stegastein viewpoint tour

A Local's Guide to Flam and the Aurlandsfjord region!

Stegastein Viewpoint [A Local’s Guide]

I grew up in Aurland and am often asked questions about the most popular tourist attraction/sight here – The Stegastein Viewpoint. I live so close to it that you can actually see my house from the viewpoint! So, it’s about time I write a post sharing all the information I have, so you have an in-depth guide to this crowd-pleaser of an attraction in Norway.

The Stegastein Viewpoint ( or Stegastein Lookout or Stegastein Viewing Platform as some call it ) is a part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes – Aurlandsfjellet (one of the 18 most beautiful road stretches in Norway). These routes combine nature with architecture and design in the most spectacular way. The ‘Snow Road’ over the Aurlandsfjellet (the Aurland mountain) features Stegastein Viewpoint, where you can stop on your way down the mountain.

Of course, you don’t have to drive all across the mountain in order to see Stegastein. More on that below.

In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about the viewing platform before your trip to the fjords. Regardless of which village you visit (Aurland, Flåm, Undredal or Gudvangen), Stegastein should be on your list.

Table of Contents

A guide to visiting the Stegastein Viewpoint, Norway

The Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Road starts from Lærdal, covers a distance of 47 kilometres, and ends at the Aurland village (home sweet home!). This road stretch is closed from November to May during winters, due to snow. However, the scenic road from the Aurland village to Stegastein Viewpoint is open all year round, and hence the viewing platform can be visited any time of the year.

The driving distance from Flam to the Stegastein lookout is 18 kilometres, and from Aurland village, the drive is 8 kilometres. Once you cross through Aurland, the road starts becoming steeper and narrower, but more and more beautiful with each curve.

Keep reading for my guide to visiting the Stegastein viewing platform in Norway!

About the Stegastein Viewpoint

The Stegastein lookout is a 30-metre (98 feet) long and 4-metre (13 feet) wide viewing platform in Aurland that offers breath-taking views of the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains. Made of steel, concrete, glass, and laminated pine wood, this platform is constructed to give you an illusion of floating above the fjord! So it’s quite spectacular indeed.

Suspended at 650-metres (2133 feet) above sea level, the Viewpoint is amongst the most visited tourist attractions in Aurland . Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen designed this architectural marvel, and the construction was completed in 2006.

I actually remember when it was finished, and how cool it was to be able to look up and see it from the village (I was 15 at the time).

From the viewing platform at Stegastein, you can see the panoramic view of the Aurlandsfjord, the Aurland village, the village’s church and school, and even my home. The landscape view that you get from Stegastein Viewpoint is the most unparallel view you can get of any fjord in Norway (unless you go on a hike in the area ). On a clear day, you will also be able to spot the Flåm village and the closest end of the Sognefjord. Trust me, Stegastein viewing platform is the most photographed and instagrammable place in the area!

When to visit Stegastein Lookout?

As mentioned earlier, the Stegastein Viewpoint is open all year round. However, it gets really busy in the summer months. So much that you actually have to form a queue and wait for your turn to get a good photo without anyone else photobombing it. During these peak summer months (May to August), you should visit the viewing platform early in the morning (just before sunrise).

Note that sunrise in summer is ridiculously early, so you might not be up for that. However, if you are a content creator or a photographer, and it’s important to you not to have other people in your shots, you might just have to.

In winters, the road from Flam to Stegastein gets closed intermittently when it snows heavily. The times when this road is blocked, you can access the viewing platform only from Aurland. The roads above Stegastein are closed from November to April.

The public toilet at Stegastein Viewpoint

Bet you never thought you’d see this as a heading in a travel guide?

The restrooms along the Norwegian Scenic Routes are considered amongst the world’s best toilets. Yeah, you read that right! And so is the public toilet located in the parking lot of the Stegastein lookout. This unique toilet has large windows that offer a panoramic view of the fjords from the toilet seat!

(No, no one can see you from outside.)

The public toilet at the Stegastein lookout was recognised as the world’s 4th best public toilet in 2016 by the website named DesignCurial. Even if you don’t have to use the loo, they are worth a visit. Sadly, the public toilet at Stegastein viewing platform is closed in the winter months, so make sure you go before you head up there if you are visiting in the low season.

How to get to the Stegastein Viewing Platform in Norway

Most travellers who wish to explore the Stegastein viewing platform stay in Flam during their trip to the western fjords. There are 4 ways you can reach Stegastein from Flam or Aurland.

Read more : the best things to do in Flåm

1. Visiting Stegastein by bus from Flåm and Aurland

You can join a bus tour from Flam to Stegastein lookout. The one major tour company that operates such tours is Norway’s Best They have departures from both Flam and Aurland all year-round. In the summers, there are hourly departures, whereas in winters, there are two departures daily. Regardless of whether you are staying in Aurland or Flåm, joining this tour is quite easy.

The guided tour lasts for 1,5 hours, where you spend 1 hour travelling to and back from Stegastein. You get a 30-minute time window to get to the viewing platform and take photos. They also provide you with an audio guide with a pair of headphones where you get to learn about the region and its history.

The best part about guided tour is that you don’t have to stress about the traffic or driving on the steep hairpin bends; you just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

2. Visiting Stegastein by bus from Bergen

It is also possible to visit Stegastein lookout on a guided tour from Bergen. There are a handful of companies that offer day trips from Bergen to the fjord , and these often include a lot more than just the trip to Stegastein. Usually, they include a train or boat transfer to the fjords, the Nærøyfjord fjord cruise and the Flåm Railway as well! So this might just be the perfect way for you to see the fjords from Bergen, especially if you are short on time.

3. Drive to Stegastein

If you have a car, you can drive yourself to the Stegastein viewing platform from Flam or Aurland. From the base of the mountain in Aurland, you need to drive up a steep road with a total of seven sharp hairpin bends. This should take you around 20 minutes. In summers, however, the road up to the viewing platform gets very busy and might take you as long as an hour (or more).

As mentioned earlier, the road from Aurland to Stegastein lookout is steep and narrow. So, unless you are 100% comfortable driving on such narrow winding roads in Norway , kindly do not drive yourself. There are very few meeting points along this road. Every summer, there are delays on the road as many tourists who rent out cars are not able to manoeuvre the vehicle on the narrow stretches. And if it comes to reversing their vehicle, they get really stressed at the idea of falling off the mountainside. If you are one of such, it’s better to join a guided tour than drive yourself.

You can even rent a small electric car in Flam and visit the Stegastein viewpoint and area around Aurland and Flam on your own. Such cars are really small (2-seater), are GPS guided, and hence quite easy to drive on narrow roads.

If you decide to drive, stay up-to-date regarding the road conditions by checking the Norwegian Road Directory. It will flag any road closures or ongoing road works, as well as delays relating to accidents. And again I want to stress; if you are not 100% comfortable on winding Norwegian roads, please don’t drive yourself.

4. Take a taxi to the Stegastein viewing platform

Joining a guided tour could turn out to be quite expensive if you are a part of a big group, as they (naturally) charge per person. In such instances, you can hire a maxi taxi with a driver that will be cheaper than the tour.

