Aurland: Shoemaking, Fjord and Mountain Tours

Aurland combines shoemaking with fjord experiences and tours towards the high mountains. If you are looking for a hotel in Aurland, you can choose where to stay based on which of these themes you want to shape your trip: a guided workshop tour, the FjordSauna, cycling on Aurlandsfjellet or hikes in the surrounding area.

Shoemaking in Aurland

The village of Aurland is home to the workshop of Aurlands Skofabrikk and one of its two shops. A guided workshop tour can be booked at Aurlands Skofabrikk. It tells visitors about the traditional craft of shoemaking and the history of the Aurlandskoen. The Aurland Economusée has been making the Aurland shoe since the 1930s. For anyone interested in local craftsmanship, the tour and the long history of production offer different points of interest: how the shoes are made and how they have evolved.

FjordSauna and fjord scenery

FjordSauna Aurland is located on a floating dock in the Aurlandsfjord, in the centre of Aurland. Here, hot sauna sessions alternate with a refreshing dip in the fjord. In the wider Aurland region, the Aurlandsfjord is part of the Sognefjord, which is designated a National Salmon Fjord. This brings together a specific fjord experience in the centre of Aurland and the wider regional context of the fjord system.

Routes, cycling and hiking

The Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet runs between Lærdalsøyri and Aurlandsvangen. For a cycling trip, Aurlandsfjellet can be challenging from Aurland, with a long climb into the high mountains. The scenic route runs between Lærdalsøyri and Aurlandsvangen; for a cycling trip starting in Aurland, the long climb into the high mountains can be challenging.

Nearby, the hike to Prest at 1,478 metres offers panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord; it is considered a suitable summit hike for the whole family. Vinjaåsenhytta is located on the route between Aurlandsvangen, the Stegastein viewpoint and Bjørgo. The Prest hike leads to the summit at 1,478 metres, with panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord; Vinjaåsenhytta is on the route between Aurlandsvangen, Stegastein and Bjørgo.

More highlights in the Aurland region

In the wider Aurland region, the landscape of the Nærøyfjord is shaped by narrow, steep-sided cliffs, numerous waterfalls and free-flowing rivers. The rivers run through deciduous and coniferous forests towards glacial lakes and rugged mountains. Kjosfossen is another regional excursion destination: the waterfall beside the Flåm Railway is 225 metres high, and passengers can get off at a specially designated stop. Check the arrangements for your travel day in advance.

The Rallarvegen ends in Flåm and combines cycling with nature and cultural history; cycling conditions vary by season. In Undredal, traditional goat’s cheese is made using old methods at the village’s Stølsysteriet. If you plan to include the cheese in your stay, check its availability to visitors in advance.

Fishing in the region

In the Aurland region, fishing in the fjord is free year-round. Possible catches include sea trout, cod, haddock and whiting. Before fishing, check the applicable fishing regulations and the availability of the species. The Aurlandselvi also offers opportunities for sport fishing in Aurland; check the applicable permits and season dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Flåm, Aurlandsvangen, Undredal, Gudvangen, Stålheim, Finse

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