The Jewel of Ryfylkeheiane
The calcareous bedrock has resulted in strange rock formations, as well as making Stranddalen a place of special interests to amateur botanists and all who appreciate beautiful flowers. There is an amazing variety of alpine plants to be found in the rocky slopes.
Stranddalshytta is situated in the midst of this fascinating landscape. The lodge was built in 1926, and has rebuilt several times since then. In all these years the lodge has been staffed during the summer and self-catering in winter. Stranddalen is renowned for its stunning scenery, hospitality, hearty food and sincere atmosphere.
The lodge in Stranddalen was completely refurbished for the summer of 2005, to accommodate a new generations of outdoorsmen. But the atmosphere is the same, and you still get fresh-baked bread for breakfast and homemade food for lunch and dinner – hearty fare that reflects time-honoured Ryfylke traditions.
You can hike to the lodge from several directions. The lodge in Stranddal is an integral part of the network of trails and accommodation established by The Norwegian Trekking Association. Many hikers combine a trip to Stranddalen with an overnight stay at Sandsahytta lodge, while others use Stranddalen as the start or end point for a longer hike in Ryfylkeheiane. Most guests hike up to the lodge from the Øvre Moen or Kvilldal.
Getting here: Drive to Øvre Moen or Saurdal power station at Kvilldal. Or take the express boat to Jelsa or Sand, continuing by bus and taxi (Suldal Buss).
Trails: There are well-marked trails from Øvre Moen (approx. 5 km / 2 hours each way). Elevation: 200 meters. Trail from Saurdal power station (approx. 7 km. / 3 hours each way). Elevation: 400 meters.
