Sandane and Kandal - Fjord Norway

Sandane is beautifully situated by the fjord. This small village is a hidden treasure for those seeking authentic experiences, with a rich cultural life, and activities for the whole family. Nearby lies the little village of Kandal, known for its award-winning local food and beautiful scenery.

Nature and Scenery

Sandane is surrounded by towering nature, with the fjord on one side and the mountains on the other. The fairytale trail, Trivselsskogen, is located right next to the Sandane town center. You can start the walk from the middle of town, and a variety of trails lead you up to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Holviksfossen waterfall and Sandane. Along the way, the locals have turned the trail itself into an adventure.

Kandal is a small side valley east of Sandane, known for its peaceful and idyllic landscape. Here you’ll find farms that have been producing food for generations, surrounded by lush pastures and beautiful cultural landscapes.

Activities

Sandane is also great for mountain biking. Throughout the area, you can bring your bike and ride or walk to most of the traditional mountain farms on good gravel roads. Trivselshagen offers indoor swimming and climbing. Down by the fjord, the beach is shallow, making it easy for visitors of all ages to cool off.

At Stall Rygg, you can enjoy horseback riding through the dramatic fjord landscape – a perfect activity for the whole family. Paddling on Gloppefjorden, fishing in Gloppen River and mountain lake fishing provide plenty of options for nature lovers. If you’re looking for a culinary experience, visit Kandal Ysteri & Gardsmat to taste what many consider the best brown cheese in Norway!

Find out more on our regional website: visitnordfjord.no

Culture and History

The Nordfjord Folk Museum is idyllically situated on the outskirts of Sandane town center. This open-air museum has 44 historic buildings from across Nordfjord, most dating from the 1700s and 1800s. Here you can gain insight into how people in the region lived for centuries and experience the historic Holvik Boat, also known as “the stave church of the sea.”

Glopperock is Norway’s oldest rock festival and draws rock fans to Sandane every summer, while Gloppen Music Fest offers world-class folk music.

The villages are also known for their local food. At Kandal Kjøtt and Kandal Ysteri & Gardsmat, you can taste award-winning goat meat and goat cheese. At Sølvane Gard, you can enjoy authentic local food and opera at the same time. Påldtun Gard and Gardsbrenneriet distillery also offer locally produced food and drinks of high quality.

Get inspired

Looking for mountain biking, local food or cultural history? Sandane and Kandal offer authentic experiences off the beaten path.

Eidsfossen waterfall

Eidsfossen is a cascading waterfall with a drop of 32 metres. One of the world’s longest salmon ladders, totalling 230 metres, is also situated here. The area between Eidsfossen waterfall and the Gloppefjord is known far and wide for its fantastic salmon fishing.

Day trip cabin | Gloppen

Day trip cabin in Gloppen is located on Draumekvila in the Trivselsskogen on Sandane.

Stall Rygg

The family-run business Stall Rygg offer quality and fun horse-riding instructions, and have over 10 horses so you can be sure of your perfect match. There are agile warmbloods as well as the more staid Fjordhorses. Come for a riding-lesson or a ride out! Stall Rygg offers horseback riding for children and adults throughout the year. They always adapt the riding to the level of the rider, and everybody's needs are catered for.

Nordfjord Aktiv

Nordfjord Aktiv is an activity and adventure provider based in Nordfjordeid, Western Norway. With breathtaking fjord landscapes as a backdrop, they offer a wide variety of outdoor experiences — from high-energy water sports to calm nature activities — perfect for families, friends and groups looking for unforgettable days in nature.

Ryssdalshornet

Ryssdalshornet is a much-used photo motif and one of the most popular hikes in Sandene.

Tvinnefossen waterfall

Tvinnefossen is indeed a magnificent waterfall, likely the largest waterfall in Northern Europe that both animals and humans can walk behind.

Holvikfossen waterfall

Holvikfossen waterfall is located in Trivselsskogen, which makes for a nice and child-friendly walk.

