Exploring Norway’s Fjords and Cultural Gems: A Detailed Look at the Flåm Tour: Borgund Stave Church, Lærdal & Stegastein
When you think of Norwegian landscapes, images of towering mountains, shimmering fjords, and historic wooden churches probably come to mind. This 4.5-hour guided bus trip from Flåm offers a chance to see some of the most iconic sights in Sogn — including the remarkably preserved Borgund Stave Church, the charming village of Lærdal, and the breathtaking Stegastein viewpoint over the Aurlandsfjorden and Nærøyfjorden. For $140.73 per person, the tour provides a balanced mix of cultural discovery and natural beauty, perfect for travelers who appreciate spectacular scenery and authentic local history.
We particularly like how the tour incorporates a drive through the world’s longest road tunnel—a feat of engineering that’s worth experiencing—and the photo opportunities at each stop that promise stunning views. The chance to see the exterior of Borgund Stave Church, a structure dating back to around 1180, adds a real sense of stepping back in time. Plus, the visit to Stegastein offers an unforgettable panoramic view that sticks with you long after the bus ride ends.
One thing to consider is that the visit to Borgund Stave Church is only an outside photo stop, which disappoints some visitors expecting to explore inside. The tour’s pacing can also be tight, especially if weather or traffic causes delays, or if you’re hoping to spend more time at each stop. This tour suits those who want a well-rounded taste of Norway’s fjords, scenery, and history, without the hassle of driving themselves.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery: Focused on views of fjords, mountains, and iconic viewpoints like Stegastein.
- Cultural highlights: Features the outside of Borgund Stave Church, Norway’s most well-preserved stave church.
- Efficient itinerary: Combines scenic drives, photo stops, and a quick village visit.
- Guided commentary: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts.
- Group size: The tour is limited to 48 travelers, keeping it relatively intimate.
- Weather dependency: The fjord road may close in winter, affecting the itinerary.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary
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Starting Point and Transportation
The tour begins at Nedre Brekkevegen 34, Flåm, where a representative awaits with an EXCURSIONS4U sign. The transportation is by bus, and since the total duration is about four and a half hours, you’ll want to be prepared for a fair amount of time spent on the road. The vehicle typically accommodates up to 48 travelers, making it a comfortable group size for a scenic day trip.
The Long E16 Road Tunnel
One of the early highlights is driving through the E16’s 24.5 km tunnel—the longest road tunnel in the world. This is not just a transit point but an experience in itself, symbolizing Norway’s daring engineering amidst rugged landscapes. The tunnel connects Aurland and Lærdal, providing a ferry-free link between Oslo and Bergen. Travelers often find this segment fascinating and a little surreal, especially when considering how such infrastructure supports Norwegian life and tourism.
Borgund Stave Church
The first major stop is the outdoor photo stop at Borgund Stave Church, built around 1180. This church is considered the most distinctive and best-preserved stave church in Norway, with lavishly carved portals, crosses, and dragon head motifs on its roofs. While you won’t go inside, the exterior alone is striking enough to warrant a quick stop, and many reviews mention the quality of these photos. It’s a chance to appreciate Norway’s unique wooden architecture and understand its historical significance.
A 20-minute stop allows enough time to snap photos, appreciate the craftsmanship, and soak in the surroundings. Reviewers like Naomi praised the guide for sharing interesting facts, making the exterior visit more engaging despite the brief time. However, a few travelers voiced disappointment that they only saw the church from outside, feeling they missed out on interior exploration—so if you’re hoping to go inside, this isn’t the tour for that.
Rest Stop at Lærdal
Next, the bus makes a 15-minute stop at Lærdal, a village hugged by fjords and mountains, offering a scenic stretch of legs and a chance to admire the Sognefjorden from a distance. This is a perfect moment for quick photos and to get a sense of local life. Naomi mentioned that the stop provided just enough time for a quick look and some pictures, avoiding the frustration of overly long waits.
Scenic Drive and Photo Breaks
After that, the bus continues along the “snow road between the fjords”, a drive renowned for its dramatic landscapes. The route includes breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, twisting roads, and mountain scenery. Depending on weather conditions, the driver might make additional photo stops, which travelers often appreciate for capturing the raw beauty of the region.