There is one main taxi company in Flåm and Aurland. The taxi drivers are experienced in driving on these roads and will take you to the Stegastein lookout safely; while you simply enjoy the stunning scenery. This way, you are also in control of how much time you can spend at the top, as the bus has a schedule it needs to stick to. You can arrange with your driver how long you want to spend there.

5. Hike to the Stegastein Viewpoint

If you have done some hiking in Norway, you already know how beautiful the landscapes are. And so, you might want to hike all the way up to Stegastein!

The hike to the Stegastein viewing platform starts from the car park at the Vangen Church in Aurland village. From here, you have to follow the marked trail to Rygg, the highest road in the residential area. At the end of this road, you will find a sign marked Dagsturhytta and Stegastein. Dagsturhytta is a shorter hike following the same trail as the Stegastein hike.

Please note that the hike to Stegastein lookout is marked as a ‘RED’ hike in Norway, which means that it falls under the hard and strenuous category. The hike is steep and challenging and can become more difficult if it snows or rains. If the trail is wet and slippery, its best to walk the road than hike the trail (or to simply drive or join a bus tour). It can be quite muddy in April and early May, so prime hiking time would be late May to September.

I have hiked to the Stegastein viewing platform from Aurland, and it took me around 2 hours to complete the trek. The hike was indeed strenuous; however, it was totally worth it when I reached the top. I think the hike is pretty doable if you go easy and have the right gear. The hike is “just” around 2 kilometres long, but you are climbing 650 metres in height, so you can imagine how steep it is.

See my video from the hike below!

Stegastein FAQ

The viewing platform is free to visit, and open all year round. However, if you want to join the bus tour there, the current price of this is 415 NOK per person (2023 prices).

Yes, visiting the viewpoint is free.

You can book the bus tour to the lookout here .

The total drive time from Bergen to Stegastein is 3,5 hours. You can either travel from Bergen to Aurland by bus ( book here ), and then hike, take a taxi or join the bus tour to Stegastein. Alternatively, you can take the train to Flåm ( book here ), and join the bus tour (or arrange for a taxi) from there.

I hope this post helps you plan your visit to the Stegastein Viewpoint. The viewing platform is worth visiting if you are in the area, and is amongst the top attractions there. If you have any questions not covered in the FAQ, please drop them in the comments section below and I’ll make sure to add them in!

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34 comments.

Hi there – do you recommend any taxi company to contact for the trip up to Stegastein? What would be a reasonable rate for a round trip to Flam?

Hi Jan! Thank you for your comment 🙂 There is just the one taxi company in the area, and it’s called Aurland Taxi. Personally, I recommend going by tour, as it will be the most affordable. I think a round-trip from Flåm will cost around 800-1000 kroner – but it may be that the taxi company is able to give a set price for this.

Hi, Im wondering the same thing. Im not having anyluck finding a website for the local taxi.

Are taxis readily available between Flam and Aurland?

Thanks, Lynn

Hi Lynn! I won’t go as far as to say they are “readily available”, as there is only one taxi company in the area, with a handful of cars (4-5, I believe). You usually don’t have to wait long to get a taxi, but if you have a specific time you need to be/go somewhere, I recommend booking it in advance (just in case there is a 30-40 minute wait, which can happen). I hope this was helpful!

Shen Pow Liew

Am planning to visit in February 2024, driving from Norheimsund. Read from your blog only way is through Aurland. Can you advise me on this and is the way up same as the map in Google? Can you advise which way should I use when turning into Aurland town on the way to Stegastien viewpoint.

Exciting! Yes, the route showed in Google Maps is correct, and goes via Aurland. Stegastein Viewpoint is located in Aurland, so that’s why. As Google Maps is correct, I would recommend you follow Google Maps, instead of me trying to explain the road in writing (as it is the same). When you get to Aurland, you can easily follow signs to Stegastein, or just keep following the map 🙂

Hi Lisa, thanks for the blog. I have a question, is it doable to hike to the view point from flam in winter? Like Jan-Feb time? Many thanks!

Hi Ana! The hike is generally doable year-round, but it depends on the conditions when you visit. If it has been snowing, and there is snow at Stegastein (at 650 meters above sea level), I would not attempt the hike. Also, if the ground is frozen, it may be difficult/less enjoyable.

My advice is to consider the conditions during your stay, and to ask locals (like at your hotel reception) when you are here 🙂 January-February will only be a problem if it has snowed, recently rained a lot (too muddy) or the ground/mud has frozen.

What a great article We plan to be there early March and plan to come to Flam from cruise and hopefully viewpoint What will be open in first week of March?

Thank you, Ann! 🙂 The viewpoint and road up there is open year-round. Even though some opening hours are limited during the low season, on cruise days most shops and restaurants extend their opening hours!

Thank you for this nice article. With my 11- and 14-yeat old I’m travelling by train /bus + on foot 2nd half of August and stay some days on the Flåm campsite. From there we want to visit the Stegastein Viewpoint and continu to Østebrø , I think it’s Skyss bus n°850. My question is whether it’s worth taking a ferry in stead of a bus for the part from Flåm to Aurland, just for the experience and the views. Or is this part of the road equally beautiful by bus? In case the boat is an idea and affordable, can you recommend where to book the tickets? Thank you ! Elke

Hi Elke! Just to let you know before I answer your question, the bus to Stegastein and the bus to Østerbø are not the same (since Stegastein is on a different road). I am sure you already are aware, but I just wanted to point it out in case you were not 🙂 The road follows the fjord all the way (except for a tunnel), so I say you can safely travel by road for those 8-10 minutes and still have pretty much the same view. Have a great trip!

Hi there. Im trying to figure out how to get a taxi in advance to take us from Flam to Stegastein. The website Aurlandtaxi.no does not work for me. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Katie, It seems the website is no longer working. This could be a temporary issue, as I have not heard anything about the taxi shutting down in the area. In the meantime, you can book Lærdal taxi (the next village over), who also operate in Aurland/Flåm when needed: https://www.facebook.com/LaerdalSolheimTaxi/ Their number is +47 415 10 100 and their email (thought I am not 100% sure it works): [email protected] I hope this was helpful!

In your video, you say you walked back from the viewpoint to Aurland via the 8km road. Is it safe? Is there a footpath? We’d be looking at doing the route in late June, going up via the trail and back either using the road, or the trail. Thank you!

Hi Francesca! The road is very busy in the summer months, and there are no footpaths. So I personally would walk the trail back down if I felt like the traffic was too much. It is a narrow road, so traffic is usually slow – but walking on it would create more bottle necks than necessary. In early June, walking the road may be fine, but late June it may be too busy. So I recommend just using common sense and gauging the traffic on the day 🙂 Of course, you can always ask locals (the receptionist at your hotel, server at dinner etc) what the traffic to Stegastein has been like in the last few days.

Francesca Harper

Very helpful, thank you!

