the river, and walk to the bridge over the Veiverdalselvi River.

Ascend to Sinjarheim farm (now fully restored having been closed since 1921). On the way you pass the tiny Almen farm situated beneath a towering rock overhang. Continue along the river to Belle in Vassbygdi.

• Time: Approximately six hours
• Starting point: Østerbø
• Parking:  Østerbø
• Directions to starting point: The RV 50 road from Aurland to Hol, park by Østerbø. Bus connection several times a day May – September
• Marked trails

Hiking suggestions in Årdal

Hjelle – Vetti Gard Farm – Vettisfossen Waterfall – Hjelle
From 80 to 250 meters above sea level.

Explore Utladalen, a gateway to Jotunheimen National Park. The trail leaves Hjelle on a good tractor path, through the wild and beautiful Utladalen, to Vetti Gard Farm and further to spectacular Vettisfossen Waterfall (275 metres free fall), and returns taking the same route. At the starting point, there is also a Information centre, Utladalen Naturhus, which is open during high season (mid-June to late August).

• Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres (5 kilometres one way)
• Time: Approximately four hours
• Starting point: Hjelle Skåri Farm – Utladalen
• Parking: Hjelle Waterfall
• Directions: From Øvre Årdal on the rv. 53 road, follow signs to Vetti/Utladalen. Six kilometres to Hjelle.

Hiking suggestions in Lærdal

Vindhellavegen
Vindhellavegen winds through the mountain pass between Husum and Borgund Stave Church. The present road was built between 1840 and 1843. Combine Vindhellavegen with Sverrestigen for a splendid round trip. You can start or end the trip at Borgund Stave Church, Norways most distinctive stave church, built around 1180. Vindhellavegen takes about one hour. The roundtrip Vindhella – Sverrestigen takes two to three hours.

Galdane – Seltåsen
The road winds its way along the wild Lærdal river. Start from Seltun or Sjurhaug. If you want a beautiful round-trip, walk Galdane Path from Selthun to Sjurhaug, follow the old main road back and take the path across Seltåsen down to Koren and finally the pedestrian back to Seltun. A fantastic hike which takes about four hours.

Vindhellavegen, Galdane and Seltåsen are beautiful historic roads. Here you will find amazing stonework, houses, and marks of the war and the olden days. The path follows the old historic roads and is easy hike.

Habben – Hognåsen – Sviggum
Start from Lærdal ferry quay. Marked trail with trail guide and sign showing place names. This steep walk takes you up to 900 metres above sea level and lasts takes about five to seven hours. At the top you will see a summer farm, from the summer farm you walk at the same altitude til you find red marking at the forest outskirts. Beautiful view of the fjord and the walley.

Stødno – Åsastølen
You can walk to Stødno via Mjølkeflaten or via the Øye bridge. The road to Åsen is signed with "Åsen" and takes off from the Hedler path about 100 metres before you reach Stødno Farm. Steep at the start, easier terrain later on. Rich plant life. Åsen, 780 metres above sea level, is the summer farm of Stødno. Beautiful views. The walk from Stødno takes three to fours hours. There is a marked trail over the mountain to Fodnes from Åsastølen.

The walks to Hognåsen and Åsastølen are steep and you will get to about 800 to 900 metres above sea level so you should be in pretty good shape to walk these walks.