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Villages and places

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.

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© John EikCaffery

Daytrips in Sauda

Here you will find tips and inspiration for various activities in Sauda.

Sauda, a charming industrial town nestled deep in Ryfylke, is known for its rich history, impressive nature, and diverse range of activities. With around 4,700 inhabitants, Sauda offers a lively town center with shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.

Attractions in Sauda

  • Svandalsfossen: This majestic waterfall has a total drop of over 100 meters. Visitors can use the Sherpa steps that lead close to the falls, providing a unique nature experience.
  • Allmannajuvet: Explore the historic zinc mines from the 1800s with a guide. The site was designed by world-renowned architect Peter Zumthor and offers insight into the significance of mining for the region.
  • Åbøbyen: A historic district representing Norwegian industrial history. The area is known for its unique architecture and gives a glimpse into the life of industrial workers in the early 20th century.

Activities in Sauda

  • Sauda Ski Center: Located about 8 km from the town center, this is one of the largest ski resorts in southwestern Norway. It offers views of the fjord from the slopes and excellent conditions for both alpine and cross-country skiing.
  • Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The area around Sauda offers a varied network of hiking trails suitable for all levels. Whether you're after a short walk or a longer mountain hike, there are options that provide great nature experiences.
  • Saudahallen: A modern swimming facility in the town center that includes both indoor and outdoor pools – perfect for a relaxing day with the family.

Cultural Experiences

Sauda has a rich cultural life with several events throughout the year. The town features a cultural center (Folkets Hus), a library, and a cinema, offering a wide range of activities for both locals and visitors.

Sauda uniquely combines its industrial heritage with scenic beauty and a wide array of activities. Whether you're seeking adventure in the mountains, cultural experiences, or simply wish to relax in beautiful surroundings, Sauda has something for everyone.


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Explore Sauda municipality

A taste of all the great attractions in the municipality follows below.

Sauda

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

De nye bygningene i Allmannajuvet.

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.

See all attractions in Ryfylke
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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.

Read more articles about Ryfylke

Activities in Sauda municipality

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

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.

Sauda Ski Centre

Sauda Ski Centre

Sauda Ski Centre Svandalen is situated approx. 8 km from Sauda town centre in Ryfylke.

Swimming facilities in Sauda

Swimming facilities in Sauda

Saudahallen in Sauda in Ryfylke consists of an indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming facilities.

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 Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History

Things to do in Sauda kommune

Here is a list of things to do in Sauda kommune, today or in the coming days.

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 in Sauda municipality

Here is an overview of restaurants and accommodation in the municipality.

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.

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.

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.

Sauda guest harbour

Sauda guest harbour

Sauda Motorboat Association in Sauda, Ryfylke, has a harbour with 20 guest berths and 30 motorhome spaces.

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 Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History

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