Hi Lisa! It’s great having a local expert like yourself to answer questions. I’ve seen that it is possible to walk from Turlifossen to the Stegastein viewpoint, and then back into Aurland using either the road, or the trail that goes past Dagsturhytta. Is the route from Turlifossen to the top easy to find? I’ve read that it’s not very well sign-posted. Do you know if there are any apps or maps that can help? It looks like the route down from Stegastein via the trail into Aurland is easier to follow. Thank you!

Yes, this is possible! The trail up to Turli is very well marked the whole way. Once you have reached Turli, you keep following the trail going up (follow Turlivegen, you’ll be crossing the river over a bridge, towards Bjørgo and the farms there). Eventually you reach the main road, and have to follow it downhill for just 5-10 minutes to reach Stegastein. You can also follow the signs to Prest after you have reached Turli, but once you get on the paced main road (where cars drive), stop following these signs and head downhill 🙂 Hope this helps!

This is so helpful, thank you!

Hi Lisa How long do you recommend to spend at the lookout? 1/2 hour or 1.5 hours? Many thanks Lee

Between those two, I would spend half an hour 🙂

Andrea Marburger

What is the best way to get there for the sunrise?

Since the bus tours don’t run that early, the best way to get there before sunrise is by car 🙂

Joanna Adams

Hi Lisa We are planning a day trip to Flam from Bergen in August. We have booked all of the trains already but wondered if we also need to book the Norway’s Best bus to Stegastein Viewpoint well in advance too; do they get fully booked? Many Thanks!

If you know your travel date and the departure you hope to go on, I always recommend booking in advance in order to guarantee a space 🙂 On cruise days especially, the Stegastein tour can get fully booked.

Jacqui Heaney

Hi Lisa Thanks for sharing all this information. We’re in Flam now and doing the Zipline today with bikes from kardal back to Flam. Is there a footpath and are we allowed ride the bikes on it? Then tomorrow I have booked one of the mobility cars to drive to Stegastein and wondering if there’s less traffic at certain times of the day.

I hope you enjoyed your time! I’m answering the question regardless (all though I assume you already found out). Yes, there is a path going all the way from Kårdal down to Flåm where you can ride your bikes 🙂 There is less traffic in the early hours of the morning on the road up to Stegastein.

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Experience the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform with panoramic view 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord. 

An unmissable sightseeing trip for any visitor to Flåm. Bus from Flåm via Aurland to the extraordinary and spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint. This structure, which juts out 30 metres from the mountainside, 650 metres above the fjord, offers an unparalleled panorama. A more amazing view of the fjord, mountains and surrounding landscape is hard to imagine.

A sight to take your breath away and a perfect place for memorable holiday photos. Stegastein is one the most photographed viewpoints in the region.

The Stegastein Viewpoint is part of the National Tourist Road that runs from Aurland to Lærdal, popularly known as "The snow road". The viewpoint was designed by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen and was completed in 2006.

An audio guide is included in NO, EN, DE, ES, IT and FR.

Duration: 1,5 hour

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Stegastein Viewpoint

Experience the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform, 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord. Book a sightseeing tour with panoramic views from Flåm to Stegastein here!

Book now! From NOK 410,-

Panoramic view of the Aurlandsfjord

Stegastein is one of the must-visit locations near Flåm. From the lookout platform, you have a panoramic fjord view – unparallelled any other place in Norway. The only other way to get views like this is to put on your hiking shoes and walk uphill.

You also have an eagle’s eye view of Aurland town centre, the impressive mountain range across the fjord and towards Flåm.

Booking this tour from Flåm or Aurland gives you approx. 30 minutes at the viewpoint. The perfect amount of time to look around and get your photographs without getting bored.

Why book a sightseeing tour to Stegastein?

With several daily departures year-round, this tour is the most carefree way to get to Stegastein . In the summer, traffic jams can be an issue on the narrow road that winds its way up the mountainside from Aurland. In winter, the steep road may get slippery with ice and snow. Booking a tour lets you enjoy the scenery rather than worrying about driving.

Compared with booking a taxi, the tour is also a budget-friendly alternative.

There is a free audio guide available for download via Voice of Norway giving good insights into Aurland and the places you see along the way.

Best time to go

• Bus Stegastein 2024-2025.pdf
• Departure from Flåm Visitor Center: Bus Stop C
• Arr/Dep Aurland to Stegastein: Bus Stop F (by church)
• Arr/Dep Prest: Bus stop K
• Dep. Aurland to Flåm: Bus Stop E (by NAV)

Dogs: Allowed

Children 0-3 Please include all Children 0-3 years in your booking as a seat must be reserved (free of charge) for them.

A view not to miss!

The architecture of Stegastein Viewpoint

Stegastein Viewpoint juts 30 metres from the mountainside, 650 metres above the fjord. It’s a striking example of how modern architectural design can be integrated with natural beauty of the landscape.

It was designed by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen and was completed in 2006, as part of a project with Norwegian Scenic Routes.

The Norwegian Scenic Routes are a selection of 18 roads that offer unique views of Norway's landscapes. One of which goes past Stegastein across Mt. Aurlandsfjellet, between Lærdal and Aurland. The Scenic Routes are enhanced with innovative architecture and art installations, such as viewpoints and rest areas that blend with the natural environment.

Join a day trip to Lærdal filled with beautiful nature, interesting history and Norwegian salmon.

Scenic day trip to Lærdal & Stegastein from NOK 850,-

Ready for a hike with a fjord view?

Bus to Mt. Prest from NOK 225,-

Please note!

• Timetable/bus route is the same for borth Stegastein Viewpoint and to Mt. Prest.
• Stegastein Viewpoint: only round-trip tickets
• Bus to Mt. Prest: only one-way tickets

Self-service lockers in Flåm

Outside our Visitor Center, you will find self-service lockers in different sizes.

Timetables during Christmas and New Year 2019-2020

Food & drinks on the buses:

• Not allowed to consume food on board. • Bottled drinks are allowed.

In 2015, the toilet at Stegastein received the “Most Beautiful Toilet” award from Design Curial Magazine.

Construction:

• 650 metres above sea level
• 3.3 metres wide
• 31 metres long
• Made from steel dressed in solid pine

• Things to do
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• Electric minibus to Stegastein

Electric minibus to Stegastein viewpoint

Panoramic views await from Stegastein above the Aurlandsfjord!

• Travel green and experience the stunning Stegastein viewpoint on this guided sightseeing tour from Flåm with an electric bus
• When you choose to experience this popular tourist destination in an electric vehicle, you are part of developing a greener form of tourism that has no impact on the landscape
• Explore the the beautiful Aurlandsfjord from above!

Tour Description

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Details about this scheduled guided day tour:

The bus will pick you up in Flåm, and start driving in the direction of Aurland, the largest of the villages in the area and the heart of the municipality. From Aurland the real adventure begins with a drive up several hairpin bends, until we reach the stunning Stegastein viewpoint, located at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level (2132 feet). Here you can soak in the unique atmosphere and take several photos of the breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjord. 

