Norway in a Nutshell… in a nutshell
Here’s my complete guide to the popular Norway in a Nutshell daytrip!
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 1,766 / 60.5 degrees north
Aurland, Norway
Located on the Aurlandsfjord, Aurland is the perfect little village if you want to get away from the crowds of Flåm. It has historic wooden buildings, a historic church, hikes, cafes, and is close to some highlights of the region. The hotels here get less crowded than Flåm, too, and Flåm is only a 10 minute drive away!
Fun Facts About Aurland
Latitude: 60.5 degrees north
Population: 1,766
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Wettest Month: November
Windiest Month: January
Annual Precipitation: 588.3mm
Aurland Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Aurland.
Vangen Church
The church was built in 1202 in the early Gothic style and is influenced by English architecture. A document from 1714 says that English merchants used to stay in Aurland during long periods to buy different articles and they probably took part in building the church. In 1725, the Danish-Norwegian government was experiencing financial problems and the church was sold into private hands. It was private property until the late 19th century.
Aabelheim Garden
In the centre of Aurland there’s an old house called Aabelheim. It’s named after the minister who lived there in the 1830s. The garden surrounding the house is lovely, but if you want to see it you have to visit Vangsgaarden Gastropub as they own the buildings.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Aurlandsdalen Valley
The Aurlandsdalen valley is a well known hiking trail in Norway with its fabulous nature and contrasting countryside. The valley is rich in history and packed with culture. There are several stages of the hike; the full hike requires multiple days.
Mt Prest
Located about 350 metres (1400 feet) above Aurland, the views here are incredible. The trail is 6km (4 mi) long and will take a few hours to complete. The hike is regarded as a difficult hike. The trail starts just past the Stegastein Viewpoint and there is a dedicated carpark for it.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Aurland.
The E16 from Oslo to Bergen
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 Fv50 from Hol to Aurland
This is a short drive, but the scenery here is incredible. You will cross the mountains before descending down the Aurland Valley – a famous hiking area.
Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road
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!
Self-Guided Walks
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Aurland.
Aurland on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Aurland.
Oslo to Aurland via Hemsedal
Join us on the rive from Oslo to Aurland via the Hallingdal Valley and Borgund Stave Church.
Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road
This is an old video we did of the Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road.
Uniquely Aurland
Here are some things that you must try in Aurland
Laerdal Tunnel
I don’t know how exciting you’d consider this experience, but just out of Aurland is the world’s longest road tunnel, the Laerdal Tunnel.
Stegastein Viewpoint
The viewpoint is located about 700 metres above Aurland and has incredible views out to the fjord. The drive takes about 20 minutes because of the narrow winding road. Please note that the road can be tricky to drive on, and during peak season there is very limited parking at the viewpoint.
Aurland Shoe
The Aurland Shoe Factory is the last remaining shoe factory in Norway. Aurland has been making shoes since the 1880s, and is famous for the Aurland Shoe, also known as the original penny loafer. People all over the world have seen a copy of this shoe, and in the US they were even nicknamed “Weejuns”, deriving from “Norwegians”. The factory has a dedicated part to displaying the history of the craftsmanship and the shoe they have made there for decades. They also make other high-quality leather products.
History of Aurland
The earliest inhabitants lived by hunting and fishing until they gradually started farming about 2,000 years ago. Agriculture is still important with the rich valley floors and abundant mountain pastures. As in all of western Norway, the area was overpopulated in the middle of the 19th century, and cotters were forced to clear land far up the mountainsides. This is one of the major reasons there was mass emigration to the United States.
Tourism came in the late 19th century, with cruise ships coming from England to take part in fishing and hunting. Later on, tourists came to admire the beauty of the region.
Aurland Today
Today Aurland is the administrative centre for the region.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport in Aurland.
Drive: Aurland is located on the E16 between Bergen and Oslo. Bergen is approximately 3 hours away.
Train: No train access. The closest train is in Flåm.
Ferry: The coastal ferry does not call at Aurland, but there are local ferries connecting Aurland to the other fjord villages.
Getting Around
Aurland is walkable.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Marianne Bakeri is run by the local woman Marianne and she bakes everything fresh every morning. It is a great place to stop for lunch.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Vangsgaarden Gastropub is the local pub. It is partly a historic building, and in the bar below there is the original front from when the building was the local bakery. The restaurant specialises in international dishes with a Norwegian twist, and there is a focus on local produce and meat.
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
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 & Hostels
Lunde Camping is a great option in Aurland.
Click here to view rates & book
Winjum Hostel is in a beautiful location by the fjord.
Lodges
Skahjem Gard is a beautiful farm property that welcomes guests.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Hotel Aurlandsfjord is the top hotel in town. They also have a restaurant that focuses on local produce and flavours inspired by Norway.
Click here to view rates & book
Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri is the other top hotel in town. They have unique fishermens cabins that you can stay in along the fjord.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 9:26am
Sunset: 3:54pm
Average Temperature: -2C (28F)
February
Sunrise: 8:13am
Sunset: 5:18pm
Average Temperature: -2C (28F)
March
Sunrise: 6:49am
Sunset: 6:32pm
Average Temperature: 2C (36F)
April
Sunrise: 6:12am
Sunset: 8:51pm
Average Temperature: 6C (43F)
May
Sunrise: 4:47am
Sunset: 10:09pm
Average Temperature: 10C (50F)
June
Sunrise: 3:56am
Sunset: 11:07pm
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
July
Sunrise: 4:25am
Sunset: 10:47pm
Average Temperature: 16C (61F)
August
Sunrise: 5:40am
Sunset: 9:29pm
Average Temperature: 15C (59F)
September
Sunrise: 6:57am
Sunset: 7:54pm
Average Temperature: 8C (52F)
October
Sunrise: 8:11am
Sunset: 6:21pm
Average Temperature: 6C (43F)
November
Sunrise: 8:34am
Sunset: 3:56pm
Average Temperature: -3C (36F)
December
Sunrise: 9:37am
Sunset: 3:15pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
All Posts About Aurland
Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Bergen on the E16
View our guide to the scenic drive between Bergen and Oslo.
Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Aurland via Hemsedal & Borgund Stave Church
The road from Oslo to Aurland follows the old postal road called Kongevegen.
Drive it Yourself: Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road
The Aurlandsfjellet tourist road is a short but scenic drive over the mountains dividing Laerdal and Aurland.