Hardly anyone knows about this region - yet!

Venture off the beaten track for spectacular adventures and cultural experiences in Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord. There’s plenty of room to go your own way and explore this little-known region of Norway.

Where is Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord?

Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord is situated just north of Bergen. The region covers a large geographical area, extending from Solund in the south to Måløy in the north and Sunnfjord in the east.

As far west as you can get in Norway, you'll find an outstanding coastline with charming island communities and fjord villages steeped in fascinating history.

We recommend starting your journey in Hyllestad – a hidden gem by the Sognefjord, where dramatic coastal landscapes meet a thousand years of history.
Along the way, you can stop at Gulatinget, the Millennium Site that laid the foundation for Norway as a democratic state governed by law, and take a break in beautiful Skjerjehamn, an idyllic old trading post by the sea.

In Hyllestad, a true stone kingdom awaits. Since the 1700s, millstones have been carved here, and the quarries represent Norway’s largest cultural monument from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.

In Hyllestad, you simply can’t miss Lihesten – the wildest wall of the West Coast. This is a mountain you won’t forget. With its jagged silhouette and dramatic cliffs, it looks as if nature had a wild impulse – and held nothing back.

The mountain rises majestically from fjord to sky, a monument to raw power and striking contrasts. From the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views over fjords, sea, and islands – a panorama that truly leaves you speechless.

Lihesten gives you the raw sensation of real mountain adventure – an experience that challenges and captivates in equal measure.

At the far western edge, where mainland fades into sea and islands, the journey from ocean to glacier begins.

In Solund, you’ll get your first encounter with the raw, untamed nature that defines the Fjord Coast Regional and Geopark – a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is a landscape shaped by ice ages and ocean, where more than 1,700 islands, islets and skerries are scattered into the sea like a puzzle of stone, silence and storm.

This is the place for those who want to feel the elements on their skin. Paddle between narrow straits and smooth coastal rock, land on an island where you may be the only visitor that day, or let the local post boat carry you along – a living part of everyday life in the archipelago.

The journey between Solund, Bulandet and Værlandet has been named one of Norway’s most beautiful round trips – and for good reason. Here, you come close to marine life, the deep history in the bedrock, and the resilient people who live and work at the edge of the sea.

Visit Utvær, Norway’s westernmost lighthouse – where the sea meets the sky, and time stands still among stone slabs, salty air, and legends. Step ashore and feel both serenity and grandeur in the very same breath.

Or join a wild sheep safari and experience how these hardy sheep help keep the cultural landscape open – a meeting with both nature and tradition, told by those who know every rock and ridge.

Solund is a world of its own – not just geographically, but in rhythm, lifestyle, and landscape. Out here, at the very edge of the sea, the great adventure begins.
This is where that special feeling starts – the sense of being far away, yet closer than ever to something real.

Nordsjøporten road

If you found the Atlantic Road impressive, another magnificent, but less busy and less well known, experience awaits. Out at the ocean’s edge, guarded by the majestic mountain Alden, the islands of Værlandet and Bulandet lie like pearls on a string, linked together by six bridges and a road covering 5,240 metres. The archipelago of Værlandet and Bulandet is Norway’s westernmost inhabited community, and is a fantastic destination for cycling, kayaking, fishing, walks or just enjoying the peace and quiet.

It’s impossible not to see the majestic Alden, also known as the Norwegian Horse, when you take the ferry Værlandet to Askvoll. The mountain towers 481 metres above the sea and can be seen from a distance of more than 100 kilometres out to sea. This makes it one of the most distinctive seamarks in Fjord Norway. You can enjoy fantastic views in all directions at the top. The hike to Alden is great for families with children who are used to hiking in the mountains. Contact your local accommodation in Værlandet or Bulandet for information on how to get to the mountain.

On the mainland, you’ll find the municipal centre of Askvoll – the natural gateway if you’re arriving by sea. Askvoll offers spectacular mountain hikes, scenic country roads perfect for cycling, a wide range of services, and a good selection of local shops.

