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.
Located on the border between east and west Norway, Lærdal is a historic trading place.
Latitude: 61 degrees north
Population: 2,100
Lærdal Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lærdal
Borgund Stave Church is considered to be the best preserved of Norway’s 28 stave churches.
Salmon fishing has been part of the culture here for thousands of years, but it was popularised in the 19th century by English tourists. The museum explores the salmon fishing history of the area.
One of Norway’s best-preserved wooden towns, Gamle Lærdalsøyri features more than 150 timber buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Wandering through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a living museum, with colourful merchant houses, restored inns, craft shops and local galleries. Many buildings still reflect their original trading and postal roles from the era when the village was a key stop between eastern and western Norway.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Lærdal sits at the end of the Lærdalsfjord, an arm of the mighty Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The surrounding mountains rise dramatically, offering unforgettable viewpoints. Boat trips showcase waterfalls, sheer cliffs and quiet fjord hamlets, while the waterfront itself is a serene place to stroll, watch small fishing boats and enjoy panoramic mountain light.
Part of the restored historic road between east and west Norway, Vindhellavegen features beautiful stonework and dramatic switchbacks carved into the mountain. The path is accessible for most walkers and offers quiet forests, mountain views, cultural markers and old road-building craftsmanship. The whole Kongevegen route provides extended multi-day hiking options.
A local favourite, offering a panoramic overview of the village, fjord and surrounding peaks. The trail is moderately steep but short enough for a half-day adventure, with rewarding views from the top that showcase the unique geography of the Lærdalsfjord.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lærdal
Follow this self-guided trip between Oslo and Bergen on the E16, one of the major highways in the country. The road is built close to where the historic postal road from the 17th century went, and parts of the old road are still visible and today a hiking trail. That’s why along the way you’ll see stave churches and runestones. There’s also some charming towns and local markets to stop at, turning a long drive into an exciting one!
The Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road is a short but incredibly diverse mountain road between the villages of Lærdal and Aurland near Flåm in Western Norway. The road is 45km in total length, and it has earned the nickname ‘Snow Road’ because snow typically remains on the mountains all year round. With most of the tourist roads in Norway, you really can do them in either direction. For Aurlandsfjellet, however, I strongly recommend you start at Lærdal and head to Aurland. The reveal of the mountains and fjords is much more dramatic. Aurlandsfjellet was completed in 1967, and it used to be the main road between the two towns. Since 2000, however, the main highway E16 has gone through the new Lærdal Tunnel instead. The Lærdal Tunnel is 24.5km long, making it one of the longest tunnels in the world. You can take the tunnel, I mean it is quicker, but the Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road is much more fun!
The scenic highway from Lærdal to Florø weaves its way around the mountains between the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord, passing some of Norway’s most spectacular glaciers including the famous Jostedalsbreen glacier. The road was built in stages throughout the 20th century and is now one of the major highways for Western Norway. This fjord-to-coast highway takes you from the innermost part of the Sognefjord to the coastal village of Florø, on the westernmost part in Norway.
No self-guided walks are currently available for Lærdal
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Lærdal
This drive includes Tindeveien and Sognefejllet. I did this drive in June 2023 on a beautiful summer day.
Lærdal has long served as a bridge between Norway’s east and west. Its fertile valley supported early farming settlements, while its location along major travel routes transformed it into a centre for trade, postal services and government administration. Merchant families thrived in Gamle Lærdalsøyri, supplying travellers with goods as they journeyed between Bergen and Oslo. The village has experienced significant fires—most notably in 2014—but its core heritage buildings remain intact thanks to extensive preservation efforts. The region’s historical importance also lies in its religious heritage, represented by Borgund Stave Church and other medieval structures.
Lærdal’s river is traditionally one of Norway’s most exclusive salmon rivers.
Lærdal has a long tradition with farming and the lower part of the valley is great for vegetable crops.
The biggest employer is the Lærdal Hospital with 150 employees.
Fly: No airport
Drive: The E16 highway between Bergen and Oslo runs through Lærdal.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access
Lærdal town centre is walkable, but to get to any of the hikes and activities you’ll need a car.
Cafes & Bakeries
Laksen bakeri & kafé – located at the Wild Salmon Centre
Casual Eateries
Laksen Pub and Restaurant is located at the Wild Salmon Centre.
High End & Unique Eats
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark – cabins, holiday apartments, tent and caravan sites, plus bike rentals and family activities.
Cabins & B&Bs
Sanden Pensjonat is a guesthouse and has been one for over 100 years.
Chains & Mid-Range
Lærdalsøyri Hotel – well-located for exploring the old town, offering comfortable rooms and friendly service.
Click here to view rates & book
Lindstrøm Hotel – atmospheric hotel with classic interior design, known for its comfort and historic charm.
High End & Unique Properties
Read our road-trip guide for the drive from Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien and Sognefjellet.
View our guide to the scenic drive between Bergen and Oslo.
The road from Oslo to Aurland follows the old postal road called Kongevegen.
Read my guide to the history, construction and symbolism of Norway’s best-preserved stave church: Borgund!
The Aurlandsfjellet tourist road is a short but scenic drive over the mountains dividing Laerdal and Aurland.