Aurlandsdalen

The trail begins in the secluded Finse, which is only reachable by train. The train ride alone will set the mood for the adventure to come in the glacial area. Many people book an overnight at the huge Finsehytta before starting, which will allow for an early start on your first walking day. On a clear day, during the ascent from Finse, you’ll see spectacular views over Hallingskarvet National Park and even Jotunheim. The perfect reward for a challenging walk in icy conditions. You will also pass several hunting shelters on your way to the cozy Geiterygghytta, known as the gate to Aurlandsdalen.

You’ll spend the second stage hiking across large grazing areas, ascending to find the Rossdalen Lake, crossing an aluminum bridge, and pushing on another ascent until you find the Breibakka River. Leaving the last remains of snow behind, you’ll cross the wooden bridge and descend, following the curve of the valley that starts forming next to the path. The road here then will bring you to the privately owned Steinbergdalshytta where you’ll spend the night.

Your third day leaves Steinbergdalshytta to continue following the river and its several water preserves. With many short zig-zag descents and ascents, you will leave the rocky landscapes and pass a grassy valley before getting into forested areas. At the end of the day, the choice of where to sleep is between the DNT-owned Aurlandshytte or the private Østerbø Fjellstove where private cottages are available.

The fourth and final day is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in the region. The solitude of the first days will disappear as you descend into the valley and run into many day hikers who will be exploring the valley from Vassbygdi, your final destination for the day. On the way, you will come across lush plant life, summer flowers, and waterfalls. There are also several pit stops at different summer farms like Sinjarheim. If you’re not ready to be done yet, there is an option to take a bus from Vassbygdi to the base of the fjord in the touristic Flam. This is a great place to dive into Viking culture and visit the Borgund stave church, one of the most beautiful stave churches that dates back to 1200 AD. From the Flam train station, you can then catch a ride to either Oslo or Bergen.

The best time of the year to hike the Aurlandsdalen is in summer through early September. The first stages of the Aurlandsdalen are through a glacier valley, so snow is present all year round. Rain and mild snowfall are no strangers to Norwegian summers.

The weather can change rapidly and a sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon. Luckily all huts are equipped with dry rooms to help you start the next day with a dry pair of socks. Always check the forecast before starting the day or consult with the hut warden, especially for the first two stages.

Good rain gear is a must for this hike, as the weather is truly unpredictable. For the first and second days, sturdy walking boots and walking sticks will keep you in balance in the icy conditions. A pair of micro-spikes or boot chains will also help in these conditions.

Navigating the route is easy using downloaded GPX, the official DNT maps, and the red “T” trail markets along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for these iconic marks, especially on wide stretches of ice and grazing areas.

The Aurlandsdalen is rated as moderate because it combines easy, broad paths with narrow gravel trails, and rocky and icy broad passages on the first and second days. These passages are short, but nonetheless, a good grippy walking shoe and walking sticks are musts.

You can train for the Aurlandsdalen by taking long hikes or walks with your full backpack, which is a great way to build strength and endurance. If you want to really prepare for anything, you can try taking these hikes in rainy or cold weather and only walk on uneven ground. This will help with your balance and mimic the conditions of the trail better.