The seasonal 47km mountain road between L忙rdals酶yri and Aurlandsvangen is one of Norway鈥檚 most memorable drives. Here鈥檚 what to expect from the famous Snow Road.
Norway鈥檚 modern road network often takes the quickest possible route through the landscape. Bridges cross fjords, while long tunnels pass beneath mountains that once presented formidable obstacles.
But sometimes, the old road remains open. When it does, choosing the slower route can become one of the highlights of a Norwegian road trip.
That is certainly the case at Aurlandsfjellet. While the E16 carries traffic through the mountain inside the 24.5km L忙rdal Tunnel, the old road climbs high above it, crossing a stark plateau between two branches of the Sognefjord.
Introducing Norway鈥檚 Snow Road
Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet follows county road 5627 for 47km between L忙rdals酶yri and Aurlandsvangen.
The road begins at fjord level before climbing to a maximum elevation of 1,308 metres. It is one of Norway鈥檚 18 designated Scenic Routes, a collection of drives enhanced with distinctive viewpoints, rest areas, architecture and artworks.
The route is commonly known as the Snow Road because snow often remains beside the road long after it has disappeared from the valleys below. Soon after the annual reopening, motorists may find themselves driving between tall walls of snow.
Yet snow is only part of the attraction. The journey moves from the green L忙rdal valley into a barren landscape of exposed rock, mountain lakes and lingering snowfields, before descending towards the deep blue Aurlandsfjord.
Which Direction Should You Drive?
The road can be driven in either direction, but the Norwegian Scenic Routes programme recommends beginning in L忙rdal and driving towards Aurlandsvangen.
This direction saves the most dramatic moment until near the end. After crossing the empty mountain plateau, the road descends to Stegastein and its sweeping view across the Aurlandsfjord.
Before setting out, spend some time exploring Gamle L忙rdals酶yri. The historic centre is known for its well-preserved collection of wooden buildings, now home to small shops, places to eat and accommodation.
When Does the Snow Road Open?
The full mountain crossing is closed throughout the winter. Its reopening date depends entirely on the snow depth, weather and progress made by the snow-clearing crews.
In 2026, the road opened on June 1. Official records show previous opening dates ranging from May 7 to June 3, while autumn closures have taken place between early October and early November. Temporary overnight or weather-related closures may also occur shortly after the initial reopening.
That means travellers should not build an early-May itinerary around the Snow Road being open.
For the best chance of seeing substantial roadside snow, visit as soon as practical after the reopening. By later in the summer, much of the snow will have melted, but the road should be more dependable and the mountain landscape easier to explore.
Always with Statens vegvesen on the day of travel.
Stops Along Aurlandsfjellet
The road itself is the main attraction, but several designed stops provide good reasons to slow down.
Sluppen
On the climb from L忙rdal, Sluppen is a small rest area with space for just a handful of cars. A short path leads towards the river and a waterfall, while the surrounding landscape provides an early taste of the mountain scenery ahead.
Vedahaugane
Vedahaugane combines a mountain viewpoint with one of the more unusual artworks found on Norway鈥檚 Scenic Routes.
A curving concrete walkway and long bench overlook the Erdalen valley and distant Jotunheimen mountains. At the end lies DEN, an artificial cave created by American artist Mark Dion.
Inside, a resting bear lies on a mound of human objects arranged to represent different periods of cultural history. The installation asks visitors to consider the changing relationship between people and the natural world.
Flotane
Flotane provides a convenient stopping point on the high plateau. From here, gentle mountain ridges, lakes and distant glaciers replace the steep-sided fjord landscape.
The rest area includes benches and seasonal toilet facilities powered entirely by solar energy.
Stegastein Viewpoint
Stegastein is the best-known attraction on the route and one of the most recognisable viewpoints in Norway.
The wooden viewing platform projects 30 metres over the pine-covered mountainside, ending in a glass panel 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord. It remains accessible throughout the year because the road between Aurlandsvangen and Stegastein is kept open even when the mountain crossing is closed.
Its popularity can also cause congestion. In summer 2026, paid parking and a maximum stay of 30 minutes were introduced to improve the flow of vehicles. Traffic wardens were also scheduled during the busiest weeks of July and August.
The road between Aurland and Stegastein is narrow, steep and busy at peak times, so patience is essential.
How Long Should You Allow?
Although the route is only 47km long, this is not a road to rush. Sharp bends, narrow sections, slow-moving vehicles and frequent photo stops all add time.
Allow at least two to three hours for the full drive. Add longer if you plan to explore L忙rdal, eat along the way or take a walk from one of the rest areas.
Motorhomes can use the road, but drivers should be confident handling a larger vehicle on narrow mountain roads. Buses longer than 12.4 metres are prohibited.
Completing the Round Trip Through the L忙rdal Tunnel
A popular option is to combine the Snow Road with the L忙rdal Tunnel, creating a circular journey between L忙rdal and Aurland.
Opened in 2000, the 24.5km tunnel remains the world鈥檚 longest road tunnel. Specially illuminated caverns break up the long underground drive and provide a dramatic contrast to the exposed mountain road above.
However, major renovation work begins in autumn 2026. The tunnel is scheduled to close between 6pm and 6am from autumn 2026 until autumn 2028. Overnight traffic-light control is then planned for approximately two further years.
Anyone planning the circular route during this period should check current tunnel restrictions and complete the journey during the daytime.
Whether you drive it as part of a loop or continue deeper into the fjord region, Aurlandsfjellet is a fine example of why the fastest road in Norway is not always the most rewarding.
Have you driven Norway鈥檚 snow road? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