Fjaler – where poetry, deep valleys, and big dreams meet

From the coast and mountains in Askvoll, the journey continues into the green landscapes of Fjaler. In just 20 minutes, you’ll arrive in Dale – a peaceful village where everyday life and cultural heritage go hand in hand. Nestled between waterfalls and valleys, this small town invites you to slow down and explore.

In Fossedalen, one of the region’s most beautiful and atmospheric nature experiences awaits. Hidden between mountains and forest, surrounded by waterfalls and old summer farms, you can walk in stillness – as if you’ve discovered a secret only you know.

Look up, and you’ll spot the summit of Heileberget. From there, a grand panorama of fjords and peaks rewards your climb.

But Fjaler is about more than just landscapes – it’s also about language and voice. Few have captured the rhythm and soul of fjord Norway quite like Jakob Sande. At the Jakob Sande Centre, you can follow in the footsteps of one of our most beloved poets, and get a deeper look into both his writing and his life.

Fjaler is also international in spirit: Along the fjord you’ll find UWC Red Cross Nordic, one of the world’s United World Colleges, where young people from across the globe live, learn, and explore – often from the seat of a kayak on the Dalsfjord.

And then, when your body needs a refill after hiking or culture, a dining experience awaits that you won’t soon forget: At Leonards Forlaavelse, you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality and world-class flavors – served in a setting that is an experience in itself.

The Coastal City Florø

Just north of here, you’ll find Florø with its impressive archipelago. With islands as varied as they are beautiful, you’re bound to find one that speaks to your heart. Still, there are a few highlights we think you won’t want to miss.

The Island of Kinn

Far out at sea lies Kinn – a vivid green island covered in grass. Anyone who has seen the blockbuster film Dune will instantly recognise the dramatic rock formation Kinnaklova from the movie.

The waters surrounding Kinn were once Norway’s most important herring fishing grounds during the 1800s. At the height of the season, around 15,000 people lived here and on the surrounding islands. Today, only a few people remain year-round, alongside a beautiful medieval stone church – and of course, Kinnaklova, standing proud as one of the most photogenic landmarks along the coast.

Svanøy

Just southwest, out in the open sea and not far from Florø, lies a green gem many have yet to discover: Svanøy. The climate here is surprisingly mild and lush – a complete contrast to the weather-beaten, open landscape you’ll find out at Kinn. On Svanøy, plants and trees grow that you’d hardly expect to find on the Norwegian west coast. There’s something subtly southern here – almost exotic – in the scents and colours of the island.

But it’s not just nature that makes Svanøy special. The island holds deep historical roots. This is where the legendary Viking king Eirik Bloodaxe was born, and in the Middle Ages, a stave church from the 12th century stood in the heart of the small island community. Today, the Olav Cross, erected as early as the 11th century, still stands – a quiet yet powerful reminder of the island’s once-great significance.

And island life today? It moves at its own rhythm. One of the highlights is the Norwegian Deer Centre, where you can get up close to majestic red deer in their natural habitat. A guided tour is not just educational – it’s a deeply moving experience. And afterwards, a memorable meal awaits, lovingly prepared by chefs who live and breathe for this island and their craft.

Svanøy is where nature, history, and culinary experiences come together. A hidden treasure, still undiscovered by most – but maybe not for much longer.

It’s easy to be captivated by the dramatic islands out at sea – but don’t forget that your experience starts and ends in Florø. Nestled between fjord and shore, you’ll find a charming town centre that’s every bit as delightful as the islands beyond.

Wander through cosy streets lined with small shops, galleries, and historic buildings – all wrapped in a calm and friendly atmosphere that only a coastal town can offer.

Just a short walk from the centre lies the Coastal Museum of Sogn og Fjordane, where you’ll get a close look at life along the coast – both as it once was and as it is today.

When hunger or thirst sets in, you’re in good hands. Florø offers several great restaurants serving local ingredients – and don’t miss the cosy beer café where you can taste handcrafted brews from Kinn Brewery. The beer is made with passion and tradition – a true reflection of place and culture.

