Discover Lærdal
Accommodation in Lærdal
Lærdal can be discovered in many different ways: from a medieval stave church and a historic cultural landscape to trails, markets and experiences centred on wild salmon. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to focus on cultural history, nature or outdoor activities—and which places interest you most.
Stave church and historic places
Borgund Stave Church in Borgund dates from around 1182 and is one of Norway’s best-preserved monuments. Its history also includes a permanent exhibition on Viking finds discovered in Bjørkum in 2009. The stave church museum also explains the role stave churches played in the religious life of the Middle Ages. If you are interested in different aspects of the past, you will find both archaeological finds and insight into religious history here.
Gamle Lærdalsøyri offers a different historical perspective: this unique cultural landscape is significant locally, regionally and nationally, and was designated a special conservation area as early as 1970. The Lærdal Post and Telegraph Museum focuses on postal history at the local, regional and national levels. Photographs, illustrations, texts, objects, models and soundscapes present the subject in a variety of ways. Galdane farm includes restored and preserved buildings, each with its own information board.
Landscape between fjord and mountains
The Bleia-Storebotnen Protected Landscape Area lies partly in Lærdal and partly in the municipality of Aurland. It encompasses a distinctive natural and cultural landscape stretching from the fjord to the mountains. The protected areas also give the natural environment a clear sense of scale: Lærdal has seven in total, covering more than 52 km², including one protected landscape area and six nature reserves. If you are planning your trip around scenery and nature, these areas can broaden your perspective beyond individual places and attractions.
Markets, salmon and outdoor activities
Lærdalsmarknaden is an open-air market with roots dating back to the 16th century. The Lærdalsmarknaden association holds three markets each year: Lærdalsmarknaden on the third full weekend in June, an autumn market on the last weekend in September, and a Christmas market on the penultimate Saturday in November. These different dates give you a reason to include Lærdal in your travel plans at various times of year.
The Spawning Festival takes place each year around the turn of October and November, when wild salmon spawn in the Lærdal River. The programme includes guided spawning walks along the river, as well as opportunities for fly-fishing and fly-tying. At the Lærdal Wild Salmon Visitor Centre, a self-guided exhibition traces the life cycle of Atlantic salmon, complemented by interactive features and quizzes. Anglers can fish for trout in around 50 mountain lakes through Lærdal fjellstyre. Salmon-related activities therefore focus on both nature and learning, while trout fishing offers a separate opportunity.
Trails and getting around
If you walk west from Borgund Stave Church towards Lærdalsøyri, Vindhellavegen begins 300 metres east of the church. Another hiking option is the easy, well-marked hillside trail to Mjølkeflathytta on the north side of Lærdalsøyri. For cyclists, the old E16 through Lærdal is an attractive route from Borgund Stave Church downhill to Lærdalsøyri. The modern road runs through tunnels. The Aurlandsfjellet National Scenic Route, also known as the “Snow Road”, is 47 kilometres long and runs between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal via the spectacular Stegastein viewpoint.
Sognasmak is an information and experience centre for local food and drink, with its own shop in Håbakken in Lærdal. For further guidance, the Lærdal Tourist Information Centre offers brochures, maps and information about Lærdal and the rest of the Sognefjord, as well as route information and tips for good walks in the area.
Discover more places in Lærdal
Places to help you find your way around the destination include Borgund, Lærdalsøyri and Steinklepp.
For an overview of the wider region, see Sogn Og Fjordane.
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