Top Aurlandsvangen Outdoor Adventures: Review & Guide
Aurlandsvangen, that little village by the Aurlandsfjord in Norway, just might surprise you, as it isn’t just pretty views, that’s for certain. Really, this place acts like the ideal launchpad for anyone who’s looking to get their fill of nature. We’re talking majestic fjords, lofty mountains, and a slice of authentic Norwegian culture that, very honestly, is worth experiencing. In this article, we’re going to look closer at five of the very best outdoor activities Aurlandsvangen has to offer. Each activity has its own unique appeal, but, too, they each promise unforgettable experiences that will leave you breathless. That said, get ready to discover the wonders awaiting you in this Norwegian paradise!
1. Kayaking on the Aurlandsfjord
Kayaking on the Aurlandsfjord is an experience, almost like it transports you into a postcard. Really, picture yourself gliding across calm, bluish waters with massive cliffs rising all around you. That’s basically Aurlandsfjord, in a nutshell. The cool thing about kayaking here is that, you know, you get a viewpoint of the fjord you simply can’t get anywhere else. So, too, the serenity is unreal, and you just might find yourself completely lost in the sheer awesomeness of nature’s artistry. Very honestly, there are several tour operators in Aurlandsvangen that offer guided kayaking tours, too it’s almost like catering to different skill levels, very honestly, whether you’re a newbie or more experienced.
Most of these tours, by the way, will provide you with all the equipment you’ll need, like your kayak, paddle, and a life vest, so too it’s one less thing to worry about. Some tours even include instruction on kayaking techniques and safety, and stuff, in case you’re feeling a bit unsure. On a guided tour, you’ll typically paddle along the shoreline, by the way, and explore remote bays and maybe even get up close to mini waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, so it is quite cool. So, in some respects, a half-day tour often proves adequate if you wish to obtain an intro into the region, but there are of course full-day excursions which also can include a picnic lunch on a secluded beach.
For those thinking of kayaking independently, you probably should make sure you have decent kayaking experience, but it isn’t the only concern. I mean, checking weather conditions ahead of time, too it’s almost important, but it isn’t everything. The fjord waters are usually calm, anyway, but, very, very rarely, strong winds might come in, by the way, that can actually change conditions rather quickly. Additionally, dressing in layers and using sunscreen is more important than many realise, I mean, that way, you’re actually setting yourself up properly, because even on a clear day, anyway, the water reflects sunlight. Experiencing the fjord at water level also adds to that raw sense of adventure, but it isn’t all there is.
2. Hiking to Prest (The Pulpit)
Okay, so, the hike to Prest, sometimes referred to as ‘The Pulpit’, that is rather an adventure, that’s for certain! Very honestly, this hike, anyway, provides arguably some of the most panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord, and, in that case, that view from the top is so, so rewarding. Anyway, the trail starts near the tiny village of Bakka, which is easily reachable from Aurlandsvangen. So, too, it’s almost not super challenging compared to other hikes in Norway, anyway, it can still prove to be a good workout.
The path kind of winds its way through lush forests, a bit, even crosses some streams, anyway, before it starts to climb more steeply to the mountain, is that it?. On average, that section has areas of loose gravel and, of course, some rocky steps, which means you might want to have decent footwear with decent ankle support. As you ascend, actually, that forest gives way to a pretty bare landscape, that has arguably expansive views that start to open up more and more with every step you take. At the top of Prest, very honestly, that vista of the Aurlandsfjord with its towering cliffs and the distant mountains can be just magical. You can basically see the little village of Aurlandsvangen down below, anyway, making you feel as though you’ve attained something really significant.
Hikers probably should allow around 4-6 hours for the whole trip, really, that would allow time to properly take in the scenery, to be fair, plus a break to enjoy your lunch with that view! It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of water, or, well, it often is, I mean. Dressing in layers really helps in adapting to the fluctuating weather. So, too, the route is normally clearly marked, but you should make sure you have a map, too it’s almost to ensure you stay on the proper trail. Remember, though, respect nature by staying on designated paths, to be fair, to safeguard this treasure and not destroy local plants or wildlife. Actually, the effort spent on this adventure often yields dividends in the form of indelible memories and stunning photographs, too it’s almost good enough.
3. Explore the Stegastein Viewpoint
Okay, the Stegastein Viewpoint, that one’s kind of hard to miss, to be honest! That, too it’s almost an amazing piece of architecture but more than that, anyway, it has perhaps some pretty striking views. Basically, it juts out 30 meters from the mountainside, very, very, offering that unique and arguably dizzying view of the Aurlandsfjord, anyway, 650 meters above sea level. Visiting Stegastein is a good choice because it’s easy to access and provides insane photographs, which may be worth your time. I mean, the road is so easy, by the way, I almost think even my gran would feel safe to drive it. A little dramatic, very?
