The northern part of Fjord Norway is breathtakingly beautiful, full of experiences, and packed with spectacular roads. Set aside a few days to explore along the Aursjøvegen, the Atlantic Road, and the Trollstigen. The Aursjøvegen road is 65 km and runs between Sunndalsøra and Eikesdalen. It is a unique starting point for a plethora of powerful experiences of the area’s nature – whether you want to relax by a tranquil fishing lake, swim in a giant’s cauldron or peer over the edge of Aurstupet, Møre og Romsdal's answer to ‘Trolltunga’.
The spectacular Aursjøvegen road is Norway's wildest detour
Summer, fall
Last updated: 06.08.2024
© Lediard Foto
The route along Aursjøveien road is often called Norway's wildest detour. For many, it’s a hidden treasure with spectacular views that are best experienced from a bike saddle.
Aursjøvegen is a summer favourite in Fjord Norway
The Aursjøvegen has become increasingly popular for e-bike tours, offering new opportunities to explore the area. The road was originally a construction road for the building of dams at Aursjødammen, and therefore it is not recommended to drive Aursjøvegen with a bus, camper van, or caravan.
Anne Stine Mathisen, the managing director of Contrast Adventure, leads tours throughout the year, including cycling, mountain hiking, and climbing. However, there's no doubt that the Aursjøvegen is a favourite during the summer months.
- The Aursjøvegen route is fantastic, she says. It starts at sea level and climbs to a mountain plateau at around 1000 metres. It's a great route for cycling, and an e-bike gives you an extra boost.
Managing director of Contrast Adventure, Anne Stine Mathisen|© Oddgeir Visnes / TIBE
From Fjord to High Mountains
Your journey begins by the fjord. From here, you'll navigate a series of 180-degree hairpin bends surrounded by majestic mountains. Anne Stine from Contrast Adventure describes the trip as follows:
- You start at the fjord in Sunndal and then cycle up Litjdalen valley. There are steep mountains and mighty waterfalls all the way up to the plateau before you reach Torbudalen valley. It's flat and beautiful here, with stunning views and surroundings; a true high-mountain landscape.
© Lediard Foto
Along Aursjøvegen, there are many opportunities for detours that offer both history and nature. An interesting route is the old railway line on the Sunndal side, where you can walk along historical tracks and enjoy the view in easy, flat terrain. Aursjøvegen is also one of the gateways to the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, and here you will find many lovely hikes in the high mountain landscape. For fishing enthusiasts, several of the lakes along Aursjøvegen offer fishing opportunities; see inatur.no to purchase fishing licenses. Also, take the time for a stop at the summer mountain farm, Torbuvollen seter. Here, dairy products are produced and sold, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee on the farmstead.
Accommodation
Precipitous high points
For many people, the highlight of the trip is Aurstaupet, considered the areas answer to ‘Trolltunga’. The edge of Aurstaupet is a short 400-metre walk from the Aursjøvegen road. It offers wide views of the mountains, Eikesdalen valley and Eikesdalsvatnet lake.
© Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth
Aurstaupet is well worth visiting along the way and is a place where you can enjoy the views without too many tourists and other visitors. The gravel road continues towards Eikesdalen valley, where you need to be careful on the bends down Finsetlia mountainside. The road is narrow so watch out for oncoming traffic.
On the way down Finsetlia, you can stop and swim in a pothole only 100 meters from the road. Here the water is turquoise and icy cold, and a nice photo stop. Look out for a small wooden sign with the word "Jettegryte" along the road.
Mardalsfossen i Eikesdal|© Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth
The world's 4th highest waterfall - Mardalsfossen
Your trip ends in Eikesdalen. Here the mountains are precipitous and fall into the almost two-mile-long Eikesdalsvatnet. Eikesdalsvatnet lies just 26 meters above sea level, while the surrounding mountains rise 1,800 meters straight up from the water. In Eikesdalen, it is well worth taking in the world's 4th highest waterfall – Mardalsfossen. The waterfall is an impressive sight during the water flow season which is from June 20th - August 20th each year.
