Aurlandsfjellet – The Snow Road: Norway’s Most Scenic Mountain Drive

A spectacular road trip in Norway – from fjord to snow-capped mountains on the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road

Driving over Aurlandsfjellet, also known as The Snow Road, is one of those rare journeys that captures the very essence of Norway — wild, beautiful, and full of surprises. And along the way, you’ll experience one of the country’s most breathtaking viewpoints – Stegastein, offering panoramic views over the majestic Aurlandsfjord.

This 48-kilometer mountain road winds from the fjord village of Lærdal up to more than 1,300 meters above sea level, across a landscape so barren and white it feels like another planet, before descending toward Aurlandsvangen and the glittering fjord far below.

*Driving the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road – one of the most scenic mountain drives on a Norway road trip.*

The Ultimate Scenic Drive Experience in Norway

You’ll pass grazing sheep, crystal-clear meltwater lakes, and snowdrifts that sometimes rise higher than your car – even in midsummer. The views stretch endlessly across mountains and sky.

It’s not just a drive; it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Every curve, every stop, every moment reminds you why Norway is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations in the world.

From deep fjords to mountains – the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road captures the wild beauty of Norway.

From Fjord Village to Winding Mountain Road

The journey begins in Lærdalsøyri, a charming fjord village at the end of the Sognefjord. With more than 170 wooden houses from the 1700s and 1800s, it’s one of Norway’s best-preserved historic settlements – a lovely place to wander before the climb begins.

*Lærdalsøyri, a historic fjord village with wooden houses from the 1700s, marks the start of the Snow Road.*

As you leave the village, the road starts winding steeply upward through a narrow green valley. You’ll pass old farms, rushing waterfalls, and green pastures surrounded by towering mountains.

The road is narrow, often with room for only one vehicle at a time, so take it slow and enjoy the views. Meeting another car means someone might have to reverse – a common (and often entertaining) part of the adventure.

*The road climbs steeply from the fjord through narrow valleys, waterfalls, and traditional mountain farms.*

A Little Road Trip Drama on Aurlandsvegen

On one of our campervan journeys on Aurlandsvegen, we met not one, but two large tourist buses coming the other way. We had to reverse carefully to the nearest passing point to let them through. It was both nerve-wracking and a little exciting — but that’s part of the charm of driving Norway’s mountain roads. Luckily, there are plenty of pull-outs, so you’ll never have to back up far.

*Meeting oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads – exciting, nerve-wracking, and very Norwegian.*

Up on the Roof of Norway

As you climb higher, the lush landscape slowly fades away — but the road widens, and you can finally relax and take in the view without worrying about oncoming traffic.

Trees give way to bare rock and tundra, and before long you find yourself above the treeline. The air feels cooler, the colors shift to silver and white, and the silence becomes almost complete.

At around 1,300 meters above sea level, summer suddenly feels distant. Patches of snow linger beside the road, small lakes are still partly frozen, and if you’re lucky, you might spot reindeer grazing in the distance.

It’s easy to see why locals call it Snøvegen – The Snow Road.

*At 1,300 meters above sea level, snow lingers long into summer on the Aurlandsfjellet plateau.*

The Stops You Shouldn’t Miss Driving Aurlandsfjellet

The Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road is one of Norway’s official National Tourist Routes, which means you can expect spectacular viewpoints and beautifully designed rest areas along the way. Every stop tells a small story of nature, architecture, and Norway’s love for dramatic landscapes.

*Aurlandsfjellet is part of Norway’s National Tourist Routes, with scenic viewpoints.*

1. Waterfall at Vardahaugselvi Viewpoint

As you begin the climb toward the high mountains, this is the perfect first stop. The waterfall tumbles down the rocks right beside the road, filling the air with mist and the sound of rushing water. Step out, breathe in the cool mountain air, and let the journey truly begin.

*Vardahaugselvi waterfall crashes down beside the road – a perfect first stop on the climb.*

2. Vedahaugane Viewpoint – A Rest Stop with a Secret

A little higher up, you’ll reach Vedahaugane, one of the most beautifully designed stops along the route. The viewpoint sits 1,160 meters above sea level and opens up to sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Here, a long stone bench invites you to sit and take it all in. Built from stone and steel, the rest area blends seamlessly into the terrain, offering both wind protection and a peaceful place to rest. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, breathe in the thin mountain air, and reflect on the wild beauty around you.

At the end of the long bench, follow the small path into “the bear’s den.” This art installation, designed to resemble a bear’s lair, adds a touch of mystery and creativity to the rugged mountain landscape.

*Vedahaugane rest area blends modern architecture with the raw mountain landscape.*

3. The High Plateau – Flotane

This is one of my favorite stops, and one stop you don’t want to miss – Flotane, located right in the heart of the mountain plateau. The scenery here is like a living postcard — vast, quiet, and endlessly open.

Take your time to walk the short trail leading to the nearby waterfall that gave this rest area its name. Bring coffee, find a rock to sit on, and enjoy the stillness.

Up here, the only sounds are wind and water. The landscape feels infinite — rock, snow, and silence. On clear days, you can see far into the mountain ranges of western Norway.

*A short trail leads to the waterfall that gave Flotane its name – perfect for a peaceful break.*

4. Enjoy the Journey Across the Plateau

As you continue across the plateau, you’ll find plenty of small pull-outs and viewpoints — perfect for a quick photo or a breath of crisp mountain air.

Even in July, snow often lingers along the roadside. Find a safe spot to pull over, step outside, and throw a snowball under the summer sun — just because you can.

