The best Autumn Weekend Getaway

Girls’ trip, romantic getaway or a weekend with the guys. Some of the best adventures start with a free weekend. Here are our tips for weekend getaways in Western Norway, whether you are looking for romance, an active break, culinary experiences or the ultimate scenic detour.

For the romantics...

Take a break from everyday life, slow down and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some of our favourite places for a romantic weekend getaway.

Jølstraholmen

If you want to surprise your partner with the ultimate romantic getaway, Jølstraholmen is a fantastic choice. With its unique suites right by the river, a sauna and culinary experiences, Jølstraholmen has everything you need for a memorable stay.

Jølstraholmen is known for its riverside suites and unique location right by the Jølstra river. Stay in a riverside suite, a deluxe cabin or one of the exclusive Grinde Suites. In the same building, you will find Power Plant restaurant, where the menu is based on local ingredients and seasonal flavours. A carefully composed three-course menu is served every Thursday to Saturday.

End the day with a visit to the sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in the natural pool – or in the river, if you dare. There really is no need to leave Jølstraholmen all weekend.

Skjerjehamn

On a small island at the edge of the open sea, you will find Skjerjehamn. Stay in the old Swiss-style villa, which has retained its original character from the late 19th century. Every room is unique, and your stay includes a delicious breakfast served in the stone cellar.

Enjoy a peaceful moment in the hot tubs by the water, take short walks in the surrounding area, explore art and culture, join a RIB safari or simply soak up the atmosphere in Skjenkestova.

At Skjerjehamn, they live by the philosophy from fjord to table. Skjerjehamn is part of the Firda Seafood family and has unique access to some of the world’s finest trout, which forms the cornerstone of the menu.

Skjerjehamn is particularly famous for its fish soup, but the menu changes with the seasons. Inspiration comes from the coast, the forest and whatever the local farms in Gulen have to offer. Skjerjehamn always prioritises local suppliers who share the same passion for quality craftsmanship.

Svanøy Manor house

On the lush island of Svanøy outside Florø, you will find Svanøy Manor house. The historic manor has a history stretching back several hundred years, and its beautiful surroundings give your stay a very special atmosphere. Meals are prepared using local ingredients, bringing together the best from both the forest and the sea.

Svanøy has long been a centre for deer management and is home to rich flora and fauna. At the Norwegian Deer Centre, you can see and encounter deer, go hunting and taste some of the finest game meat Norwegian nature has to offer. The island is also known for its cultural events, attracting both locals and visitors from across the country.

Get close to nature - and each other

Unique places to stay are popping up all over Norway, and FjordKysten and Sunnfjord is no exception.

Across the region, you will find several Birdboxes where you can get close to nature without compromising on comfort or privacy. With large windows overlooking the scenery and few neighbours nearby, everything is set for you to enjoy both nature and each other – completely undisturbed.

For those who love the coast ...

The coastline of Western Norway is extensive and often less visited – but that certainly does not make it any less spectacular. Places such as Solund, Værlandet and Bulandet have several things in common that make them well worth adding to your travel list: hundreds of islands and a distinctive coastal landscape.

Solund

Solund consists of 1,700 islands, islets and skerries and is known for its extraordinary landscape. The geology is dominated by conglomerate, creating a distinctive landscape with boulders scattered across high mountain tops and steep hillsides.

In autumn, you can hike through this characteristic landscape, join a wild sheep safari and learn more about coastal traditions.

Værlandet and Bulandet

Værlandet and Bulandet form Norway’s westernmost island community and are located about an hour by ferry from Askvoll. It is easy to travel here by public transport, with an express boat from Bergen. Once on the islands, cycling is a great way to get around. Bikes can be rented from the Joker shop on Værlandet when you arrive.

Værlandet and Bulandet are connected by six bridges and 11 kilometres of road. The landscape is spectacular, and the islanders are immensely proud of their home. Along the road between the villages, you can discover outdoor art installations, colourful bus shelters, charming boathouses and unique viewpoints. The most popular viewpoints feature large scallop-shaped seats where you can sit back and enjoy the view.

In autumn and winter, storm watching is a popular experience. We recommend staying at Værlandet Havhotell for a truly memorable encounter with the coastal weather. If you prefer a cabin, there is also a great selection of cabins and traditional seaside accommodation.

For the active ...

Every trail, summit and viewpoint becomes even more beautiful as autumn colours sweep across the landscape. Hiking in Western Norway in autumn is a wonderful experience. Here are some of our favourites.

Lihesten

Travel to Hyllestad and explore one of the many hiking trails on Lihesten. You can spend hours – or even days – exploring this massive mountain. The most popular hike leads to Gygrekjeften via the 3L mountain farms. The popular Sherpa steps through the mountain pass add an exhilarating element to the hike.

Stay at Hotel Sognefjord, a cosy hotel in a central location. If you prefer to rent a cabin or stay at a hostel, Hyllestad also has several options.

Hamnanova

Jølster is a paradise for mountain hiking, with spectacular views across Lake Jølstravatnet and the surrounding valleys and glaciers. The hike to Hamnanova takes you through varied terrain with an ascent of approximately 350 metres. At the top, you are rewarded with magnificent views.

