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Holiday ideas

Culture and nature experiences in Western Norway

Summer, spring, autumn
Last updated: 16.05.2025
Skudeneshavn
Skudeneshavn|© Ørjan B. Iversen
Skudeneshavn|© Ørjan B. Iversen

In Haugesund and Ryfylke, culture and nature merge - whether you're driving along winding roads through fjord landscapes, following in the footsteps of Viking kings, exploring small-town tranquillity or staying overnight in architectural gems in the middle of the countryside. Here are the absolute highlights you can't miss!

Norwegian Scenic Route - a journey through nature and architecture

Driving through Ryfylke is an experience in itself, especially if you follow one of Norway's 18 National Scenic Routes. Some roads are just transport stops - this is definitely not one of them! Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke winds its way between fjords and mountains, with architectural gems such as Allmannajuvet and Høsebrua emerging along the way. On this stretch, it makes sense that the roads are winding and narrow - it forces you to slow down and take in the scenery.

Recommended experiences along the Norwegian Scenic Route: Rylkemuseet, Laksestudio, Svandalsfossen, Høllesli, Laksesafari.

Allmannajuvet in Ryfylke
Allmannajuvet in Ryfylke|© Andreas Solbakken
Flere personer som studerer Svandalsfossen fra trappen.

Svandalsfossen falls in Sauda

As you drive The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv. 520 and Rv. 13, you pass the impressive Svandalsfossen waterfall just before you reach Saudasjøen.

Allmannajuvet

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.

Power history and the world's longest wooden staircase

Nature has shaped both the landscape and history along the Lysefjord. In Flørli, a roadless village by the Lysefjord, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase with 4,444 steps, which follows the old pipeline from the power station. The trip offers both industrial history and spectacular views of the fjord.


Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

In Flørli in the Lysefjord, Ryfylke, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase (Flørli Stairs) with 4,444 steps. A demanding but family-friendly hike.

Accommodations in Flørli

Accommodations in Flørli

Flørli 4444 has four rental apartments, Flørli Historic Hostel and Special Rooms with shared facilities. All houses and most rooms have a fjord view.

For more power history, check in at Energihotellet in Suldal. The hotel is adjacent to the iconic power station at Nesflaten, designed by renowned Norwegian architect Geir Grung in the 1960s. At Energihotellet, brutalist architecture meets the soft fjord and mountain formations, and your stay gives you the opportunity to live in the middle of a piece of Norwegian industrial history.


To gutter som bader i Suldalsvatnet.
Energihotellet Ryfylke|© Tom Haga
Inngangspartiet til restauranten og hotellet.

Energihotellet at Nesflaten

Energihotellet is idyllic located in Nesflaten in Ryfylke, and focuses on local food, culture and the history of hydroelectric power production in Suldal. 

From the Stronghold of Viking Kings to the Historic Seaside Town of Skudeneshavn

Next, we travel even further back in time. Over a thousand years ago, Avaldsnes was the centre of power for the most powerful kings in Norway. This is where the Vikings sailed along the shipping lane, Harald Fairhair reigned and Norway was born. Today, you can walk through the same landscapes that Harald once walked, and explore historic Avaldsnes. Learn more about the exciting Viking Age and experience what everyday life was like in the Viking era. Did you know that the Vikings were more than just warriors, and that women played a central role? The Vikings were traders, farmers, craftsmen and skilful navigators.

Recommended experiences at Avaldsnes: Nordvegen History Centre, St. Olav's Church, The Viking farm

Vikinggarden på Avaldsnes
Avaldsnes|© Visit Haugesund
Nordvegen historiesenter

Nordvegen History Centre

Avaldsnes is home to the Nordvegen History Centre, St. Olav’s Church and the Viking Farm. Explore the cultural landscape on your own or join a guided tour.

From historic Avaldsnes, the road continues to Skudeneshavn, one of Norway's best-preserved coastal towns. Skudeneshavn was once an important port for herring fishing, but today it is an idyllic small town with white-painted wooden houses, cosy cafés and charming accommodation. Stroll through the old town, enjoy a coffee by the waterfront and visit Skudeneshavn Museum to learn more about the town's rich history.

Recommended accommodation in Skudeneshavn: Lundins Hotell, Gamlekaien, Havn Hotell, Norneshuset


Fire mennesker som går i en gate med lave, hvite trehus.
Skudeneshavn|© Fjord Norge AS
Museet i Mælandsgården

Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården

Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården, is situated in the beautiful Old Town of Skudeneshavn surrounded by wooden houses from the 1700s and 1800s. This old town grew in the 1800´s due to the great herring fishery.

