Best Things to do in Aurland, Norway

Aurland, Norway: 8 Incredible Things To Do 2024

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I have been to many incredible places in my lifetime and experienced different countries, cultures, and landscapes. But Aurland, Norway was by far the most beautiful place that I have ever been to. Aurland is a small village perched on the edge of Aurlandsfjord, one of the most scenic fjords in Norway.

8 Epic Things To Do In Aurland, Norway

If you ever get the chance to visit this mountainous paradise, consider yourself very lucky. Here are the 8 best things to do in Aurland, Norway.

1. Stegastein Viewpoint

The view of the fjords from the town of Aurland is epic enough, but imagine the magic you’ll see from a higher vantage point. Stegastein viewpoint is located approximately 700 meters above Aurland and it boasts the best panorama outlook in the area.

Stegastein Viewpoint - Aurland, Norway

The drive to Stegastein is only a couple of miles from the town of Aurland but it will take about 20 minutes to arrive since you’ll be driving up many twists and turns. Take caution on your drive because the road is very narrow in many places. Drive slow and pull over for other cars when they approach.

Insider tip: This would be an incredible place to bring a bottle of wine and some appetizers for sunset, but be sure to have a sober driver for the return to town.

2. Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

The most unforgettable experience we had during our time in Norway was the fjord cruise. This is one of the best things to do in Aurland, Norway.

We started our fjord cruise in Flåm and rode two hours through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

The sights we were able to see along the journey were unlike anything we had seen before. Sure, we had spent a few hours driving through the fjords in order to get from Bergen to Aurland, but the views on the cruise were secluded and could only be explored via boat.

Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

If you decide to visit Aurland, book your fjord cruise through NorwaysBest.com. Select your cruise dates at the bottom of the page. Tickets are approximately $50 USD for a one-way trip.

When booking your cruise, I highly recommend choosing the premium vessel as opposed to the classic vessel. The new premium vessels are fully electric, smooth, and extremely clean. I’m not sure I’ve been on a nicer boat in my life!

3. Ægir Microbrewery

During your visit to Aurland, Norway, be sure to stop at Ægir Microbrewery in Flam for some delicious Norwegian craft beer. Unlike the USA, craft beer is up-and-coming in Norway. This is one of the first breweries in the country and boasts some of the best beer in the world.

Ægir Microbrewery - Flam brewery Norway

Craft beer is one of the simple joys of life. Tasting beer from around the world is interesting and fun on its own, but throw in a Viking-themed brewery? Heck yeah! Upon arrival, you’ll notice authentic sheepskin laden chairs and Viking statues galore.

I also recommend trying the food at this brewpub. Find a cozy seat in the giant Viking chairs or around the fireplace and enjoy a delicious meal close to Aurland.

4. Mt. Prest Hike

Any hikers out there? This one is for you!

If you’re looking for the most epic things to do in Aurland, Norway, Mt. Prest is your answer. Positioned approximately 1400 feet above Aurland, the summit of Mt. Prest has some of the best views in all of Norway.

Prest Hike - Aurland, Norway

The trail is 6km in length and will take a few hours to complete. Note that this hike is considered difficult and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

To find the trailhead for Mt. Prest, drive up to Stegastein lookout. On the same road, continue past the lookout in search of a parking lot on the left hand side. Use this link to open the exact location in Google Maps.

Mt. Prest trailhead

Once you arrive at the parking lot, there will be signs for the hike so you won’t be confused about its location.

Insider tip: This hike is NOT for the faint of heart. There are several different spots along the hike with steep drop-offs and cliffs. Take extreme caution and take the weather into consideration before starting your hike.

5. Viking Village

Let’s venture back to Gudvangen. If you don’t remember Gudvangen, this town is located just 20 minutes outside of Aurland. If you take our advice, Gudvangen is where you’ll end your fjord cruise.

Viking Village - Aurland, Norway Things to Do

Gudvangen is a quaint little village with some impressive tourist attractions. For a glimpse into the traditional Viking lifestyle, take a tour of the Viking Village, located just steps from the harbor.

You’ll gain perspective and hear interesting stories from the time of the Vikings during your tour through Viking Village. Step back in time with this unique experience and add it to your list of things to do when visiting Aurland.

Insider tip: If you’re arriving in Gudvangen via cruise, give yourself an ample amount of time between when your boat docks and when your shuttle bus leaves to go back to Flam. You’ll want to have enough time to explore Viking Village to the fullest.

6. Brekkefossen Viewpoint Hike

Not so keen on a hike up to Mt. Prest? Understandable!

Difficult hikes aren’t for everyone. Instead, take the time to hike up to Brekkefossen viewpoint.

Brekkefossen viewpoint is a hike for the entire family. At just 1 mile in length and only 500 feet of elevation gain, this gentle hike will deliver sweeping views of the fjord and valley below. As one of the best things to do in Aurland, Norway, I strongly suggest adding this hike to your itinerary.

Things to do in Aurland

If you’re in the market for something a bit more challenging, but not as daunting as Mt. Prest, I recommend continuing up this same trail to reach Brekkefossen Waterfall. At 3 miles roundtrip, this hike has a bit more of an incline but delivers a waterfall and even better views of Flam Valley.

7. Flam Railway

I’ll preface this suggestion by saying that we didn’t actually choose to take a trip on the Flam Railway. For years I had read about the magic of the Flam Railway and it had always been on my bucket list of things to do in Aurland.

But, as we were deciding on an itinerary, we realized that a cruise through the fjords might give us a more unique experience. We opted to take the cruise through Aurlandsfjord as opposed to the Flam Railway and we were not disappointed.

Flam Railway - Things to do in Aurland, Norway

Since we had driven from Bergen to Aurland and spent several hours weaving our way through the incredible fjords, we realized that we wanted to see the fjords from a different perspective (by boat).

However, if you’re visiting Aurland and you’re set on taking the Flam Railway, don’t let me discourage you! I’ve heard it’s wonderful. Book your train ticket at NorwaysBest.com.

8. Kayaking

What better way to experience the fjords of Norway than by kayak? Take a guided kayaking tour of the fjords or rent kayaks without a guide and adventure on your own.

Spend hours searching for unseen spots along the water’s edge, take pictures of the gentle cliffs, and learn about the history of western Norway. Guided tours range in length from a few hours to multi-day trips.

Kayaking Norway

To book your guided kayaking tour, check out FjordNorway.com. You can also visit this website to rent your kayaks and gear without a guide.

Insider tip: Unfortunately, this company closes at the end of the summer. If you’re visiting Aurland, Norway anytime after late September, you’ll need to find another company to rent kayaks from.

Where To Stay In Aurland, Norway

Although we experienced some of the greatest adventures in Aurland, Norway, our trip was out-of-this-world thanks to the Airbnb we chose to stay in. Situated right on the fjord, we could watch the sun rise and set on the brilliant cliffs surrounding us on all sides.

We were able to watch jellyfish, search for starfish, and enjoy happy hour right on our own private dock. To get closer to the fjord would’ve been impossible. To have found a more beautiful location would’ve also been impossible.

Where to Stay in Aurland, Norway

If you’re planning on visiting Aurland, Norway, do yourself a favor and book this high standard cabin on the fjord. I can guarantee it’ll be one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever stay in your life.

Airbnb Aurland, Norway

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The Wrap Up: Best Things To Do In Aurland, Norway

Aurland, Norway is the most visually beautiful place on Earth. In order to have the perfect experience in Aurland, follow this guide that details the 8 best things to do. Take advantage of the beauty of this small town and the magical fjords that surround it.

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