Aurlandsvangen: Hiking and Scenic Route

If you’re looking for a hotel in Aurlandsvangen, you can plan your trip around different interests: the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet, hiking, Vangen Church, or Aurlandsmarknaden. For your own planning, it’s worth considering the road route, walking time, road conditions, and event dates separately.

Scenic Route and Hiking

The Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet is 47 kilometers long and runs between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri. The route between these places is a good starting point for hikes with views of the fjord.

One hike starts in Aurlandsvangen and leads to Vinjaåsenhytta. The trail is 2 kilometers long; at a moderate pace, it takes about an hour and a half. Weather and trail conditions can affect the walking time, so this estimate is approximate.

Aurlandsdalen is a short distance from the center of Aurlandsvangen and offers beautiful mountain hikes. Aurlandsvangen is also the endpoint of the hike through Aurlandsdalen. The planning details differ depending on the hike: for the trip to Vinjaåsenhytta, the trail length and approximate duration are important, while the mountain hikes and short distance from the center are the main considerations for Aurlandsdalen.

Viewpoints and Road Planning

From nearby Vinjaåsen, the view stretches down to Aurlandsvangen and across the Aurlandsfjord. Whether the view is visible depends on the weather. The Stegastein viewpoint is a short drive from the center of Aurlandsvangen; the road from Aurlandsvangen to the viewpoint is very narrow and steep. Road conditions can change. Take the road conditions into account when planning your route.

Aurlandsfjellet can also be a challenging cycling trip with a long climb into the high mountains if you start in Aurland. This makes the cycling trip different from the hike to Vinjaåsenhytta: the cycling trip involves a climb into the high mountains, while the hike has an approximate walking time at a moderate pace.

Church and Event

Vangen Church is located in Aurlandsvangen, on the plain between the river and the fjord. It dates from 1202 and is the largest stone church in Sogn. Its location, year of construction, and size offer different points of reference for understanding the church’s place in the village and its historical context.

Aurlandsmarknaden is an annual festival weekend in Aurlandsvangen, featuring a market day and a concert. Dates and program may vary. Unlike the church’s fixed year of construction, the festival is a time-specific event, and its exact dates are relevant when planning a trip.

In the wider destination of Aurland

The Aurlandsfjord is part of the Sognefjord, which is designated a National Salmon Fjord. The landscape around the Nærøyfjord is characterized by narrow, steep-sided rock faces and numerous waterfalls. Free-flowing rivers there run through deciduous and coniferous forests to glacial lakes and rugged mountains.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Flåm, Aurland, Stålheim, Gudvangen, Undredal, Finse

Back to the main travel overview: Aurland.