Population 2,100 / 61 degrees north

Lærdal, Norway

Located on the border between east and west Norway, Lærdal is a historic trading place. 

Fun Facts About Lærdal

Latitude: 61 degrees north

Population: 2,100

Lærdal Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Lærdal

Borgund Stave Church

Borgund Stave Church is considered to be the best preserved of Norway’s 28 stave churches. 

Borgund Stave Church

Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre

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. 

Tingvoll Church

Located just outside of Kristiansund, Tingvoll Church is a historic stone church. 

Tingvoll Church

Lærdal Guides

Find guides to Lærdal on our online store. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Lærdal's Old Town

Gamle Lærdalsoyri is the old town of Lærdal. The wooden buildings represent one of the most valuable building environments in Norway. Most of the houses are from the 18th century. 

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Lærdal

Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road

The Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road is one of the most dramatic roads in Norway. It’s not a long drive, but the views are incredible. 

Aurlandsfjellet Tourist Road

Bergen to Oslo on the E16

The E16 is the main highway between Bergen and Oslo. Aurland is located just off the E16. 

Bergen to Oslo on the E16

Oslo to Aurland via Hemsedal

The road along the Filefjellet mountains is the alternative highway between east and west Norway. 

Oslo to Aurland via Hemsedal

Lærdal to Lom via Tindeveien

This beautiful drive follows the Sognefjord before crossing the Sognefjellet mountains to Lom. 

Lærdal to Lom

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Lærdal

Lærdal on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Lærdal

Laerdal to Lom

This drive includes Tindeveien and Sognefejllet. I did this drive in June 2023 on a beautiful summer day. 

Watch on YouTube

Bergen to Laerdal on the E16

This follows the main highway between Bergen and Oslo. 

Atlantic Road

Uniquely Lærdal

Here are some things that you must do and try in Lærdal

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.

History of Lærdal

Lærdal has been inhabited for at least 6,000 years and in some places the valley has been used since the Early Stone Age. Lærdal has always been on the main road between east and west Norway. the first public postal route was established through Lærdal in 1647 and today it is a hiking path. 

The area at the end of the town by the fjord was a market place from as far back as the Middle Ages. The market is first mentioned in 1596, but it was not new then. 

Lærdal Today

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. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: The E16 highway between Bergen and Oslo runs through Lærdal. 

Train: No train access

Ferry: No ferry access

Getting Around

Lærdal town centre is walkable, but to get to any of the hikes and activities you’ll need a car. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Laksen Pub and Restaurant is located at the Wild Salmon Centre. 

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

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

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Sanden Pensjonat is a guesthouse and has been one for over 100 years. 

Chains & Mid-Range

Lærdal is the main hotel in town and offers rooms at a decent rate.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

 

All Posts About Lærdal

Lærdal Photo Diary