Modern Norwegian Architecture
Stegastein was commissioned by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) as a centerpiece of the National Tourist Routes initiative. Designed by architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen, the structure was completed in autumn 2005.
The construction uses solid laminated pine timber wrapped around an internal steel framework. Measuring 4 meters wide and 30 meters long, the footbridge loops outward over the tree canopy before curving downward into its support foundation. Rather than terminating in a traditional handrail, the platform ends with a seamless, forward-leaning glass pane. Standing against the glass gives visitors an unobstructed feeling of floating directly above the sheer fjord abyss.
Navigating the Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road
The viewpoint is located along the Aurlandsfjellet National Scenic Route (often termed the "Snow Road" or Snøvegen), which connects Aurland to Lærdal over a high-altitude plateau:
- The Ascent from Aurland: The climb from sea level at Aurlandsvangen to Stegastein is 8 kilometers long, consisting of narrow, single-lane asphalt with frequent designated passing bays (marked by blue 'M' signs). Drivers must maintain low speeds, anticipate descending minibuses, and yield appropriately.
- Year-Round Maintenance: While the upper mountain pass across Aurlandsfjellet to Lærdal closes throughout the winter due to massive snow drifts, the road section from Aurland up to Stegastein is plowed and maintained year-round, allowing winter and early spring visits.
- Parking Facilities: The platform features a dedicated car park and an architecturally integrated public restroom building whose glass window faces straight down the forest cliffside.
Lighting and Seasonal Contrast
Because Aurlandsfjord runs in a north-south orientation between massive rock walls, Stegastein receives striking afternoon sunlight from late spring to early autumn. In winter, low-angle light bathes the snow-covered peaks across the fjord in rich gold and pink tones, with calm, mirror-like water below.
Nearby Attractions: Flåm & Nærøyfjord
Stegastein serves as an ideal elevated counterpart to sea-level exploration throughout the Aurland and Flåm district:
- Flåm Village & Flåmsbana: Located just 15 minutes by road from Aurlandsvangen, Flåm is home to the famous Flåm Railway, which climbs 866 meters to Myrdal station along steep mountain gorges.
- Nærøyfjord UNESCO Cruise: Aurlandsfjord merges into the Nærøyfjord, a registered UNESCO World Heritage site known as one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, with cliffs rising over 1,000 meters from channels barely 250 meters across.
- Lærdal Tunnel Option: If you wish to bypass the winding upper mountain road after visiting Stegastein, return to the valley floor and drive through the 24.5-kilometer Lærdal Tunnel—the world's longest road tunnel, featuring blue-lit caverns designed to relieve driver fatigue.