Drive it Yourself: Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien & Sognefjellet
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien and Sognefjellet.
Årdal may be just an industrial town, but there is some charm to the area. The surrounding landscape is incredible, and the town is a great base if you want to get out and enjoy some of the hikes in the Sognefjord region. The Tindeveien road is a must, too!
Latitude: 61.1 degrees north
Population: 5,200
Årdal Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Årdal.
The museum of Utladalen Naturhus opened in 1998 and houses an exhibition containing information about the natural and cultural history of the valley of Utladalen as well as the western part of Jotunheimen.
Just past Vettisfossen lies the historic Vetti gard, dating from 1120, with café and overnight options in summer. Continue 2 km to Vettismorki, a mountain farm turned Norwegian Trekking Association cabin.
A charming wooden long‑church in Årdalstangen built in 1867, replacing a 12th‑century stave church foundations dated to 1150–1200
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Walk the scenic Utladalen Valley to reach Vettisfossen, Norway’s highest unregulated waterfall (275 m drop). This is a gorgeous 2–3 hr return hike from Øvre Årdal.
One of the most popular hikes or bike rides is Tusenmeteren. The views from the top are incredible.
There are so many hikes to do. The tourist office made a hiking booklet, which you can see below.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Årdal.
Tindeveien is one of the most incredible roads I’ve ever driven on, and I regret not knowing about it earlier. The road starts just outside of Årdal.
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Årdal.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Årdal.
Part of the drive includes us making our way through Årdal, but the highlight of this drive is Tindeveien.
Here are some things that you must experience in Årdal.
Årdal is one of the few places in Norway with an outdoor water park.
Vettisfossen has been named as Norway’s most beautiful waterfall.
Årdal has historically been a municipality for heavy industry. The first industrial company, Årdal Kobberverk, started back in 1702. In the early 20th century, the Germans also established mining here. The Aluminium works today was established by Germans during World War II, and it’s still a major business here today.
There is still a heavy investment in mining, with both the production of aluminimum at Hydro Aluminium and solar cells. Lots of investment is also being made in tourism and travel, and in 2020 Årdal municipality received the status of a national park municipality.
Årdal is at the forefront of technological development, both nationally and internationally. Traditions continue to build on a large and technological environment in the fields of primary aluminium, solar cell production and hydropower.
Fly: There’s no airport close by.
Drive: Årdal is located on the Fv53, which connects to the E16 running between Bergen and Oslo.
Train: No train connection.
Ferry: The coastal ferry calls at Risøyhamn, which is on the other end of the island.
Årdal is compact and walkable. Rent bikes or use local buses. Taxis are available but infrequent; a car is recommended for exploring valleys and roads.
Årdal has limited options, but there are some unique places.
Cafes & Bakeries
Tya Bakery
Vetti gard Café – Seasonal stop for hikers with light meals and pastries near Vettisfossen
Øvre Årdal Café – Informal café in town for coffee, light meals and baked goods.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
All our hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. We don’t recommend somewhere unless we think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Cabins
Jølsterlia Hyttetun is a beautiful cabin area located in the mountains with views to the Jølster glacier.
Click here to view rates & book
Vetti Gard Turiststasjon – Rustic cabins and guesthouse in Utladalen, close to hiking trails.
Chains & Mid-Range
Klingenberg Hotel was built in 1861 by Jens Klingenberg Prestegård, an innkeeper and mountain guide.
Click here to view rates & book
Årdalstangen Guesthouse – Budget rooms in the fjord village, near ferry and harbour
High End & Unique Properties
Avdalen farm is a mountain farm that you can stay at! There is also a summer café. The hosts live at the farm during the summer months.
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien and Sognefjellet.