Bestyrerinnen på Gamlekaien

Stay at Gamlekaien in Skudeneshavn

Gamlekaien, granted a royal licence in 1771, is a fully renovated guest house with 6 unique rooms, each featuring its own bathroom.

A flavourful journey through Ryfylke

At Apal Sideri and OmCider you can wander through lush apple orchards and follow the journey from fruit to cider. At Hebnes Vingård, another surprise awaits: amidst the harsh Norwegian coastal climate, the vines flourish and wines are made in an environment few people associate with grape growing.


Hebnes Vingard
Hebnes Vingard
To personer som holder klaser med blå drue mellom vinrankene.

Wine tasting at the vineyard Hebnes vingard in Ryfylke

Hebnes vingard is idyllically located by the fjord at Hebnes, Ryfylke. Here you can visit the farm, take a guided tour and taste Norwegian wine.

And the roads between these places? They take you past small farm shops selling cheeses, yoghurt, fresh fruit and apple juice. Perhaps you'll stop, taste and chat to the farmer who grew the produce you just took a bite of. In Ryfylke, food experiences are as much about the people behind the products as the flavours themselves.

Recommended farm outlets: Ryfylke Gardsysteri, Strand Gård, Mikals Laks, Eiane Fruktgard, Fuglestein Fruktgard

Farm shop at Fuglestein Fruktgard in Suldal

Farm shop at Fuglestein Fruktgard in Suldal

At Fuglestein Fruktgard in Suldal, Ryfylke, they produce apple cider, apple juice and apple jelly.

From coast to fjord - spectacular accommodation in Panoramahyttene and The Bolder

The contrast between coast and fjord becomes even more apparent when you wake up with nature right outside your window. In Panoramahyttene, overlooking the open sea, you can experience the raw, open coastal landscape. Enjoy sunsets stretching across the horizon and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.


Panoramahyttene

Panoramahyttene - Karmøy

The Panoramahyttene cabins at Sandhåland offer accommodation with spectacular views of the sky, sea and elements. They can sleep up to four adults.

On your way from Panoramahyttene to Lysefjorden, you'll drive through changing landscapes. On the way, it's worth taking a break at Fjordbris Hotel on Rennesøy. Situated right on the water's edge, this is the perfect place to unwind, try your luck at fishing and enjoy fresh seafood in the hotel's restaurant.


hotel photos, interior, exterior or hotel facilities

Fjordbris Hotell

Just 30 minutes from Stavanger, right on the shores of the Brismefjord, Fjordbris Hotell is an intimate and charismatic hotel surrounded by idyllic nature.

Further into the fjord landscape, a completely different but equally spectacular experience awaits. The Bolder, with its designer cabins in the Lysefjord, creates the feeling of floating above the fjord. Four of the cabins have been designed by renowned architect Snøhetta, replacing the open sea with steep mountainsides and deep fjords.


Den spektakulære utsikten over Lysefjorden fra soverommet.

The Bolder by the Lysefjord

With its distinctive design and location by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, The Bolder is a unique place to stay. Four of the cabins are designed by Snøhetta.

Combining these accommodations is not just staying somewhere - it's experiencing the contrasts of Western Norway at its best. These are places you won't forget and are guaranteed to make you want to stay even longer!

To personer som kikker utover Lysefjorden.
Ryfylke|© Visit Ryfylke

Pristine nature and cultural experiences

In Haugesund and Ryfylke, history, nature and culture merge in an experience you'll never forget. From dramatic fjords and winding tourist routes to historic Viking tracks and charming coastal towns - the best of Western Norway in one place. Ryfylke and Haugesund are waiting for you - are you on your way??

You don't want to miss out on these experiences in Western Norway

From fjord to coast - nature experiences in Western Norway

From fjord to coast - nature experiences in Western Norway

Imagine standing on a mountain plateau at dawn, surrounded by mighty rock formations. The sunrise colours the clouds pink, while the Lysefjord lies mirror-like far below. The silence is unreal - only the wind and the birds break the total tranquillity. Welcome to Ryfylke and Haugesund, a place where nature shows its unspoilt side and you can find peace far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Untamed nature and spectacular activities

Untamed nature and spectacular activities

Nature and activities that take your breath away, and hidden gems you can enjoy (almost) all to yourself. For anyone wanting to experience the untamed nature of Fjord Norway, Haugesund and Ryfylke have an abundance of things to see and do!

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