Tourist traffic surges along Aursjøvegen following Trollstigen closure in Norway

Aursjøvegen has seen a significant increase in tourists following the closure of the popular Trollstigen road. In July, Aursjøvegen recorded over 4,700 vehicles, a rise of 600 compared to the same month last year. Tourists, particularly from Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, have been diverting to this scenic route, which connects Sunndalsøra and Eikesdal, as many had originally planned to visit the now-closed Trollstigen.

Terje Erstad, the chairman of Aursjøvegen AS, noted the positive impact of the increased traffic, attributing part of this surge to improved marketing efforts. He humorously highlighted that Aursjøvegen is considered “rougher” than Trollstigen.

Camping at Eikesdal has also thrived, with owner Karianne Meringdal observing a notable influx of foreign visitors and spontaneous drop-ins. Many travelers expressed surprise at the beauty of Aursjøvegen after learning about the closure of Trollstigen, which has led to altered plans for several tourists, including Danish couple Isabella Schmidt Christensen and Asbjørn Denert-Reitz.

While some local businesses have faced challenges due to Trollstigen’s closure, including layoffs, Erstad remains optimistic about the growth of tourism at Aursjøvegen. He acknowledged the wear and tear from increased traffic but assured that resources would be allocated to maintain the road, emphasizing the importance of returning visitors for the local economy.

The ongoing work to secure Trollstigen from landslides is expected to continue, indicating that while some paths remain closed, others are thriving under the changing dynamics of tourist travel in Norway.