Loen Skylift - from fjord to sky in 5!

Last updated: 14.12.2021
Breathtaking panoramic views from the top of Loen Skylift.

Loen Skylift transports visitors on the world's steepest aerial ropeway, over 1,000 meters above the Nordfjord.

Loen Skylift is the quickest and easiest way to explore the best of what Norwegian mountains have to offer. The trip from the fjord to the mountain only takes a few minutes. High, steep and safe, you are brought a thousand meters up to Mount Hoven. Loen Skylift will be available to the public all year round.

From Mount Hoven you have access to several kilometers of built and signposted hiking trails, and in winter you can go snowshoeing, cross country skiing and ski touring. The popular climbing route Via Ferrata Loen, with Gjølmunnebrua suspension bridge (the longest Via Ferrata Bridge in Europe), is also ending up at Mount Hoven.

Loen Skylift is open all year.|© Loen skylift / Bård Basberg

Once you have arrived at the top, you can enjoy fine dining with local ingredients at the Hoven Restaurant, at the edge of the cliff, before you take the Loen Skylift back to Loen.

Hiking at Mt. Hoven

Wonderful hiking trails are waiting for you as you arrive to Mt. Hoven with Loen Skylift. All trails with magnificent views of the fjord landscape and Jostedalsbreen National Park. More info on loenskylift.com.

You can choose between easy short hikes and more challenging full day hikes. The trails are waymarked and signposted by international standards, and high quality and sustainability are key factors. Hiking maps are available. Guided tours are offered by Loen Active.

Some of the hikes you can do

  • Mt. Skredfjellet: Scenic easy/moderate walk from Loen Skylift, on a gravel path. Suitable for all ages. Accessible also for strollers. 2,2 km each way.
  • Gjølrunden: Scenic moderate round trip, from Loen Skylift. Walking path and stone steps. Varied terrain. 2,6 km.
  • Mt. Skredfjellet – Hoven round trip: Moderate round trip from Loen Skylift. Partly gravel road, later stone steps and hiking path. Walk past a mountain farm. Great views of the fjord. 6,4 km. Varied hike.

Season for hiking at Mt. Hoven: May – October/November (depending on snow conditions). Walkers have to be prepared for all types of weather in the mountains, even in summer. You must therefore bring along clothes and equipment that are suitable for use in good weather, but also for rain and wind. The weather can change quickly. Also bring lunch/snack, water and wear hiking boots. Read more about grading, safety and equipment.

Great hiking at Mt Hoven!|© Bård Basberg/Loen Skylift

Via Ferrata Loen

The Via Ferrata Loen is a spectacular experience you will never forget. You climb, safely secured in a cable, high above the fjord, surrounded by the mountains and the Jostedalsbreen National Park. The view is unbelievable. The suspension bridge across a 160 meter deep canyon is 120 meters long, and the walk across will definitely give you butterflies. The bridge is located at 750 m.a.s.l., and to get there you have to climb the Via Ferrata Loen. The return is easy – by Loen Skylift. Guided tours and package deals with Loen Skylift are offered by Loen Active. All hiking/climbing in the area is at your own risk. Season Via Ferrata Loen: May – October.

Are you brave enough?|© Sverre Hjørnevik

How to get here

Loen Skylift is located in Loen in Stryn, in the Nordfjord region. Located right by road 60 it is easy to find. Parking opposite the skylift. By car it takes 10 minutes from Stryn Village, 2,5 hours from Ålesund, 4,5 hours from Bergen and 6 hours from Oslo.

Are you travelling by bus? Please see entur.no for schedules.

The nearest airports are Ørsta-Volda and Sandane, both operated by Widerøe, with direct flights to Oslo and Bergen.