Lærdalsøyri

Lærdalsøyri is the historic town centre of Lærdal Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The settlement lies at the mouth of the Lærdalselvi river where it flows into the Sognefjord, opposite the newer residential and administrative areas of the municipality. The area is notable for its concentration of wooden houses and for the street pattern that has persisted since the 17th to 19th centuries.

Historically, Lærdalsøyri functioned as a commercial and logistical hub for trade and travel along the fjord and valley routes. Many timber houses built for merchants, craftsmen and fishermen survive, illustrating traditional vernacular architecture and urban planning in western Norway. The district sustained several fires in the 18th–19th centuries, after which rebuilding preserved the character of the old town.

Today, Lærdalsøyri is protected as a cultural heritage site and is a popular destination for visitors interested in historic architecture and rural Norwegian town life. In addition to private residences, the area includes public heritage spaces and facilities that interpret its history. The town remains part of the living community of Lærdal, with residents, shops and services, while retaining its historic ambience.

Access is via regional roads connected to the Sogn region; the town is part of the broader Sognefjord landscape that attracts tourists year-round.