Traudalsnibba

At the top of Traudalsnibba, you get a nice view of Sandane.

Trail biking at Haugsvarden

Up-hill at first, but we reccommend to "hike with the bike". In case you want an easier start you can drive as far as it goes. Starting point of this tour is Nordfjord Folkehøgskole/Gloppen Summer hotel outside of Sandane. Follow E39 westwards out from Sandane center. Exit from the summer hotel on the right. Follow the signs on the opposite side of the college and park there. Bike/drive then back towards Sandane. After 3,5 kilometers turn left, follow signs towards Fjellbygda. Steep climb on asphalt, then gravel. After a short while on gravel, you turn 180 degrees to the right, through a farmyard, then continue on a gravel road. After that, you have to pay at a toll, so remember to bring money on this trip. Then continue on the gravel road all the way to Tystadstøylen mountain farm, where there is a parking lot. From here, the trail goes up through a wet area. Be careful not to leave big traces on the area. The trail goes on further. You must keep left in the first intersection towards Haugsvarden, as you now see to your left. The Lom lake is located on the left side of the trail. From Haugsvarden you have a magnificent view over Nordfjord. At the top you only have to turn and go the same way down to the parking lot. Down at the parking lot by Tystadstøylen is the first part of the trail done. Now you cycle the gravel road a few yards back where you came from, where the trail goes down to your right. Remember to close the gates. Eventually you come down to a farmyard. From here follow the gravel road to the right, until it splits into three. Turn right, on an old road which turn into a trail. Follow the path down the forest until you come out on E39 by the summer hotel.

All activities related to Sandane and Kandal

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 Nordfjord See the map

Accommodation in Sandane and Kandal

Nesjartun camping

Campsite next to the deepest lake in North Europe

Engeset Trehytter (Tree Houses)

Sandane is home to one of the most unique places to stay in Western Norway: Engeset Treehouses. Here, you stay high among the trees with panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. It is a place where peace, nature and comfort blend into a truly special experience.

Gloppen camping & fritidssenter

Camping by the fjord

Gloppen Hotell

Historic Gloppen Hotel is centrally located in Sandane, in the Nordfjord. The hotel’s traditions go back to 1866 and hospitality and consideration for guests has always been important to us. From the very start salmon fishing was key to our operation. Fishermen still come every summer, but now our firm foucus on local food and vast range of activites, is equally vital for our success

Gloppen Hotell

Kvitfella Holiday Cabins

Bungalows with a view A better place to enjoy a holiday in Norway with family and friends than Kvitfella you will rarely find. The bungalows are situated high above Gloppefjorden with a panoramic view of the fjord and surrounding mountains, and remains of a viking burial close to the cabins shows that this place has been popular for a long time. While staying with us you can experience life on the farm, go hiking in the forests and mountains, and go fishing in the fjord or lakes. You find a great hiking and fishing terrain in the many valleys and lakes around the place. You can, of cause, just relax and enjoy the view from the cabin patio. It is also a short distance to many the many villages in the area. The cabins are an excellent starting point for day trips to the region, from the inland glaciers to the Atlantic coast. Gloppen and neighboring municipalities are known for having a rich festival and cultural activities, and everything is easily accessible from Kvitfella. The Gloppen river is among the most popular salmon fishing river in the country.

All accommodations related to Sandane and Kandal

Nature and Scenery

Activities

Culture and History

Get inspired

Eidsfossen waterfall

Day trip cabin | Gloppen

Stall Rygg

Nordfjord Aktiv

Ryssdalshornet

Tvinnefossen waterfall

Holvikfossen waterfall

Traudalsnibba

Trail biking at Haugsvarden

How to get there

Accommodation in Sandane and Kandal

Nesjartun camping

Engeset Trehytter (Tree Houses)

Gloppen camping & fritidssenter

Gloppen Hotell

Gloppen Hotell

Kvitfella Holiday Cabins

Upcoming events