This Norwegian Scenic Route takes you between the fjord village of Aurlandsvangen and the historic Lærdalsøyri by the Sognefjord in Western Norway.


Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet
A journey above the fjords
Haven't had a view of snow-capped mountains yet?
You may still have a chance…
…after all, we don’t call it the 'Snow Road' for nothing.
A drive over the Aurlandsfjellet Ridge
Embark on a journey across the 'Snow Road,' a route that takes you from the lush fjords to a high-mountain plateau of ice and rock. The Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet spans 47 kilometres between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri, offering dramatic contrasts between the deep blue Aurlandsfjord and the lunar-like landscape at the summit.
If you are driving from Bergen, getting to Aurland takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. From Oslo, it typically takes about 5 hours.
Keep in mind that this route is often closed in winter due to heavy snow, usually opening in June.
While the world-famous Lærdal Tunnel runs inside the mountain directly below, the scenic route takes you over it. Prepare for steep inclines and sharp hairpin turns that demand your full attention and a steady hand on the wheel





If you start from Bergen in the west, the route begins at fjord level in Aurlandsvangen, a cosy fjord village that embraces slow travel!
Stop by the Économusée to see how the original 'penny loafer' is still handmade by skilled artisans, visit the local glass blower, or learn more about Norwegian traditions and herd sheep on a guided tour with Culture on a plate
Ready to indulge? Spend the night at 29|2 Aurland, a boutique farm hotel where restored 18th-century buildings and high-end comfort make it hard to ever want to leave.
In Aurland, you´re also very close to the village of Flåm, where you can cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord, and take a trip aboard the world-famous Flåmsbana Railway.
Aurlandsvangen is also the end point for one of Norway's top hikes, through the Aurlandsdalen valley.
Things to see in Aurland
Discover the best of the Aurlandsfjord
Where to stay
Find a place in Aurlandsvangen that suits you and your travel plans.












Now, it's time to get going!
After driving about 10 minutes up the steep hillside from Aurlandsvangen, make a short detour to Skjerdal Stølsysteri, for a taste of award-winning goat cheese.
At the 8-kilometre mark, roughly 15 minutes from the start, the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform hovers 650 metres above the blue waters of the Aurlandsfjord, offering a dizzying view of the UNESCO-protected landscape.
The platform juts 30 metres out into the air, providing the ultimate 'floating' sensation.
Keep in mind, parking at Stegastein is very limited and traffic can be heavy. To avoid the midday rush, we strongly recommend taking the local shuttle bus from Flåm.
Now that we are getting close to midway in our journey, let’s take a quick dive into the history of the route.
By the time you reach 15 kilometres and 30 minutes of driving, you are navigating through engineering history.
This road was originally built as a rugged access path for massive hydroelectric projects and only opened as a public route in 1967.
As you leave the treeline behind and reach an altitude of 1,300 metres, you’ll understand why this is called the 'Snow Road'. Even in mid-summer, you might navigate a corridor of snowbanks that can tower several metres above your car.
After nearly an hour on the road, Flotane is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This award-winning, solar-powered rest area is a sleek architectural gem designed to withstand harsh mountain winters.
34 kilometres from Aurlandsvangen, you’ll find the graceful walkway Vedahaugene.
It curves through the terrain to protect the fragile alpine flora, while offering a sheltered view of the Jotunheimen mountains.
At the end of that same walkway, peer into a dark stone lair to find the DEN art installation.
Inside, a bear sleeps on a pile of human artefacts, a silent and slightly haunting reflection on our impact on the wild.
The descent now begins at Sluppen.
See the landscape transform from barren rock back into a lush, green valley filled with cascading waterfalls over the course of just a few steep turns.
The route ends in the charming village of Lærdalsøyri at 47 kilometres, after roughly 1.5 hours of driving. Wander among the old town's 160 listed wooden houses…
…and soak in the peaceful 18th-century atmosphere, explore galleries and visit cafés and bakeries with local food on the menu.
Explore Lærdal
Explore local shops, hotels and cultural stops in Lærdal.


Should you wish to return to Aurlandsvangen, make sure to pass through Lærdalstunnelen, the longest road tunnel in the world at 25 kilometres!
If you continue east towards Eastern Norway, or take a 30-minute detour inland from Lærdal, you'll reach Borgund Stave Church. Built in 1180, its dragon-headed roof and dark-tarred wood make it the best-preserved medieval church in Norway.
Road and traffic information
Statens vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), provides real-time traffic updates for the whole country.
Map and timetables for ferries
Download NPRA’s app to get real time traffic information.
Nice to know before you go
The Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet is not accessible during winter and spring.
The high mountain plateau is closed from October until late May or early June, depending on snow conditions.
Always check the weather and road conditions before you go, as snow can fall at the summit even during the summer months. After opening, the road may be closed for periods at night or during bad weather.
The road from Aurlandsvangen up to the popular Stegastein viewpoint is very narrow and steep, and there's a lot of traffic during peak season. Be considerate and only stop at designated places, and use the passing bays actively to let traffic pass. Note that parking space at Stegastein is limited, and you can only park there for a maximum of 1 hour.
If you're driving a motorhome or caravan, emptying chemical toilets is not allowed in the restrooms beside the road. The facility is not designed for such use.
Throughout the journey, stay alert for sheep and goats napping on the warm asphalt. They are the true locals of the mountain road, and always have the right of way.
Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Explore the most beautiful drives in Norway! Find out what to experience along the routes, including lesser-known gems, accommodation, and wonderful detours.
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