Loen is a small, idyllic village in the innermost part of Nordfjord, offering world-class experiences. Here you will find Loen Skylift, one of the steepest gondolas in the world, Via Ferrata Loen with Europe’s longest via ferrata bridge, and Lodalen – one of Norway’s most beautiful valleys.
Nature and Landscape
Loen is surrounded by high mountains with snow-capped peaks rising straight up from the shimmering fjord. Further in, Lodalen opens up where the emerald-green lake Lovatnet lies like a mirror between steep mountainsides, waterfalls and beautiful nature. The lake gets its special colour from glacial particles carried down by rivers from the Jostedal Glacier.
At the far end of Lodalen you will find the glacier Kjenndalsbreen, the lowest-lying glacier arm of the Jostedal Glacier. Along the lake lies the charming summer farm Breng, an abandoned farmstead that today is a popular stopping spot. High above the village towers the mountain Skåla (1,848 m), Norway’s longest uphill climb, starting at just 30 metres above sea level. At the top you can stay overnight at Skålatårnet and Skålabu.
Activities
Loen Skylift is a spectacular gondola that takes you from fjord level to the summit of Hoven, 1,011 metres above sea level, in just five minutes. At the top you will find marked trails, a zipline and Hoven Restaurant with a spectacular panoramic view. For those seeking more challenge, Via Ferrata Loen is a must. The climbing route takes you along the mountainside to the top of Hoven, and on the way you cross Gjølmunne Bridge – Europe’s longest via ferrata bridge at 120 metres, 750 metres above sea level.
In Lodalen, a whole range of activities await on land and water. You can hike, cycle, swim, or paddle kayak on lake Lovatnet. From Rake, several beautiful hikes start with fjord views, including the popular hike to Rakssetra.
Loen Active offers guided kayak and mountain tours, bicycle rental, SUP and much more. In winter, Hoven offers ski touring, snowshoe hikes and Norway’s longest toboggan run in a beautiful winter landscape.
Culture and History
Lodalen carries a dramatic history. In 1905 and 1936, massive rockslides from Mount Ramnefjell plunged into Lake Lovatnet, creating tidal waves that destroyed the farms of Nesdal and Bødal. A total of 135 people lost their lives. The Lodalen disasters are among the worst nature catastrophes in Norwegian history, and the memories live on in the village. A historical walk through the valley provides a moving insight into this history.
Skålatårnet on the summit of Skåla was built in 1891 by district physician Hans Henrik Gerhard Kloumann, originally as a sanatorium – a place for rest and recovery in fresh mountain air. The tower is today one of Norway’s most famous mountain huts, run by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). At Breng summer farm, which dates back to 1340, you can see how traditional farming life once looked. Famous Hotel Alexandra situated in the village centre has welcomed guests since 1884 and is one of Norway’s most historical hotels.
