NORDFJORD

All in one fjord

The place where you can experience glaciers, fjords, white sandy beaches and the sea within a span of two hours!

Nordfjord lies on the west coast of Norway, about 2,5 hours south of Ålesund and 4,5 hours north of Bergen by car.

Here, it's all about nature. Marvel at peaks towering above the fjords and waterfalls cascading down mountainsides, as you drive along the panorama road from Stryn to Nordfjordeid.

The Nordfjord area has everything from mountains in the west by Stryn and Europe's deepest lake, Hornindalsvatnet, to scenic Gloppen and dramatic cliff landscapes in Stad and Bremanger.

This is also where you'll find the largest glacier in mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen. It has several glacier arms, such as Briksdalsbreen, that you can get close to on a hike.

Go surfing on the coast, take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven, and ride a Norwegian fjord horse!

Hiking to Flatsteinbu in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

A Fjord horse standing in turquoise water with snow-covered mountains in the background, Nordfjord in Fjord Norway

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Relax while you take in this million-dollar view for free. With countless peaks and ice-blue waters, nature is the main attraction in the Nordfjord area of Fjord Norway.

The most well-known face from this region is this guy: the fjord horse.

Discover more about this remarkable Norwegian breed on a guided tour of the Norwegian Fjordhorse Center. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the breed, and you'll have the chance to meet these gentle horses up close. You can even enjoy a horse ride!

That will give you a soft start to your adventures here …

… before you put on your hiking boots and head for the clouds.

There are so many scenic hiking trails – too many for us to list them all. Still, a few of them are more popular than others. Check out the storm watching cabin Dosabu in Bremanger (film), Skåla and Lodalskåpa.

Top things to do

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Popular hikes

Check out some of the most beautiful hikes in Nordfjord.

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Briksdalsbreen glacier in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

A woman is relaxing in the pool at Hotel Alexandra in Stryn in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

The old Selja monastery outside Selje in the Nordfjord region of Fjord Norway

A person is skiing in summer at Stryn Sommerki in Stryn in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

But don’t worry, you don’t have to wear yourself out to get a good view. In Loen, you can hitch a ride with Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven.

Walk around at the top, enjoy delicious food, and take in the view of the stunning valleys of Oldedalen and Lodalen, with their bright blue lakes.

If you prefer something more challenging, make your way up the mountain along Via Ferrata Loen.

Highlights include a zipline and a suspension bridge that soars 750 metres above sea level. If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, what will?

Or how about visiting a glacier?

Join a guided walk on one of the glaciers in Jostedalsbreen National Park, like the Tystig glacier on Strynefjellet mountain. Or go on a regular hike to see Briksdalsbreen (pictured) up close.

Fun fact: it’s meltwater from the glaciers and the snow that gives the lakes Oldevatnet and Lovatnet their beautiful emerald green colour.

But don’t forget to rest.

Book a spa visit at Hotell Alexandra. This family friendly hotel has a fantastic spa with both indoor and outdoor pools!

Or treat yourself to gourmet food at a local restaurant. From seafood to wild flavours – you’ll not be disappointed.

Just as wild and impressive are the forces of nature. Feel the power of water on a surfing trip on the Stad peninsula.

Here, there’s not much stopping the waves as they make their way towards the beautiful, wild beaches from the rough open sea just off the coast. This is also where you'll find Norway’s westernmost point, Vestkapp. From there, the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see.

There’s also a lovely beach in Selje, where you can combine a lazy day by the sea with a boat trip to the historic Selja Monastery.

Did you know that you can go skiing at Stryn summer ski centre in June? It will give you an idea of what it would be like to go ski touring in winter.

Hjelle just outside of Stryn is a cosy little village. Visit the historic shop and café, Gamlebutikken, for a delicous afternoon tea. Or enjoy the beautiful Oppstrynsvatnet lake from a kayak.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

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Visit the fairytale valley of Kandalen for great hiking, water sports, and tasty local food!

Spend the night at Sølvane Gard and stop by Kandal Ysteri for some award-winning brown cheese, made from goat's milk.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

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Paddling the Breimsvatnet lake in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

Wait a minute. This looks like the Mediterranean …?

Well, if you bring a sun hat and suncream, the Grotlesanden beach in Bremanger will resemble a tropical paradise – minus the palm trees and the warm water. The same goes for the Vetvika beach on the other side of the island, but you have to hike for a few hours to get there.

You can even hike up Europe’s highest sea cliff, Hornelen, or climb the 860 metres of the Hornelen Via Ferrata!

Knutholmen offers stylish waterfront accommodation, exceptional local seafood, and authentic coastal experiences in one of Norway's best-preserved fishing villages. Try the floating sauna, rent a kayak, or go on a fishing trip!

If you’re a fan of history and Vikings, a trip to Sagastad in Nordfjordeid is a must.

Admire the 30-metre-long Myklebust ship, a replica of one of the world’s largest Viking ships, and get insights into the era that sparked our fascination with shipbuilding and seafaring.

Or learn more about the area at the Nordfjord Museum of Cultural History.

Nordfjord offers relaxing days and adrenaline-filled adventures – and everything in between.

Nordfjord has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. While this doesn't mean that Nordfjord is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

nordfjord.no

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Nordfjord with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.

By boat
There are three ferry crossings in Nordfjord: Lote–Anda, Stårheim–Isane, and Måløy–Oldeide.
There are daily express boats from Bergen to Måløy and Selje.
The long-established Norwegian coastal voyage Hurtigruten calls daily at Måløy on both its northbound and southbound voyages.
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By train
You can take the train to Otta from Oslo or Trondheim. From Otta, continue the trip to Nordfjord by bus.
You can also take the famous Flåmsbana railway line to Flåm, and a bus to Nordfjord from there.
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By car
If you choose to go by car from Oslo or Trondheim, follow the E6 to Otta and then Rv15 until you reach Stryn. From Oslo it is also possible to drive the E16 via Sogn.
From Bergen and Ålesund, drive the E39 all the way.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By bus
There are daily bus departures to Nordfjord from Bergen (5 hours), Ålesund (3 hours), Trondheim (7,5 hours) and Oslo (8 hours).
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By plane
Both Sandane Airport and Ørsta-Volda Airport are located centrally when you are going to Nordfjord. The airports have direct flights from Bergen (1 hour) and Oslo (1 hour) and corresponding flights to many Norwegian cities.
Ålesund Airport lies 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Nordfjord and offers good connections to Oslo and other Norwegian and European cities.
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