Aurlandsvangen Car Tours: Top 5 Scenic Drives Reviewed

Okay, so you are thinking of seeing Aurlandsvangen by car? That is certainly a fine way to see the sights. Choosing the right route can, almost, make your trip. It’s not just about going from place to place; it’s really about the sights you see and the small adventures you find on the way. Here are some choice drives, with what you can look forward to on each.

1. The Aurlandsfjord Cruise Viewpoint Tour

First off, there is a pretty good tour that includes the well-known Aurlandsfjord. So, too, it’s all about getting those amazing views. The road takes you up high, almost giving you a bird’s-eye view of the water below. Along the way, there are small stops where you can, arguably, pull over and snap some pictures. This one, I mean the cruise viewpoint, is a very, very popular spot for tourists and, as a matter of fact, it gives you that picture-perfect view you often see on postcards. It tends to be crowded in the summer, so getting there a bit early might be something to keep in mind if you’re keen on steering clear of the tourist crush. Also, be aware that parts of this route can be rather narrow, demanding a bit of caution while you are at the wheel. If you think a scenic cruise sounds nice, think about stopping somewhere to enjoy that, as well!

2. Flåm Railway and Valley Drive

Then, this option is somewhat special because it mixes driving with a train ride. The Flåm Railway is, in a way, one of the steepest railway lines on earth. Very. Very cool thing to see. You start off by driving to Flåm and taking a train ride. On this train you will have some truly memorable views that are unique to the railway route. Now, you can also see Flåm from the road on this drive. The route basically shows the dramatic shift from the high mountains down to the fjord. On that drive you’ll find some excellent spots to stop. One recommendation would be to spend a little time in one of the villages to more or less soak up the culture. As I was saying, keep your eye out for some small spots that sell local goods, too! This whole trip makes for a full day, mixing both natural beauty and that little bit of unique engineering genius, almost.

3. Undredal and the Churches Route

Here is another idea if you want to explore the culture and quiet corners: drive towards Undredal. What Undredal is really known for is its stave church, which seems to be one of the smallest of its kind still around. Very. Very neat place, I must add. The drive takes you along the fjord, so of course, you are, like your fellow travelers, always driving with incredible views of the water. Along the route you will get some little glimpses into how life is, and or was, in these fjord communities. A little something special with this one is the cheese. Arguably, Undredal is known for its goat cheese. Finding a local shop or farm to sample some cheese might be time well spent. By the way, this drive is fairly easygoing, great if you’re up for something more chilled and not really up for any extreme roads. Very refreshing drive.

4. Stegastein Viewpoint and Snow Road (Aurlandsfjellet)

Alright, so this one gives you high views and thrilling roads. Stegastein Viewpoint might be quite the sight; a spot that sticks out from the mountainside. As I was saying, it offers a view of the Aurlandsfjord. The Snow Road, or Aurlandsfjellet, is often snow-covered, even into the summer. On the drive you will, seemingly, go through some raw, untouched landscapes, feeling really far away from civilization. Be prepared. This one might be slightly tough if you aren’t fond of heights, or as a matter of fact, don’t enjoy twisty roads. Still, if you are ready for it, the views make it worth the effort. Make sure the road is open, too! Sometimes it’s closed because of the weather.

5. Lærdal Tunnel and Old Lærdalsøyri

Next is a rather unusual one. The Lærdal Tunnel is that tunnel, a bit like your local tunnel but far, far, longer, is, apparently, one of the longest road tunnels on Earth. It gets pretty wild going through it. Very. Very long. Now, to make it just that bit more interesting, the tunnel has these special sections with different colored lights. This breaks things up and keeps you from getting too drowsy. On the other side of the tunnel, you will arrive at Old Lærdalsøyri, with houses that tell a tale. Wandering there seems a bit like walking back in time. Now, some travelers might consider this the fast way to another destination, but it offers that odd mix of modern engineering and historical charm. It is kind of a different spin on scenic drives.