Aurlandsfjellet scenic road to Stegastein

Starting from Lærdalsøyri

Lærdalsøyri is one of Norway's best-preserved historic settlements. Over 170 wooden buildings from the 1700s and 1800s line the old harbour, and you should walk through before the climb begins. The village also provides access to Borgund Stave Church, a 15-minute drive up the valley. The 12th-century wooden structure has survived largely intact, with dragon heads on the roof peaks and intricate carvings on the portals. It's a slight detour from the scenic road itself, but definitely worth it. If you only visit one stave church in Norway, this is a strong candidate.

The climb

Leaving Lærdalsøyri, the road serpentines up the Erdalen valley. Lush farmland gives way to steep forest, then bare rock, all within 20 kilometres. The road is narrow and often single-lane. Passing points require patience, and occasionally someone has to reverse.

A few kilometres into the climb, the Vardahaugselvi waterfall crashes down beside the road. It's an obvious first stop. The air fills with mist and you can barely hear yourself think over the rushing water.

Vedahaugane

At 1,160 metres, Vedahaugane offers the first glimpse of the high plateau. Architect Lars Berge designed a 90-metre curved concrete walkway that leads from the parking area to a long bench positioned for mountain views. The path appears to float above the terrain, supported on slender poles to preserve the fragile ground cover.

At the end of the walkway, a side path leads into a cave housing "Den" (The Winter Lair), an art installation by American artist Mark Dion. Inside, a model bear sleeps atop a pile of cultural artifacts, Viking-era objects at the bottom, contemporary consumer goods at the top. It´s a bit weird, but it works.

Flotane

At the highest point of the journey, Flotane marks where you finally feel you've arrived on the plateau. Rolling hills stretch to distant glaciers. The only sounds are wind and water. The rest area has benches, solar-powered toilets, and access to old construction roads leading into the mountains.

For an accessible hike into the tundra, follow the gravel road from the parking lot. The old tractor road climbs steadily across the plateau, offering about 8 kilometres round-trip and taking roughly 2.5 hours. The terrain is easy underfoot because you're on the old access road, but you're deep in high-altitude emptiness within the first kilometre.

If you'd rather stay close to the car, a short trail leads to the waterfall that gave the rest area its name. 

Stegastein

The highlight of the trip. Descending toward Aurlandsvangen, the road begins a series of hairpin turns down the steep mountainside. Halfway down, Stegastein viewpoint juts 30 metres out from the cliff face, 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord.

The wooden platform ends in a glass panel that creates the illusion of standing in open air above the fjord. You've surely this view in Norwegian tourism campaigns. It's still worth experiencing in person.

Stegastein is open year-round, even when the road over the mountain is closed. 

Aurlandsvangen and Flåm

The road deposits you in Aurlandsvangen, a quiet village on the Aurlandsfjord. Nearby Flåm is the terminus of the Flåmsbana railway, one of the steepest rail lines in the world. From Flåm, you can take the train to Myrdal, cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, or use the Lærdal Tunnel (the world's longest road tunnel at 24.5 km) to complete a circular route back to Lærdalsøyri.

Marianne Bakeri og Kafé

In Aurlandsvangen, Marianne Bakeri og Kafé operates out of a building where the river meets the fjord. Organic sourdough bread, cardamom buns, and a Basque cheesecake that draws regulars from across the region. Sandwiches, soup, and pizza at lunch. Outdoor seating on a terrace overlooking the water. Open for breakfast and lunch during the summer season. Quieter and more personal than the tourist-oriented spots in Flåm.

Where to stay

Flåmsbrygga Hotell

Flåmsbrygga Hotell sits directly on the harbour in Flåm, steps from the railway station and ferry terminal. Rooms feature Norwegian pinewood panelling and balconies overlooking the Aurlandsfjord. The complex includes a restaurant, café, and the Ægir BrewPub (see below). The location means you can walk to the Flåmsbana without moving your car. Open year-round.

Ægir Brewery

Ægir Bryggeri at Flåmsbrygga Hotell has become one of Flåm's main attractions. The building looks like a stave church from the outside. Inside, a nine-metre-high fireplace dominates the ground-floor pub, surrounded by dragon heads and driftwood walls. The brewery produces award-winning craft beers including the Vetlebror IPA and Rallar Amber Ale. The upstairs restaurant serves a Viking-inspired five-course tasting menu paired with different beers. Open year-round.

Read more about Flåm in our Norway in a Nutshell article

Route-specific details

Seasonal closure: The road over the mountain typically closes in late October or November and reopens in late May or June, depending on snow conditions. The stretch from Aurlandsvangen to Stegastein remains open year-round.

Stegastein parking: The parking area fills quickly in summer. If driving, arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00 or expect some waiting time for a parking slot.