Bolsetnipa

If you are looking for a slightly longer hike, we recommend Bolsetnipa at 1,210 metres above sea level. This is a moderately demanding hike, with a well-marked and signposted trail all the way. From the summit, you can enjoy views of Lake Jølstravatnet, Våtedalen, Eggenipa, Stardalen and Snønipa. The hike is particularly suitable for mountain hikers who enjoy longer walks without excessively steep terrain.

More breathtaking mountain hikes

FjordKysten and Sunnfjord has an abundance of fantastic mountain hikes – and one of the best things about hiking here is that you can enjoy the trails without queues or crowds. If you are looking for more inspiration, check out our article on breathtaking mountain hikes.

For culture lovers ...

Sunnfjord is the perfect destination if you want to combine a weekend getaway with art, culture and history. You will find a wide range of museums, galleries, historic sites and cultural events throughout the year.

In Jølster, discover more about Nikolai Astrup and his art at Astruptunet. Here, you can get close to the artist, his home and the landscape that inspired many of his most famous works. Combine your visit with a trip to the Eikaas Gallery, dedicated to artist Ludvig Eikaas.

In Førde, visit the Sogn og Fjordane Museum of Art and Sunnfjord Museum, while Hestad Chapel offers an insight into the history of the Gaular watercourse. Add a concert, exhibition or another cultural event to your itinerary and make culture part of your weekend getaway.

For food lovers ...

For food lovers, the region offers several experiences that are worth travelling for in their own right. Many of the places featured in this article combine accommodation with culinary experiences where local ingredients take centre stage.

One experience people travel especially far to enjoy is Leonards Forlaavelse in Hellevik in Fjaler. In a charming little building, you can taste cheeses, cured meats, freshly baked treats and local ingredients. Tone hosts seasonal experiences and sets a beautiful table for her guests.

Tone is also the driving force behind Smakeriet, a local tasting venue and food shop showcasing producers from the region. Here, you can discover authentic local flavours, produced with pride, quality and care. Smakeriet is located in the centre of Dale.

For those who love small-town charm

Small-town charm with big experiences. Visit towns where life moves at a slower pace, but there is still plenty to experience.

Florø

Florø is idyllically situated on the coast and is easy to reach by express boat from Bergen or by plane from Oslo or Bergen.

Florø’s most famous attraction is the island of Kinn, with the towering Kinnaklova and the 12th-century Kinn Church. Take the scheduled boat from Florø to Kinn, and make sure to check the timetable before you travel.

In the centre of Florø, you will find a charming shopping street, restaurants offering great culinary experiences, the Coastal Museum and several short hikes close to the town centre with views over Florø and the surrounding islands.

Florø loves to keep its streets lively, with activities and events taking place throughout the year. In winter, you can experience the beautifully decorated Christmas street and Christmas market. If you are looking for a sauna experience, Florø has two excellent saunas at opposite ends of the town.

Førde

Art and culture play an important role in Førde. The Sogn og Fjordane Museum of Art presents a varied programme of exhibitions featuring both contemporary and classical artists.

Visit Huldefossen, an impressive waterfall with a drop of 92 metres. It is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Western Norway.

Take a day trip to Jølster or explore the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet. Førde is the region’s largest shopping centre, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafés offering something for every taste.

Måløy

In Måløy, you can explore the charming streets with their wonderfully simple names: Street 1, 2, 3, 4...

Walk between impressive works of street art depicting the culture and coastal heritage of Måløy, and discover wartime history at the Måløy Raid Centre.

Måløy and the island of Vågsøy are surrounded by Stadhavet, one of the most weather-exposed stretches of sea along the Norwegian coast. Kråkenes Lighthouse is famous for its wild weather.

In the village of Refvik, you will find the 1.5-kilometre-long, white sandy beach of Refviksanden. The sunsets here can be magical. Continue to Kannesteinen, a remarkable rock formation shaped by the sea and waves over thousands of years, before unwinding with a visit to a sauna.

For those who love scenic detours ...

When the journey itself is part of the experience, the Norwegian Scenic Route Gaularfjellet is a natural choice. Along this road, it is not only the scenery that makes you want to stop – there are plenty of experiences along the way too.

One of the hidden gems along Gaularfjellet is the Waterfall Trail, Fossestien. It takes you closer to the majestic waterfalls cascading through the protected Gaular watercourse. The trail stretches for 21 kilometres, with an elevation difference of 500 metres. Along the route, you will encounter 12 major waterfalls and six lakes. The best known is Likholefossen, with its spectacular bridge.

Surrounded by this magnificent landscape, you will find Flatheim, a historic farm hotel with traditional timber buildings. The rooms have been carefully and lovingly furnished in restored buildings around the farmyard. A charming garden filled with flowers and useful plants surrounds the farm, while down by the river you will find a sauna and hot tub – the perfect way to end the day.

Flatheim offers a three-course dinner to all its guests and also has a farm shop.

Would you like a tailor-made weekend including accommodation, a three-course dinner, packed lunches and transport to and from Fossestien? Then take a look at the package Waterfall Hiking from Gaularfjellet to Viksdalen.

In addition to accommodation in its historic buildings, Flatheim offers glamping right by the river – a slightly different kind of rustic luxury for those who want to get even closer to nature.