Editing Aurland (section)

==Attractions==
===UNESCO World Heritage Site===
The West Norwegian Fjords of Geirangefjord and [[Nærøyfjord]] were added to [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]] list in 2005. The two fjords are situated {{convert|120|km}} from each other and they are separated by the [[Jostedalsbreen]] glacier. The World Heritage Site possesses a unique combination of glacial landforms at the same time as each area is characterised by its own outstanding beauty. The [[Nærøyfjord]] areas in this site stretch through the municipalities of Aurland, [[Lærdal]], [[Vik, Sogn|Vik]], and [[Voss]].<ref name="go">{{Cite web |title=Aurland |url=http://www.gonorway.no/norway/counties/sogn-and-fjordande/aurland/76362e49adafc80/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202040311/http://www.gonorway.no/norway/counties/sogn-and-fjordande/aurland/76362e49adafc80/ |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=20 June 2008 |publisher=GoNorway.no}}</ref>
{{wide image|Panorama view of Naeroyfjord from a tourist ferry.jpg|2000px|View of Naeroyfjord from a tourist ferry}}

===Aurlandsdalen Valley===
[[File:Vangen kirke.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Vangen Church in [[Aurlandsvangen]] ]]
[[File:Flamsbana waterfall.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Kjosfossen waterfall]]
The [[Aurlandsdalen]] valley is a well known hiking trail in Norway with its fabulous nature and contrasting countryside. The valley is rich in history and packed with culture. One can take the hike in several stages: From Geiteryggen where the path starts, it is a four-hour hike to Steinbergdalen. There are beautiful views of mountain peaks, snow glaciers, and lakes. In Steinbergdalen you will find Steinbergdalen mountain lodge which opened in 1895.<ref name="jon" />

===Flåmsbana Railway===
The [[Flåmsbana|Flåm Railway]] is a masterpiece in engineering which is one of the most exciting railway journeys in the world. This journey from [[Myrdal]] to [[Flåm]] is twelve miles long (19&nbsp;km), a descent of {{convert|866|m}}. It has 20 tunnels with a total length of almost {{convert|6|km}}. About 80% of the Flåm railway has a maximum gradient of 5.5%. To cope with the enormous change in height over such a short stretch, the track runs partly through tunnels which spiral in and out of the mountainside. The gradient is quite exceptional for a normal railway and the carriages are fitted with five different brake systems, any one of which is sufficient to stop the train.<ref name="jon" />

===Undredal Stavkyrkje===
The [[Undredal Stave Church]] is a simple, small one-[[nave]] church that was built around 1150. It is located in the village of [[Undredal]]. It is one of the oldest preserved [[stave church]]es in Norway.<ref name="go" />

===Vangen Kyrkje===
The [[Vangen Church (Aurland)|Vangen Church]] was built in 1202. The church is built in the early Gothic style influenced by English architecture. A document written in 1714 tells us that English merchants used to stay in Aurland during long periods to buy different articles and they are supposed to have taken part in the building of the church. Most likely they would have been the master builders.

In 1725, the [[Denmark–Norway|Danish-Norwegian]] government was experiencing financial problems and [[Frederick IV of Denmark|King Frederick IV]] sold the church. The church remained as private property until the late 19th century. Then the municipality bought Vangen church back for 500 [[Norwegian krone|kroner]].

At the last restoration in 1926, the original colors and designs were uncovered. Then the ceiling was taken away and the [[baldachin]] over the [[pulpit]] was brought back again. A new [[altarpiece]] was made. The Norwegian artist [[Emanuel Vigeland]] made the [[stained glass]] windows (two of the windows in the [[chancel]] illustrate the [[Parable of the Prodigal Son]], and the one in the middle is [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], the Savior).<ref name="jon" />

===Sightseeing===
*[[Kjelfossen]] is a waterfall located near the village of Gudvangen
*[[Kjosfossen]] and [[Rjoandefossen]] are waterfalls that can be seen from the [[Flåmsbana]] railway
*The [[Stegastein]] viewpoint was constructed in 2006 with views of the surrounding fjords and valleys.

[[File:Absalon Pedersson Beyer stone, Vangen kirke, Aurland, July 2009.jpg|125px|thumb|A P Beyer, memorial stone, Vangen kirke, Aurland]]