*Small pull-outs along the plateau invite spontaneous stops and unforgettable views.*

5. Stegastein Viewpoint – Norway’s Iconic Fjord Panorama

The crown jewel of the Snow Road is Stegastein Viewpoint, a sleek glass-and-steel platform that juts 30 meters out from the mountainside, suspended 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord.

Standing here feels like floating in midair — the view opens up to steep green mountains plunging dramatically into the narrow blue fjord below. It’s one of those places that takes your breath away, no matter how many photos you’ve seen before.

If you’ve ever heard people talk about the beauty of the Norwegian fjords, this is the moment you’ll finally understand what they mean.

💡 Tip: Stegastein is open year-round, even when the rest of the Snow Road is closed for winter. It’s just a short drive from Aurlandsvangen, so you can experience this incredible view in any season.

*Stegastein Viewpoint hangs 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord – one of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints.*

The Descent to Aurland – Breathtaking and a Little Bit Nerve-Racking

From Stegastein Viewpoint, the road begins its dramatic descent toward Aurlandsvangen and the fjord far below. This is the stretch many drivers both love and fear.

The views are nothing short of spectacular — the road twists and turns along the steep mountainside, revealing new angles of the fjord at every bend. But it’s also narrow, with tight curves and steep drops just beyond the guardrails.

Take it slow, keep an eye on oncoming traffic, and use the pull-outs when needed. You may have to reverse for passing vehicles now and then — that’s simply part of the adventure on this iconic mountain road.

*Spectacular views come with narrow roads and steep drops on the descent to Aurland.*

Driving Tips and Practical Info

Length: 48 km
Route: Lærdalsøyri ↔ Aurlandsvangen
Highest point: 1,306 m
Season: June – October (closed in winter)
Toll: None
Road type: Narrow paved mountain road with sharp turns – drive carefully and allow time for meeting oncoming traffic.
Recommended vehicle: Car or small campervan. Large motorhomes can manage the route, but only with an experienced driver. (Even 12-meter buses drive here — but those drivers know the road very well!)

In summer, Aurlandsfjellet turns green – soft mountain slopes, quiet valleys, and a road that invites you to slow down.

My personal tips:

💡 Tip: There are no restaurants or shops between Lærdal and Aurland, so bring something tasty to eat and enjoy a mountain picnic along the way. There’s nothing quite like having lunch surrounded by silence, fresh air, and endless views.

⚠️ Note: The road is very narrow in places, with tight curves and steep drops. Drive slowly, stay alert, and allow extra time. Use low gear on descents to avoid overheating your brakes, and always show patience toward oncoming traffic.

If you’re not comfortable with mountain driving, consider joining a guided bus tour over Aurlandsfjellet from Flåm — or take the Aurland Tunnel, one of the world’s longest road tunnels, for a faster and easier route between Lærdal and Aurland.

You may need to stop for oncoming traffic, but there are plenty of passing places along the way. Watch for signs with a large ‘M’ – this indicates a Møteplass, the Norwegian word for a passing place.

When to Drive the Snow Road

June & Early July: Still plenty of snow along the roadside – the full “Snow Road” experience. The contrasts between green valleys and white mountain plains are at their most striking.
July & August: Easier driving and warmer weather, though you’ll still see snow patches scattered across the plateau. Perfect months for first-time visitors who want clear roads and long daylight hours.
September: Crisp air, golden light, and fewer cars. It’s a stunning time for photography, but always check the weather forecast before driving — early snowfalls can close the road without warning.

💡 Tip: To avoid traffic, drive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. That’s when the light is at its most beautiful — and you’ll often have the mountain almost to yourself.

*Driving through green mountain valleys on Aurlandsfjellet – a peaceful summer road trip in Norway.*

Make It Part of a Bigger Road Trip in Norway

If you’re planning a Norway road trip, the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road fits perfectly into any route that includes Bergen, Flåm, Hardanger, or the Sognefjord region of Western Norway. It connects some of the country’s most famous fjords and scenic drives — making it a must for anyone exploring this part of Norway.

Continue to Flåm and ride the world-famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train journeys in the world. You can even bring a bike on board and cycle back down through the spectacular Flåmsdalen valley.
Visit Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where sheer cliffs rise straight out of the water. Take a fjord cruise or kayak trip to experience the silence and grandeur of this narrow, dramatic fjord.
Drive on to Bergen via Gudvangen and Voss. Bergen, known as “The Gateway to the Fjords,” is famous for its colorful wooden houses at Bryggen, its harbor life, and the panoramic views from Mount Fløyen.
Head south to Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most beautiful and fertile fjords. In spring, the entire valley bursts into blossom with thousands of fruit trees in bloom — and in summer, roadside stalls sell cherries, apples, and cider from local farms. The drive along Hardangerfjord combines waterfalls, orchards, and glacier views — a true feast for the senses.

Flåm at the end of Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by towering mountains and deep fjord waters.

Why We Love This Drive

The scenic drive over Aurlandsfjellet is one of my absolute favorites.

The Snow Road is everything a Norwegian mountain road should be — quiet, wild, and breathtaking. Every turn reveals something new: a hidden lake, a snowdrift in midsummer, or a sheep standing right in the middle of the road (don’t worry, they usually move).

We’ve driven Aurlandsfjellet several times — and we’ll definitely be back again.

Whether you’re chasing spectacular viewpoints, dramatic mountain landscapes, lingering snow, or simply that on-top-of-the-world feeling, The Snow Road delivers.

Happy road tripping in Norway!
— Anne Bente

💬 We’d love to hear from you!
Have you driven the Snow Road — or is it still on your Norway road trip bucket list? Share your thoughts or travel tips in the comments below.