Cantilevered 30 m wooden platform projecting from the mountainside 650 m above the Aurlandsfjord, with sweeping fjord views.
Stegastein is a viewing platform in the municipality of Aurland in Vestland, Norway, projecting about 30 metres out from the mountainside roughly 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the Sognefjord. Designed by the architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen and opened in 2006, the structure is a gently curving ramp of pine with a glass screen at its tip, so that visitors appear to walk out over empty air. The platform sits beside the old mountain road between Aurland and Lærdal, known as the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road, and the approach from the car park is a short, easy stroll. From the end of the ramp the view takes in the fjord far below, steep green slopes, and on clear days the village of Flåm and the cruise ships docked there. The platform is open at all hours, which allows both sunrise and late evening visits, and those hours bring the softest light for photography as well as the fewest people. A small cafe and toilets at the car park operate in summer. Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes, and the stop is easily combined with the drive over the Snow Road or with a day in Flåm. The road is closed during winter, typically from late autumn until May, so the viewpoint is effectively a summer and early autumn attraction. Crowds build during the middle of the day in July and August when coach tours arrive, and the platform can feel busy; early morning and evening give more room. Mist in the valley can occasionally hide the fjord entirely, which makes a check of the weather worthwhile. Access is by car in about 25 minutes from Flåm, or by summer bus 350 from Flåm or Aurland. Entry is free.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours; road open May-October |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Early morning or evening |
| Getting there | Bus 350 from Flam/Aurland in summer, or by car on the Aurlandsfjellet road (about 25 min from Flam) |
| Address | Stegastein, 5745 Aurland |
Location
Stegastein, 5745 Aurland
60.9075, 7.2010 View on map
Highlights
- 30 m cantilevered pine platform with a glass end screen
- Views down 650 m to the Aurlandsfjord and Flåm
- Open around the clock for sunrise or late evening visits
- Starting point for the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road drive
Tips for visiting
- Road is closed in winter
- Combine with the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road drive
- Small cafe at the car park in summer
When to visit
Early morning or evening in summer gives the best light and thinner crowds. The road is closed from late autumn until May.
Accessibility
The approach from the car park to the platform is short and fairly gentle, and the ramp is wide. Wheelchair access is likely possible but gradients exist, so visitors with mobility needs should check conditions locally.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Stegastein take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes including the short walk from the car park. More time is needed if combined with the cafe or the Snow Road drive.
Is Stegastein worth it for kids?
Children can enjoy the walkway, though the height may unsettle some. The glass screen at the end keeps the platform safe.
Is it open in winter?
The road to the platform is closed in winter, normally from late autumn until May. The viewpoint is mainly a summer and early autumn stop.
How can a visitor reach it without a car?
Bus 350 runs from Flåm and Aurland in summer. By car the trip from Flåm takes about 25 minutes.