The Aurlandsdalen Trail Running Race in Lærdal, Vestland, invites you to engage with a landscape fiercely itself. Stretching roughly 25 kilometers, this route courses through one of Norway’s most varied valleys, with an elevation gain of about 1,200 meters. From thick forests where tree roots clench the earth beneath your feet to exposed ridges that pry open vast views of fjords and mountains, the trail demands respect while offering exhilarating reward.

Starting from Østerbø and finishing at Vassbygdi near Aurland, runners face a succession of terrain shifts — gravel paths that shift underfoot, rocky trails requiring measured steps, and narrow corridors tracing wild rivers that dare you to keep pace and never slip. The currents and waterfalls alongside seem alive, propelling your forward momentum.

Preparation is key: sturdy trail shoes with good grip are essential, as the ground can turn slippery after sudden mountain showers. Hydration packs come highly recommended since water points are sparse, and the effort to stay fueled increases with every sharp ascent. The best time to race is late summer, July through early September, when the weather is most stable and daylight extends the window for safe navigation.

While casual hikers can enjoy sections of the trail, the race demands focused endurance and technical control. You will pass through the emerald canopy of birch and pine, where the forest murmurs encouragement, and then burst into open landscapes revealing the fjord’s glint far below — nature’s challenge both beautiful and brutal.

Whether you are here for the competition or the thrill of running raw through wilderness, the Aurlandsdalen Trail Running Race offers a practical, intense encounter with Vestland’s mountains. Pace yourself, respect the valley’s shifting moods, and come prepared to meet the trail on its own terms.