Hardly anyone knows about this region - yet!

FjordKysten and Sunnfjord offer powerful nature and cultural experiences in a landscape of great variety. Here, you’ll find plenty of space to explore a wild and less-discovered part of Norway. In this article, we have put together a travel route through the region, which we hope will inspire your next journey.

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.

Start your journey in Hyllestad.

Starting from Bergen, we recommend beginning 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 the Millstone Park, you can visit the country’s only themed museum dedicated to millstone production.

In Hyllestad, you can’t miss Lihesten – the wildest mountain wall in Western Norway. This is a mountain you won’t forget. Rising majestically from fjord to sky, it stands like a natural monument of power and contrast. From the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of fjords, ocean and islands – a panorama that will leave you in awe. Lihesten gives you the raw feeling of real mountains, in the truest sense. An experience that both challenges and captivates.

Solund, also known as the island kingdom in the west.

At the far western edge, where mainland fades into sea and islands, the journey from ocean to glacier begins. In Solund, you encounter a raw and untamed nature you won’t forget. A landscape shaped by ice ages and the sea, with more than 1,700 islands, islets and skerries scattered across the open coast like a puzzle of stone, silence and storm.

This is a place for those who want to feel the elements up close. Paddle through narrow straits and across smooth coastal rocks, step ashore on an island where you might be the only one there that day, or join the local post boat, a living part of everyday life in this island community.

The journey between Solund, Bulandet and Værlandet has been named one of the most beautiful round trips in the country, and for good reason. Here, you get close to life at sea, the history written in the bedrock, and the people who live and work out here.

Visit Utvær with Norway’s westernmost lighthouse. Here, 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. We recommend a hike up Blåfjell for panoramic views of the vast ocean, mountains and surrounding villages. Stay at Askvoll Fjord Hotel and spend a few peaceful days in this beautiful village.

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.

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.

In addition to its rich history, Svanøy offers a wide range of cultural activities and experiences. The island is known for its festivals, concerts and art exhibitions that attract both locals and visitors.

One of the highlights is the Norwegian Deer Centre, where you can get up close to these majestic animals in their natural habitat. A guided tour here is not only educational - it’s an experience that truly stays with you. Afterwards, a memorable meal awaits, prepared with care by chefs who are passionate about the island and their craft. Enjoy a good night’s sleep at the majestic Svanøy Main Manor. With its historic buildings, this is a place where you can find peace, feel the history in the walls, and savour locally produced food from the island and the surrounding sea.

Small-town charm in the coastal town of Florø.

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. Between the fjord and the beautiful coastline, you’ll find a town centre just as charming as the surrounding islands. Here, you can wander through cosy streets lined with small shops, galleries and historic buildings, all set in the 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.

Here you can enjoy a good meal.

Florø offers several great restaurants with locally sourced food, and not least: a cosy café where you can taste local craft from Kinn Brewery, brewed with passion and tradition. A true expression of both 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

Next stop: Måløy. A town with its gaze set on the horizon, where the sea is not just a view, but a way of life, identity and inspiration.

Here, Refviksanden awaits with its long stretch of white sand – a popular place to enjoy spring and summer days. History enthusiasts should visit the Måløy Raid Center, where dramatic events from World War II are brought to life through authentic photos and film from the legendary Måløy Raid.

And then, perhaps the most iconic attraction of them all: Kannesteinen. Shaped by the sea over thousands of years, it is a favourite photo spot. On the way, make sure to stop at Vågsberget in and trading post, one of the best-preserved sites of its kind along the Norwegian coast. For those seeking a peaceful moment, the outdoor area is perfect for a picnic or a quiet walk. Vågsberget also has a café serving local sveler, cakes, and hot or cold drinks.

For those seeking a bit more pulse in their experience, the coastal town also offers adventures close to the elements. Join a kayaking trip or try coasteering along the dramatic coastline, where you can explore hidden coves, climb rock formations, and feel both a sense of achievement and a close connection to the power of the sea. It’s an adrenaline-filled way to experience both the landscape and yourself.

As the day draws to a close and your body has had its fill, there’s little that compares to a relaxing break in the sauna in Vågsvåg. Here, you can enjoy warmth, calm and views of the ocean while letting the impressions of the day sink in.

For those with a fondness for lighthouses along the coast, Måløy is a great place to start. No fewer than four lighthouses shape both the landscape and the history here: the weather-beaten favourite Kråkenes Lighthouse, as well as the equally beautiful and distinctive Ulvesund Lighthouse, Skongenes Lighthouse and Hendanes Lighthouse. Each with its own atmosphere, all worth a visit.

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

After experiencing life close to the ocean, the landscape draws you inland. Away from the salty winds and white sandy beaches, and towards deeper valleys, mirror-like lakes and mighty glaciers. Here, in Sunnfjord, the rhythm shifts from the sound of waves to the murmur of rivers, and from open horizons to towering peaks.

Hike to the summit 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 experience a rare sense 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!