Welcome to Aursjøvegen

Dovrefjell–Sunndalsfjella national park

Aursjøvegen is surrounded by the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella national park and the associated conservation areas, which are some of the most important in Norway. So please take great care around nature and wildlife and take your garbage away with you.

From Sunndalsøra, the road follows parts of an old construction railway through Litldalen for 10 km before the toll barrier. Don’t be surprised to see BASE jumpers throwing themselves off precipitous rock faces almost 2,000 meters above sea level. From here, the road climbs steadily up several steep hills. At the top of Hallarvasslia, signs point the way to a fine pothole. It’s hard to believe that our ancestors used to ascend these steep hillsides with their livestock to graze on the alpine pastures in the summer.

At around 800 metres above sea level, Holbuvatnet is the intake reservoir for the Aura power station. From here, the water runs through a 16-km rock tunnel to the generating station at Sunndalsøra. The Holbudammen dam is a good starting point for a hike or a bike ride along the old railway alignment (signposted), which passed Holbuvatnet and continued up to the dam.

Not far from Holbudammen, the Osbumagasinet reservoir originally consisted of several smaller lakes. Aursjøvegen winds its way around the reservoir. Two kilometers beyond Osbudammen, a side road branches off to the east. From this road, a waymarked trail leads to the remains of a 19th-century chromium mine.

Twelve kilometres beyond Osbudammen we reach Torbudalen, where there are many holiday homes, and Torbuvatnet, a lake that has not been harnessed for hydroelectric power. Beside the lake, Torbuvollen seter is a working mountain dairy selling traditional dairy produce. Not far from here, Vikseterplassen Villmarksleir is a wilderness camp offering overnight accommodation. Waymarked trails lead from the camp to former reindeer traps.

Shortly after Torbudalen, the 25 km-long Aursjømagasinet appears. This is the main reservoir for the Aura hydroelectric scheme. Next to the large dam at the end, Aursjøhytta is a cabin belonging to the Kristiansund and Nordmøre Trekking Association and staffed during the summer season. A refreshment stop here is a must.

From Aursjøen the road swings to the northwest, following the Aura river, which hydroelectric development has drained in places. After just over 10 km, you might like to make a detour and follow the signs to Aurstaupet, with its dramatic scenery and great views of Eikesdalen. For many visitors, this is the highlight of the trip – an airy experience is guaranteed.

The last section of Aursjøvegen is perhaps the most spectacular. From an elevation of almost 1,000 meters, the road descends via four hairpin bends and a tunnel to the toll barrier at Finnset, about 200 meters above sea level.

The 56-km section from Finnset to Eidsvåg offers a wealth of sights, the most famous being Mardalsfossen, Northern Europe’s tallest free-falling waterfall. Just before Eidsvåg the road passes Nesset parsonage, where the poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson grew up.

Have a pleasant and memorable drive through the mountains!