After visiting the viewpoint, the excursion will take you all the way back to Flåm and continue in the direction of the Stalheim hotel, driving through the impressive 11.4-kilometer-long Gudvangatunnelen. Following the road towards Stalheim is an experience in itself. It allows you to enjoy the fjord nature at its best – steep mountains, waterfalls and lush forests. The historic hotel initially served the postal route between Oslo and Bergen. Despite a tragic fire in 1959, the Stalheim hotel now offers 220 beds and has become one of the largest hotels in the area. Above all, it offers breathtaking views of the valley below. Following our stop at the hotel, we’ll make our way back down to the fjord’s shore, where we’ll visit Undredal, a picturesque village which will allow you to view the fjord from another perspective. After our last photo stop at Undredal, the bus will head back to the pier of Flåm.

Meeting Point

Bus parking lot on the opposite side of the river, between the 2 bridges, ( Google Maps ). Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

We do adapt to the departures of cruise ships.

Guided Languages

What is included.

• Guided Tour

Attention Points

• Tour duration; 3½ hours
• Difficulty; level 1, easy, suited for everybody
• We advise all our guests to be well prepared for different temperatures
• Photo stop at Stegastein viewpoint (Aurlandsfjord)
• Photo stop at Stalheim hotel (Nærøy valley)
• Photo stop at Undredal (Nærøyfjord)
• UNESCO World Heritage (Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord)
• Norwegian National Scenic route (part of it)

Download a PDF fact sheet with all the information about the selected tour

Itinerary from the Meeting Point

• Drive to Stegastein viewpoint; photo stop
• Drive to Stalheim Hotel; photo stop
• Drive Undredal; photo stop
• Drive back to the meeting point

*The order of stops may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

I travel on a cruise ship. will i be back in time for the ship’s departure.

Yes, absolutely. We have a back-in-time guarantee for guests travelling on cruise ships. To this end, we kindly ask you to fill in the name of your ship during the booking procedure.

I travel on the Hurtigruten Coastal Steamer. Are your tours suited for me?

That depends on the date of your arrival, and the kind of tour you are looking for. We kindly ask you to contact us per e-mail with specifics.

I travel on a cruise ship. What happens if the ship decides to cancel a port call due to, for example, bad weather?

Rest assured that in such cases, you are entitled to a full refund.

Do you pick up passengers at the Cruise Terminal?

Yes, we always have staff (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) ready to welcome our guests on the Cruise Terminal, just outside the security gates. Our buses will be parked on the Terminal, or as close by, always within walking distance.

I will be staying at a hotel/AirBnb, where do I find the meeting point?

Our staff (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) will be just outside the security gates of the Cruise Terminal. Our buses will also be parked on the Terminal, or as close by, always within walking distance. The address of each meeting point can be found on our website under “Contact Us”.

Where is your meeting point? How do I find you?

Our staff members (wearing bright yellow jackets with our company logo) will be waiting just outside the security gates of the Cruise Terminal, carrying the logo of Norway Excursions. Our vehicles also carry the logo of Norway Excursions. Should you not see our staff members on the pier immediately, rest assured that they will at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the tour.

Can I reserve a seat now and pay upon arrival?

We always ask our guests to pay in advance/upon booking. Tickets can also be purchased on the spot if there are available seats on the day of the excursion. However, our excursions tend to sell out and unless you have booked in advance, availability cannot be guaranteed. Please note that any promotional offers or discounts are not applicable to sales on the spot.

We would like to book a Private Tour. Do I have to pay the full amount at once or can it be split?

It is possible to pay the full amount at once. If preferred, it is also possible have each couple/participant of your group pay their own share. Should you prefer to split the payment, we kindly ask you to contact us and we will follow up accordingly.

What happens if I don’t find you/make it to the bus in time?

We kindly ask you to contact us by phone in such cases. The phone number can be found on your ticket or our website. However, rest assured that we do not start a tour without going through our guest list. If anyone is missing, we will also try to call/contact them, using the contact information provided during booking. Please make sure to enter a phone number you can be reached on, with the correct country code.

I have dietary restrictions. Can I still have lunch on your tours?

In most cases, yes. We will always do our very best to accommodate guests with food allergies or restricted diets due to religious or other reasons. We kindly ask you to make a mention of your dietary restrictions during booking, or to send us an e-mail to inquire about your specific wishes.

How big are your groups and what type of vehicle do you use?

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Stegastein Viewpoint, Norway – A Quick Guide (including video!)

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It’s about time I write a post about one of the most popular tourist attractions where I grew up, and I know I should have done so ages ago (you guys keep asking). You can actually see my house from the Stegastein Viewpoint, so why wouldn’t I write about it? You know I love sharing information and guides about attractions in Norway, especially when it covers Aurland, Flåm and the Sognefjord area! So let’s dive in.

The Stegastein Viewpoint (or Stegastein Lookout as some call it) along the Norwegian ‘Snow Road’ is one of Aurland’s most visited tourist attractions (head this way for some more things to do in Aurland, Norway ). The viewing platform itself has won several architectural awards, and has been built to give you the illusion of floating above the fjord. At 650 metres above sea level, it provides you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the fjords. It is the first place I bring my friends when they visit Aurland for the first time and is usually at the top of your average tourist’s to-do list for Norway.

To add some more things to your own to-do list, head to my Ultimate Norway Travel Guide !

This post has been published in Norwegian here .

A guide to visiting Stegastein Viewpoint, Norway

Side note : annoyingly enough I can’t find any of my photos from the Stegastein Lookout, which sucks because I have been taking my friends there for years whenever they visit (and I have a lot of photos). So, the photos here are by  Robert Bye  on  Unsplash , until I get my ass up to Stegastein to take some new photos of my own.

From Stegastein you can see the village of Aurland right below you, which is where I grew up. You will be able to point out the church, the school and the village hall, and if I ever take you I’ll even point you to my house!

If you lift your eyes a bit, you will also be able to see Flåm, the tiny village at the end of the Sognefjord, and the entrance of the fjord on the other side. The panoramic view of the fjord landscape you get from the Stegastein viewing platform is unlike anything else. So trust me; the photos from Stegastein will include your new Facebook cover photo. The fjord below is definitely one of the most beautiful fjords to visit in Norway .

Now, over to the important stuff.

The platform gets busy, especially in the summer months, so prepare yourself for meeting other visitors to the area when you are up there. If you want a photo with no one else in it, I recommend getting there just before sunrise (in the high season, I mean). The Viewpoint is popular (and beautiful) all year round, but is definitely at its busiest from May to August.

There are public restrooms at Stegastein, in case you need it, but they are not always open . I wish I could tell you here that they are open year-round (as they should be), but due to issues accessing them (I assume), they are sometimes closed in the winter and for longer periods of time throughout the year (for example, if they are blocked, and it takes ages for them to be fixed). This is an issue that many locals aren’t happy about, and I hope it will change in the future.

So, my tip to you is to use the restroom before you go to Stegastein Viewpoint.

Side note : if the toilets are open, however, I would go have a look. In 2016 they were named the 4th Best Public Toilets in the World by Design Curial .

If you want information on how to get to Stegastein (from either Flåm or Aurland, for example), keep reading. I cover it all further down in this post.

Is it the Stegastein Viewing Platform, Lookout or what?

