Things to Do in Aurland — a Local Guide to the Aurlandsdalen Valley

Aurland is a small municipality in Vestland county, on the inner Aurlandsfjord — a branch of the Sognefjord. The Aurlandsdalen valley is one of Norway's well-known historic hiking valleys, with steep mountain walls rising from the green valley floor and waterfalls cutting down the cliffs. The Nærøyfjord is a branch of the Sognefjord and forms part of the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Geirangerfjord area. The area has been travelled for centuries — first as a footpath and tourist route, then by the Flåm Railway, and today by visitors coming for hiking, fjord cruises and quiet, slow days by the water.

The Flåm Railway runs between Flåm and Myrdal and is approximately 20 kilometres long. The railway climbs from the fjord at Flåm to the mountain station at Myrdal, where it connects with the Bergen Railway. Above Aurlandsvangen, the Stegastein viewpoint is a viewing platform around 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord, located along the National Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet. The platform extends around 30 metres out from the mountainside. The mountain road across Aurlandsfjellet is seasonal and may be closed during winter and spring; the road towards Stegastein is normally accessible for a larger part of the year, but visitors should always check current road conditions. Down on the water, fjord cruises operate in the Flåm, Aurland and Nærøyfjord area. Availability and conditions can vary by season and weather, so check directly with the operator for current schedules and prices.

Aurlandsdalen is one of Norway's well-known historic hiking valleys. The classic hike from Østerbø to Vassbygdi is approximately 20 kilometres and normally takes most of a day. The actual time depends on pace, weather and conditions, and hiking and transport are seasonal — check conditions and transport before setting out. Undredal is a small fjord village along the Aurlandsfjord, known for its long tradition of goat farming and goat cheese; visits to producers and the stave church may require advance booking. Guided kayaking experiences are available in the Aurland and Flåm area during the operating season. Availability, routes and weather conditions vary, so guests should check directly with a local operator.

Skaimsberg is located in the Aurlandsdalen valley, a few kilometres from Aurlandsvangen, with easy access to Aurlandsdalen, Stegastein, Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord. From the apartments you can follow a short section of the Aurlandsdalen trail, take a short drive to Flåm for cruises and the railway, or visit nearby Stegastein. A floating fjord sauna is available by the waterfront in Aurlandsvangen; opening times and availability may vary, so booking and current information should be checked directly with the operator. We keep a continually updated list of places to eat, activities, opening hours and drive times here on the site — and our in-house concierge answers guest questions during your stay.

Whether you come for the hiking, the railway, the cheese or simply the quiet of a Norwegian farmstead by the fjord, Aurland rewards a few unhurried days. Use this guide as a starting point, and ask us anything specific before you arrive.