This Norwegian Scenic Route 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
Missed the view of snow-capped mountains?
You might still have the chance…
…after all, we don’t call it the 'Snow Road' for nothing.
A roadtrip over the Aurlandsfjellet Ridge
Embark on a road trip across the 'Snow Road,' a journey that climbs 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 a dramatic contrast between the deep blue Aurlandsfjord and the desolate, lunar-like landscape of the summit.
If you are driving from Bergen getting to Aurland takes you 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Oslo, which 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 directly beneath the mountain, the scenic route takes you over it. Prepare for steep inclines and sharp hairpins that demand your full attention and a steady hand on the wheel
The journey begins at sea level in the village of Aurlandsvangen, and there’s already plenty of sights to be seen!
Stop by the Économusée to see how the original 'penny loafer' is still handmade by skilled artisans.
For the perfect start to your trip, spend a 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.
Where to stay
Find a place in Aurlandsvangen that suits you and your travel plans.
After driving just about 10 minutes up the hillside from Aurlandsvangen, take the short detour to Skjerdal Stølsysteri, for a taste of the region (pun intended).
Here you can hike to the mountain farm to sample award-winning goat cheese with a panoramic view of the fjord.
At the 8-kilometre mark, roughly 15 minutes from the start, Stegastein 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, aim to arrive very early or take the local shuttle bus from Flåm to save yourself the stress.
Things to see in Aurland
Discover the best of the Aurlandsfjord
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 deep 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, 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 the harsh mountain winters.
After a while you’ll find the graceful walkway of Vedahaugene, just 34 kilometres from the start.
It curves through the terrain to protect the fragile alpine flora, while offering a sheltered view toward the Jotunheimen mountains.
At the end of that same walkway, peer into the dark stone lair to find the "DEN" art installation.
Inside, a bear sleeps upon a pile of human artifacts, a silent and slightly haunting reflection on our impact on the wild.
After 1 hour and 15 minutes of driving, the descent begins at Sluppen.
Watch the landscape transform from barren rock back into a lush, green valley filled with cascading waterfalls in just a few steep turns.
The route concludes in the charming village of Lærdalsøyri at 47 kilometres, roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes after you began. Spend some time wandering through the old town's 160 protected wooden houses to soak in the peaceful 18th-century atmosphere.
Places to stop by in Lærdal
Explore local landmarks and cultural stops in Lærdal
Should you want to return to Aurlandsvangen make sure to pass through Lærdalstunnelen, the longest road tunnel in the world!
Places to stay in Lærdal
Find a place in Lærdal that suits you and your travel plans.
LærdalLærdal Hotel
Lærdal Hotel is beautifully situated by the sea by the Sognefjord, in the very heart of Fjord Norway. The hotel is a perfect starting point for trips and activities in the area such as: walking along the beutiful Kongevegen, the impressive viewpoint Stegastein, guided glacier hikes on Jostedalsbreen, zipline in Flåm, fjord safari with RIB boat, kayaking, a cruise on the amazing Nærøyfjorden, Vettisfossen in Utladalen, and mountain hike to Mold
If you’re still hungry for more a 30-minute detour inland from Lærdal brings you to Borgund Stave Church. Built in 1180, its dragon-headed roof and dark-tarred wood make it the best-preserved medieval church in Norway.
Good to know before you go
The high mountain plateau is closed from October until late May or early June. Always check 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 of time at night and in bad weather.
Should you be driving a motorhome or caravan emptying toilets is not allowed in the toilet along this road. The facility is not designed for such use.
Throughout the journey, stay alert of sheep and goats napping on the warm asphalt. They are the true locals of the mountain road, and they always have the right of way.
Source: Norwegian scenic routes
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Norwegian Scenic Routes
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