Guide to Gudvangen
Gudvangen is known as Norway’s Viking village. A picturesque setting situated neatly near the end of Nærøyfjord, making this village a great getaway for families, groups and solo trips.
You’ll find plenty to do in this small town – from sightseeing to outdoor activities and exploring the rich Viking heritage.
Interested in a trip? Discover all you need to know about travelling here and what to do when you arrive with this complete guide to Gudvangen.
How to get to Gudvangen village
Once you arrive in Norway (Oslo), the journey to Gudvangen is 240km and can be travelled via bus or train.
You can take a Vy train from Oslo Central Train Station to Gudvangen Village. On average, the journey takes about 9 hours – but it can also take much longer depending on waiting times between transfers. The first part of the journey is by train, then you change to a bus. Check out the details in our travel search.
Hop on the F4 line to Bergen and get off at Voss Train Station. This part of the journey takes roughly six hours. At Voss Station get the VY450 Sogndal bus and get off at Gudvangen E16. The bus journey to Gudvangen is 55 stops and takes around 50 minutes.
Check out bus and train tickets to Gudvangen
My location
Oslo S
Public transport hub in Oslo
Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Public transport hub in Ullensaker, Viken
Bergen stasjon
Public transport hub in Bergen, Vestland
Nationaltheatret
Public transport hub in Oslo
Drammen stasjon
Public transport hub in Drammen, Viken
My location
Oslo S
Public transport hub in Oslo
Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)
Public transport hub in Ullensaker, Viken
Bergen stasjon
Public transport hub in Bergen, Vestland
Nationaltheatret
Public transport hub in Oslo
Drammen stasjon
Public transport hub in Drammen, Viken
Photo: Fjord Norge/Gjertrud Coutinho, Vy
Things to do in Gudvangen
There’s plenty for you to do in the scenic setting of Gudvangen Village. It’s an incredible place to explore if you’re interested in the storied Vikings or the great Nordic wilderness. Here’s a list of fun things to do in Gudvangen:
Kayaking in GudvangenExternal link
Put paddle to water with a kayaking tour on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and absorb the stunning views of the high mountains and plunging waterfalls. Create lasting memories as you sail along one of Norway's most beautiful fjord regions.
Set out on the water during early to mid-spring, you might even spot snow avalanches coming down the steep mountains. Kayaking in Gudvangen is ideal for families or groups, and you can choose between half-day tours or full-day tours.
Biking in Gudvangen
Get your heart rate pumping with a thrilling bike ride in Gudvangen Village. During this escapade, you’ll pass through the Nærøyfjord, as well as famous landmarks like the awe-inspiring Tvinde waterfall, Nærøy valley, and the Flåm Railway. Other popular routes include the area’s longest and most popular mountain biking trail, the Gudvangen Loop Hike – estimated to be 10.8 km in length.
Hiking in Gudvangen
Gudvangen’s hikes can range in length from around eight hours to one hour. Whether you’re new to walking boots or used to lacing up, there’s something to suit you.
Sightseeing
A trip to Gudvangen village isn’t complete without a spot of sightseeing. Here are some of the most popular places to check out:
Fjord safariExternal link
Head to Fjord Safari for a day of true Norwegian fun. The trip from Gudvangen to Flåm will take you through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, with a stop in Undredal to taste award-winning goat cheese.
Just a 12-minute bus ride away from Gudvangen village is Flåm, home to the much-loved Fjord Safari. Here, you can connect with fauna, flora and history.
Take a moment and taste some of the amazing local slow food – including the special goat cheese.
Gudvangen Viking Village NjardarheimExternal link
The Gudvangen Viking Village is perhaps one of Gudvangen’s most popular activities. Journey to the Viking Valley and buy a ticket to learn about the native Viking history through re-enaction of the past.
Immerse yourself in history and enjoy performative and captivating historic storytelling. Visiting in the summer? Don’t miss out on attending the Gudvangen Viking Market where you’ll see Viking-age crafts, fight shows and dancing.
Hotels in Gudvangen
Looking for a comfortable place to rest your head while in Gudvangen? Check out these hotels:
Gudvangen Fjordtell
Located in Nærøyfjord, this hotel is the ideal base for exploring the plethora of sights and activities that Gudvangen village has to offer. This 3-star hotel provides easy access to Fjord ferry boat tours. There’s plenty of onsite facilities, including five restaurants with authentic Norwegian cuisine, a cafeteria, a fully stocked bar and a souvenir shop.
Start your adventure today, and book your stay at Gudvangen Fjordtell.Gudvangen Budget Hotel
This cost-effective hotel is situated just a few minutes from the village’s main activities and is surrounded by the World Heritage-listed fjord landscape. Offering comfy and cosy rooms, a gorgeous garden and Wi-Fi, this accommodation is perfect for travellers on a budget. Meals aren’t available onsite, but you can take a quick three-minute walk to the neighbouring Gudvangen Fjordtell for food and drinks.
Save your money for the things that matter most when you book a room at Gudvangen Budget Hotel.
Save your money for the things that matter most when you book a room at Gudvangen Budget Hotel