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

Årdal in Ryfylke

Årdal is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Hjelmeland municipality. The old Årdal church and the Fairytale Forest are popular attractions in the village.

En rød langkirke fra 1600-tallet.
Årdal Gamle Kyrkje|© Kristofer Ryde

Årdal, which is located by Årdalsfjorden in Ryfylke, has a long sand industry. The village has a primary school, kindergartens, a gas station with a café, grocery stores, agricultural shops and its own sports team.

You can stay at Høiland Gard and Sanitas.

Activities

Årdal Old Church from the 17th century is a popular sight along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. The church from 1919 is today used as an annex church, while the old church is only used for weddings, concerts and other events.

The Fairytale Forest where you meet a number of wooden figures from famous fairytales is another popular activity in Årdal. There are also many other great hiking opportunities in the area.

Travel to Lysefjorden

From Årdal you can drive or cycle over the beautiful mountains landscape to Lysefjorden.

A brand icon

Explore Årdal and the surrounding area

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

Oversiktsbilde over Hjelmelandsvågen.

Hjelmeland municipality

Hjelmeland municipality is situated along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. The municipality is known, among other things, for its fruit production, fish farming and having the world's largest Jærstol chair.

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.

Barn på Åkrasanden

Create amazing summer memories with the whole family

A summer holiday is family time, and there are so many wonderful things to do in Haugesund and Ryfylke – for children and adults alike. Spend your holiday here and we guarantee a family holiday you won’t forget in a hurry!

Tre ungdommer som springer over noen flytende matter i bassenget.

En aktiv høstferie for hele familien i Ryfylke!

Tilbring høstferien i Ryfylke, hvor hele familien kan fylle dagene med spennende aktiviteter både til lands og til vanns. Utforsk eventyrlige fjellturer, majestetiske fjorder, morsomme aktiviteter og kulturarrangement.

En person som ligger i en seng med store vinduer og panoramautsikt over Lysefjorden.

Accommodation close to nature in Ryfylke

Travel slowly, stay in great accommodation and sample what Ryfylke has to offer. Whether you prefer campsites or hotels, whether you want to stay high up in the sky or down by the fjord, Ryfylke has accommodation to suit all tastes, occasions and price classes.

Read more articles about Ryfylke

Activities near Årdal

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

Day Trip Cabin "Fisterbu" in Hjelmeland

Day Trip Cabin "Fisterbu" in Hjelmeland

The Day Trip Cabin, "Fisterbu", in Hjelmeland offers magnificent views across most of the islands in Ryfylke.

Hiafossen falls in Hjelmeland

Hiafossen falls in Hjelmeland

Hiafossen falls is situated near a historic trail between Nes in Årdal and Viglesdalen, where there is a mountain lodge, in Ryfylke.

Silver Treasure and Fright Night in Old Vågen

Silver Treasure and Fright Night in Old Vågen

Experience Hjelmelandsvågen with its white wooden houses, Viking treasures, the historic Spinneriet, and the drama of the 1940 flood.

Viglesdalen

Viglesdalen

A scenic hike where you will pass the waterfalls of Sendingfossen and Hiafossen/Granefossen before you move on past the Viglesdalsvatnet lake with the big-walls towering high over your head.

Ryganfossen in Hjelmeland

Ryganfossen in Hjelmeland

The majestic Ryganfossen waterfall in Årdal in Ryfylke has a drop of 56 meters and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Rogaland.

Jøsenfjorden in Hjelmeland

Jøsenfjorden in Hjelmeland

Jøsenfjorden is a side fjord next to Boknafjorden in Hjelmeland, in the middle of Ryfylke. On both sides of the fjord there are mountains up to 700 meters.

The salmon smokehouse Mikals Laks in Hjelmeland

The salmon smokehouse Mikals Laks in Hjelmeland

Mikals Laks AS, a family-owned smokehouse in Skiftun, Ryfylke, offers top-quality smoked salmon and trout.

Sightseeing with Helgøy Skyssbåt in the Hylsfjord

Sightseeing with Helgøy Skyssbåt in the Hylsfjord

Join Helgøy Skyssbåt on a fjord cruise on the Hylsfjord, Ryfylke's hidden treasure.

Vågarunden

Vågarunden

«Vågarunden» is a short walk close to Hjelmeland centre. In this short hike you will find several cultural blue signs, in which historical events linked to the history of Hjelmeland are described. There are 11 signs in total.

All activities related to Årdal in Ryfylke

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 Årdal

Here is an overview of restaurants and accommodation near Årdal.

Ryfylke bakeri & konditori in Årdal

Ryfylke bakeri & konditori in Årdal

The cafe Ryfylke bakeri & konditori in Årdal is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. They have a large selection of breads, salats and pastries.

Stay at Smaken av Ryfylke at Hjelmeland

Stay at Smaken av Ryfylke at Hjelmeland

Smaken av Ryfylke offers accommodation in apartments and sleeping barrels close to the centre of Hjelmeland in Ryfylke.

Melands Grønahei in Hjelmelandheiene

Melands Grønahei in Hjelmelandheiene

Meland's Grønahei is a unique natural area in the Hjelmelandsheiene,Ryfylke, well worth a visit!

Hjelmeland bobilcamp

Hjelmeland bobilcamp

Hjelmeland bobilcamp (motorhome campsite) is located in scenic surroundings with stunning views of the Hjelmelandsfjord in Ryfylke.

Hetlevik Maritim on Randøy

Hetlevik Maritim on Randøy

Hetlevik Maritim on Randøy offers spacious apartments, ideal for large families, friends, or multiple families looking to experience Ryfylke and Hjelmeland.

Accommodation in authentic farmhouses at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

Accommodation in authentic farmhouses at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

At Fossane farm you can rent a charming, authentic house, surrounded by the stunning Ryfylke nature at Vormedalen, the whole year around.

Nilsebu in Hjelmeland

Nilsebu in Hjelmeland

Nilsebu in Hjelmeland, Ryfylke, is the cabin for you if you love fishing! Here, there are indeed good chances of catching enough fish for today's dinner.

Stakken in Hjelmeland

Stakken in Hjelmeland

The tourist cabin "Stakken" in the Hjelmeland mountains, Ryfylke, is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts and berry pickers!

Workation at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

Workation at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

At Fossane Gard in Vormedalen in Ryfylke you can enjoy work and vacation at the same time surrounded of beautiful nature.

Grasdalen in Hjelmeland

Grasdalen in Hjelmeland

The tourist cabin Grasdalen is centrally located in the Hjelmeland mountains of Ryfylke, and serves as a nice midway stop between Stakken and Melands Grønahei.

All accommodations related to Årdal in Ryfylke

Upcoming events

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