A journey into Nikolai Astrup’s world

Jølster is a popular destination, surrounded by majestic mountains, glaciers and a long, narrow lake that forms the natural heart of the area. Travelling here feels like entering Astrup’s realm, where rhubarb blooms in the gardens, the full moon lights up the fields, and Kleberfossen plunges dramatically down the mountainside behind the old vicarage.

Jølster as a source of inspiration

Nikolai Astrup used Jølster as an important source of inspiration for his art – and it’s easy to see why. The beautiful Jølstravatnet stretches like a blue lifeline through the twelve villages, framing a landscape rich in nature, culture and memorable experiences.

to personer sykler på en grussti. det er nærme eit vatn, og eit astrupstaffeli står mellom dei. jenta ser ut mot vatnet, guten ser på jenta

It’s wonderful to cycle along Jølstravatnet | © Visit FjordKysten og Sunnfjord

Jølster as a source of artistic inspiration

Nikolai Astrup is one of Norway’s most celebrated artists, and together with his wife Engel, he settled at Astruptunet, beautifully located by Jølstravatnet. Today, Astruptunet is a work of art in its own right.

The home of Nikolai and Engel Astrup is world-renowned as the setting for several of the Nikolai Astrups´s iconic works. Soleienatta, Isdronninga, and Seljekallen are drawn directly from this landscape, with primroses and foxgloves appearing as recurring elements in his motifs.

The garden was a central source of inspiration for Astrup, and his goal was to recreate the powerful impressions of nature he experienced. The buildings, interiors and farm garden are all easily recognisable in his artworks.

Take a guided tour at Astruptunet | © FjordKysten og Sunnfjord

Top 10 things to do in Jølster

Jølster offers a wide range of experiences all year round, whether you prefer peaceful days in nature or more active adventures. Here you can go hiking in the mountains, paddle on Jølstravatnet and Kjøsnesfjorden, join guided boat trips, cycle, go fishing, or simply enjoy the silence and the views. Looking for more specific tips?

See our top ten things to do in Jølster

Art and culture in Astrup´s realm

Art and culture play an important role in Sunnfjord. The region has long been a source of inspiration for artists, and today it offers a rich cultural life rooted in history and tradition. In Sunnfjord, you´ll find several museums that provide insight into art, history and local cultural heritage.

museumshus med gress på taket. det er bjørketre rundt husa, og husa ligg nærme fjorden med fjella i bakgrunnen. det er grønt gras rundt.

Sunnfjord Museum

When you step into one of the small log houses at Sunnfjord Museum, you step into the lives of Sunnfjord people in the 1800s.

Eikaasgalleriet - Ludvig Eikaas’ limitless universe

Explore the art of Ludvig Eikaas, one of the most innovative artists of the post-war era.

Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum

Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum in Førde offers a unique combination of modern and historical visual art.

Hestad Chapel

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