Top 5 Mountain Passes around Aurland

The mountain passes around Aurland offer a remarkable transition from deep fjords to vast, often snow-covered, high-mountain plateaus. Along the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route, also known as 'The Snow Road', you can experience snow walls lining the road even in summer. Stalheimskleiva, though now a pedestrian and bicycle path, is framed by the impressive Stalheimsfossen (126 meters free fall) and Sivlefossen (140 meters free fall) waterfalls, offering spectacular views of the Nærøydalen valley.

The best time to visit depends on the pass. Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route is generally open from late May or early June to October, with specific dates depending on snow conditions. However, the section from Aurlandsvangen to Stegastein Viewpoint is accessible all year. Stalheimskleiva reopened as a pedestrian and bicycle path in the summer of 2023.

Yes, Stalheimskleiva is a historically significant mountain pass. Built between 1842 and 1846, it was once a vital part of the main postal route between Bergen and Oslo. It's recognized as one of Northern Europe's steepest roads and offers a glimpse into Norway's road-building history. The National Agency for Cultural Heritage protected Stalheimskleiva in 2009.

The mountain passes in Aurland are renowned for their breathtaking views. From the Aurlandsfjellet Pass, you'll get fantastic views of the fjord as you ascend, transitioning into the highlands. The iconic Stegastein Viewpoint, located along Aurlandsfjellet, juts 30 meters out from the mountainside, providing dramatic panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord and surrounding mountains. Stalheimskleiva offers fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen valley.

Absolutely! The area around Aurlandsfjellet offers numerous hiking trails, including the challenging ascent to Prest mountain. For more hiking options, you can explore various trails around Aurland, such as the moderate 'Up to Rimstigen plateau' or the difficult 'Historical hiking route Aurlandsdalen'. Find more details on these and other trails in the Hiking around Aurland guide.

Yes, cycling is possible on many passes. For instance, Steinreich Pass Summit is a challenging route with a bumpy and rough road surface, requiring at least 40 mm wide tires for comfortable cycling. Stalheimskleiva, after its closure to vehicles, reopened in 2023 specifically as a pedestrian and bicycle path. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Aurland guide.

Yes, along the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route, you'll find eco-friendly rest stops like Flotane, powered by solar panels. The Erdalsvegen–Bjorgavegen Mountain Pass Ascent also ends at a rest area with toilets, which is convenient after the main climb.

The terrain varies significantly. Passes like Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route feature high-mountain terrain that can be snow-covered for much of the year, offering a stark, untouched landscape. Other passes, like Steinreich Pass Summit, are known for their wonderful landscapes but can have bumpy and rough road surfaces.

Visitors often highlight the solitude and untouched nature of routes like the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route. The fantastic drive and transition from fjord views to highlands on the Aurlandsfjellet Pass are also highly appreciated. The dramatic scenery and engineering marvel of Stalheimskleiva, now accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, also draw significant interest.

Yes, the Aurland region offers challenging mountain biking trails. For example, you can find difficult routes like 'Flåm Church – Rapids of the Flåm River loop from Lunden' or 'View of Waterfall – Rapids of the Flåm River loop from Aurlandsvangen'. More details on these and other trails are available in the MTB Trails around Aurland guide.

The Stegastein Viewpoint is an iconic architectural marvel along the Aurlandsfjellet Pass. It juts 30 meters out from the mountainside, 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord, providing dramatic panoramic views and an illusion of floating in the air. While popular and sometimes crowded, it's a highly recommended stop.