By the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, nature changes its attire with the seasons – from the budding life of spring and the lush valleys of summer, to the golden hues of autumn and the quiet, snow-covered mountains of winter. Each season has its own unique character, and every journey offers memories for a lifetime.
I have travelled to the fjords of Western Norway in all four seasons, and each journey has offered its own special experiences. Spring entices with blooming orchards, green mountainsides, and mirror-calm fjords; summer with sunny days and lively fjord villages; autumn with its magical display of colours; and winter with peaceful, snow-covered landscapes.
Read also: Fjord activities on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Read also: The Flåm Railway – from mountains to fjord on rails.
Four trips – one for each season
Here you can read about four trips – one for each season – in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. They all rank high on my list of the most memorable fjord experiences and remind me of just how amazing the nature is, no matter what time of year you visit Western Norway.
Experiencing the fjords in the low season offers peace, better photo opportunities, and a more sustainable visit for the local community, the guest, and the environment.
Flåm, located at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, is a perfect starting point for exploring the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Many of the activities, restaurants, and accommodations are open year-round, and it is also easy to get there. Here you can read about how to travel from Oslo to Flåm by train.
NOTE – Remember that days are shorter, colder, and darker in winter. Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are only open in summer and closed in winter, or vice versa. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Seasons and opening hours may vary.
Many of the roads in Western Norway, including those described on this website, can be prone to landslides and avalanches, especially during rain or snowfall. Some roads may also be closed for short periods, particularly in winter, due to weather conditions, risk of rockfalls or avalanches, and other factors. The roads and terrain around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are especially exposed. The road across the Aurlandsfjellet Mountain is closed during winter just above the Stegastein Viewpoint. Always take weather conditions and the risk of landslidesand avalanches into account – both when driving and when exploring nature.
Spring Magic at the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
In spring, the fjord landscape comes back to life after the winter. On this trip, I stayed in Flåm, at Flåm Camping and Hostel, and experienced how the fjords gradually filled with light, green hillsides, and blooming orchards.
Walking along the fjords at this time of year is pure pleasure – with fewer tourists, you can truly experience the peace and quiet that nature offers.
This is the season when the fjords mirror the sky, the meltwater from the mountain peaks brings life to the waterfalls, and the birds rediscover the valleys. The spring light makes photographing the landscape especially exciting, and it’s also a wonderful time to meet the locals as they prepare the villages for summer.
During four days in May, I got to experience two of the world’s most beautiful fjords in lovely spring weather. I wandered through the picturesque fjord villages of Flåm, Aurland, Gudvangen, Bakka, and Undredal.
At the Stegastein Viewpoint, I was lucky enough to witness the northern lights as a backdrop at night, and also saw the morning sun rise over the spectacular Aurlandsfjord.
Summer idyll in Undredal
Summer brings warm days and lush valleys. On my summer trip, I was mainly based in Undredal, at Undredal Camping, with one night at Lærdal Hotel in Lærdal.
This is peak season for many, but it also means you can experience lively small villages, boat trips on the fjord, and beautiful hikes in the sunshine.
Summer offers opportunities for kayaking, cycling, and long evenings with light reminiscent of the midnight sun. It’s a perfect time for those who want to combine activity and relaxation, though it is also a period when tourist crowds can be large and accommodations fully booked.
For this reason, it’s nice to explore lesser-known trails and quieter areas – that way, you can almost have the experience to yourself. Around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, there are many experiences and activities to choose from, and it’s not difficult to “escape off the beaten path” if you want to enjoy the nature and the views in solitude.
That said, we recommend using a guide for trips and activities. It also supports sustainable tourism, providing more year-round jobs for the local community.
Autumn Colors and Fjord Cruise in Flåm
Autumn is my personal favorite – a time for colors, light, and tranquility.
One evening in October, I boarded the train at Oslo Central Station. Finally, I was going on an autumn trip to Flåm again.
And best of all, the entire journey was sustainable. The train, boat, and car used on this trip were all electric, electricity from hydroelectric power created by the lakes and rivers in the mountains and valleys above the Aurlandsfjord.
On this autumn trip, I was again based in Flåm, at Flåm Camping and Hostel, and I experienced how the sun transformed the fjord landscape into deep gold, red, and orange. The air was clear and fresh, and there were few tourists, which made the experience almost meditative.
Autumn is perfect for long mountain hikes, photography, and peaceful trips on the fjord. At the same time, the low season provides better opportunities for sustainable tourism, which means fewer tourists in summer and more year-round jobs for the local community.
Winter Adventure by the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
Winter brings stillness, snow and fjords, sometimes glistening under a layer of ice, but also shorter, colder, and darker days.
On this trip, I was based in Aurland, at Vangsgaarden Gjestegiveri, and experienced how the fjords transform into a crystal-clear winter landscape.
Snowshoeing along snowy trails, frozen waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains create a magical atmosphere that almost feels surreal. The Flåm Railway is the journey from mountain to fjord. We had taken this train ride several times in summer, but experiencing it in winter was something entirely different.
It’s easy to understand why more and more people are discovering how beautiful and enchanting the Norwegian fjords are in winter. The fjords offer a fantastic playground for those who want to ski, snowshoe, take a winter cruise, join a Rib-boat tour on the fjords, or simply breathe in the crisp, cold air and enjoy the stunning winter scenery.
Winter may be the quietest time in the fjords, with few tourists and long, peaceful days. It offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature in a way that is both sustainable and enriching – for both visitors and the local community.
Traveling in all seasons – a benefit for everyone
Exploring the fjords in the low season not only offers a better experience for travelers, but it is also a step towards more sustainable tourism.
By spreading visits throughout the year, local communities gain more year-round jobs, there is less pressure during the summer months, and nature can be enjoyed without crowded trails and boats.
No matter the season, the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord has something to offer: the light of spring, the lushness of summer, the colors of autumn, and the tranquility of winter.
Norway is truly a country where each season has its own magic – and the fjords of Western Norway show us why.
NOTE – Remember that days are shorter, colder, and darker in winter. Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are only open in summer and may be closed in winter, or vice versa. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Seasons and opening hours may vary. Read about your own responsibilities and how to travel safely when exploring Norway.
Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do
Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences and activities in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On July 14, 2005, the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and the surrounding area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Geirangerfjord. The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are both branches of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, which is located in the middle of Western Norway.
Visit Sognefjord
Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.
Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area
Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.
