Top 5 Aurlandsvangen Adventure Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Planning a visit to the spectacularly lovely Aurlandsvangen and eager to make the absolute most of your time? So, it’s almost like you’ve come to the right place! Finding truly fantastic things to do can really make a vacation special, and trust me, this charming Norwegian village offers a surprising number of adventure opportunities that you really shouldn’t overlook.

1. Fjord Cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

Alright, first up is that utterly classic fjord cruise! You know, these boat trips often give you stunning perspectives that you just cannot get from solid ground, and that is certainly true around here. Consider experiencing this breathtaking scenery. Sailing through both the Aurlandsfjord and the incredibly narrow Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is, like, an experience you won’t soon forget. Expect sheer cliff faces that seem to reach for the sky, cascading waterfalls plummeting down into the dark waters below, and maybe even seals sunbathing on the rocks if you are really lucky! You will probably discover it a great way to just kick back, relax, and soak in the raw, majestic loveliness of Norway.

These tours typically range from two to three hours, with boats often offering both indoor and outdoor seating, too it’s almost perfect no matter the weather. Plus, many include fascinating commentary, so you learn something along the way too! You might find multiple departure times throughout the day, particularly during peak tourist season in the summer. Very many tour operators include hotel pickup options or will advise easy meeting points near the harbor. This can make planning easier and also gets you from point A to B a little faster.

2. Guided Kayak Tour on the Aurlandsfjord

Okay, but what if you want a fjord experience that’s a little more active and that’s quite possibly up your alley? Like your idea, why not hop in a kayak? Paddling on the Aurlandsfjord offers a truly intimate connection with the water, you know. See a different view of Norway; it is that, close enough to the surface that you can really take in the incredibly vibrant colors of the fjord and hear all the unique sounds of nature.

A guided tour is pretty much always the safest and most fulfilling option, especially if you are not overly experienced. Often, the guides can give insights into the area’s history and wildlife, which I’m pretty sure enhances the whole thing a bit, I have to say. These tours might be roughly anywhere from two to four hours, with all essential gear like kayaks, paddles, and safety equipment provided. A quick safety briefing and paddling instruction are usually given at the onset too. Just maybe wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Tours also commonly happen during calmer weather to provide the most pleasant and safest possible experience!

3. Aurlandsdalen Valley Hike (The “Grand Canyon of Norway”)

If your preference is seeing all the landscape’s wonders from slightly higher ground, don’t look past the stunning Aurlandsdalen Valley for one moment. Aptly nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Norway,” this valley offers an abundance of spectacular hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels. I believe it is an almost majestic experience!

While tackling the full multi-day hike needs significant preparation, multiple day trips allow you to explore sections of the valley, such as the popular hike from Østerbø to Vassbygdi. Actually, expect stunning views, rambling rivers, and ancient mountain farms on route. Guided hikes are available, you see, too it’s almost a plus, particularly useful if you would perhaps like someone else to care about the logistics or learn some inside scoop on the area’s geology and history. The weather up there could be really unpredictable. That, in some respects, means it’s definitely a good idea to dress in layers and take some reliable rain gear with you.

4. Stegastein Viewpoint Visit

Now, if you are after unbelievable views with just that tiny dash of accessibility, then a trip to the Stegastein Viewpoint really must be a must-do! Like your typical scenic outlook, but taken up a notch, this structure juts out 30 meters from the mountainside, looming roughly 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord, for example. It’s like stepping out into thin air!

Actually, getting to Stegastein is simple; it is a short and picturesque drive from Aurlandsvangen. Tour buses frequently incorporate a stop at Stegastein on their itineraries, so it could be convenient to get a ride rather than driving yourself. Once there, I think the views genuinely speak for themselves. Seemingly, the seemingly endless vista of the fjord and the surrounding mountains provides unbelievable photo opportunities and, that, is cool for lasting memories. There genuinely isn’t a bad time to visit, but a sunrise or sunset visit provides that additional bit of magic!

5. Flåm Railway (and a Detour to Aurland)

Right then, okay, so while technically the Flåm Railway departs from Flåm, the village right next to Aurlandsvangen, I reckon it is absolutely worthy of inclusion. Typically acclaimed as one of the world’s steepest railway lines on standard gauge, the Flåm Railway offers a mind blowing journey through rugged mountains and beside thundering waterfalls, that’s pretty much it! Traveling can really be easier; simply take a bus, drive to Flåm, or even just make the most of the stunning walking trails that connect the two towns. In short, getting to Flåm shouldn’t take long, at all!

It almost seems like during the train trip, be certain to have that camera ready because there will most probably be countless unbelievable photographic opportunities, is that right? The train makes a brief stop at the spectacular Kjosfossen waterfall, where you may see a mythical Huldra. In fact, the route climbs dramatically from sea level at Flåm to Myrdal station high in the mountains, and it is quite the thing to witness! From Myrdal, you may, naturally, change trains to continue to Bergen or Oslo, thus making it a perfect way to simply combine natural beauty with convenient travel. Plus, Flåm itself is a genuinely charming village with numerous stores and eateries to explore after the train ride, so that’s useful!