Lærdal muncipality has approximately 2.200 inhabitants and covers a area of 1.342,4 km2. The population in Lærdal decreased from 3.900 in 1855 to 2.400 in 1920, due to emigration to America.

The Lærdalselva river, one of the inner arms of the Sognefjord, to the mountain passes of Filefjell and Hemsedalsfjellet, on the water divide between Western and Eastern Norway. Total length is approximately 60 km from fjord to mountain. The valley is deeply incised in the surrounding mountain plateau, which varies in altitude between 1100 and 1900 metres asl.

Many of Lærdal´s roads are steeped in history and ideal for walkers. Sverrestigen and Vindhellavegen can be found near Borgund Stave Church. Maragaretastova (Off Kongevegen) at Filefjell houses a private museum with roots back to the middle ages. Norwegian red deer abound in the valley sides, and reindeer in the mountains, and occasionally a brown bear strays through.

The community centre is Lærdalsøyri, by the fjord, with approximately a population of 1.000. Ask a Norwegian about Lærdal, and he will probably mention three things, Salmon, the Borgund stave church and the old roads. Recently, two new attractions have been added to the list. The longest road tunnel in the world (E16 from Lærdal to Aurland, 24.5 km), and the Atlantic Salmon Centre at Lærdalsøyri, opened in 1996. Lærdalsøyri is worth seeing in its own right, a national monument site with 161 well preserved old wooden houses.

UNESCO´s WORLD HERITAGE

The West Norwegian Fjords of Geirangefjord and Nærøyfjord was inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage List in 2005. The two fjords are situated 120 km from each other and they are separated by the Jostedal glacier. The World Heritage Site possesses a unique combination of glacial landforms at the same time as each area is characterised by its own outstanding beauty.

Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord stretches through the municipality of Aurland, Lærdal, Norddal, Stranda, Vik and Voss.

SALMON

Salmon jumping in the Sjurhaugfossen waterfall in the Lærdalselva river is a popular sight in the summer months. Sjurhaugfossen is 20 km upstream the river mouth at Lærdalsøyri, and was earlier the final barrier for salmon migration. Three fish ladders build in connection with the hydropower development in the river has opened (at least in theory) an additional 20 km of salmon river. The Lærdal river has been a favourite angling river since the English “salmon lords” arrived here around 1850. What has made it popular is of course the sporting salmon (up to 25 kg) and seatrout (up to 10 kg), the crystal clear waters and the good fly fishing opportunities from the bank.

NORWEGIAN WILD SALMON CENTRE

Wild salmon observatory, Nature and cultural history exhibitions, Film on the Atlantic Ocean Salmon and salmon fishing, Fly-dressing workshop with demonstrations, Blue Charm Café & Restaurant.

OLD LÆRDALSØYRI

Old Øyri has received several prizes for its beautiful and authentic buildings from the 17th. & 18th. centuries. Architectural pearls like Gamle Øyri, with its special architecture, have become a seldom sight in the west country. Shops and handi-craft sales in the vicinity, as well as a café, outdoor theatre and the Øyri Gallery.

BORGUND STAVE CHURCH

Built just before 1150, and dedicated to the Apostle St. Andrew. It is one of the best preserved stave churches and it has not been added or rebuilt since it was new. The pulpit is from the last period of the 1500´s. The altar-piece is from 1620. The Church is preserved in its original state, and is considered the best example of Norwegian stave churches. The season is May and Sept.

The Stave Churches are constructions of high quality, richly decorated with carvings. In virtually all of them the door frames are decorated from top to bottom with carvings. This tradition of rich ornamentation appears to go back to the animal carvings of the Viking age. The dragons are lovingly executed and transformed into long-limbed creatures of fantasy, here and there entwined with tendrils of vine, with winding stems and serrated leaves. The elaborate designs are executed with supreme artistic skill. The stave church doorways are, therefore, among the most distinctive works of art to be found in Norway. However, it is difficult to connect them with the Christian gospel.

SNOW ROAD

Snøvegen linking the fjords, Fjellvegen (Mountain Road) Lærdal-Aurland. Less than 30 minutes from Sognefjord, almost 1.300 metres high. A fantastic panaorama of the fjords and The Jotunheim. Bus in summer season.

GALDANE

The cotter´s farm Galdane is situated by the old road between East and West Norway. Six houses have been preserved, and there are remains of three older houses. The farm supported a number of persons – families with up to 12 children have lived here. Galdane was abandoned in 1947. Galdane has been one of the most difficult parts of the Roal High Road over Filefjell and through Lærdal.

FRØNNINGEN

Traffic-free idyll by the Sognefjord. The Frønningen estate has been in private hands for centuries. Lovely walks. The artist Knut Rumohr’s collections. Gallery. Café. Guided tours. You can also reach Frønningen by ferry from Lærdal daily. Day trips in summer season.

LÆRDAL MARKET

Lærdal market is a cultural and shopping market dating back to the 1600’s. The market will be open from June.

FARM VISITS

Gram Farm cheese factory off the E16 in Borgund. Production and sale of goats milk cheese.

BOAT TRIPS ON THE SOGNEFJORD

Fjord cruises by express launch to Frønningen – Aurland – Flåm and Gudvangen. Daily. Dep. Lærdal 09:00. Ferry, Lærdal-Gudvangen 4 times daily.

FISHING

The Lærdal river has been a favourite angling river since the English “salmon lords” arrived here around 1850. What has made it popular is of course the sporting salmon (up to 25 kg) and seatrout (up to 10 kg), the crystal clear waters and the good fly fishing opportunities from the bank. Trout fishing in the upper reaches and in several mountain lakes.

People as well as fish thrive here with the fresh air and the clear sea. In the Sognefjord there are many types of fish like pollack, cod, mackrel, herring, bream, halibut, lump-fish, eel and many moore, can be caught lokally. Crabs are also in abundance.

GOLF

Lærdal Golfclub is a golf course with 6 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Rikheim Farm approximately 15 km from Lærdalsøyri.