Stryn & Nordfjord - from blue glaciers, majestic mountains, fertile valleys and deep lakes, to where the wild North Sea at Stad crashes mercilessly against the coast. If you are so inclined, you can join a rope team walking up on Briksdal glacier, go summer skiing, and on the very same day stroll in the sun on white sandy beaches and take in the fresh sea air. Or perhaps you would prefer to discover our cultural history?
About Nordfjord
As the name suggests, Nordfjord lies in the northern part of the county of Sogn og Fjordane, and the fjord with the same name extends 106 km from Stad on the coast to the town of Stryn to the east. The region consists of Stryn, Hornindal, Gloppen, Eid, Vågsøy and Selje. The oldest remains in the area are of people from the Stone Age, and you can still see petroglyphs from this time. Nordfjord was also a strong power base for the Vikings in western Norway during the Viking Age. At the various museums and visitor centres you can learn more about the history of the area. The region has traditionally been dominated by agriculture, fishing and industry but also has strong roots in crafts and culture. It is a very versatile region, renowned for being modern and innovative, with a wide range of industries. Vågsøy is the second largest fishing community in the country and in Eid you will find the town of Nordfjordeid, with its very own opera house.
Glacier, fjord and open sea in just two hours
The glaciers, fjords, sea and mountains in Nordfjord are some of the most beautiful that Norwegian nature has to offer. At the eastern end of Nordfjord, glaciers glitter as they sneak between narrow valleys, and it is here you will find Europe's deepest lake, Hornindalsvatnet. In mid-Nordfjord the fjord is much wider though one of its arms, the Hyenfjord, is rather dramatic. Further out to the west the fjord opens out to the sea. The coastal culture is really quite unique, and the fishing villages abound with stories of bygone days. When you reach the precipitous West Cape plateau, you’ll find yourself standing overlooking the mighty wild seas of Stad.
A paradise for exciting activities
Nordfjord is a hiking mecca with over 200 marked trails, excellent maps and a rich diversity of nature. Join us for glacier walks on Bødalsbreen, an arm of the Jostedal Glacier, or ski at the legendary Stryn summer ski centre. From here it is a short distance to Stad, where you can go surfing or take a walk in the unique coastal landscape. The fjords, sea, and shimmering lakes and rivers make Nordfjord ideal for diving, swimming, boating, canoeing and kayaking. For those in search of thrills and spills, rafting down rapid foaming white waters may be your thing. You can also discover Nordfjord on horseback at the home of the Norwegian fjord horse. Nordfjord is also a fishing wonderland, whether in lakes, salmon rivers, the fjord or out to sea.
Culture and History
Nordfjord has a long tradition of folk music and arts and crafts. The Anders Svor Museum and the Nordfjord Folk Museum are just two of the places where you can experience some of the culture of the area. On the legendary island of Selja you can hear about the story of St. Sunniva among the monastery ruins of the Selje Monastery. All year round there are many cultural events, with music and festivals among various other activities on offer. A full overview of these can be found in our Culture Calender.
The best of the best
The outdoor nature of Nordfjord is very conducive to activities and experiences that provide the inspiration to explore the best of your inner nature. We are pleased to show you the best the region has to offer.
The Briksdal Glacier
The mighty Briksdal Glacier is one of the biggest attractions in Norway. The glacier is part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park, and from a height of 1200 metres it plunges its way down to the lush, narrow valley of Briksdalen. The glacier lies at the end of Oldedalen, approximately 20 km from the village of Olden. From the mountain lodge there is a 3 km long gravel road leading up to the glacier. You can either walk up or be driven in open cars called "troll cars", which take you to within 500 metres of the glacier from where you will have to walk. The trail is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The Briksdal Glacier lodge is open from mid-April to mid–October and in summer the Glacier bus runs a return trip between Stryn and Briksdal.
The distinctive mountain of Skåla hovers 1848 metres above sea level. In 1891, a round tower was built on the summit with with three-tier bunk beds, sleeping 20 in all. This is a spectacular hike with views of the fjords, mountains and glaciers, and is thought to be the summit trip in Norway with the greatest variation in altitude from fjord to mountain top. Walking here on the old stone-paved paths is a true cultural experience, with stunning fjord scenery all around. The tower at the top is a self-service mountain cabin run by the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association).
On the island of Selja, a 15-minute boat trip from the town of the same name, lie the ruins of Selje monastery, thought to be the Norway’s oldest. The monastery tower is still intact. The monastery was built by Benedictine monks in the early 1100s in honour of the patron saint of Western Norway, St. Sunniva. People have travelled here for over a 1000 years to experience Norway's first place of pilgrimage with its unique cultural heritage from the Viking Age and Middle Ages.
How about a ski holiday in the middle of summer? The high mountains and the Nordic climate make skiing possible almost all year round. The Stryn Summer Ski Centre
is the most famous such ski centre in Northern Europe, with great conditions throughout the summer. The centre is located on the 100 year-old National Tourist Route, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (Old Strynefjell Road - Highway 258) and ski happy tourists can experience summer snow at its best from May to July. The Stryn Summer Ski Centre is situated 1065 metres above sea level and the lifts take you up to the summit at 1600 meters. To ski in the warm sun with temperatures well above zero only wearing a pair of shorts or a bikini really is special experience. There is always a lively atmosphere in and around the centre. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and light clothing, though you mustn’t forget windproof clothes as well, as the weather can be quite changeable in no time.
