It might sound strange to hear that any country is experiencing high tourism rates but this year, Norway is the golden exception. With a pandemic ravaging the world, Norway's citizens have taken to local destinations to use their paid vacation time - of which is usually three to four weeks. While international travel and border crossings have been out of the question, locals have switched gears and begun exploring towns and cities that are not far from them, resulting in the Aurland municipality seeing wildly high rates of tourism.

Of that percentage, three villages, in particular, were singled out as being the most popular tourist destinations. Each one sits at the edge of either Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and with a stunning landscape such as this, it's easy to see why Norway locals are happy to vacation close to home.

Flåm

Despite it being a small fjord side village, Flåm has plenty to offer, which is why it is so popular with the locals. Aside from its stunning views - which are definitely worth the trip alone - there are plenty of attractions here to keep tourists busy.

The Flåm Railway is well-known in this region for providing spectacular views all from the comfort of a luxury railroad car. The trip begins at the high-altitude point of Myrdal and ends in Flåm, which makes it a great method of transportation for those looking to extend their time in this gorgeous setting.

The Steastein Viewpoint is also a great way to go sightseeing, especially with an elevation of 650 meters above the fjord below. If seeing the sights on foot isn't of interest, the Fjord Cruise through Nærøyfjord should definitely be on the list, since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Undredal

When one thinks of charming seaside villages (or rather, fjord side villages), Undredal is the perfect example of all that one can be. Fun fact: This village is what served as the inspiration for Disney's Frozen!

This village has five times as many goats as people and is easily recognizable by its vibrantly-colored houses and scenic countryside. A fjord safari, trying authentic (and the best) goat cheese, visiting its Norwegian Medival church are all things tourists can do in this beautiful landscape. With views such as these, it doesn't take much more than a good cheese plate and a glass of wine to appreciate every single second spent taking in the sights here.

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Gudvangen

Only slightly bigger than Undredal, Gudvangen has 120 inhabitants and is known for its history, becoming a popular spot for both nearby locals and international tourists alike. Its name is literally translated to "the field of the gods by the water" and it's easy to see why this is so appropriate.

Sea kayaking is a popular pastime here and it's something that should definitely be done by visitors as well - it's one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the fjord. Being surrounded by nature is one thing, but being surrounding by nature and humbled by steep fjord mountains and glacial water is another experience entirely.

The Njardarheimr Viking Museum is a popular stop for many and details the history of this village long before it became what it is today. Complete with replicas and examples of how Vikings lived and survived in these lands, it's worth stopping by. This village truly looks like something out of a fairy tale, from its quaint cottage homes to waterfalls that seem to spring out of mountainsides to illuminate a stunning backdrop.

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