Florø is a place to slow down – to enjoy small-town life by the sea, with a warm welcome from the locals. So next time you head west: Don’t just pass through Florø – stay a while.

From one coastal town to another – heading north to Måløy

Travelling north from Florø along the west coast feels like turning the page to a new chapter in a story where the ocean is always present in the background. Next stop: Måløy – a town with its gaze fixed on the horizon, where the sea is not just a view, but a livelihood, an identity, and a source of inspiration.

Here, Refviksanden awaits – a long, white sandy beach where you can let the waves quiet your thoughts and recharge in the openness of the landscape.

For those interested in history, the Måløy Raid Center offers a powerful experience with authentic photos and footage from the legendary World War II raid that took place here.

And then – perhaps the most iconic sight of them all: Kannesteinen. Shaped by the sea over thousands of years, this unique stone formation stands as a symbol of everything Måløy represents – strength, resilience, and nature’s ability to surprise and sculpt the world around us.

Måløy isn’t only about stillness and reflection – for those seeking more adrenaline in their experience, this coastal town also offers adventure right at the edge of the elements. Join a kayaking or coasteering trip along the dramatic coastline, where you’ll explore hidden coves, climb rocky formations, and feel both a sense of mastery and a raw connection with the power of the sea. It’s an adrenaline-filled way to experience the landscape – and yourself.

As the day winds down and your body has had its fill, few things beat a pause in the floating sauna in Vågsvåg. Here, you can soak in warmth, silence, and sweeping sea views – while letting the day’s impressions settle deep.

And for those who love lighthouses – and who doesn’t along the coast? – Måløy is a dream. No fewer than four lighthouses light up both the landscape and the local history here: the weather-beaten favourite Kråkenes Lighthouse, as well as the equally beautiful and characterful Ulvesund, Skongenes, and Hendanes lighthouses.

Each has its own unique atmosphere – and each is well worth a visit.

From coast to fjord, from sea to glacier – into the heart of Sunnfjord

After living close to the sea, the landscape now draws you inward. Away from the salty wind and white sandy beaches, and into deep valleys, mirror-like lakes, and mighty glaciers.

Here in Sunnfjord, the rhythm changes – from the sound of waves to babbling brooks, from the open horizon to towering peaks. This is a land where water shapes everything – the landscape, the way of life, and the stories passed down through generations.

Summit hikes – at your own pace

In Sunnfjord, you don’t have to wait for winter to go on a summit hike. Here you’ll find everything from gentle trails to sharp ridges, lush valleys and glacier edges – perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.

In many of the mountains, you can walk for hours without meeting another soul – and feel a rare kind of freedom and closeness to nature.

Culture and history at every turn

In Sunnfjord you will find cultural og historical experiences at every turn. Here, in the artist Astrup’s kingdom, you can experience cultural highlights and magnificent historical sites. You are invited to experience world-renowned art and artistic life at Astruptunet, Sogn og Fjordane Art Museum and Eikaasgalleriet, as well as experience historical sites such as Sunnfjord Museum and Hestad chapel, to name a few.

In Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord, culture is in our DNA. This is the place to hear inspiring stories and meet lovely people!

When the road is the destination

The road Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet runs along the world's longest fjord, the Sognefjord before winding its way up the steep valley into the mountains. The road continues along the protected Gaularvassdraget watercourse, which is known for its many waterfalls, but which also has sections of rapids and tranquil mountain lakes. A waterfall path has been built along parts of the watercourse, giving visitors access to the sections most worth seeing.

A peaceful journey along protected watercourses, waterfalls and a quiet fjord arm. Children and adults alike can try trout fishing at its best and walk along great paths past waterfalls and rapids. It is also possible to hire boats and canoes, and those who enjoy hiking in the mountains will be spoilt for choice.

Welcome to Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord, welcome to the experience of a lifetime! Here, every moment is an experience that makes you part of our history. Explore all the beauty and let Fjord Coast & Sunnfjord inspire you to create unforgettable memories. Go your own way!