Linking the Aurlandsfjord to the mountain plateau above the Sognefjord, the Aurlandsfjellet — nicknamed the “Snow Road” — is one of Norway’s most spectacular National Scenic Routes, open to cyclists from late spring through autumn.
The climb
From Aurland, at sea level at the head of the fjord, the road climbs for 16.2 km to a plateau topping out above 1,300 m, gaining around 1,250 m at an average of 7.7%, with sections up to 9%. The route quickly leaves vegetation behind for a mineral tundra landscape, dotted with snowfields that linger even in high summer.
How to approach the ride
The effort is long and steady rather than brutal: the pace can be managed over the distance, but wind and swings in temperature at altitude call for the right layers, even if it’s sunny at the start. The detour to the Stegastein platform, a few kilometers into the climb, is worth the stop.
When to go
Late May to October, as the road is closed in winter due to snow: the safest window falls between June and September. The stretch between Flåm and Stegastein stays open year-round.
Good to know
Aurland and the neighboring village of Flåm, starting point of the famous Flåm mountain railway, have all the services you’d need before setting off. The barren, windswept summit plateau contrasts sharply with the lush fjord vegetation below, before a descent toward Lærdal on the Sognefjord side.
