Aurlandsfjord vs. Nærøyfjord: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Visit?

If you’re planning a trip to Flåm or the surrounding area, you’ve probably come across the names Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. These two breathtaking fjords are part of the same waterway, both offering stunning landscapes and unique experiences.

But what’s the difference between them, and how do you decide how to explore them?

As a local who grew up in Aurland, I want to clear up a common misconception: you don’t have to choose one over the other! When you take a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, you’ll experience both – starting with the wide, open beauty of the Aurlandsfjord before gliding into the dramatic, narrow passage of the Nærøyfjord.

In this guide, I’ll break down what makes each fjord special, the best ways to experience them, and how to make the most of your visit.

Whether you’re looking for panoramic viewpoints, thrilling boat rides, or a peaceful escape into nature, you’ll find exactly what you need along these stunning Norwegian fjords.

Quick Comparison Table

Below is a quick table I put together to compare the two fjords – just to give you an easy overview!

Feature	Aurlandsfjord	Nærøyfjord
Scenery	Wider, more open landscapes	Narrower, dramatic cliffs
Best Viewpoints	Stegastein Viewpoint	Gudvangen area or by boat
Activities	Scenic drives, hiking, boat tours	Fjord cruises, kayaking, nature walks
Accessibility	You can drive along it	Only accessible by boat
Best for	Stunning views from land, relaxed sightseeing	Immersive fjord experience, dramatic scenery

Aurlandsfjord: A Scenic Gateway to the Fjords

The Aurlandsfjord is the heart of the region, surrounded by charming villages, breathtaking viewpoints, and some of the best hiking in Norway. If you’re visiting Flåm, taking the time to explore the area around the Aurlandsfjord will give you a deeper appreciation of the fjord landscape, local culture, and stunning nature.

I mean, to be honest this entire blog is dedicated to the Aurlandsfjord and the things to do around it.

Stay and Explore in Aurland Village

While many visitors rush through Flåm, those in the know choose to base themselves in Aurland, a quieter village just 10 minutes away. With beautiful wooden houses, a scenic waterfront, and a slower pace of life, Aurland offers a peaceful contrast to the busier cruise port of Flåm.

Here, you can:

• Visit Aurland Shoe Factory – Home of the original Norwegian penny loafer, this small workshop still produces high-quality, handmade shoes.
• Stroll Along the Fjord – Enjoy a relaxed walk along the shoreline, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
• Try Local Specialties – Stop by Marianne’s Café for fresh pastries or visit the SJH farm shop for locally produced goat cheese and cured meats.

Stegastein Viewpoint: One of Norway’s Best Fjord Views

If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss, it’s Stegastein Viewpoint. This stunning platform, perched 650 meters above the fjord, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Aurlandsfjord.

How to get there:

• By Car – A 20-minute drive up the winding Aurlandsfjellet road. Parking is available.
• By Bus Tour – Daily excursions from Flåm and Aurland make it easy to visit without a car.

I have written a complete guide to the viewpoint here.

Hike to Prest for an even more Unforgettable View

For those who love hiking, the Prest hike is an absolute must (and one of my favorite hikes in Norway). This moderate to hard trail takes you up to 1,478 meters (4,849 feet) above sea level, rewarding you with one of the most spectacular fjord views in Norway.

• Distance: ~4 km round trip
• Elevation gain: ~600 meters
• Time needed: 3–4 hours total
• Difficulty: Moderate – some steep sections, but manageable for fit hikers

From the top, you’ll have a jaw-dropping view over Aurlandsfjord, Stegastein, and the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect way to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the fjord landscape.

Nærøyfjord: A UNESCO-Protected Natural Wonder

The Nærøyfjord, a stunning branch of the Aurlandsfjord, is one of the most dramatic fjords in Norway. With its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and near-vertical mountainsides, it’s no surprise that the Nærøyfjord is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing for the West Norwegian Fjords.

Unlike the Aurlandsfjord, which you can experience from viewpoints and hikes, the absolute best way to see the Nærøyfjord is from the water. The fjord is so narrow – at one point only 250 meters (820 feet) wide – that traveling through it feels like entering another world.

In fact, my friend Amy wanted to photoshop in a dinosaur peeking through the greeneries when she visited me for the first time – she thought it looked just like Jurassic Park!

Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen

The most popular way to explore the Nærøyfjord is by boat tour between Flåm and Gudvangen. This slow, scenic cruise takes you through the entire length of the Nærøyfjord, passing tiny villages, sheer cliffs, and waterfalls tumbling straight into the fjord.

• Best for: A relaxed, immersive experience of the fjord’s beauty.
• Options: Electric passenger ferries or smaller, more intimate boat tours.
• Pro tip: If possible, take the early morning or late afternoon ferry for softer light and fewer crowds.

