10 Popular Hikes in Aurland, Norway: Views, Waterfalls and Dramatic Fjord Landscapes
Aurland offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Norway – from family-friendly paths to challenging mountain routes with panoramic views. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an active summer holiday, this region delivers. Below is an overview of popular hikes in the area, including distance, difficulty, and distance from Aurland village center.
1. Aurlandsdalen: Norway's Grand Canyon
Distance: approx. 20 km
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
From Aurland: approx. 30 km to Østerbø (starting point)
Season: June – October
Known as “Norway’s Grand Canyon,” Aurlandsdalen offers a dramatic walk through waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush vegetation. The trail starts at Østerbø and ends in Vassbygdi. It’s recommended to park in Vassbygdi and take the bus to Østerbø, so you can hike downhill back to your car at your own pace.
See more about hiking the Aurlandsdalen here
2. Prest – Panoramic Views Over Aurlandsfjorden
Distance: approx. 6.5 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
From Aurland: approx. 10 km to Kvammadal (starting point)
Season: Mid-May to October
This hike takes you to the summit of Prest, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjorden. The trail begins at Kvammadal, about 2 km past the Stegastein viewpoint, where you can park your car.
See more about the hike to Prest here
3. Hovdungo from Vikesland
Distance: approx. 3 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
From Aurland: approx. 5 km to Vikesland (starting point)
Season: May - November
This steep trail climbs through the forest before opening up to spectacular views of Aurland, Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord. The path is clearly marked with red Ts and is a local favorite.
4. Dagsturhytta and Stegastein
Distance: approx. 4 km round trip to the cabin; 2 km extra to Stegastein
Duration: 1.5–2 hours to the cabin; 2.5–3 hours total to Stegastein
Difficulty: Moderate
From Aurland center: Starts in town
Season: Year-round
This hike begins in Aurland village and leads up to the day hike cabin (Dagsturhytta) at Vinjaåsen, about 300 meters above the fjord. For a longer hike, continue up to the Stegastein viewpoint.
5. Ørnareiret above Undredal
Distance: approx. 6 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
From Aurland: approx. 20 km to Undredal
Season: June - October
This steep trail starts in Undredal and climbs up to Ørnareiret, a simple shelter with room for six. The views over the fjord are incredible. Adventurous hikers can continue to Stigen Gard, but be sure to arrange boat transport in advance.
More information and booking here
6. Forest Walk Around Bell
Distance: approx. 7 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
From Aurland center: Starts from village center or Aurland Fjordhytter
Season: Year-round
You can start this gentle trail at Aurland Fjordhytter by following the fjord past Voldafossen before heading through forest up to Bell farm. Return via the car road back to the center and home to Aurland Fjordhytter.
7. Brekkefossen – Powerful Waterfall near Flåm
Distance: approx. 1.5 km round trip
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep)
From Aurland center: approx. 10 km (15 min by car to Flåm, where the trail starts)
Season: May – October
This short hike offers great views over Flåm and the fjord. A well-built stone stairway (constructed by Sherpas) leads to a viewpoint next to the thundering waterfall called Brekkefossen.
Tip: Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
See more about the hike to Brekkefossen here
8. Skjerdal to Leim
Distance: approx. 5 km round trip
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
From Aurland center: approx. 8 km to Skjerdal (starting point)
Start from Skjerdal or walk from Aurland Fjordhytter to Skjerdal, then up to the old mountain farm at Leim. This traditional trail offers stunning fjord views and insight into local farming history.
Tip: Visit Skjerdal Stølsysteri café after your hike and try their locally made goat cheese. Farm tours can be booked in advance.
See more about Skjerdal Stølsysteri here
9. Stigen Gard – Dramatic and Airy
Distance: approx. 5 km round trip
Duration: 1-2 hours one way, approx. 4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Demanding
From Aurland center: 25 min drive to Undredal + 10–15 min boat to starting point (must be booked in advance)
Season: June – September
Stigen Gard is one of Norway’s most impressively located farms, high up on a steep mountainside. Access is only by boat from Aurland or Undredal, followed by a steep and narrow trail. Not suitable for those with a fear of heights, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who dare.
See more about the hike to Stegen here
10. Rimstigen – Panoramic View of Nærøyfjorden
Distance: approx. 7–8 km (depending on route)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
From Aurland center: approx. 45 min drive to Bakka (starting point) via Gudvangen
Season: June – October
This spectacular trail climbs the steep mountainside at Rimstigen, offering jaw-dropping views over the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. The path starts in the tiny village of Bakka and ascends sharply to the viewpoint. A rewarding option if you want a quiet, world-class hike.
Hikes for Everyone – With Aurland as Your Base
Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening walk or a full-day mountain adventure, Aurland has it all. Staying at Aurland Fjordhytter gives you the freedom to explore these trails at your own pace. Wake up to fjord views, pack your backpack, and be on the trail within minutes – no stress, no queues, no hassle.
And best of all? After your hike, you can return to a peaceful evening by the water – perhaps a swim or a quiet moment with a cup of tea and the fjord in front of you.
⚠️ Note: Always respect weather and nature conditions. Check trail details before you go, monitor the weather forecast, and bring enough food, water and clothing for your hike.