NORDFJORD

Wild coastal nature

A map of Norway with a red dot on Nordfjord.
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Nordfjord lies on the west coast of Norway, about 4 hours south of Ålesund by car.

Here, it's all about nature. Marvel at peaks towering above the fjords and waterfalls cascading down mountainsides.

This is also where you'll find the largest glacier in mainland Europe, Jostedalsbreen, and Europe's deepest lake, Hornindalsvatnet.

Visit the lighthouse Kråkenes fyr, go surfing on the coast, take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven, and ride a Norwegian fjord horse!


Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

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.

Saddle up and explore Nordfjord with the world’s cutest tour guide. 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 (film), Skåla and Lodalskåpa.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Kayak on the fjord | Loen Active
    Oppstryn

    Kayak on the fjord | Loen Active

    Stall Rygg
    Sandane

    Stall Rygg

    Nordfjord Aktiv
    Nordfjordeid

    Nordfjord Aktiv

    Surf in Nordfjord
    Stadlandet

    Surf in Nordfjord

    Hiking to Briksdalsbreen Glacier
    Stryn

    Hiking to Briksdalsbreen Glacier

    Zipline | Loen Active
    Loen

    Zipline | Loen Active

    Loen Skylift
    Oppstryn

    Loen Skylift

    Sagastad Viking Center
    Nordfjordeid

    Sagastad Viking Center

Find more attractions
Hornelen, Bremanger

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

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, eat delicious food, and enjoy the view of the valleys Oldedalen and Lodalen.

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?

Popular hikes

Check out some of the most beautiful hikes in Nordfjord.

  • Klovane
    Oldedalen

    Klovane

    Trollenykjen

    Trollenykjen

    Skåla
    Loen

    Skåla

    Book now
    Flatsteinbu cabin
    Oldedalen

    Flatsteinbu cabin

    Segestad farm
    Hjelledalen

    Segestad farm

    Hovden on Stad | War memorial
    Stadlandet

    Hovden on Stad | War memorial

    Lodalskåpa
    Loen

    Lodalskåpa

    Trivselsskogen
    Sandane

    Trivselsskogen

    Rakssetra
    Loen

    Rakssetra

    Three hikers stand on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a blue fjord and distant mountain ridges under clear sky..
    Bremanger

    Mt. Hornelen

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

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

Here, there’s not much stopping the waves as they make their way towards the beach from the rough open sea just off the coast. You see, Stad is only a short drive from Norway’s westernmost point, Vestkapp. From there, the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see.

Water can also be pretty cool when frozen, especially when it’s been like that for thousands of years.

See it for yourself as you join a guided walk on one of the glaciers in the Jostedalsbreen national park. Fun fact: it’s meltwater from the glaciers and the snow that gives the lakes Oldevatnet and Lovatnet their beautiful emerald green colour.

But not all of it melts. In fact, at Stryn summer ski centre you can go skiing in June! That will give you an idea of what it would be like to go ski touring in winter.

Where to stay

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

  • Ulvesund Fyr (lighthouse)
    Deknepollen

    Ulvesund Fyr (lighthouse)

    Hotel Alexandra
    Loen

    Hotel Alexandra

    Hjelle Hotel

    Hjelle Hotel

    Person lounging in a chair by a large window, overlooking a sunlit lake, forested hills, and mountains..
    Sandane

    Engeset Trehytter (Tree Houses)

Find more accommodation alternatives
Two people mountain biking in in Gloppen in the Nordfjord region of Fjord Norway
A woman is relaxing in the pool at Hotel Alexandra in Stryn in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

The mountains are also quite spectacular on two wheels.

Try mountain biking in Gloppen and feel butterflies in your stomach as you make your way down towards the fjord.

But don’t forget to rest.

Book a spa visit at Hotell Alexandra or treat yourself to gourmet food at a local restaurant. From seafood to wild flavours – you’ll not be disappointed.

Food and drink

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

  • Minibakeriet (bakery)

    Minibakeriet (bakery)

    Kjenndalstova

    Kjenndalstova

    Knutholmen Restaurant
    Kalvåg

    Knutholmen Restaurant

    Restaurant Charlotte | Hotel Alexandra
    Loen

    Restaurant Charlotte | Hotel Alexandra

    Book now
    Stryn Kaffebar og Vertshus
    Stryn

    Stryn Kaffebar og Vertshus

    Gamlebutikken på Hjelle
    Hjelledalen

    Gamlebutikken på Hjelle

    Briksdalsbre Fjellstove
    Briksdalsbre

    Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge

    Book now
    Restaurant Andrine | Hotel Alexandra
    Loen

    Restaurant Andrine | Hotel Alexandra

    Book now
Find more restaurants
The old Selja monastery outside Selje in the Nordfjord region of Fjord Norway
Paddling the Breimsvatnet lake in Nordfjord, Fjord Norway

Wait a minute. This looks like the Mediterranean …?

Well, if you bring a sun hat and sunblock, the Grotlesanden beach in Bremanger will resemble a tropical paradise – minus the palm trees and the warm water.

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 Selje Kloster.

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

Here, you can admire the craftsmanship behind the 30-metre-long Myklebust ship, one of the world’s largest Viking ships, and get insights into the era that sparked our fascination with shipbuilding and seafaring.

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 logonordfjord.no

Getting here and around

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

  • 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.

    Ad:Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations

    By bus

    There are daily bus departures to Nordfjord from Bergen (5 hours), Ålesund (3 hours), Trondheim (7,5 hours) and Oslo (8 hours).

    Ad: Vy ekspress - travel comfortably by bus throughout Norway

    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.

    Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience

    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.

    Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables

    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.

    Ad: Hurtigruten – the world’s most beautiful sea voyage

Discover more

The Nærøyfjord in Fjord Norway on a sunny summer day
The most famous fjords
People hiking Oppstemten to Mount Ulriken in Bergen
11 stairways to heaven
Woman waving the norwegian flag and a flag from the TV-production 71 grader nord in the sunset at a mountain in Rosendal, Hardanger
Behind the scenes of Norway
  • Woman shooting with a bow and arrow at the Lofotr Viking Museum
    The best Viking sites
    Three people hiking on the Nigardsbreen glacier in Fjord Norway
    Glaciers
    Hiking in the Utladalen valley in Fjord Norway
    11 amazing valley hikes
    Two people hiking Mount Kattanakken in Jostedalsbreen national park, Fjord Norway
    National Parks

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.