Gudvangen: Fjord Landscape, Waterfall and History

Gudvangen lies where the Nærøyfjord meets the shore and opens onto the Nærøydalen valley. The fjord and valley give the village its distinctive landscape setting. There is also Kjelfoss Waterfall, a long history of trade and various ways to experience the surrounding area from the water. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus primarily on nature, history or an activity on the fjord.

From the Fjord to the High Mountains

Gudvangen is a gateway to the Nærøyfjord Landscape Protected Area. This nature and cultural landscape protected area stretches from the fjord to the high mountains. Its landscape was shaped on a large scale by the Ice Age and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. Those interested in landscape and nature will find more here than just views of the fjord: the protected area also extends into the high-mountain landscape. This breadth is part of the character of the surrounding area and sets its natural scenery apart from a view focused solely on the village by the fjord.

A striking landmark is Kjelfoss Waterfall in Gudvangen. It is 755 metres high in total; its highest single drop is 149 metres. These figures describe different measurements: the total height covers the waterfall as a whole, while the second figure refers to its highest single drop. Kjelfoss Waterfall can be seen from the quay in the centre of Gudvangen and from the E16. This means you can view the waterfall from two different perspectives without needing to plan a particular hike.

Trade History and Experiences on the Water

Gudvangen has been a trading post since long before the Viking Age. Alongside its fjordside location, this historic role gives the village a cultural dimension. Those interested in history can therefore see Gudvangen as more than a scenic destination: trade is also part of its identity, and its history stretches far back beyond the Viking Age. Nature and the past offer different reasons to visit, without requiring you to focus on just one side of the village.

Quiet electric fjord cruises operate between Gudvangen and Flåm. If you would rather explore the fjord in your own kayak, you can set off from Gudvangen with a kayak you bring yourself. There is parking and an easily accessible launch site. The two options mainly differ in whether you set off in your own kayak or choose an electric fjord cruise. For the kayaking option, it is important to note that you need to bring your own kayak; no rental service is indicated.

You can also choose from several ways to get there: Gudvangen is easily accessible by boat, bus or car. Your choice of destination can therefore reflect both your preferred way of travelling and the experiences that matter to you. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, the fjord, waterfall, historic role in trade and opportunities on the water may all be reasons to consider Gudvangen as a place to stay. Which of these aspects matters most depends on whether you want your trip to focus more on scenery, culture or activities.

More destinations: Aurland, Aurlandsvangen, Stålheim, Undredal, Flåm, Finse.

Go to the main travel overview: Aurland.