At Stad you will find wicked surfing conditions with ocean swells pounding into the white sandy beaches, not to mention the steep mountains providing the perfect backdrop. You may envisage palm trees and the tropics in more southerly parts of the world you think about surfing, but you will find surfing in the beautiful coastal landscape of Stad equally exotic. These wonderful beaches have long been hidden surfing treasures but now more and more people have opened their eyes to the prospect of surfing here. On the kilometre-long sand beach in Hoddevik you will find one of Norway’s best and most beautiful surf spots. Another 30 kilometres to the north lie the sheltered sands of Ervik beach, where you will almost always encounter waves.
Getting to Stryn and Nordfjord
Nordfjord is easily accessible by bus, car, plane and boat.
By Car
Oslo via Otta (E6 and Rv15) - about 500 km
Oslo via Fagernes - about 470 km
Bergen via Lavik (E39) - about 250 km
Trondheim via Otta (E6 and Rv15) - about 450 km
Ålesund (E39 or Rv60) - about 150 km
There are four ferry routes across the Nordfjord: Lote-Anda, Stårheim-Isane, Måloy-Oldeide and Smørhamn-Kjelkenes. Click here for Fjord1 ferry routes.
For updated route information go to the Vegvesenet traffic site. Route 258 Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is closed during winter.
By bus
Nordfjordekspressen (Oslo - Gardermoen - Otta - Stryn - Maløy). Departs three times a day from Oslo. They guarantee you a seat, so you will not need to book in advance, though groups of 9 more persons are requested to do so.
Fjordekspressen is the name of all express bus routes which run between Bergen, Ålesund and Trondheim. Bergen: Fjordekspressen to Stryn and to Nordfjordeid and Sandane.
There are many great harbours and marinas along the coast and on the fjord itself.
Flights
Sandane Airport, Anda is in the heart of Nordfjord. Widerøe Airways operates direct flights from Bergen (1 hour) and Oslo (1 hour) and connections to many Norwegian cities.
Ørsta/Volda Airport at Hovden is close to Nordfjord. Widerøe Airways runs direct flights from from Bergen (1 hour) and Oslo (1 hour) and connections to many Norwegian cities.
Ålesund Airport, Vigra is a 2 ½ hour’s drive to Nordfjord. SAS operates flights. Airport bus from Vigra.
For more information on aircraft operators and prices, go to Avinor.no.
This romantic wooden hotel in Swiss style architecture, built in 1850 style, by the Nordfjord in Stryn. This hotel offers individually decorated rooms with private balconies and free WiFi access. Stryn village centre is a 3-minute drive away.
Alexandra is a first class hotel with view to the fjord in Loen and to Mt. Skåla (1848 m.o.h.). The hotel is surrounded by high mountains and breathtaking nature.
Strynsvatn Camping is a modern, up-to-date campsite, and as a part of Pluscamp, ASCI, ANWB and ADAC, we have a wide range of attractions to offer. Strynsvatn Camping has 37 cabins, 4 apartments and more than 40 stands for motor homes and tents.…
Hornindalsvatn Lake is Europe´s deepest lake, 514 metres deep. None of the glacier streams run out into the lake and this has resulted in Europe´s clearest lake. The lake had a ferry service from 1880, to and from road less areas along the north…
496 meters above the sea, on the mountain plateau Kjerringa, are beautiful Vestkapp which is one of the most spectacular view points on the coast of Norway.
Open Top Glacier Sightseeing tour starts from the cruise terminal and heading for a glacier view point 12 kilometers from the village. At the view point there will be a 10 minute stop for photo opportunities. The tour goes along the beautiful…
Offer for cruise passengers arriving in Olden: Package including Loen Skylift and shuttle bus directly to and from the cruise pier in Olden. Departures on the hour from the pier and every half hour from Loen throughout the day as long as the ship is…
Offer for cruise passengers arriving in Olden: Package including Loen Skylift and shuttle bus directly to and from the cruise pier in Olden. Departures on the hour from the pier and every half hour from Loen throughout the day as long as the ship is…
Open Top Glacier Sightseeing tour starts from the cruise terminal and heading for a glacier view point 12 kilometers from the village. At the view point there will be a 10 minute stop for photo opportunities. The tour goes along the beautiful…
Ski mountaineering among glaciers, mountains and fjords in the Nordfjord region, with qualified mountain guides from Breogfjell Mountain Guides. The mountains in Stryn, Loen and Olden offer summits with over 1500-meter hight meters, overlooking the…
Rent a car during your stay in Olden. By car you have time to visit several attractions in one day. We are happy to give you guidance of where to go. Map included.
Ford Focus Titanium (or similar)- 5 seats, GPS incl.
Rent a car during your stay in Olden. By car you have time to visit several attractions in one day. We are happy to give you guidance of where to go. Map included.
Ford Focus Titanium (or similar)- 5 seats, GPS incl.
We welcome you back to nature with this yoga weekend in Måløy. Come as you are! You don´t need any experience to participate. Nature seems to be of great value to us. Getting close to nature will bring your body and mind into balance. Måløy is a…
Nordfjord Aktiv is the complete activity provider and guide company in Fjord Norway. From our base in Sandane, Nordfjord, we make sure that you find the best snow for skiing and the best bike trails.
The monastery boat takes you to Selja, where you can experience and immerse yourself in the exciting history of St. Sunniva. Join us on a journey back in time.
From the Norwegian Fjord Horse Center, we offer horseback riding on the riding path above Nordfjordeid. The tour has panoramic views of Nordfjordeid, the valley and the fjord. The trip and lasts for 1.5 hours at walking pace. Minimum age: 9 years.
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