About
Aurland is a municipality in western Norway, in the county of Sogn og Fjordane. It sits within a landscape of steep mountains and deep water, and visitors come here above all for the fjords. The area is known for the dramatic Nærøyfjord, a narrow arm of the great Sognefjord system, and it serves as a gateway to wider stretches of fjord scenery.
What a visit offers
The main draw is the scenery itself. Sheer rock walls rise from the water on either side, and the fjord's sheltered waters make for a quiet and dramatic setting. Many travellers approach by boat, which gives the clearest view of the valley walls and waterfalls, though the area can also be reached and explored on foot and by road.
Planning your trip
- Allow time for the water itself. The fjord is the reason to come, so a slow pace suits the place best.
- Think of Aurland as a base for the wider fjord country, with the surrounding landscape as the attraction.
- Pack for changeable mountain weather, which can shift quickly over the water and the hills.
Aurland suits visitors who want to be close to dramatic natural scenery rather than to busy towns. If you are drawn to fjords, mountains and open water, it is a destination that rewards an unhurried visit.