Aursjøvegen is a scenic mountain route in Norway. It connects Eikesdalen and Sunndalsøra. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems for those who enjoy breathtaking landscapes and thrilling drives. The road is about 55 kilometers long and is not a national tourist route, which makes it less crowded compared to more famous roads like Trollstigen or the Atlantic Road. Dolve into my article to find out why it took me four days to drive the 55km, and I loved it.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Read here my article about the Garmin InReach and how to improve your safety
Navigating Aursjøvegen: Here’s How to Find the Hidden Route
Refrain from trusting Google Maps or Garmin Road Navigation to find the road. They always suggest the more common and faster country roads to circumnavigate the mountain pass, so I missed the “entrance” several times.
Here are the geographic coordinates; they might be helpful.
Sunndalsøra: 62°36’27.12″N 8°31’25.39″E
Eikesdalen: 62°25’14.79″N 8°19’6.94″E
All Terrain (AT) Tires for a Camper Van? Check out my experience report.
Aursjøvegen: Thrilling and Spectacular Driving
Aursjøvegen is a narrow toll road (100 NOK for a vehicle up to 3,5t) with steep and winding sections. It’s not for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers, as it involves sharp curves and minimal guardrails in some areas. However, a 4×4 vehicle is unnecessary, but the road will be challenging to navigate with big mobile homes. A few sections are also rockfall-endangered—watch out for warning signs and avoid long stops or camping in these areas.
Rugged Mountains and Serene Campsites: The Joy of Slow Travel on Aursjøvegen
Following the road, I experienced the rugged and dramatic Norwegian mountains, which offered spectacular views of deep valleys, steep cliffs, and lakes, including the stunning Eikesdalsvatnet lake. I immediately realized that I must take my time to enjoy this fantastic landscape and serene campsites along the road. I also started to explore some side dirt roads and took shorter hikes to lonely peaks or waterfalls. That’s the advantage of traveling with a camper van. There is no need to rush; you can be highly spontaneous. It’s the freedom I seek and a landscape photographer’s paradise.
End of Season Magic: Why September is Perfect for Peaceful Travel in Norway
The mountain pass is typically open from late June to early October, depending on snow conditions. It is closed during the winter due to heavy snow and treacherous conditions. However, the authorities closed the road just after I entered it at the beginning of September! Still, September, the end of the saison, is generally the best month to travel to Norway. Most tourists have left already, and even the famous spots are getting wonderful and peaceful.
Wilderness And Serenity: Hidden Treasures for Photographers
This route offers endless opportunities for photographers like me to capture Norway’s unspoiled natural beauty. I was genuinely impressed by the rugged peaks, tranquil lakes, and waterfalls. It’s perfect for peaceful, off-the-beaten-path landscape experiences in the Norwegian wilderness.
Click here to read my article about photographers’ solo road trips
