Nordfjord, Norway - One of the top places to visit in Norway!

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Briksdalsbreen
© Normann
View from Loen Skylift
© Jon Kjos
Selje Kloster
© Thomas Bickhard
Hoddevika
© Lapoint
Loenvatnet
© Sergey Bogomyako

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 and home to major brands such as Moods of Norway. 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.

Mt. Skåla

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).

Selje Monastery

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.

Stryn Summer Ski Centre

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.

Surfing at Stad

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.

Trondheim: Fjordekspressen (Trondheim - Otta - Stryn).

Ålesund: Fjordekspressen to Stryn, and Fjordekspressen to Nordfjordeid and Sandane.

Boat

Express boat - Bergen - Smørhamn - Måløy - Selje.

Hurtigruten - Bergen - Måløy - Ålesund - Trondheim.

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.

Accommodation

Things to Do

Number of results:

Number of results: 278

, currently showing 21 to 40.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
75 reviews
Visnes Hotel

Address

Prestestegen 1
6781 Stryn

Visnes Hotel – food and wine in a historic atmosphere
Visnes is a historic wooden hotel dating from 1850. The hotel has played a key role in the development of the district, which you can sense in the atmosphere. The hotel cultivates the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge

Address

Briksdalsbre
6792 Briksdalsbre

The mighty Briksdal Glacier is part of the Jostedal Glacier national park. From a height of 1200 metres the wild glacier drops right down into the narrow, fertile Briksdalen – a sight which attracts 300,000 visitors from all over the world every…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Gloppen Hotel

Address

Sørstrandsv. 16
6823 Sandane

In addition to preserving the old building, Irene and Dag Moen have worked hard to maintain Gloppen Hotell's reputation as a fine place to dine. They concentrate on serving good food using local Norwegian ingredients, and the hotel has an excellent…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
483 reviews
Hotel Alexandra - restaurant

Address

6789 Loen

The gastronomy at Hotel Alexandra is as famous as the nature that surrounds us ! Many come to Alexandra to enjoy the large dinner buffet in Restaurant Charlotte. Others choose the accordingly delicious A la Carte menu in Restaurant Andrine.
…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
25 reviews
Innvik Fjordhotell - Restaurant

Address

6793 Innvik

Pleasant hotel by the fjord in the centre of Innvik. 34 rooms. Terrace by the fjord. Plenty of opportunity for mountain walks. Restaurant and café.. Solarium.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
232 reviews
Stryn Vertshus - café

Address

Tonningsgata 19
6783 Stryn

Attractive old house in the centre of Stryn next to the Per Bolstad square.
Bed and breakfast/Country Inn with 5 rooms.
Café and restaurant, coffee bar, pub and outdoor service.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
78 reviews
Kjenndal Glacier

Address

6789 Loen

The Kjenndalen valley and the Kjenndalen Glacier lie at the end of Lodal valley, 17 km from Loen and a 15 minute walk from the Jostedal Glacier's lowest glacier arm. At the end of Lovatn Lake you´ll find Kjenndalsstova, a cafe which is open from May…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
887 reviews
Briksdal Glacier

Address

6791 Oldedalen

Guests from all over the world come to visit this famous glacier arm set attractively between roaring waterfalls and high peaks. Briksdalsbreen is an arm of the great Jostedalsbreen Glacier, and located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park. From…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Hornindalsvatn Lake

Address

6763 Hornindal

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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviews
Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

Address

6782 Stryn

Sometimes it is the road itself that is the destination, and this is true of Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. As well as being staggeringly beautiful, the tourist route from Western Norway to the eastern part of Southern Norway is…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Harpefossen Ski Centre

Address

Hjelmelandsdalen
6770 Nordfjordeid

Harpefossen Ski Centre is located in Hjelmelandsdalen Valley in Eid, 10 km from the centre of Nordfjordeid. Arena for National Championships in Alpine Skiing. Located 300 masl. 550 m vertical drop. 6 ski lifts: three main lifts, three children lifts…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
37 reviews
West Cape

Address

6750 Stadlandet

Experience Norway´s westernmost viewpoint with mainland connection - 497 metres above the sea! On clear days you have a marvellous panoramic view in all directions. You will see the dreaded waters of Stadhavet Ocean with the Sunnmøre Alps, the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Harpefossen Ski Centre - cross country

Address

Harpefossen
6770 Nordfjordeid

Harpefossen and Hjelmelandsdalen offers excellent trails for cross country skiing in the valley and the mountains. Both classic and skating tracks.
• 8 km track from Harpefossen in varied terrain. The trail runs past 4 mountain farms.
• 3 km…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
74 reviews
Ski touring | Norway Adventures

Address

6770 Nordfjordeid

Norway Adventures arrange guided tours for ski touring in the mountains around Nordfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps.
We organize transportation, food etc. on request. Tailor made tours and package deals for groups of all sizes and interests in…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
42 reviews
Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus (Cafe and B&B)

Address

Tonningsgata 19
6783 Stryn

Attractive old house in the centre of Stryn next to the Per Bolstad plass square. Café, coffee bar, pub and outdoor service.

Contact for booking and prices: +47 57 87 05 30

More Details
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Fjord Helikopter - helicopter sightseeing

Address

6783 Stryn

Fonnafly AS has bases throughout south of Norway. The base in Stryn, Sogn og Fjordane, is centrally located in the most famous tourist area in Norway. Here the fjord meets the glacier and the high mountains. From Stryn we reach both Sogn og…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Hoddevik

Address

6751 Stadlandet

Sandy beach between towering mountains on the westernmost part of mainland Norway. Hoddevik is very popular for surfers from all over the world. In Nordfjord Hoddevik is the best spot in west-swells. Hoddvik is also very good under extremely windy…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Tvinnefossen Waterfall

Address

6796 Hopland

In earlier days, the road to which they brought cattle down to graze by the fjord went behind this waterfall. You can still walk it, and to see the fjord through the waterfall is a spectacular sight.
Parking by the public school at Rand. Nice…
Tverrelva

Address

Sunndalen
6798 Hjelledalen

Tverrelva river lies along the path to Sunndalsetra mountain farm in Oppstryn.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Melkevoll Bretun - bouldering

Address

6792 Briksdalsbre

In the summer of 1997, glacier guides from started to climb the giant boulders at the Melkevoll Bretun centre in the Oldedalen valley. They have now made this activity available to rock-climbing enthusiasts. Bouldering is a popular sport abroad, but…