Even though that viewpoint is pretty popular, very honestly, the views still feel surprisingly exclusive, to be honest. Like your standing right at the edge of a world! Now, you could travel to the Stegastein Viewpoint at basically anytime of year, actually, though the winter conditions sometimes, can affect visibility due to snow or fog. Therefore, the clear days during that Summer or Autumn will certainly provide the sharpest views and colors. So, too, if you’re wanting to capture great pictures without many people around, arriving a little early is usually a nice strategy, really, which may be valuable. I mean, like your pictures, too, that may well impact what you opt to do. By the way, there are toilets located there and even, similarly to all decent destinations, parking close-by too, actually, making it nice and simple to get to.
I guess something that maybe makes this place more special is arguably how accessible the destination is for everyone. So, unlike those strenuous hikes or challenging kayak trips, seeing such outstanding vistas requires very, very little physical effort here. Anyway, this lets literally anyone with a pulse enjoy the magic, literally, of this awesome site in the fjords. So, if your schedule is a little more crammed, so, too, Stegastein will present a pretty solid payback. Very honestly, from what I gather, you won’t have to dedicate literally an entire day here, basically, to come away absolutely, absolutely impressed.
4. Hiking the Aurlandsdalen Valley
Okay, for a bit of a longer hike that you can just get fully absorbed in, why don’t you think about walking Aurlandsdalen Valley, also affectionately nicknamed “Norway’s Grand Canyon”? So, in a way, this hike takes you right through possibly some stunning landscapes with rivers, so too it’s almost cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, anyway, and some really cool mountain scenery. Aurlandsdalen kind of lets people discover that rugged splendor of Norway in one great tour. Actually, it typically lasts a number of days with accommodation booked along your trek. Planning would be wise to get this trip just so.
Various start and end spots are generally available in Aurlandsdalen which makes it adaptable in accordance with different fitness and timeline variables. You’re able to customize this. So, you may wish to have this route planned from somewhere like Geiteryggen and that leads through to Vassbygdi where you arguably hike by iconic sites that may include Lake Østerbø. Over this journey, in a way, people tend to walk over rough-terrain so solid footwear is a total must for safety reasons while handling your own stuff on the trek. Along this very route, mountain lodges serve hearty servings plus cozy corners at night for taking things calm prior to continuing that adventure throughout the rest on tour, typically.
I have also heard tales of seeing varied flora around Aurlandsdalen, which can possibly encompass various flowers just about the verdant hills; as well, local fauna may become very common dependent from how the trek develops as with luck, just maybe, you notice diverse animal specimens which really just enhances your engagement as the overall feel will heighten overall with that natural life there at hand too; I suggest always taking a camera to always seize anything wonderful just whenever seeing memorable vista details whilst getting a few snaps with this iconic trekking possibility too if able!
5. Fishing in the Aurlandsfjord and Aurland River
You may want to think of experiencing something that Norway is rather admired throughout; just ponder experiencing angling when Aurlandsfjord as your stage really; as you come over through the very seas then angling really has a bit which always blends both fun plus quiet while encircled throughout some genuinely beautiful scenic surroundings as nature goes, truly! This body which extends outwardly might feature fish species and which, I suggest getting into; they would be salmon as one example as they swim through that clear seawater plus often can have other native residents too living below and adding uniqueness once attempting finding yourself one, as said it. Very!
Just before throwing across just any rod remember being completely up in arms for obtaining appropriate licences; basically those regulations help save our waterways while guaranteeing all that is carried throughout continues being renewable overtime with caution taken on too the angling as such which allows everyone with pleasure by doing as a habit responsibly, for sure in there always; in fact check various local rules ahead or just come ask within regional tourists which is what it’s always like to to know everything which comes first by those bodies there just about always prior prior attempting. While this is not to take away you having pleasure!
As said when out here on boats or coastline casting I encourage appreciating everything around such what that view provides being a treasure with respect shown plus remembering just how to follow a certain method with ‘leave trace traces”; while securing what goes around during activities continues being looked just to its most excellent capabilities continuously and which secures not only viewing is what those vistas provide although for everyone beyond. If anyone comes at their luck’s ends with taking nothing from fishing out but they had nature surround’ as they go, this remains with worth in one trip altogether since Aurland, honestly can win most peoples. That makes just memories beyond imagination once experiencing; and not those others can gain easy which keeps this place with treasures people can secure for ages onward, too! I always get the value here.