Stegastein Viewpoint / Utsiktspunkt

Another chapter in my love letter to Norway.

Absolutely remarkable. Breathtaking. Overwhelming. Stunning.

The switchback drive on Bjørgavegen up to the viewpoint was a white-knuckler. We drove in our rental car & I had to do some deep breathing exercises to keep my calm. To complicate matters further, it was January when we visited, so the road was snowy as well.

But January also comes with perks - this world renowned tourist destination with near-panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord was completely empty.

I will never forget this experience. It's an absolute must if you're in the area. If you're not up for the drive, tour busses make the trip from Flåm.

I would love to come back in the summertime!

If you find yourself with a free morning in Flåm waiting for the fabled railway train to depart, this is a most worthwhile activity, and it only took about ninety minutes. That was because it took a half-hour to get to the viewpoint and a half-hour to get back. That left a half-hour to enjoy the view. Believe me, that was sufficient not because the panoramic view wasn't spectacular (indeed it was) but because the platform is only 13 feet wide and well, it crowds quickly with selfie-obsessed tourists.

But let me step back and share with you that we bought our bus tickets in advance at the Flåm Visitors Center since we were told the buses fill up fast since they were more like transit vans. The drive itself was scenic as we followed a winding road that led to a series of switchbacks facing the Aurlandsfjord. The platform was quite a contemporary design statement of steel and laminated pine, as it stood 650 meters above the water and jutted out 30 meters from the mountainside.

The panoramic view was unbeatable as it represented the image of Norway familiar to the rest of the world. There was a restroom that apparently received an award in 2015 as the "Most Beautiful Toilet" from Design Curial magazine. Just keep in mind that was seven years ago. The car traffic was pretty congested because the platform itself was free, but the bus ticket was 360 NOK or about $37 in US dollars. Yes, that was a bit pricey but so is the rest of Norway.

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OMG- This was the most unexpected high point of my trip. Amazing. First, it's like a one lane road up here- so driving it in a tour bus was like one of the scariest rides I'd ever experienced. You MUST tip your bus driver if you survive the trip.

Every curve of the wild road to the top opens a new vista. We saw paragliders hurling themselves off the mountain toward the fjord. Crazy crazy crazy. Also, fun pictures of sheep- some of whom sleep right next to the road. Clearly they do not have trust issues.

Once you get to the top there may be a mob. This in no way marred the beauty of the spot for me. I merely went a distance from the lookout and took a picture of the lookout with the people on it. Pretty impressive. I believe this also has what some people claim are the MOST beautiful bathrooms in the world- I did not go in them. But it's a scenic spot to do your business. And you CAN do your business there, should you need to- and that's nice. Because if you tried to go behind a bush you'd probably roll down the mountain.

I took loads and loads of pictures here. Happened to have a gorgeous sunny day and every picture was a stunner. Definitely go here, even if you have to take a cruise tour. You won't regret it. Unless it's raining. There's no way I'd go up there in the rain. No. Way.

The spot is free. I don't know if the toilets are pay- I did not go in them. And since I would have soiled myself during the ride up there, I'm glad I didn't need to go. If you have ANY problem with winding roads or great heights and being at the edge of them in a bus- this is NOT the trip for you. Trust me.

"I could take Sean Connery in a fight...I could definitely take him." -Harrison Fjord

On a clear day, from the spectacular Stegastein lookout you will have postcard-worthy, panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains from over 2,000 feet above sparkling, teal water. You may even catch a glimpse of Wile E. Coyote falling most unceremoniously off the edge!

Be prepared that the 100-foot-long lookout gets extremely crowded with people and tripods. But if your patience runs out as you wait for an unobstructed view, you can always nudge yourself into a spot a la Harrison clashing with Connery.

If you book your tour through the Flåm tourist center, plan on a duration of about an hour and a half, which includes a half-hour stop at the lookout. Ask for cinnabon-hairdo'd agent Carrie Fisker ahead of time if you want to send Postcards From the Edge.

The drive via tour bus or car terrifies with narrow roads, steep drop offs, and hairpin curves. Though the roads are not wide enough for two vehicles, traffic runs in both directions, resulting in vehicles needing to periodically backup to the nearest passing spot to allow others to proceed. The ride will be worth it though--you can't affjord to skip it!

There is a small parking lot just past the lookout, but it fills up quickly with tour buses, not leaving a lot of room for cars. Get there early to score a spot. While there, you can make use of the Stegastein Lookout bathroom, which overlooks the fjords as well. It is a destination unto itself as it earned the award of "Most Beautiful Toilet" from Design Curial Magazine in 2015. Even Eileen Fjord would be impressed!

Make sure to toss this destination into your Norwegian bucket list of lutefisk lye. Oh, and don't forget to look down off the ledge and squint really hard. Who knows, you might just see a certain unlucky coyote landing with a splat below.

*Fun Fact* Harrison Fjord was fitting a door for Francis Fjord Coppola when a studio executive asked him to read some lines for the character of Han Solo in Star Wars.

"Don't think I'm easy, I wasn't born blonde, I've been around, 'n' I'll be here 'n' gone, And I've seen things that you'll never believe, Fast mover, 'n' you can't catch me..." - Lita Fjord singing about the Road Runner

Absolutely STUNNING views. The ride up is incredible as well. We took the electric minibus and our driver was an absolute sweetheart. He played an audio that gives you some statistics and history of the area. This was a lovely little hour long visit.

A must stop if you in Flåm area.
First of all, if you drive or bike from Aulandsvangen, road is nothing but spectacular! It is as windy as windy roads get, narrow with wild turns, going up, and up to the mountain. Half-way, about 650 meters above the village, is Stegastein Viewpoint - a viewing bridge cantilevers over the village offering panoramic views.
Villages below, ships in Flåm, kites in blue sky, waters and ridges of fjords! Majestic. Breathtaking. Absolutely fantastic.
Put it on your list of places to visit on lifetime! Do not miss it.

Reasons why you have to stop
1. Its beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Have to take a picture to bring home or video.
2. Its free
3. It takes 5-10 minutes max
4. Theres a bathroom
5. Its good to take a break from driving up those ridiculous dangerously narrow roads that really are not for 2 cars!
6. Its a view you will never forget.

You must visit if you are in Flam. Also, stay in Flam. Flam is totally underrated on all the travel forums. We loved the time spent in this idyllic little town. The road to the viewpoint is not for the faint of heart. Similar to the Hana highway or the Amalfi Coast. Two cars just fit in some spots... But the views are totally worth it. Go, just do it!

Great view of Aurlandsfjord, except if it's raining. But even then, there's a pretty nice view. You can come up here by taking the VisitFlam bus, and provided in the ticket is the bus ride as well as information about Flam, Stegastein, and Aurland! I actually learned about Flam because of this bus ride. Cool! This lookout isn't a necessity, but if you're looking for something to do, come check it out. The fjord definitely looks different from a higher view!