Just a quick note to clear up some misunderstandings as to what to actually call the viewpoint, as there are several names going around the internet. People call it the Stegastein Lookout, the Stegastein Viewing Platform, and so on, but the correct name (in English) is the Stegastein Viewpoint.

In Norwegian, we call it Stegastein Utsiktspunkt, but locals simply call it Stegastein most of the time.

So now you know.

How to get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flåm (or Aurland or anywhere else)

The #1 question I get from visitors to the area when it comes to the viewpoint is how to get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flåm. As most travellers stay in Flåm for their trip to the fjords (here are my favourite hotels in Flåm ), it is only natural that this is their starting point for visiting Stegastein.

There are two main ways to get there (actually three, but the third kind of goes into the second), and I’ve covered both here.

Hiking to the Stegastein Viewpoint

I recently hiked to Stegastein for the first time, and had to make a video (of course)! You can see it below (please don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my Youtube channel here !). The hike takes around 2 hours, and is quite strenuous (it’s marked as a RED hike, which is one of the harder classifications in Norway). However, it was totally worth it once we got to the top, and I believe most people can do it if they take their time and ensure they have the right gear (these are my hiking shoes , for reference).

Visiting Stegastein on a tour

There is one main tour company that takes you from Flåm (and Aurland) to the Stegastein Viewpoint. There are hourly departures in the high season, and two daily departures in the winter. So, the odds of fitting the Stegastein tour into your schedule is quite high.

The tour takes 1,5 hour total, with the drive from Flåm to Stegastein being 30 minutes each way (allowing for a 30-minute stop at Stegastein). My favourite part of the tour (if I don’t count the actual stop at Stegastein) is the audio guide that is included in the ticket price. You get your own little audio device and a set of headphones, so you can learn about the area and the history of Norway during the drive!

Get more information and book the tour here!

Stegastein Viewpoint Drive

Of course, you can also drive to Stegastein yourself. From the bottom of the mountain (the centre of Aurland), it takes approximately 20 minutes – on a good day . Please note that the road from Aurland to Stegasten is very narrow in some places, with very few meeting points along the road, so if you are not 100% comfortable driving in Norway, please do not drive yourself.

I repeat; do not drive to Stegastein unless you know how to (1) manoeuvre the car in tight spaces, (2) reverse without getting stressed at the idea of falling off the side of the mountain if you miss, and (3) stay calm even when there is heavy traffic, a lot of cars behind you, and not enough room to pass the car coming towards you.

This may seem like a joke, but I’m quite serious. Every summer, there are delays on the road to Stegastein (sometimes it can take over an hour to make the 20-minute drive). This is largely due to tourists in rental cars who should never have been driving there in the first place. More often than not I hear stories of friends and locals who have to get out of their cars in order to help visitors reverse their rental cars into one of the meeting places.

If you don’t believe me, check out the photo in this article (it’s in Norwegian, but the photo says at least 4000 words).

So ; if you are a little unsure of how comfortable you would be driving; go by tour. Then, you’ll be able to take in the stunning scenery (the drive is almost as beautiful as the viewpoint), and trust that an experienced driver is taking you there safely.

Finally, I’ll say that it is possible to visit Stegastein Viewpoint by taxi (this is the third way I mentioned above). There are no taxi companies in the area that I recommend, but I wanted to mention it as it could be a good solution if you are a bigger group (a maxi taxi may turn out cheaper per person than the tour).

If you do decide to drive to Stegastein, make sure to check the Norwegian Road Directory before you go, to ensure you are up to date with any road works (or closures).

Final words on visiting Stegastein, Norway

Hopefully, you’ll be a little better equipped to visit Stegastein now than you were before reading this post. Stegastein is a viewpoint worth visiting if you are in the area, and whether you decide to join the tour or drive yourself, I know you are going to love it! If you have any questions at all, please leave them in the comment section. Meanwhile, why not keep reading some of my other Norway guides:

• eBook: Flåm and the Fjords – Travel Guide written by yours truly!
• The Ultimate Norway Travel Guide
• How to get from Bergen to Flåm
• An overview of the hotels in Flåm, Norway
• A guide to Flåm Zipline
• Fun and sustainable things to do in Aurland, Norway
• How to spend a weekend by the fjords
• Guide to hiking Mount Ulriken, Bergen

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Ahhh- gorgeous!!!!

I know, right? I feel so lucky to live here!

Nydelige bilder søs! 🙂

Oh my gosh – how beautiful!!!

It really is, and it’s even better on a sunny day!

This looks so gorgeous! I visited Norway a few months ago and actually passed through Flam, but I didn’t even know about this. I guess I’ll need to go back to Norway… 🙂 -Maddy http://www.travelalphas.com

I can’t believe that, you might have walked straight past me! You’ll have to come back for this 🙂

[…] Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railways. Aurland is home to the impressive Stegastein Viewpoint, a viewing platform built 650 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of the fjord […]

[…] don’t miss out on a visit to the Stegastein Viewpoint! It is possible to drive there yourself, or book a spot on the daily tour from both Flåm and […]

[…] Stegastein is a beautiful man-made observation platform above the Aurlandsfjord fjord. Read more practical information in this guide to Stegastein viewpoint. […]

Thanks so much for all the useful information that you generously share. I am plannig to take the 21:00 bus from Flam to the viewpoint on early July. Is it a good time to go in terms of sunlight

In July it will still be light at 21 in the evening, and I think the sun will still shine over the mountain 🙂

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Electric Tours in Flåm and by the Fjords

Electic Minibus: Stegastein Viewpoint, Borgund Stave Church, Otternes and Undredal

El-tour – Go electric Experience  guided (audio) tours in Flåm and by the fjords  in our electric buses. Choose an electric and environmentally friendly way to see Flåm.  Visit Stegastein Viewpoint, Borgund Stave Church, Waterfalls, Undredal in Electric bus (minibus). See and explore our offers and tours below and choose what suits you! 

Experience the fabulous panoramic view of the fjord and the mountains from Stegastein viewpoint 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord. Travel green and experience the stunning Stegastein viewpoint on this audio guided sightseeing tour from Flåm with an electric bus.

• Segway Tour 120
• Segway Tour 75
• Electric Minibus – Stegastein Viewpoint
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Exploring Stegastein: A Must-Visit Attraction in Norway

Stegastein viewpoint is a big viewing platform that gives you a great view of Aurlandsfjorden, a part of Sognefjorden. It’s located 650 meters above the fjord, and is one of the very best places to get a great view of the majestic Norwegian fjords.

As you can imagine, Stegastein is one of the areas in Norway that is most photographed. It is hugely popular for both foreign tourists and Norwegians who want to see and photograph the fjord below, and I urge anyone who has the chance to stop at Stegastein during the visit to Norway.

What makes Stegastein viewpoint worth visiting

The best and really only reason to visit Stegastein is to get the insane look down towards the fjord below. It’s simply of the very best places to get such as breathtaking view of the fjords , and anyone who wants to experience this beautiful view point should stop by.

Another good reason to stop by Stegastein view point is that it’s very close to the main road between Oslo and Bergen (E16 route), and it’s only a 10 minute extra drive by car. This makes it great for stopping to stretch your legs while also being in one of the most Instagram-friendly places in all of Norway.

