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Nature and attractions

The spectacular Aursjøvegen road is Norway's wildest detour

Summer, fall
Last updated: 06.08.2024
Aursjøvegen slynger seg gjennom høyfjellet.
© Lediard Foto
© 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.

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’.

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.

 2-day electric bike tour across Aursjøvegen

2-day electric bike tour across Aursjøvegen

An adventure know to be a tougher challenge than Trollstigen, but the reward is a unique bike ride on a quiet gravel road. A hidden gem!

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.
Daglig leder i Contrast Adventure Anne Stine Mathisen tar deg med på tur hele året
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.
Aursjøvegen
© 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

DNT Aursjøhytta mountain lodge

DNT Aursjøhytta mountain lodge

Aursjøhytta is open from June-Sepetmber, and also is a self-catering DNT cabin all year round.

Phillipshaugen Lodge

Phillipshaugen Lodge

At the foot of the mighty mountains in Øksendal, you will find a unique lodge accommodation that is a perfect starting point for skiing and hiking adventures.

Trædal Hotel & Tourist Center

Trædal Hotel & Tourist Center

Trædal Hotel and Tourist Centre is located just outside Sunndalsøra town centre. The hotel offers scenic views of the beautiful Sunndalsfjord and Litldalen.

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.

Aurstaupet
© 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.

Aurstaupet

Aurstaupet

The viewpoint with magical view over Eikesdalen is situated along Aursjøvegen construction road, often referred to as the mini version of the famous Trolltunga.

Pothole in Finsetlia by Aursjøvegen

Pothole in Finsetlia by Aursjøvegen

You are guaranteed a fresh experience if you choose to dip your toes in! When driving Aursjøveien, you will find the pothole in Finsetlia around 100 meters from the road.

Mardalsfossen
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.

Mardalsfossen

Walk up to the Mardalsfossen waterfall

Visit Northern Europe's highest waterfall, Mardalsfossen, by Lake Eikesdalsvatnet in Romsdal. A leisurely hike along a gravel road suitable for all ages.

Accommodation in Eikesdalen valley

Eikesdal Camping

Eikesdal Camping

The campsite is located in scenic surroundings, among high mountains by Eikesdalsvatnet. Cabin rental and parking space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents.

Eikesdal Hytter

Eikesdal Hytter

Eikesdal cabins offer six high-standard cabins by the Eikesdalsvatnet lake. Welcome to wonderful Eikesdal, close to Mardalsfossen,the highest waterfall in Northern-Europe. Eikesdal is located in the middle part of Norway, between Åndalsnes and Sunndalsøra, 100 km southeast of Molde. The area is good for hiking and fishing.

Eikesdal Hytter Elverhøy

Eikesdal Hytter Elverhøy

Older house at Finset in the southern part of Eikesdalen valley. 6 bedrooms, 16 beds.

Practical information about the Aursjøveien road >>

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