You may have heard of Stegastein, or seen photos from Stegastein on Instagram. In this article we will tell you all about it and how to get there.
Stegastein is a viewpoint located near the top of Aurlandsfjellet (Aurland mountain) between Flåm and Aurland. This road is part of Norwegian Scenic Routes, 18 different roads which run though beautiful Norwegian nature. It is 47 kilometers long going from Aurland to Lærdal. The highest point on this road is 1306 meters above sea level, with large contrasts in the scenery along the way. The views are spectacular with fjords and high mountains covered in snow for large parts of the year.
Stegastein viewpoint in winter. Photo: visitflam.com
1. Stegastein viewpoint - the platform
The road up to Stegastein from Aurland is steep and narrow, with seven hairpin turns along the way. But the drive is definitely worth it, because at the top there’s a viewing platform that juts out 30 meters from the mountainside.
The platform is 3.5 meters wide and built of wood, steel, concrete and glass. 650 meters above the Aurlandsfjord, you have a panoramic view of the fjord in all directions. Many describe it as a feeling of hovering over the fjord. The viewing platform was built in 2006 and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints you will find in the Norwegian fjords.
Photo: Gjertrud Coutinho
2. How to get to Stegastein
By car
It is possible to drive from Flåm or Aurland to Stegastein during the summer. However, we strongly advice you to join one of the shuttle buses from Flåm to limit the amount of cars going up the steep mountain side on the narrow road.
If you choose to go by car, be aware of the steep and narrow road and be prepared to meet some buses along the way. From Flåm the drive is around 18 kilometers (expected driving time is just under 30 minutes) and from Aurland the drive is around 8 kilometers (if there is no queue, it’ll take you 10-12 minutes).
The road is mostly one lane only and there is only a few places where cars can pass eath other. You need to be an experienced driver and allocate enough time to drive up safely.
Stegastein is very popular, so expect queues during the summer, both on the road and on the viewing platform. In later years due to the increase in traffic, you might experience problems turning your car around when you want to drive back down the mountain. The result might be that you have to continue in the same direction across the Aurland mountain to Lærdal.
Shuttle bus from Flåm or Aurland
We recommend you park your car in Flåm or Aurland and travel by shuttle bus to Stegastein. The buses run regularly throughout the year.
3. Is it possible to visit Stegastein all year round?
Yes, it is possible to visit Stegastein all year round. However, in the winter the road from Flåm is closed, hence the only access is from Aurland. The view is definitely better before it gets dark, so we recommend that you visit between kl. 10.00 and 15.00 this time of year. In the winter the toilet is closed.
4. Is Stegastein near Flåm?
Yes, it is. To drive from Flåm to Stegastein takes around 30 minutes. Flåm is one of the most popular destinations in Norway due to its spectacular location between steep mountains and narrow valleys in the heart of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord. You can read more about Flåm here.
Flåm. Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug
In Flåm you can take the Flåmsbana (Flåm Railway), one of the world's steepest railways with a height difference of 844 meters, and the train ride from Flåm to Myrdal has been named the world's best train journey by Lonely Planet. You can also cycle go for a hike in the mountains surrounding Flåm. A visit to Flåm is a popular thing to do when in Bergen.
If you have the time, take the opportunity to visit Gudvangen as well. From Flåm to Gudvangen you can take a boat or drive in about 20 minutes. In Gudvangen you will find, among other things, the exciting Viking town of Njardarheimr, well worth a visit. If you love fjords and spectacular views, the boat trip is a fantastic experience in itself.
Are you driving to Bergen? Here you will find suggestions for routes to Bergen from some of the larger cities in Norway.
5. Join a guided tour from Bergen
It is also possible to visit Stegastein on a guided tour from Bergen. The tour is called "Guided tour and fjord cruise to Nærøyfjorden, Flåm and Stegastein viewpoint" and is packed with great experiences. One of the things you’ll get to enjoy is a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord, with a detour into the Nærøyfjord. Nærøyfjorden is on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the world's narrowest fjord. At its narrowest, it is only 250 meters wide!
Stegastein viewpoint. Photo: Fjordrive
During the tour you’ll also see the mighty Tvindefossen (this waterfall has a fall of 110 meters) and visit the beautiful village Gudvangen in the heart of the beautiful fjord landscape in Nærøyfjorden. A visit to Flåm is also part of the tour.
Bonus tips: The world’s most beautiful public toilet!
Right next to the viewing platform there is a large parking lot for cars and buses. At this parking lot there’s a unique public toilet, with a view of the fjord from large windows. (Don’t worry, no one can see you from the outside). This panoramic view from the toilet seats has made the toilet famous, and in 2015 it was named the world's most beautiful toilet by the website DesignCurial.
When talking about viewpoints in Norway, we have to mention Vøringsfossen Waterfall as well. Like Stegastein, it is quite spectacular and well worth a visit. Read more about Vøringsfossen here.
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