The 45km Snow Road, officially signed Aurlandsvegen, climbs from sea level, twisting precipitously to the desolate, boulder-strewn high plateau that separates Aurland and Lærdalsøyri (Lærdal). Even if you don't opt for the whole route, drive the first 8km from Aurland to the magnificent Stegastein observation point. Projecting out over the fjord way below, the biomorphic pine-clad structure is striking to look at, not to mention designed to push you out of your comfort zone, rather like Norway itself.
This heart-stopping drive – strictly for summertime as snow banks line the road and tarns are still deep-frozen even in late June – has been designated as a National Tourist Route, so get there before the coaches catch on.
