Skip to main content
  • Search
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
  • Inspiration
  • Fjord Norway logo
    Fjord Norway logo
  • Search
  • Explore map
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
    • Inspiration
    • Explore map
Villages and places

Allmannajuvet

As part of the establishment of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed new facilities at Allmannajuvet gorge in Sauda in Ryfylke.

De nye bygningene i Allmannajuvet.
Allmannajuvet i Sauda|© Andrew Meredith

The area consists of an exhibition gallery to show the history of the mines in a striking new way, a café and service facility, and parking for visitors. In order to reach the entrance of the mine, a spectacular road was constructed along the wild river.

The history of the mines

The zinc mines were in operation from 1881 to 1899. The mining operations brought life to the village with as many as 168 employees and the export of ore on ships heading abroad. The operation was a forerunner of subsequent hydroelectric development and industrialization in Sauda in Ryfylke.

Café and guided tours

During the summer season, there are guided tours to the mines several times every day, and the rest of the year there are groups on request.

The exciting new café building, which is open in the summer, has a great view.

Getting to Allmannajuvet

Allmannajuvet is located near Sauda in Ryfylke. You can get to Allmannajuvet with your own car both from the south or from the north.

From the south:

Follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv 520, along Saudafjorden. Drive through Sauda center and follow the road through Hellandsbygd towards Saudafjellet. The road from Sauda to Hellandsbygd is open in winter, so driving from the south to Allmannajuvet is available all year round.

From the north:

From Røldal in the north you cross Saudafjellet on the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv 520. The road over Saudafjellet takes you through a varied landscape and a 900-metre high mountain pass. The scenery is magnificent and parts of the road are quite narrow, so please take your time. Saudafjellet pass, on Rv. 520 between Hellandsbygd and Røldal, is closed in the winter when the snow can pile up to five–six metres thick!

A brand icon

Explore Allmannajuvet and the surrounding area

A taster of all the great attractions in the follows below.

Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History

The town of Sauda is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and rich opportunities for outdoor activities. Here, you'll find iconic attractions such as Svandalsfossen, a powerful waterfall along the National Tourist Route Ryfylke, and Allmannajuvet, where architecture and mining history come together.

Sauda

Sauda is situated in the innermost reaches of Ryfylke. The small town has several shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels.

En dame som kikker utover Lysefjorden fra utsiktspunktet på Høllesli.

Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke through Ryfylke is one of the longest of Norway's 18 Scenic Routes. The route through Ryfylke, from Oanes by Lysefjorden to Hårå in Røldal, is 260 kilometres long and travels Rv. 13, Fv. 523 and Fv. 520.

See all attractions in Ryfylke
A brand icon

Travel inspiration

Here you will find a selection of articles that give you further insight in our region. Enjoy pages of inspiration and tailor the perfect trip for you.

Unike bord og stoler som minner om klynger av sopper.

Explore Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The drive along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke is a journey of contrasts. You will experience everything from fertile hillsides, steep mountains and deep fjords to industrial history, architecture and local culinary traditions.

Et ufo-formet bygg med en foss i bakgrunnen.

Experience world class modern and historic architecture in Ryfylke

The Architectural Route is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, and is the only tourist route in Norway highlighting both modern and historic architecture in a day trip format. Along the route you are driving through a spectacular landscape over mountains and along fjords, rivers and lakes in Suldal, Sauda and Røldal.

Allmannajuvet

Experience Norways’ national treasures by car

In Haugesund, Karmøy and Ryfylke, you can experience Viking heritage, be inspired by striking architecture and taste exquisite world-class beverages. We have put together an action-packed driving route that leads you through the cultural, historical, culinary and architectural treasures in Fjord Norway. We’ve chosen to start the driving route at Langfoss waterfall, but you can of course start your holiday wherever suits you best!

Read more articles about Ryfylke

Activities near Allmannajuvet

There are lots of fun things to do in the area.

Guided tours Allmannajuvet, Sauda

Guided tours Allmannajuvet, Sauda

Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet in Sauda, Ryfylke. It will be daily guiding throughout the summer season. Listen to the story of the mining adventure and get a taste of how life inside the mines was in the late 1800's.

The Architectural Route along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The Architectural Route along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

Experience world class and historic architecture while driving through a spectacular landscape over mountains and along fjords, rivers and lakes in Suldal, Sauda and Røldal in Ryfylke.

