Flåm Tour: Borgund Stave Church, Lærdal & Stegastein

The Flåm Tour: Borgund Stave Church, Lærdal & Stegastein offers a compact yet scenic adventure through some of Norway’s most iconic sights. Priced at $140.73 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, this guided bus trip starts in Flåm, a charming village at the end of the Aurlandsfjorden. The journey takes travelers through E16’s longest road tunnel and across dramatic mountain landscapes, with several key stops along the way. The tour is particularly suited for those interested in Norwegian history, architecture, and breathtaking fjord views, though it can be affected by weather and traffic conditions.

While the tour promises a packed schedule with multiple photo opportunities and scenic vistas, some reviews highlight occasional delays and limited access to certain sites like the Borgund stave church. Still, the combination of natural beauty and cultural landmarks makes this tour a worthwhile option for travelers looking for an overview of the region’s highlights.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $140.73, the tour lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.
• Main Stops: Visit the Borgund Stave Church, the charming village of Lærdal, and the Stegastein Viewpoint.
• Transportation: Travel is by guided bus, passing through E16’s longest tunnel and mountain roads.
• Photo Opportunities: Outside views of the stave church, scenic village vistas, and panoramic fjord viewpoints.
• Guide Quality: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, providing interesting facts along the way.
• Limitations: Limited access to the inside of Borgund stave church and possible delays due to weather or inspections.

Starting in Flåm at the Cruise Pier

The tour begins at A-Feltvegen 27, 5743 Flåm, right at the Cruise Pier. The bus departs with a mobile ticket, and travelers are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to ensure smooth boarding. The meeting point is clearly signposted, and the group size is limited to 48 travelers, helping maintain an intimate atmosphere.

The starting location places you right in the heart of Flåm, which itself is a hub for fjord excursions. The tour’s timing is flexible to accommodate cruise ship schedules, with modified departures announced in advance, ensuring that cruise passengers can participate without worrying about missing their ship.

Driving Through E16’s Longest Road Tunnel

One of the early highlights of the tour is the 24.5 km drive through E16, Norway’s longest road tunnel. This tunnel connects Aurland and Lærdal, providing a ferry-free link between Oslo and Bergen. The tunnel’s impressive length makes it a notable engineering feat, and the guide often shares stories or facts about its construction and significance.

Passing through this tunnel is a practical part of the journey, saving time while adding an element of adventure. It’s a good reminder of how Norway’s infrastructure adapts to its rugged terrain, and travelers often find this part of the trip surprisingly exciting.

Outside View of Borgund Stave Church

The first photo stop is at the Borgund Stave Church, built around 1180 and dedicated to the Apostle Andrew. While visitors do not enter the church, the outside view is striking, with its elaborately carved portals, dragon-head roof carvings, and crosses. The church stands as the most well-preserved stave church in Norway, making it a must-see for architecture buffs and history enthusiasts.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes, providing enough time for a quick photo session and a chance to appreciate the exterior details. Some reviews note that the visit is limited to viewing from outside, which might disappoint those hoping for inside access, as the admission ticket for the visitor center is not included.

Free Time in Lærdal Village

Next, the bus makes a rest stop in Lærdal, a charming village squeezed between Sognefjorden, the Lærdal river, and surrounding mountains. This 15-minute break offers a chance to stretch legs, take photos of the scenic village, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The area provides views of Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

The visit to Lærdal is brief but well-placed, giving a taste of local life and allowing for quick photo opportunities. Travelers appreciate the balance between sightseeing and relaxing, though some wish for a bit more time at this stop.

Driving the Snow Road Between Fjords

The journey continues across a spectacular scenic route, famously known as the “snow road between the fjords”. This part of the drive is renowned for breathtaking views of mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The guide points out landmarks and natural features along the way, making this stretch a highlight for landscape lovers.

Depending on traffic, weather, and seasonal closures (notably in winter), the route may vary or include alternative roads. The road’s twists and turns are part of the experience, so patience and camera readiness are advised.

Extra Photo Stops and Scenic Sights

Throughout the trip, the guide may make additional photo stops depending on traffic, weather, and time constraints. These pauses are opportunities to capture additional fjord vistas, mountain views, or village scenes. The flexibility keeps the tour engaging, though it also means the schedule can fluctuate slightly.

Travelers report that these stops are generally well-timed, providing refreshing breaks without overly extending the trip. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the importance of planning for restroom needs, as only one stop has a restroom.

Visiting the Stegastein Viewpoint

The final major stop is at the Stegastein Viewpoint, where you can look down on the meeting point of the Aurlandsvangen and Nærøyfjorden. The 15-minute photo stop offers panoramic views that are often described as breathtaking. The viewpoint extends over the fjord, with mountains and water visible in all directions.

Travelers frequently mention the impressive scenery at Stegastein, with some noting the snow-capped peaks and frozen water during winter visits. This vantage point provides excellent photo opportunities for landscape lovers and those wanting a dramatic shot of Norway’s fjords.

Ending the Tour in Flåm

The trip concludes back at the meeting point in Flåm, after driving through the final stretch of Aurlandsfjorden. The return journey offers a last glimpse of the fjord landscape, and the tour ends with enough time to continue exploring Flåm or catch a ship.

The overall pacing is designed to balance scenic drives with enough stops for photos and leg stretches. Some reviews highlight delays or logistical issues, but most find the overall experience satisfying given the short duration and packed itinerary.

Practical Tips and Considerations

The tour is suitable for most travelers, but it’s important to arrive early and register your mobile contact information clearly. Be aware that visiting Borgund Stave Church does not include entry into the interior, and weather conditions can impact the route, especially in winter, possibly requiring alternative roads.

Delays can occur at inspection stations or due to adverse weather, so flexibility is recommended. The group size is limited to 48 travelers, fostering a more personal experience, although some reviews mention confusion during pick-up.

Final Thoughts on the Flåm Scenic Bus Tour

This tour offers a wonderful overview of some of Norway’s most iconic sights, combining natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints. The guide’s knowledge and scenic drives are its strongest points, with several stops that allow for memorable photos and a quick taste of local life.

However, limited inside access to the Borgund stave church and occasional logistical hiccups are worth considering. The tour is best suited for those who want a compact, scenic experience without long walks, and who are comfortable with short stops and the possibility of weather-related changes.

The value lies in the views and cultural highlights, making it a suitable choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include admission to Borgund Stave Church?
No, the visit is outside only; the admission ticket to the visitor center is not included.

What is the ideal weather for this tour?
Good weather is essential as the route depends on weather conditions, especially in winter when road closures are possible.

Can I expect to visit the inside of the stave church?
No, the tour only provides an outside view, and inside access is not included.

What should I bring for this trip?
Bring comfortable clothing, a camera, and restroom needs as stops with facilities are limited.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, with modified departure times and a back-to-ship guarantee, it is designed to fit cruise schedules, provided booking includes your ship’s details.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group is limited to 48 travelers, ensuring a manageable size for sightseeing and photo stops.