A small village at the end of Nærøyfjord where Viking culture comes alive in a reconstructed settlement. Steep mountains and waterfalls surround this fjordside community.
Gudvangen lies at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord in western Norway, where granite walls rise 1,400 meters above the water. You can paddle through the narrow fjord past waterfalls, watch Viking blacksmiths forge iron at Njardarheimr village, or climb the Rimstigen trail for views across three converging fjords. The village's white marble caves and daily fjord cruises to Flåm and Kaupanger make it a practical base for exploring the region.
Getting to Gudvangen
The village lies along the E16 highway, 149 kilometers from Bergen and 331 kilometers from Oslo. Regular buses run from Bergen throughout the day. During summer months, you can arrive by boat from Flåm or Kaupanger. The nearest airport is in Sogndal, a two-hour drive away.
Exploring the Nærøyfjord
The Nærøyfjord extends 18 kilometers between mountain walls and waterfalls. You can explore the fjord in several ways: join a guided kayak tour through the narrow passages, pedal across the water on stable hydrobikes, or take a fjord cruise to Flåm and Kaupanger. The calm waters make these activities suitable for beginners throughout most of the year.
Viking Village Experience
At Njardarheimr Viking Village, inhabitants demonstrate daily life from 1,000 years ago. You'll see blacksmiths forging tools, weavers creating textiles, and craftspeople working with wood and leather. Try axe throwing, practice archery, or learn traditional Viking crafts. The village's food house prepares meals using historical recipes and ingredients from the Viking age.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
Several hiking trails begin in Gudvangen. The Rimstigen trail leads to viewpoints overlooking three converging fjords, while the more demanding Bakkanosi hike reaches 1,398 meters above sea level. From the summit, you'll see the entire UNESCO-listed fjord system below. The path to Bakka takes you to Norway's smallest working post office and a wooden sauna on the fjord's edge.
Magic White Caves
Gudvangen contains the world's largest deposit of anorthosite, a white marble-like stone. Inside the Magic White Caves, you can walk through tunnels illuminated by colored lights and aurora effects. The temperature stays at 6-8°C year-round, so bring warm clothing.
Nearby Attractions
The Stalheimskleiva road zigzags between two waterfalls near Gudvangen, with 13 hairpin turns making it Northern Europe's steepest road. In Bakka, a white wooden church from 1859 sits against the mountain backdrop. During winter, you can ski at Myrkdalen mountain resort, a 30-minute drive from the village.
