Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 western
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).
SNØVEGEN
The 45km
Snow Road
( Jun-mid-Oct), officially signed
Aurlandsvegen
, climbs from sea
level, twisting precipitously to the desolate, boulder-strewn high plateau that separates
Aurland and Lærdalsøyri (Lærdal). This heart-stopping drive - strictly for summertime as
snow banks line the road and tarns are still deep-frozen even in late June - has been des-
ignated as a National Tourist Route, so get there before the coaches catch on. Even if you
don't opt for the whole route, drive the first 8km from Aurland to the magnificent
Stegastein observation point
. Projecting out over the fjord way below, the biomorphic
pine-clad structure is striking to look at, not to mention designed to push you just a little
out of your comfort zone, rather like Norway itself.
Sleeping & Eating
Lunde Gard & Camping
CAMPGROUND
( 99 70 47 01;
www.lunde-camping.no
;
campsites Nkr240, cabins with outdoor bathroom Nkr600,
with bathroom Nkr1050, 3-bed apt Nkr820; May-Sep; )
This small campsite nestles agreeably beside a river, 1.2km up a side valley. Kitchen and
toilet facilities are impeccable.
Vangsgaarden
HOTEL
( 57 63 35 80;
www.vangsgaarden.no
; d/f Nkr1100/1350, 4-bed cabins Nkr1250 (linen per person
Nkr65);
)
