Discover the unknown treasures of Fjord Norway

Would you like to experience something new? Let us show you the way!

Fjord Norway is known the world over for iconic mountaintops such as Trolltunga, the Hanseatic wharf Bryggen in Bergen, and the unique Geirangerfjord. But this landscape has so much more to offer than the most famous attractions. There are many more summits to conquer, more unique historical buildings, and many more fjord arms and villages to explore.

This part of the country is like a treasure trove for those interested in history. You can delve into Viking history, local cultural history, and events that took place during WWII. Let us take a drive through Fjord Norway, from south to north!

Sogndalstrand and Helleren

We start our trip south of Stavanger, where we find Sogndalstrand. This is the only village in Norway where the wooden buildings from the 18th¬ and 19th¬ centuries and the cultural landscape are protected by law. Sogndalstrand has a culture hotel, gallery, golf course, traditional grocery shop, fisheries museum, and more.

Helleren in Jøssingfjord is situated close by, which consists of two small wooden houses under a 15-metre deep and almost 20-metre high rock face. Sheltered by this massive overhanging rock, these houses without roof tiles have stood here since the 19th century. Parts of the buildings might actually be even older. Visitors can go into the houses and get an insight into a bygone age.

Haugesund and the surrounding area

Keep driving past Stavanger and take the ferry over the Boknafjord to get to Haugesund and Karmøy. Take time for a break here. Experience the city Haugesund, which is a great starting point for experiences along the coast, and see the islands Utsira, Røvær, and Karmøy.

It is easy to get to the islands Utsira and Røvær by boat from the centre of Haugesund, while a bridge connects Karmøy to the mainland. Utsira is a lovely place for walks in protected coastal cultural landscape, for bird watching, and for visiting Norway’s highest-elevation lighthouse.

Røvær is a small community, where you can stay the night at Røvær Culture Hotel and visit Røvær Aquaculture Centre. Karmøy is home to the Blue Flag-certified Åkrasanden, voted Norway’s most beautiful beach. You can also visit the charming and pretty sailing ship town Skudeneshavn and Nordvegen History Centre in Avaldnes – where Norway was united into one kingdom.

The Åkrafjord, Langfoss waterfall and Moster Amfi

Follow the E134 road towards Oslo, and pass the waterfall voted the world’s most beautiful by CNN. It is impossible to miss as the drive passes the waterfall. Langfoss runs into the Åkrafjord – one of the many fjord arms to the west. You can also embark on other experiences, such as a fjord cruise or a walk up to the top of Langfoss waterfall. Or how about going on a tractor safari to Eikemo? This is a great way of seeing the farms in the area, experiencing summer pasture farming, and meeting both the people and goats who live in Eikemo.

You can also take the RV47 road to Stord to experience Moster Amfi. This is a great place stop, in particular for those interested in history. According to Snorre Sturlason's Sagas of the Norse Kings, Olav Tryggvason went ashore in this very place when he arrived in Norway in 995 to lay claim to the throne and introduce Christianity. Norway’s oldest church and a unique outdoor stage with room for a thousand people are found here. The well-known Mostraspelet pageant is performed here every summer.

Day trips from Bergen

Let us now drive further north towards Bergen and out towards Sotra to the west. Telavåg is situated here, which was once an unknown little fishing community – in other words, a perfect place for the North Sea Traffic, the illegal boat traffic between Norway and the United Kingdom during WWII. Dramatic events in April 1942 were hugely consequential for the village's inhabitants – events which you can learn more about at the museum North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg. Glesvær kafé is situated close by. The café hosts a bakery, shop, kiosk, showroom, and a stage in one and the same café. This is a popular place to spend the day out at the ocean's edge.

Did you know that we have an underground military ‘village’ in Norway? Fjell Fortress is situated approx. 10 metres underground inside the mountain Fjedlafjellet a little further south on Sotra. Today, the fortress still comprises approx. one-kilometre network of tunnels, a railway track, grenades, ventilation system, and electrical installations for the triple cannon with the code name ‘Donner Felix’. Make sure not to miss the Coastal Museum in Øygarden, where you will get an insight into the fisheries and aquaculture industries, and the Norwegian oil and gas industry.

Experience the fjord coast and Nordfjord

If you are in Bergen and would like to explore other unknown gems, how about island hopping on Norway’s westernmost islands? Take the express boat from Bergen to Krakhella and then the post boat to Solund, Buland, and Værlandet. You can experience this area on a day trip, and cycling is a good way of getting around.

Or perhaps you would like to do a summit walk to iconic destinations, such as Trolltunga and Kjerag? Travel further north to the lesser known Mount Hornelen, which is Europe's highest sea cliff and an excellent choice for those seeking spectacular views. Selja Monastery, Norway's first pilgrimage destination and probably the country’s oldest monastery, is situated just north of this summit. Taking a boat to the island Selja and joining a guided tour makes for a great experience.

Vestkapp is situated in the same area, 497 metres above sea level, at the outermost edge of Stadtlandet. The cliff is practically flat on top and drops steeply into the ocean. On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sunnmøre Alps, Mount Hornelen, Ålfotbreen glacier, and Stadhavet sea.

The north of Fjord Norway

The area around Molde and Kristiansund is also home to some unknown treasures: You can visit Norway's southernmost ‘klippfisk’ village, Ona, and Ona Lighthouse. You can visit a five-hundred-year old stave church on the island Grip.

Perhaps you will be tempted to check in at Ona Havstuer and stay in the area a bit longer? The chain Classic Norway offers a range of accommodation options in the area that offer unique experiences. How about staying right beside the ocean at Finnøy Havstuer, Flatflesa Lighthouse, or Hustavika Guesthouse?

Venture further into the fjords to find Norway's fourth largest waterfall, Mardalsfossen. The waterfall is located next to Eikedalsvannet lake and can be seen in all its splendour from 20 June to 20 August, when the floodgates are opened. There are plenty of options for walks in the region too. Both Trollheimen National Park and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park are found here, with many different walks to choose from.