It’s free of charge to visit Stegastein.

A fun little thing about Stegastein is that there’s a public toilet there with a view down to the fjords. This is said to be the public toilet with the best view in the world! And don’t worry – it’s not possible to look in to the toilet from the outside .

How to get to Stegastein viewpoint

It’s fairly easy to get to Stegastein viewpoint, both by rental car and by public transport, and it’s just off the main road between Oslo and Bergen. Let’s take a closer look at your options of getting to Stegastein!

Get to Stegastein by car

Stegastein viewpoint is close to the town called Flåm , and fairly close to the town called Lærdal . To get to Stegastein viewpoint by car, drive along E16. From Oslo, follow E16 west, and as you probably can guess, follow E16 east from Bergen.

When you get to Aurland , follow the signs towards Stegastein. It’s very easy to get there by car, and the viewpoint is only 10 – 13 minutes from the main E16 road, so it’s nice to stop by while driving past. There is a parking lot just a few meters away from the viewpoint, so you don’t have to hike to get there.

Total travel time by car from:

• Flåm: 24 minutes.
• Lærdal: 45 minutes.
• Oslo: 5 hours.
• Bergen: 3 hours.

PS. the road up from Aurland to the Stegastein viewpoint is considered pretty difficult, and has many narrow places where you might end up meeting a tour bus. It is a common place for cars to bump into each other, so make sure you are refreshed and ready for this ride.

Get to Stegastein by bus

To get to Stegastein by bus, your best bet is to book a bus ticket for any bus that rides on the E16. There are plenty of these, and both VY and Nor-Way has lines that stops at Aurland.

There are shuttle buses from both Flåm and Aurland during the summer . Aurland is a popular stop for any bus that travels along E16, so just depart at Aurland and catch a 10 minute shuttle bus to the viewpoint.

You could also book a guided bus tour from Bergen. There are plenty of buses who offer tour guides on the west coast of Norway, and many of these have Stegastein as a stop along the way.

Below are some amazing guided yours to Stegastein view point:

Get to Stegastein by train

To get to Stegastein by train, ride the Flåmsbana train from Voss to Flåm, then catch a shuttle bus from Flåm to the viewpoint. This train ride is extremely scenic and worth a ride by itself.

To get to Voss (to ride the Flåmsbana ), just catch the main train that goes between Oslo and Bergen. Depart at Voss and change to Flåmsbana .

When to visit Stegastein viewpoint

You can visit Stegastein all year round, but it’s most popular during the summer months . This is the time when the sun is up all day long, the weather is (usually) great, and also the time when most people are sightseeing in Norway. Stegastein is usually very crowded during the summer months , so if you want to see it without too many people around, try visiting at the off-season.

If you want to visit during winter, the only option to get to Stegastein is from Lærdal. The road from Flåm is closed, so you will need to drive along E16 to get there. The public toilets will also be closed during the winter season. The positive to visiting at this off-season is that there are fewer people, fewer cars and fewer tour buses that makes it rather difficult car ride up there even more difficult.

My opinion is that Stegastein is worth a visit at any time of the year, so if you’re close, stop by it!

2 thoughts on “Exploring Stegastein: A Must-Visit Attraction in Norway”

Leaving from Flåm, do I need to book a shuttle bus in advance since summer is so popular to visit Stegastein?

It’s generally not needed on most days, but it’s absolutely something you can do to get some piece of mind.

Best regards Nicklas

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Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint

Enjoy a beautiful cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nærøyfjord and the spectacular viewpoint Stegastein on this round trip from Bergen.

Is there anything more enchanting than the breathtaking beauty of Norwegian nature, fjords, waterfalls and mountains? On this round trip with Fjordrive you can experience this amazing scenery firsthand on a private road trip, including a two-hour cruise on the Nærøyfjord. The tour starts by minibus at the Tourist Information in Bergen, before heading east, where our first sightseeing stop will be at the magnificent waterfall, Tvindefossen. The tour continues towards Gudvangen, and then onwards to Flåm on a battery powered boat on the beautiful Nærøyfjord. From there we will be continuing to Aurland, and we will start the amazing climbing to the top of the Stegastein viewpoint. Stegastein has a unique and spectacular viewing platform that hangs 30 meters from the mountainside, 650 meters above the fjord, and offers an unparalleled panoramic view. The road from Aurland to Stegastein is part of National Scenic Routes in Norway. We will have the opportunity to take pictures and go at the platform and see the amazing view. Afterwards the tour goes back to Bergen, with memories that will last for a lifetime. The high quality minibus can take maximum 30 persons. On demand we add an extra bus which has 20 seats. Both buses are of high quality. It is also possible to book the car only for your family or group. The price then will be on request.   Time schedule: 08:00 Departure by mini bus from the Tourist Information in Bergen 10:00 Arrive Tvindefossen Waterfall 11:15 Arrival Gudvangen 12:00 Departure fjord cruise on Nærøyfjord from Gudvangen to Flåm 14:00 Arrival Flåm (Free time to explore Flåm) 14:30 Departure by mini bus from Flåm to Stegastein Viewpoint 15:00 Arrival Stegastein viewpoint 15:20 Departure by mini bus from Stegastein 18.30 Arrive Bergen by the Tourist Information The cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen is included. It is now possible to choose to take the Flåmsbanen back to Bergen from Flåm as an alternative to the minibus. It costs NOK 950 extra for adults and NOK 500 extra for children in addition to the cost of the trip itself. You can choose this option in the booking process. Our guide takes you to the train in Flåm departing at: 17:30. The first train (R45Myrdal) takes 55 minutes. You will then change trains in Myrdal, which is the final stop for the train leaving from Flåm. The next train called (R40Bergen) goes directly from Myrdal to Bergen at: 18:48 at Track 11 (track 11). The beautiful train ride will take approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes, and you are back in Bergen at: 21:15. Driver / guide: Your driver and guide speak English and Norwegian. ONLINE BOOKING OF TICKETS: The tour must be booked no later than 22:30 the day before departure. This tour is very popular, so it's always best to order well in advance of your trip in order to make sure there are available tickets.  Cancellation: If cancelled up to 2 days before date of departure, the full amount will be refunded. Cancellation after this will not be refunded. Cancellation is made by sending an email to [email protected]. For winter tours: In the unlikely event of bad weather that can cause dangerous driving conditions, the tour might be cancelled on short notice and a full refund will be given. Tickets: Your email confirmation is your ticket for this tour. The tickets for the cruise will be provided by the driver. Children: For children under 135 cm remember to book a child seat as an extra (no additional cost). Car cushions for older children are available in the car

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How To Hike to Stegastein Viewpoint in 3-4 Hours! Most Scenic Platform in Norway!

Categories Europe , Norway

High above the beautiful Aurlandsdfjord on the western coast of Norway is where the spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint is located and after an easy/medium hike to Stegastein Viewpoint, you will be rewarded with the most incredible view!

Stegastein Viewpoint is one of the most scenic viewing platforms in the whole of Norway!