I’ve covered this in more detail here.

FjordSafari RIB Boat Tour

For a more adventurous experience, the FjordSafari RIB boat tour departs from Flåm and takes you through the Aurlandsfjord and into the Nærøyfjord. The smaller, faster boats allow you to get up close to waterfalls and wildlife, and the fantastic guides share local stories along the way.

• Best for: Those who want a thrilling, close-to-nature experience.
• Options: A full tour covering both fjords, or a shorter one focusing on the Aurlandsfjord and the start of the Nærøyfjord.

Hiking Above or Along the Nærøyfjord

If you want to combine your fjord visit with a scenic walk, you have two great options:

Walk the Old Postal Route from Styvi

Styvi is a tiny, roadless farm settlement that can only be reached by boat. From here, you can walk the old postal route to Bleiklindi (and back), a historic trail used for delivering mail before roads were built in the region. This peaceful walk follows the fjord’s edge, offering incredible views along the way.

• Best for: A scenic, easy walk along the fjord.
• How to get there: Take a boat or kayak from Gudvangen to Styvi or Bleiklindi.

Hike to Rimstigen for a Panoramic View

For those up for a challenge, the Rimstigen hike rewards you with breathtaking views high above the Nærøyfjord. This steep, demanding trail climbs from the fjord up to a viewpoint, where you’ll get an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the fjord winding through the mountains.

• Best for: Experienced hikers looking for a rewarding challenge.
• Time needed: 2-4 hours round trip.
• Trailhead: Near Bakka, a small village along the fjord.

Experiencing Both Fjords: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

One of the best things about visiting this region is that you don’t have to choose between the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord – you can easily experience both in a single trip. Whether you prefer a relaxed sightseeing approach or an active adventure, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the best of both fjords.

For a Relaxed Experience: A Scenic Fjord Cruise

If you want to take in the stunning landscapes at a leisurely pace, a fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen is the perfect way to experience both fjords in one trip. The journey starts in the wider, open landscapes of the Aurlandsfjord before gliding into the narrow, dramatic waters of the Nærøyfjord. This UNESCO-listed route is one of the most breathtaking boat trips in the world, offering unbeatable views from the comfort of a modern ferry.

• Tip: Consider combining the cruise with a return trip by shuttle bus for a convenient round-trip experience.

For a Thrilling Adventure: FjordSafari RIB Boat Tour

For a more intimate and adventurous way to see the fjords, the FjordSafari RIB boat tour takes you on a faster, smaller-group journey through both fjords. This experience allows you to get up close to waterfalls, wildlife, and the steep mountain walls rising from the water. Guides share local stories, adding depth to the journey beyond the incredible scenery.

• Tip: Wear warm layers. The wind can be chilly on the water, even in summer.

For Hikers: Combine Viewpoints and Trails

If you love to hike, you can experience both fjords from different perspectives:

• Aurlandsfjord: Hike to Prest for a panoramic view over the fjord and surrounding mountains.
• Nærøyfjord: Hike Rimstigen for a challenging climb with a spectacular view down into the narrow fjord.
• Prefer a gentler walk? Take a boat to Styvi and follow the old postal route along the Nærøyfjord’s edge OR walk from Flåm to Otternes farm for a relaxing stroll along the Aurlandsfjord.

Read next: The best hikes in and near Flåm

For a Full-Day Experience: Mix Land and Water

If you have a full day, combine a fjord cruise through the Nærøyfjord with time exploring Aurland. Start with a morning cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, then return to Aurland for an afternoon visit to Stegastein Viewpoint or a scenic hike.

This way, you get the best of both worlds – seeing the fjords from the water and from above. If you add in the Flåm Railway in addition to the fjord cruise and Stegastein, you’ll have hit the trifecta of the area.

Final Thoughts

When visiting the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord, you’re not choosing between two separate destinations; you’re experiencing two distinct sides of the same breathtaking fjord landscape. The Aurlandsfjord offers expansive views, charming villages, and scenic hikes, while the Nærøyfjord provides a dramatic, immersive fjord experience only possible from the water.

By taking the time to explore both, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for why this region is one of Norway’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Whether you’re standing at Stegastein Viewpoint, hiking above the fjords, or gliding through the UNESCO-listed waters on a fjord cruise or FjordSafari RIB boat tour, every moment spent in this landscape is unforgettable.

So instead of worrying about which fjord is “better,” focus on how you want to experience them – from the water, from the mountaintops, or both. Either way, you’ll walk away with incredible memories of Norway’s fjord region, just as generations of visitors (and locals like me!) have before you.