Aurland

Introducing Aurland

Peaceful Aurland is so much less hectic and trodden than its neighbour, Flåm. It marks the end of the spectacular Aurlandsdalen hiking route. These days it’s also renowned as one end of Lærdalstunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel (24.5km long – 6km more than China’s Zhongnanshan tunnel, its nearest rival). 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 set against 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; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun Jun-Aug, 8am-3.30pm Mon-Fri rest-of-year) is beside the village church.

Between Flåm and Aurland, and high above the fjord perches the restored hamlet of Otternes (adult/child Nkr50/free; 10am-6pm mid-May–Sep), a complex of 27 restored buildings, the earliest dating from the 17th century. To get full value from the visit, follow the one-hour guided tour (Nkr20 extra; available in English four times daily) and plan a rest break to lick a locally made organic ice cream or eat a bowl of rømmegrøt, a rich sour-cream porridge.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009