If traveling to Norway's fjord region, the small village of Aurland provides a charming base for exploring the incredibly scenic Aurlandsford (a branch of the Sognefjord). These three hotels—two of which are family-owned—offer easy access to hiking trails, fjord excursions, a beachfront for swimmers, and Stegastein Viewpoint.

At a Glance

  29|2 Aurland Hotel Aurlandsfjord Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
Best For Sustainable stays Central location Historical charm
Pros

Former fishing lodge turned boutique hotel

Farmstay with local, organic food

Dinner is served in the old smokehouse

Right on the Aurland River & a 5-minute drive to the fjord

 

The restaurant & front-facing rooms have views of Aurlandsfjord

Central location within walking distance from shops & restaurants

Renovated rooms with modern-meets-Norwegian charm

Historic property that once hosted British salmon anglers in the 19th century

Rustic, charming rooms with an option for two-bedroom cabins

Set right in Aurland Town & close to shops, hiking trails & a local beach

On-site gastro bar with local cuisine & pizza
Cons A car is necessary for exploring On-site parking fills up fast The cabins & some rooms feel a bit outdated
Budget Tier $$$ $$ $
Authenticity ***** **** ****
Location **** ***** *****
Rooms & Bathrooms ***** ***** ***
Other Highlights Complimentary breakfast, afternoon snack with local cider & 3-course dinner Communal lounge with snacks, drinks & shuffleboard Al fresco dining with fjord views

29|2 Aurland

Each room is unique and decorated by the owners (photo courtesy of 29|2 Aurland)

Surrounded by mountains and waterfalls just outside town, 29|2 Aurland is a unique hotel experience in the form of a luxury farmstay. The former historic fishing lodge was transformed in 2014 into a small family-run property with 10 individual rustic-chic rooms in several farmhouse buildings with repurposed materials and antiques that blend with modern furnishings. 

Guests spend their days in nature—there are plenty of hikes and activities in the area—and then return to dine on local, organic food. The chef uses as many ingredients from the on-site garden as possible, while others come from nearby farmers. The rate includes daily breakfast, an afternoon treat, and a three-course dinner served at a communal table in the atmospheric smokehouse, where you'll likely meet new friends from around the world. 29|2 Aurland is a certified Eco Lighthouse business, and the owners, a lovely family who lives on the property, aim to have the smallest carbon footprint possible. Learn more

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Hotel Aurlandsfjord

MID-RANGE

The seasonal terrace draws locals and travelers (photo courtesy of Hotel Aurlandsfjord)

Surrounded by fjord views, the traditional clapboard Hotel Aurlandsfjord is within walking distance of Aurland's attractions, including a small beach for fjord swims. The hotel completed a major interior renovation in 2021, and the 30 modern Scandinavian-style rooms are a major draw. Each consists of caramel leather accents, mirror backlights, hardwood-style floors, and local bath products in eco-friendly dispensers (request rooms on the third and fourth floors with private balconies overlooking outstanding views of the fjord).

Guests can start each day with a complimentary breakfast that focuses on locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the fjord views. This main restaurant space, which is also open for lunch and dinner, has new tilework, leather furnishings, and rattan chandeliers, as well as a range of seating options from tables, cushy booths, and al fresco dining on French bistro chairs. Learn more

Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri
STANDARD

The hotel's common spaces feature family heirlooms (photo courtesy of @kristaelvheim)

The hotel Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri is a seasonal, family-owned property in Aurland that once hosted British salmon anglers in the 19th century. Today, 22 rooms come in a few different categories and buildings next to one another in the heart of Aurland, overlooking the fjord. The main hotel offers single, double, and superior rooms with various configurations that blend contemporary decor with antiques. For more space, there are apartment options, including a row of modern angler cabins with balconies overlooking the waterfront, equipped with kitchenettes, living rooms, and two bedrooms. 

A light, elegant breakfast spread is offered each morning in the charming Aabelheim House for hotel guests (but not those staying in the units with kitchenettes). For other meals, dine at the hotel's gastropub with indoor and outdoor seating, serving locally sourced meat, seafood, and housemade pizzas. Guests can take a dip in the fjord accessed by a hidden beach next to the cabins, while a larger beach is a short walk away. Or, relax with a book in the private garden surrounded by flowering plants. Learn more