Stegastein Viewpoint
The climax of the tour is the 15-minute stop at Stegastein—a suspension platform that juts out over the fjord at an impressive height, providing sweeping vistas of Aurlandsvangen and where the Aurlandsfjorden and Nærøyfjorden meet. This is undoubtedly the most photogenic part of the trip. Many reviewers, like Patty, loved the chance to see the fjords from this high vantage point, noting the snow and water contrasts and the sense of being on top of the world.
Ending the Tour
After soaking in the views, the bus takes you back down the mountain to Flåm, completing the circuit through Norway’s iconic fjord scenery. The drive back is relaxed, with the route following the meandering Aurlandsfjorden, offering a fitting conclusion to this scenic adventure.
Authentic Experiences and Common Critiques
What travelers love most are the breathtaking views and the knowledgeable guides. Naomi’s review highlights a guide who was “brilliant,” sharing fascinating facts and making the trip more engaging. The scenery, especially from Stegastein, receives frequent praise for its “mind-blowing” views. Several reviews mention that the bus was comfortable, and the group size was manageable, allowing for a more personal experience.
However, some travelers have voiced disappointments. The most common complaint is that the Borgund Stave Church visit is only an outside photo stop—many had hoped for an interior visit, which would have added more depth to the experience. Others experienced delays or confusion during pickup, including late arrivals and unclear directions, which can be frustrating when time is limited.
A notably negative review described the experience as “unprofessional” due to delays and organizational issues, especially involving the inspection station. This points to the importance of being flexible if weather or logistical issues arise.
Weather can significantly influence the tour. The fjord road may be closed during winter, and delays are possible if conditions are poor. The tour provider states they may use alternative routes if necessary, which can impact what you see and how long each stop lasts.
Analyzing the Value
At around $140, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural sights, and viewpoints. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want an overview of Norway’s fjord country without renting a car or navigating mountain roads on their own. The included stops at Borgund and Stegastein are iconic and worth the price if you’re short on time but craving authentic Norwegian scenery.
That said, the limited inside access to Borgund and the possibility of delays mean you should weigh whether you want a quick photo stop or a more in-depth visit. If exploring inside the stave church is a priority, consider visiting independently or seeking a tour that offers interior access.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is perfect for scenery lovers and those interested in Norwegian architecture and fjord views. It’s well-suited to travelers who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience with guaranteed logistics, especially if they’re traveling during the cruise season or want a concise day trip. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t mind the occasional tight schedule but want to see the highlights.
However, if you’re after deep historical exploration or want to spend more time inside the stave church, this might not be the best fit. The tour’s focus is primarily on outdoor sights and scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers stunning vistas and a taste of Norwegian cultural heritage—especially the exterior of Borgund Stave Church and the panoramic views from Stegastein. With guides who tend to be well-informed and friendly, it provides a practical, efficient way to see some of Norway’s most photogenic spots.
The experience is best suited for travelers who value scenery over inside visits and are comfortable with some unpredictable elements like weather or delays. It’s an excellent choice for those on a tight schedule or arriving via cruise who want a snapshot of Norway’s natural beauty and architecture.
If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic day that balances nature and culture, this trip is a solid pick. Just prepare for the outside-only visit to the stave church and stay flexible should weather or traffic affect your plans.
FAQ
Does the tour include inside access to Borgund Stave Church?
No, the visit is only an outside photo stop. Entrance to the church interior is not included and costs extra.
How long is the bus ride?
The total trip lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including stops.
What scenic viewpoints are included?
You’ll visit the Stegastein viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the fjords from above.
Are there any rest stops?
Yes, there’s a 15-minute stop at Lærdal for stretching and photos, and occasionally additional photo stops depending on weather and traffic.
What should I know about the road tunnel?
The bus travels through the world’s longest road tunnel (24.5 km), which is an experience in itself and highlights Norway’s impressive engineering.
Can this tour accommodate cruise ship schedules?
Yes, the tour is adapted for cruise arrivals and departures, with a guarantee for ship passengers if the proper info is provided.
What’s the group size?
Up to 48 travelers, making it manageable but still part of a larger group.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. It involves some driving and walking but is accessible for most travelers comfortable with a scenic bus trip.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How is the guide’s commentary?
Reviewers praise guides for being knowledgeable and engaging, making the drive more interesting with facts and stories about the sights.
In short, this Fjord and cultural highlights tour from Flåm delivers scenic beauty and memorable views at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a guided, stress-free day in some of Norway’s most famous landscapes, with a little bit of history thrown in.