The viewpoint is a 30-metre long and 4-metre wide platform on the edge of a cliff, 640 metres above sea level. It opened in 2006 and is part of the national Norwegian scenic tourist routes .

From the viewing platform, you will get the most amazing views! The surrounding nature with deep fjords, steep mountains and small villages are nothing but stunning so this must be on your Norway itinerary!

In this blog post, we’re going to tell you how to do the Stegastein Viewpoint hike and information like how to get to Stegastein viewpoint and how to get from Flam to Stegastein viewpoint.

Stegastein Viewpoint

This guest post was written by Destination The World – a travel blog for independent travel adventures near and far.

Stegastein Viewpoint Hike

Most people visit Stegastein as a short stop by car en route to somewhere else in Western Norway, but for us, the best way to visit Stegastein is by hiking to the top.

If you have already done some hiking in Norway, you already know how beautiful the landscape can be!

This particular hike is on the easier side than other hikes in Norway and we’d say almost everyone can do it, even the most inexperienced hikers. The estimated time for this hike from the village of Aurlandsvangen to Stegastein Viewpoint is around 3-4 hours up and down again.

Please note: This hike is marked as a RED hike in Norway. This is one of the harder categories of hikes in Norway, and more strenuous hikes get this classification, however, due to its relatively short distance, based on our experience doing the hike to Stegastein viewing platform, we still would call it one of the easier hikes in Norway and our advice is don’t rush, and take your time!

Stegastein Viewpoint Map

Here is a map of where Stegastein Viewpoint is in Norway along with all of the places noted in this post to help you with getting to the Stegastein viewing platform and doing the Stegastein Viewpoint hike:

How to get to Stegastein Viewpoint

Aurland is the name of the surrounding municipality. To start the hike to Stegastein viewing platform you’ll need to get to the village below it called Aurlandsvangen .

When visiting Stegastein Viewpoint you’ll most likely be wondering how to get to Stegastein Viewpoint from bigger cities like Oslo or Bergen. Or, how to get to Stegastein Viewpoint from Flam since this is a popular tourist town nearby.

You can get to the area of Aurland and to Aurlandsvangen by car or by public transport .

From Oslo or Bergen , you can take the train and change to the Flåmsbanen railway to Flåm . From Flåm you can take the bus to Aurlandsvangen.

Flåmsbanen railway is voted one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. Check VY for tickets and departure times.

You can also arrive in Aurland by boat . A boat trip to the fjords is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen . Between May and October, there are daily departures with Norled from Bergen to Aurland with Flåm as the end destination.

The journey takes five hours, and this was one of the highlights of our visit to the Norwegian fjords so we really recommend this way of getting to Flam.

Car hire in Norway

Hiring a car is certainly the best and easiest way to get around Norway, the country is amazing for road trips !!

We hired a car from Hertz via Rental Cars . We opted for an automatic which was handy for the long drives we did and a bigger engine which was definitely handy when going up the mountain roads.

Search Rental Cars here to get an idea of prices for your hire car in Norway!

Hiking From Aurlandsvangen to Stegastein Viewpoint

This hike starts in the village of Aurlandsvangen .

From the car park at Vangen church in Aulandsvangen village centre, follow Bjørgavegen to Dokt orbrekka until you reach Rygg . This is the highest road in the residential area.

Follow this to the water pump house and continue beyond.

At the end of the road, there is a car turning point and there you will see a sign with Dagsturhytta . This is the trail you will follow all the way up to Stegatein.

Alternatively, start by the parking of the school – Aurland Skole . From here, walk the road Bakkane to Vinjavegen . Follow this road and you will find the trail from there.

The route is marked with red marks the whole way.

The hike can sometimes be steep and challenging. Especially if it’s wet it can be slippery, but with some short breaks en route, you will make it.

If it is wet and slippy when you do the Stegastein Viewpoint walk, it’s best to walk the road instead of the trail.

Harder Hike to Stegastein Viewpoint

If you are a hardcore hiker and think that this hike is just a light warm-up, you can continue. Around 2 kilometres from Stegastein Viewpoint, you will find the Kvammadal parking lot.

This is the starting point of a spectacular 2-3 hour hike to the mountain peak Prest – 1.478 metres above sea level. Hike here for incredible views over Aurlandsfjord and for a very challenging hike in Norway!

Stegastein Viewpoint Day Cabin – Vinjeåsenhytta Dagsturhytten

After hiking for a while you will come to a sign saying Dagsturhytten (meaning Day Trip Cabin in Norwegian).

Officially named Vinjeåsenhytta , this is a cabin where you can stop, have a rest, enjoy your lunch and have the most spectacular views.

The cabin is not staffed, but everyone is welcome to visit on a day trip to Stegastein Viewing platform – hence the name. You can not stay over in the cabin, but it is the perfect spot to have a break. You can visit inside, or sit on the outdoor terrace if you prefer.

After visiting the day trip cabin, go back to where you saw the sign to the cabin, and continue your hike to Stegastein Viewpoint.

Practical Information For Visiting Stegastein Viewpoint

Stegastein viewpoint return hike:.

After you arrived at the Stegastein viewing platform, you can take the same route back down again, or you can take the long trip back along the road.

We took the road, as the ground was a bit slippery due to the drizzle. It’s a bit longer to take the road, but all along the way, you will have a great view of the Norwegian fjords and the landscape around.

Stegastein Viewing Platform Toilets:

There are restrooms next to Stegastein viewing platform. These are clean and free to use. Even if you are in no need to use the restroom, you might want to visit anyway. Design Curial have voted this to be the 4th best public toilet in the world due to its design and location.

Stegastein Viewpoint cost:

The Stegastein Viewpoint price is nothing because the Stegastein Viewpoint is free of charge!

Best Time To Visit Stegastein Viewing Platform

Stegastein is one of the most popular sights in this part of the country, and many come here for this reason only.

Therefore, the viewing platform itself can get very busy and crowded. Be prepared to wait if you are looking for the perfect photos without other people.

The high season for tourism in Norway is between mid-June to mid-August. If you plan to visit Stegastein in this period, we recommend you to visit as early as possible during the day.

During the day, lots of cars stop by, and so do small and large buses with sometimes huge groups of visitors.

You can access Stegastein Viewpoint all year round , but be aware that hiking in the winter can be more challenging. Check with local authorities if it’s safe to hike if it’s snowing.

The best time to hike to Stegastein viewing platform is most likely in the late Spring, Summer and early August months.

If you are lucky, you will visit on a beautiful sunny day. We did our hike in light drizzle and fog, but as always in Norway, things can change quickly, and so it did.

Sometimes we had no view at all before we the next minute could see towards the end of the long fjords so remember to be patient and wait out for better weather!

Hiking in Norway – Basic Preparations

The weather in Norway is totally unpredictable, especially here on Norway’s West Coast. A sunny day can end in a storm and pouring rain, and the foggiest day might see sunshine within less than an hour.

Even though this is a short hike compared to many other hikes in Norway, we strongly recommend you to be prepared for all kinds of weather

If the weather is good, and you start your hike in short pants, it can still be a good idea to bring a wind -and/ or rain jacket and also weatherproof hiking pants should the weather change.

