Aurland: Fjord Landscapes, Culture and Experiences

When looking for accommodation in Aurland, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: fjord landscapes, the Flåm Railway, cycling, fishing or culture. The places and activities appeal to different interests and are easier to plan when you don’t combine them into a single outing. This way, you can decide which nature and cultural experiences you want to make the focus of your stay.

Fjord landscapes and regional context

The Aurlandsfjord is part of the Sognefjord, which is designated a national salmon fjord. Considerable parts of the Nærøyfjord area are also in Aurland. This fjord is shaped by narrow, steep-sided cliffs, numerous waterfalls and free-flowing rivers that run through deciduous and coniferous forests to glacier lakes and rugged mountains. For your trip planning, these are distinct landscape contexts: the Aurlandsfjord’s position as part of the Sognefjord, and the varied natural scenery of the Nærøyfjord.

Places, culture and experiences

Traditional goat’s cheese from Undredal is made at the village’s Stølsysteriet using old methods. If you’d like to include the cheese in your trip plans, check visitor arrangements and availability in advance.

Sognedomen is an old stone church dating from the 11th century. Another cultural highlight, Rallarvegen combines cycling with nature and cultural history, and ends in Flåm. Cycling conditions are seasonal. Kjosfossen, meanwhile, is a 225-metre-high waterfall along the Flåm Railway. Passengers can get off at a specially designated stop; stop arrangements may vary. If getting off is important to your plans, check the details before your journey.

These two experiences offer different focuses: Kjosfossen combines a waterfall with the Flåm Railway, while Rallarvegen combines cycling, nature and cultural history. This distinction can help you organise your planned activities to suit the season and your interests.

Fishing and travelling to Vassbygdi

Fishing in the fjord in Aurland is free all year round. Possible catches include sea trout, cod, haddock and whiting. Check the rules and the availability of the different species before your trip. Aurlandselvi also offers opportunities for sport fishing in Aurland. If you’d like to fish there, check the applicable rules and season dates before making plans. The points to check differ: in the fjord, the availability of species matters, while at Aurlandselvi you also need to check the season dates.

The bus passes through Aurlandsvangen and continues to Vassbygdi. This traditional farming village is also the starting and ending point of the hiking route through Aurlandsdalen. If you’re planning this hike, the bus route may be relevant to your plans; timetables and capacity can vary by season. Check the connection before making detailed plans.

Discover more destinations: Stålheim, Eid.

For the broader travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.