HIKING IN THE WORLD HERITAGE AREA
Take the time to experience the spectacular and unique natural and cultural landscapes surrounding Aurland and Flåm. The sight of steep mountains, narrow fjords, powerful waterfalls and lush valleys creates an unforgettable experience you will remember long after your visit. We have gathered some of the most popular hikes in the area, and of course we also offer great package deals for those who wish to spend more time exploring our stunning fjord landscape!
AURLAND VALLEY
Experience the best of Norwegian nature and cultural landscape. The hike through spectacular Aurlandsdalen will take your breath away and will be a trip you will not soon forget!
The famous and historic Aurland Valley was once the main route connecting Eastern and Western Norway. Often referred to as Norway’s “Grand Canyon”, the area is wild and dramatic, rich in wildlife, cultural heritage, history and remarkable geological formations.
The entire Aurland Valley, stretching from Geiteryggen to Vassbygdi, is approximately 40 kilometres long. The most popular and spectacular section of the hike runs from Østerbø to Vassbygdi and is considered a full-day hike of around 20 kilometres, typically taking 6–8 hours to complete. The trail leads you through dramatic valleys and deep gorges, down steep hillsides and past towering, jagged mountain formations, creating an unforgettable experience for hikers. Along the route, it is well worth stopping at the old mountain farms of Nesbø, Sinjarheim and Almen, where several historic buildings still stand as reminders of life in times gone by. The trail is also filled with fascinating stories and legends connected to the unusual place names found along the way. One of the highlights is the remarkable stone formation surrounding a small tarn, known as Vetlahelvete.
Difficulty: Red - “These are longer trips for experienced and trained hikers. The trips require good hiking equipment. The trips often go both along (marked) paths, in open terrain and in rocks and scree.”
Practical information: the hike is about 20 km long and takes between 6-8 hours. This stage starts at Østerbø Fjellstove (approx. 820 meters above sea level) and goes to Vassbygdi (approx. 70 meters above sea level). There is a bus from Flåm, we recommend parking in Vassbygdi and taking a bus/taxi from Vassbygdi to Østerbø for the start of the hike.
BREKKEFOSSEN
The hike to Brekkefossen offers spectacular views of the fjord and the Flåm Valley. The trail starts in the centre of Flåm, following an asphalt road up the valley alongside the Flåm River. After approximately 1.5 kilometres of easy walking, the route continues steeply uphill towards the Brekkefossen viewpoint platform, where new stone steps have recently been built. The climb quickly gains elevation, and before long, the small village of Flåm becomes visible through the trees below. After around 30 minutes of uphill hiking, the trail opens onto a grassy ledge, rewarding you with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Length: 5 km round trip from Flåm center.
Elevation gain: Approx. 155m
The hike is suitable for most people, although parts of the trail are steep. Good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are recommended.
FLÅMSDALEN
Start your adventure aboard the famous Flåm Railway, taking you 20 kilometres through the spectacular Flåm Valley from sea level up to 867 metres above sea level. The hike begins at Myrdal station, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and pass several waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides while following the river down through the valley. Along the route, make a stop at Rallarrosa Mountain Dairy (open from mid-June to mid-September), where you can purchase delicious local products from the farm girls and greet the goats.
Alternatively, you can start at Vatnahalsen or Blomheller, or shorten the trip by taking the train back down from Berekvam to Flåm (halfway down the valley).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Length: 18 km walk from Myrdal to Flåm.
Elevation: Starts at 866 meters above sea level, and you end up in Flåm at about 2 meters above sea level.
The hike is suitable for most people, although parts of the trail are steep. Good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are recommended.
HOVDUNGO
The hike starts from the farm Vikesland at 460 metres above sea level. From Vikesland, follow the trail towards the historic mountain farm Hovdungo, beautifully located 780 metres above the Aurlandsfjord. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic fjord and mountain landscape. The hike is moderately challenging, with some steep sections on the trail. At the top, you are rewarded with one of the finest fjord views in the area before returning along the same route back down.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Length: 5.4 km walk / Elevation gain: Approx. 320m.
The hike is steep and requires a good level of physical fitness. Not recommended for those with knee or back problems. Good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are essential.
DAY TRIP CABIN IN AURLAND
From the parking area by Vangen Church in the centre of Aurland, follow Bjørgavegen up towards Doktorbrekka until you reach Rygg, the uppermost road in the residential area. Continue along this road past the waterworks facility. At the end of the road, you will find a turning area with signs leading to the day-hike cabin.
After around 30 minutes of hiking through at times steep and challenging terrain, you will reach the cabin, where you are rewarded with fantastic views over Aurlandsvangen and the fjord stretching towards both Flåm and Skjerdal. Inside the cabin, you will find a Nynorsk hiking library filled with a variety of books, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery while browsing through local literature. From the day-hike cabin, you can either return to Aurlandsvangen along the same trail or continue onwards towards the famous Stegastein viewpoint.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours round trip from Aurland center
Length: Approx. 4km round trip from Aurland center
Altitude: the cabin is located approx. 300 meters above sea level.
The hike is suitable for most people, although parts of the trail are steep. Good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are recommended.
DAY TRIP CABIN & STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT
From the parking area by Vangen Church in the centre of Aurland, follow Bjørgavegen up towards Doktorbrekka until you reach Rygg, the uppermost road in the residential area. Continue along this road past the waterworks facility. At the end of the road, you will find a turning area with signs leading to the day-hike cabin.
After around 30 minutes of hiking through at times steep and challenging terrain, you will reach the cabin, where you are rewarded with fantastic views over Aurlandsvangen and the fjord stretching towards both Flåm and Skjerdal. From the day-hike cabin, you can continue onwards to the famous Stegastein viewpoint via a clearly signposted trail leading further uphill. Once at Stegastein, you can either return along the same trail or follow the road back down to Aurlandsvangen.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Duration: Approx. 3 hours round trip from Aurland center
Elevation: Stegastein viewpoint is located at about 650 meters above sea level.
The hike is suitable for most people, although parts of the trail are steep. Good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions are recommended.