Discover Aurlandsvangen

Between fjord views, mountain trails and a scenic route

Aurlandsvangen offers several different ways to explore the surrounding area: the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet stretches for 47 kilometres between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri. There are also hikes that start or end in the village, as well as viewpoints and Vangen Church. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may therefore be important to consider whether you want to focus mainly on a drive through the mountain landscape, a day of hiking or cultural experiences.

The scenic route connects Aurlandsvangen with Lærdalsøyri, giving the village a clear role as the route’s endpoint. If you are planning to cycle, however, you should assess the trip based on your chosen starting point: starting in Aurland can make Aurlandsfjellet a challenging bike ride, with a long climb into the high mountains. This is a different way to experience the route than including it as part of a journey between the two villages.

Hiking from different starting points

One specific destination for a hike from Aurlandsvangen is Vinjaåsenhytta. The trail starts in the village, is 2 kilometres each way and takes about an hour and a half at a moderate pace. This combines a manageable hiking destination with a named viewpoint: from Vinjaåsen, the view extends down to Aurlandsvangen and across the Aurlandsfjord. The vista makes this trail a distinct way to take in the landscape above the village.

Aurlandsdalen also offers mountain hikes. It is a short distance from the village centre; Aurlandsvangen is also the endpoint of the hike through the valley. If you are choosing a holiday apartment as a base for a hiking trip, this information can help you distinguish between a trail with a specific destination, the hike through Aurlandsdalen and the drive over Aurlandsfjellet. These are different activities, not one combined route.

If you would like to combine fjord views with a longer hiking plan, the route between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri also offers a good starting point for hikes with fjord views. Alongside the trail to Vinjaåsenhytta and the mountain hikes in Aurlandsdalen, there are other options in the area along the scenic route.

Church and village life

Vangen Church is situated on the flat land between the river and the fjord. Dating from 1202, it is the largest stone church in Sogn. Its location and long history add a cultural dimension to a stay in Aurlandsvangen: the village can be explored not only through its hiking trails and mountain views, but also through a striking historic building.

Aurlandsmarknaden is part of village life: an annual festival weekend in Aurlandsvangen that includes a market day and a concert. If local events matter to you alongside nature experiences, this cultural occasion is another aspect to consider when planning your trip.

Stegastein and choosing your accommodation

The Stegastein viewpoint is a short trip from the centre of Aurlandsvangen. The road from Aurlandsvangen to the viewpoint is very narrow and steep—a practical detail to bear in mind when planning your excursion. If you prefer to explore on foot, you can instead consider the hiking trails; if you want to experience the view from Stegastein, plan for the road’s unusual layout.

The experiences you want may determine your choice of holiday apartment in Aurlandsvangen: the scenic route and a bike ride, hikes with fjord or mountain views, Stegastein or a visit to Vangen Church. Other places to explore include Finse, Undredal, Stålheim, Aurland, Flåm and Gudvangen.

Back to the main travel guide: Aurland.