Spelhustoppen - hike

Spelhustoppen - hike

The old travel path to Spelhustoppen was used as a traffic artery for the Germans during World War II, and is today called "Tyskerstien".

Nordag - hiking trail along war memorials in Saudasjøen

Nordag - hiking trail along war memorials in Saudasjøen

Discover the fascinating history of Sauda during World War II! The trail takes you through the historical tracks and war memorials.

Marked ski trails in Sauda

Marked ski trails in Sauda

In Sauda, Ryfylke, there are over 100 km of marked ski trails in eight valleys. Sauda is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, randonee and slalom.

Mining gallery in Allmannajuvet in Sauda

Mining gallery in Allmannajuvet in Sauda

The Allmannajuvet zinc mines are located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Sauda. The famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has designed the facility.

Industrial Workers Museum and Åbøbyen in Sauda (Ryfylkemuseet)

Industrial Workers Museum and Åbøbyen in Sauda (Ryfylkemuseet)

Åbøbyen in Sauda in Ryfylke, is one of the best-preserved residential areas for industrial and office workers built during the establishment of energy-intensive industry in Norway.

Round the Åbødalen valley in Sauda

Round the Åbødalen valley in Sauda

Around the Åbødalen valley in Sauda, Ryfylke, is a marked and prepared cross-country ski trail. It is child-friendly, but has some steep climbs and descents.

Maldal

Maldal

Nice round walk in lush cultural landscape. View of the fjord and the mountains. Past a series of barns and sheds, each with its own unique history.

Jonestølen in Sauda

Jonestølen in Sauda

The hike to the idyllic Jonestølen in Sauda is moderate and around three kilometers.

Bike rental at Sauda Ski Centre

Bike rental at Sauda Ski Centre

Sauda ski centre rents out six electric bikes. The ski centre is located in Svandalen, about 8 km from the centre of Sauda in Ryfylke.

Rundehaugen - hike

Rundehaugen - hike

From Rundehaugen (480 masl) you can see the most of Sauda in Ryfylke. At the top there is a cabin, bench, book and a map.

All activities related to Allmannajuvet

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Getting to and around RyfylkeSee the map

Dining and accommodation near Allmannajuvet

Here is an overview of restaurants and accommodation near Allmannajuvet.

Summer cafe at Allmannajuvet, Sauda

Summer cafe at Allmannajuvet, Sauda

Summer open cafè in Allmannajuvet, Sauda. Exciting café building with a great view.

Kløver Hotel, Sauda

Kløver Hotel, Sauda

Kløver Hotel is ideal for your fjord holiday in Ryfylke. The hotel is situated in the heart of Sauda, a town at the head of the Saudafjord.

Sauda Fjord Camping

Sauda Fjord Camping

Sauda Fjord Camping is located by the Saudafjord in Ryfylke. The campsite is open all year, but in winter you have to book in advance.

Historical Sauda Klubb in Sauda

Historical Sauda Klubb in Sauda

Sauda Klubb is a historical building located centrally in Åbøbyen in Sauda, Ryfylke. You can rent the unique house can for small and large gatherings.

Guest harbour

Guest harbour

Sauda Motorbåtforening has a marina and sanitation depot. Parking for motor homes with electricity.

Glamping at Handeland Lodge in Sauda

Glamping at Handeland Lodge in Sauda

Along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke at Handeland Lodge in Sauda, you can spend the night in a dome with panoramic views of Saudafjellet.

Minnehaugen Turisthytte in Sauda

Minnehaugen Turisthytte in Sauda

Minnehaugen Turisthytte is located in Slettedalen, half an hour's drive from Sauda town centre, towards Røldal and Hellandbygd. The cabin has 18 beds.

All accommodations related to Allmannajuvet

Upcoming events

You may also be interested in

Nesflaten

Nesflaten

Nesflaten is a village in Suldal municipality in Ryfylke. It is situated on the northern shore of Suldalsvatnet lake. The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Rv. 13, passes through the village.

Jelsa

Jelsa

Jelsa in Suldal is the best-preserved fjordside village in Ryfylke. There has been a church here since the 13th century and commercial activity since the 17th century.

Flørli

Flørli

Midway in Lysefjorden in Ryfylke lies Flørli. The small, roadless village is popular for its stairs of 4444 steps up the mountain, the longest wooden stairway in the world.

  • Image shop
  • Meetings and conference
Fjord Norway's secondary logo
About Fjord NorwayFrequently asked questionsData protection