You will hike mostly uphill in hilly terrain where you have to pass rocks, roots and branches from big trees. For this hike, we recommend you wear hiking shoes or mountain boots with a good grip. Sports shoes might work as well, but you then take care in the more steep and slippery parts of the hike.

Before doing any hiking in Norway, check the weather forecast first. This will give you a rough idea of how the day will go but don’t trust it completely. Our experience is that changes in weather conditions can come very fast.

There are no places to purchase food or drinks along this hiking route. Bring a backpack with some food , snacks and enough water to drink.

We hope this has helped you plan your visit to Stegastein Viewpoint and do the Stegastein Viewpoint hike!

More of Norway blog posts to help you plan your trip:

• 20 BEST Things To Do in Stavanger & Near Stavanger! Hikes, Cruises, Museums!
• How to do the Pulpit Rock Hike from Stavanger! By Cruise, Car & Bus, Plus Tips!
• 3- 5 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary! Bergen to Alesund & Atlantic Ocean Road.
• Is the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway Worth the Visit?

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Monday 26th of June 2023

This was a stunning hike and we appreciated your instructions but we would not call it easy. It’s not technically difficult but we found the uphill climb exhausting. (It’s red for a reason!) Downhill was hard too because by that point our legs were jelly.

I realize everyone has different fitness levels. Our group was two moms in our late 50s and two daughters in their early 20s.

We are really glad we did this gorgeous hike but we definitely felt it. And it took us longer than two hours going up.

TheWanderingQuinn

Friday 30th of June 2023

Thank you for your feedback and your experience on the hike!

Friday 23rd of June 2023

Please don’t call this easy anymore… it was much much much harder than the Trolltunga!!

Saturday 28th of May 2022

Superbly useful and has given me the insight to attempt this on a day visit to Flam! Looking forward to seeing the 4th best toilets in the world - I wonder where the top 3 are?

NORWAY – WESTERN NORWEGIAN FJORDS

A local's guide to the fjords in Western Norway.

STEGASTEIN VIEWPOINT ABOVE THE AURLANDSFJORD

Stegastein viewpoint is part of the aurlandsfjellet national tourist route, 650 meters above aurland and the aurlandsfjord. great view from the viewpoint towards the aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains..

The road up to Stegastein is open all year, but during winter the road is closed just above Stegastein.

Visit sognefjord.

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Sognefjord area.

Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Stegastein Viewpoint

Stegastein Viewpoint is a wooden platform, made of of glulam, which juts 30 meters out from the mountainside by the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route .

The panorama-view, 650 meters above Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord , is one of the best views in the fjords. The viewpoint is designed by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen and was completed in 2006.

The road across Aurlandsfjellet is a journey across a mountain landscape of snow and rocks with the occasional sprig of grass.

Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a 47-kilometer-long stretch of road between Aurland by the Aurlandsfjord and Lærdal by the Sognefjord .

Driving to Stegastein

The driving distance from Flåm to Stegastein is 18 kilometers and from Aurland eight kilometers. The last part of the road, between Aurland and Stegastein is steep and narrow, with a total of seven hairpin turns.

Remember that the road between Aurland and Stegastein is narrow and winding and in many places there is room for only one vehicle in the width, so you must drive carefully and be prepared to stop and reverse to the nearest meeting place. 

Note – The Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route has restrictions on the length of vehicles. Motorhomes are encouraged to park in the center of Flåm or Aurland and use the shuttle bus service to and from Stegastein. Experiences shows that motorhomes often create problems with the traffic flow and sometimes lead to dangerous situations on the road to Stegastein and in the car park at the top of Stegastein.

There is a small parking place just above Stegastein Viewpoint. The Road is closed above Stegastein during winter.

E-tour from Flåm to Stegastein

At Flåm you can rent a small electric car, and you can experience Stegastein Viewpoint and the area around Flåm and Aurland. The electric car is an urban two-seater which is fun and easy to drive, and the GPS-guide will supply you with loads of interesting things along the way. Season: Summer, check Norway´s Best website .

Sightseeing Tour by Bus to Stegastein

Join a sightseeing bus from Flåm to Stegastein Viewpoint. Departures at Flåm and Aurland. The tour will take one to two hours. Season : All year.

The Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road

Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route is a 47-kilometer-long stretch of road between Aurland in the Aurlandsfjord area and Lærdal by the Sognefjord . Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road is the starting point for many hikes in the area.

Stegastein Viewpoint is part of the road, 650 meters above Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord. Great view from the viewpoint towards the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains.

The road up to Stegastein is open all year, but during winter the road is closed just above Stegastein Viewpoint.

Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – What to See and Do

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On 14 July 2005, the Nærøyfjord together with the Geirangerfjord became part of our common UNESCO’s world heritage .

From Flåm you can take part in a fjord safari or a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. You can take this fjord cruise as a round trip (both ways) or one way combined with bus between Flåm and Gudvangen. See the great view from Stegastein viewpoint , 650 meters above Aurland . Taste the local goat’s cheese in Undredal or in Skjerdal , two villages by the Aurlandsfjord.

Flåm Railway is the train journey from fjord to mountain, perhaps the most beautiful railway in the world. You can combine this train journey with cycling along Rallarvegen which goes from the high mountains via Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. The lower part of Aurlandsdalen, which is also the most popular, starts from Østerbø and ends at Vassbygdi in Aurland.

The Flåm Valley is a beautiful adventure. The valley between Myrdal (866.8 masl) and Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord is 18 kilometer long. The valley is narrow and the mountains are steep, and there are waterfalls and rivers wherever you turn around. Flåm Valley is a great place for hiking and biking . Flåm Zipline sends you off at over 100 kilometers per hour, you are just hanging in a thin steel wire high above the valley.

By the Nærøyfjord, we have the small villages of Gudvangen , Bakka, Styvi and Dyrdal. Styvi is the only place without permanent inhabitants during the winter, and is together with Dyrdal without road connection. Gudvangen is one of two ports where the iconic ferry trip along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives. Visit the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the history and culture of the Viking Age.

The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are both part of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is located in the northern part of the county of Vestland, in the middle of Western Norway.

Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord 



“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.

How to travel to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

It is easy to travel to Flåm and Aurland, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Almost “all roads” go to Flåm and Aurland , and you can also travel there by train, bus and boat. It is only a short distance between the two neighboring villages of Flåm and Aurland.

You can start this fjord adventure by train from Oslo or Bergen to Myrdal station. Then you get to experience the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen and Flåm Railway , one of Norway’s most spectacular railway lines, from Myrdal station to Flåm, which is located down by the Aurlandsfjord . If you take Flåm Railway, you get to experience the beautiful Flåmsdalen valley at the same time.

There are several daily bus departures between Oslo/Bergen and Flåm.

The nearest airport is Sogndal Airport at Haukåsen near Kaupanger. Most flights that go to and from Sogndal Airport come from and go to Oslo and Bergen. From the airport to Flåm, it is 70 kilometers by road, including a wonderful crossing of the Sognefjord by ferry.

HOTELS - LINKS - FAQ

Stegastein viewpoint – map overview.

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