Aursjøvegen sees surge in tourist traffic following Trollstigen closure in Norway

Aursjøvegen, a picturesque road located between Sunndalsøra and Eikesdal, has witnessed a significant increase in tourist traffic since the closure of the famous Trollstigen road due to landslide risks. In July, Aursjøvegen saw over 4,700 vehicles, marking an increase of 600 compared to the same month last year. This rise in visitors has particularly benefitted local businesses, such as Eikesdal Camping, which reports an increase in foreign tourists, especially from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.

Many of these tourists had initially planned to visit Trollstigen but were redirected due to its closure. Terje Erstad, the chairman of Aursjøvegen AS, highlights that they have made concerted marketing efforts to promote Aursjøvegen as a thrilling alternative. He asserts that the road offers a unique experience, claiming it to be even more spectacular than Trollstigen.

Karianne Meringdal, who manages Eikesdal Camping, notices a marked difference this year, with more international guests arriving at all hours. She believes the road’s closure, paired with favorable exchange rates for foreigners, has contributed to the change. Meringdal reports that visitors often express surprise at the beauty of Aursjøvegen, stating it ranks among the most beautiful places they’ve visited.

While the closure of Trollstigen has negatively impacted some local businesses, Erstad notes that the influx of tourists to Aursjøvegen is a positive outcome. He acknowledges the challenges posed by increased wear and tear on the road but emphasizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing the tourism experience for future visitors.