Otternes

Aurland


This restored hamlet perches high above the fjord, between Flåm and Aurland. The 27 scattered buildings, the oldest dating from the early 17th century, were lived in until the 1990s. It's largely the initiative of one person, the ebullient Laila Kvellestad. Follow her 30- to 60-minute guided tour (in English, four times daily) of the houses and working farm, and then take a break for a locally made organic ice cream, fresh apple juice or pancakes.

It can be reached via the footpath between Flåm and Aurland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Aurland attractions

1. Flåmsbana Museum

1.58 MILES

This little museum is right beside Flåm station. There's plenty to satisfy train enthusiasts here but it's not all about railways: there are also…

2. Stegastein

3.01 MILES

Projecting out high above the fjord at an altitude of 630m, this marvel of modern engineering is one of Norway's great viewing points. Clad in pine and…

3. Undredal Church

5.43 MILES

Originally built as a stave church in 1147 and seating 40, this barrel-vaulted village church is the smallest still-operational house of worship in…

4. Aurlandsfjellet

6.35 MILES

This 45km road is one of Norway's most fabulous, climbing from sea level to the desolate, boulder-strewn high plateau that separates Aurland and…

5. Kjelsfossen

8.11 MILES

Kjelsfossen tumbles from the southern wall of Nærøydalen valley, above Gudvangen village. Notice, too, the avalanche protection scheme above Gudvangen…

6. Stalheim Folkemuseum

16.17 MILES

This folk museum, near the Stalheim Hotel, has exhibits of traditional crafts and rustic objects as well as 30 log buildings laid out as a traditional…

7. Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre

19.12 MILES

The River Lærdalselvi is one of the top spots for wild salmon fishing in Norway. Salmon fishing has been part of the culture here since time immemorial,…

8. Kaupanger Stave Church

21.52 MILES

The area's most impressive sight is this stave church, raised in 1184. It impresses from within by its sheer height, although much of what you see dates…