FROZEN FJORDS – THE AURLANDSFJORD AND NÆRØYFJORD IN WINTER SUIT

It was winter, and we visited Aurland and Flåm by the Sognefjord, seeking for some cold adventures. And we got what we wanted; Frozen Fjords.

It is easy to understand why more and more people discover how beautiful and exotic the Norwegian Fjords are during winter. The fjords is a great playground for those who want to ski, go snow-shoe hiking, take a winter-cruise or join a RIB-boat on the fjords or just take in the cold, crispy air and enjoy the beautiful winter-landscape.

 

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area. Hikes mentioned in this website have different seasons. See links to the various hikes to read more about the hikes and season.

Important information about roads in Western Norway: Many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

It is important to take precautions for weather and driving conditions, on roads and trails, both when driving and in general when one is out in nature in Norway and Western Norway. It is recommended to use guide on the tours described on this website. Use the information you find on this website at your own risk and responsibility. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Sognefjord area.

Accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Team “Frozen Fjords”

We (@tfbergen , @torb and @fjords) met in Aurland by the Aurlandsfjord and stayed at Vangsgaarden Guesthouse for the long-weekend. Aurland and Vangsgaarden is a perfect base for exploring this area. It is a short distance to the fjords and the mountains and the activities, attractions and sights from this place.

Stegastein Viewpoint and Otternes Farm Yard

The first evening we drove up to Stegastein Viewpoint, only a short but steep drive from Aurland. Stegastein is a 33 meter long footbridge made of wood, 640 meters above the Aurlandsfjord. This is one of the greatest viewpoints in Norway, and we went there for a night-photoshoot. We also visited Otternes farmyard between Aurland and Flåm and Borgund Stave Church in Lærdal. See the pictures below.

Fjord Safari on the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord

Next morning we headed towards Flåm at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, the starting point for our next adventure;  a RIB-Boat-Safari on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord with Fjord Safari. We had two hours on the fjord in a small boat. What a day on the fjord we had! And we experienced deer and seals from close up distance in the middle of this beautiful and wild nature.

The Flåm Railway

The day after the Fjord Safari we again headed towards Flåm. This is the starting point of Flåm Railway, one of top 10 railways in the world. This is the train journey from fjord to mountain, and we took it both ways. We had done this train-ride many times during summer, but it was “cool” to experience it in the winter.

Winter in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

The last day, after a nice lunch at Mariannes Bakeri & Kafe in Aurland, we split and returned to our homes. But first we drove to Gudvangen to experience the beauty of the Nærøyfjord and the surrounding fjord landscape. We got a lot of new friends there, the sheep we met were lucky to live in such a beautiful environment.

Thanks to Vangsgaarden and Fjord Safari

Thanks to Vangsgaarden who welcomed us to stay with them during our stay, and also to Fjord Safari for letting us join them on the epic winter-cruise on the fjord. We are longing back, and hope to see you again soon.

Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords that are also included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Join a fjord safari or a fjord cruise. See the fantastic view from Stegastein viewpoint and taste the local goat cheese in Undredal. Visit the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the history and culture of the Viking Age. Flåm Railway is the train journey from fjord to mountain, perhaps the most beautiful train journey in the world. Combine this train journey with cycling along Rallarvegen which goes from the high mountains via Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are both part of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is located in the northern part of the county of Vestland, in the middle of Western Norway.

Accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of 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.

FJORDS NORWAY - Reis Sakte - Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord
Reis Sakte – Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord

How to travel to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

It is easy to travel to Flåm and Aurland, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Almost “all roads” go to Flåm and Aurland, and you can also travel there by train, bus and boat. It is only a short distance between the two neighboring villages of Flåm and Aurland.

You can start this fjord adventure by train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal station. Then you get to experience the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen and Flåm Railway, one of Norway’s most spectacular railway lines, from Myrdal station to Flåm, which is located down by the Aurlandsfjord. If you take Flåm Railway, you get to experience the beautiful Flåmsdalen valley at the same time.

There are several daily bus departures between Oslo/Bergen and Flåm.

The nearest airport is Sogndal Airport at Haukåsen near Kaupanger. Most flights that go to and from Sogndal Airport come from and go to Oslo and Bergen. From the airport to Flåm, it is 70 kilometers by road, including a wonderful crossing of the Sognefjord by ferry.

FJORDS – Accommodation in Western Norway

Great Hotels in the Fjords of Norway
Bath and Spa Hotels in the Fjords of Norway
Fjords Living – Special Accommodation in the Fjords of Norway

FJORDS – Useful Links

Go Fjords – Big and Small Fjord Experiences
Visit Norway – Official page for Norway
Fjord Norway – Official page for Fjord Norway

Frozen Fjords – Map Overview