Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PeacefulAurlandissomuchlesshecticandtroddenthanitsneighbour,Flåm,amere10km
southalongthefjord.ItmarkstheendofthespectacularAurlandsdalenhikingroute.These
days it's also renowned as one end of Lærdalstunnel (24.5km), the world's longest road
tunnel. This essential link in the E16 highway that connects Oslo and Bergen (before its
completion, traffic had to ferry-hop between Lærdal and Gudvangen) is a fast alternative
to the beautiful but sinuous and seasonal 45km-long
Snøvegen ( Jun-mid-Oct)
. It's
a choice between tunnel vision, speed and convenience, or a sometimes hair-raising ascent
that offers inspirational views all the way up and down…
The Aurland
tourist office ( 57 63 33 13;
www.alr.no
;
8.30am-6pm Mon-Fri),
beside the village church, has an internet point (donation requested).
Activities
The Aurland and Lærdal tourist offices have produced six walker-friendly sheets of local
walks
, where the route is superimposed upon an aerial photo.
Forconsistentlyoutstandingviewsandnear-solitude,hikethe12kmtrailthatmainlyfol-
lows the oldroadbetween Aurland andFlåm, passing byOtternes. Until 1919andthe con-
struction of the coast road, it was the only means of land communication between the two
villages. Allow around three hours.
The classic trek down Aurlandsdalen from Geiteryggen to Aurland follows a stream
from source to sea as you tramp one of the oldest trading routes between eastern and west-
ern Norway. From mid-July, you can start this four-day walk in Finse, on the Oslo-Bergen
rail line, with overnight stops at Geiterygghytta, Steinbergdalen and Østerbø.
The final section, usually open between early June and late September, from Østerbø
(820m) to Vassbygdi (95m) is the most scenic and makes for a hugely enjoyable day hike
(allow six to seven hours). Buses run twice daily between Aurland and both Vassbygdi (15
minutes) and Østerbø (one hour).
Sleeping & Eating
Aurland Fjordhotell
HOTEL €€
( 57 63 35 05;
www.aurland-fjordhotel.com
;
s/d from Nkr590/790; )
At this
friendly30-room,family-ownedhotel,mostofthecomfortable,well-furnishedroomshave
fjord views and balcony. To help you sleep, have a shot from the owner's huge collection
of brandies and spirits in a couple of display cases beside reception.
