Wooden houses along a fjord in winter

Nordfjord in winter

All in one fjord

Nordfjord is also great in summer!

Spectacular mountains and fjords set the scene for unforgettable winter activities.

A map of Norway with a red dot on Nordfjord.
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Nordfjord lies on the west coast of Norway, about 2,5 hours south of Ålesund and 4,5 hours north of Bergen by car.

Snowshoe, ski, or sled on the peaks towering above the fjords, or enjoy the view from the water in a kayak. It's also one of the few places you can hike during the winter months!

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

Drive along the panorama road from Stryn to Nordfjordeid, and experience breathtaking landscapes.

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


Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

Mountains, a village and a winter sunset.
A Fjord horse standing in turquoise water with snow-covered mountains in the background, Nordfjord in Fjord Norway
People snowshoeing up a mountain.
A woman by a fireplace with a hot chocolate.
People sledding down a mountain.

When the views look like this, it's no wonder that nature is the main attraction in the Nordfjord area of Fjord Norway! But it's not the only thing it's known for ...

... as this is where the fjord horse comes from. 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. It's even possible to enjoy a a magical horse ride through powdery snow.

You can still go hiking in the winter months! There are several groomed trails from the top of Mount Hoven that can be reached on the Loen Skylift cable car. The conditions are weather dependent, but if the trails aren't ready, snowshoeing is a great alternative. The equipment is available for rent and you can go on a guided hike.

At the end of one of the steepest cable cars in the world, the Hoven restaurant and bar is waiting for you. Enjoy a meal, snacks or a delicious hot chocolate.

There's also a balcony around the restaurant that is perfect for panoramic views and pictures.

Then top it all off by sledding down what is known as Norway's longest toboggan run!

Rent equipment from Loen Active, before zooming down the mountain and enjoying eight kilometres of pure fun! The season usually lasts from December to April, and depends on the weather.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Two people in helmets sit on wooden sleds on a snowy slope, looking over mountains and a cloud-filled valley.
    Loen

    Tobogganing | Loen Active

    Enjoy the free and fun Family- or Action Slope for a real adrenalin rush.
  • Snowshoe hike | Loen Skylift
    Loen

    Snowshoe hike | Loen Skylift

    Explore the winter landscape on foot, 1011 meters above the fjord. There are many winter walks around Mt. Hoven, most with fabulous views of the fjord and majestic mountains. And it's all so close, just a spectacular five-minute cable car ride from the village of Loen.
  • Kayak on the fjord | Loen Active
    Loen

    Kayak on the fjord | Loen Active

    Experience Loen from a kayak on the Nordfjord. Loen Active offer guided tours in double kayaks almost all year round.
  • Loen Skylift
    Loen

    Loen Skylift

    Loen Skylift is a spectacular attraction and adventure arena, at the inner part of the Nordfjord, in the heart of Fjord Norway. A Cable Car will lift you from the fjord to 1011 m. Enjoy the views of the fjord landscape - from the restaurant table, or while exploring in the mountains.
  • Winter hikes | Loen Skylift
    Loen

    Winter hikes | Loen Skylift

    You will be rewarded with unforgettable fjord landscape while hiking in the mountains.
  • Alpepass

    Alpepass

    Alpepass is a joint lift pass for nine different ski resorts in the northernmost part of Western Norway.
  • Indoor spa pool edge with metal handrails and lit steps, beside frosted glass walls and a wood bench alcove at Alexandra Spa..
    Loen

    Alexandra Spa

    Alexandra Spa at Hotel Alexandra in Loen offers relaxing spa and body treatments by experienced therapists, designed to restore both body and mind.
  • Aerial view of a waterfront village with colorful houses, docks and boats beside calm water and green mountains.
    Kalvåg

    Knutholmen

    Kalvåg is a large living hotel! Within walking distance around the small bay you will find fishing huts, rooms or apartments, a restaurant, pub, dance floor and meeting rooms.
  • Two skiers in helmets and goggles stand on a snowy slope with a forested valley and distant lake below.
    Stryn

    Stryn Winter Ski Resort

    Just 10 minutes from Stryn town center, you’ll find Stryn Vinterski – a ski resort where everyone can find something to enjoy, whether you prefer alpine skiing, telemark, snowboarding, or ski touring.
  • Harpefossen Ski Center
    Nordfjordeid

    Harpefossen Ski Center

    Welcome to Harpefossen Ski Resort, a family-friendly destination nestled in the stunning Nordfjord region.
Find more attractions
A person skiing down a mountain.
A little boy skiing on cross-country trails.
A woman stepping out of a cabin.

For more adrenaline, you can either go ski touring with a guide or hit the slopes! It's even possible to buy a ski pass for all the ski resorts in Nordfjord and Sunnmøre.

How about a spot of cross-country skiing? Enjoy several kilometres of prepared tracks through stunning winter landscapes.

While there may be plenty of snow in the mountains, the coast is often snow-free, making it the perfect place to experience the phenomenon known as storm watching. Experience the mighty forces of nature from unique and cosy cabins like Dosabu (pictured), in Bremanger!

Where to stay

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

Find more accommodation alternatives
  • Hotel Alexandra
    Loen

    Hotel Alexandra

    Hotel Alexandra is a first class hotel with a view to the fjord in Loen and to Mt. Skåla (1848 m.o.h.). The hotel is surrounded by high mountains and breathtaking nature.
  • Hornelen Panorama | Smia
    Rugsund

    Hornelen Panorama | Smia

    Here you’ll find a peaceful and distinctive place to stay close to nature, with a view towards Europe’s highest sea cliff – Hornelen.
  • A person sits in a large open window of a white wooden building above a stone wall, reflected in calm water at the Seahouse at Hornelen Panorama in Bremanger..
    Rugsund

    Hornelen Panorama | Sjøhuset

    Imagine living right on the edge of the sea, with the raw forces of nature close at hand and panoramic views of the fjord and majestic mountains. In the romantic The Sea House (Sjøhuset) by Hornelen, magic takes shape.
  • Aerial view of a waterfront village with colorful houses, docks and boats beside calm water and green mountains.
    Kalvåg

    Knutholmen

    Kalvåg is a large living hotel! Within walking distance around the small bay you will find fishing huts, rooms or apartments, a restaurant, pub, dance floor and meeting rooms.
  • Two-story gray building with balcony, flags and fenced yard beside a paved road under a partly cloudy sky..
    Bremanger

    Havlys Bed & Breakfast

    We are a small and charming B&B on Iglandsvika in Bremanger. You will find us right by the sea - boathouses, sandy beaches and salty sea form the frame. We have 13 rooms with their own bathrooms in simple standard, breakfast room, livingroom and Vitan Bar & Café in the basement. Wifi and breakfast are included in the price.
  • Wide panoramic view of Gloppen Camping in Sandane by Gloppenfjorden with green fields, scattered houses, roads, and mountains under a blue sky..
    Sandane

    Gloppen camping & fritidssenter

    Camping by the Gloppen Fjord in Sandane.
  • Gloppen Hotell
    Sandane

    Gloppen Hotell

    Historic Gloppen Hotel is centrally located in Sandane, in the Nordfjord. The hotel’s traditions go back to 1866 and hospitality and consideration for guests has always been important to us. From the very start salmon fishing was key to our operation. Fishermen still come every summer, but now our firm foucus on local food and vast range of activites, is equally vital for our success
  • Small wooden cabin with a tall glass front sits on a grassy hillside, framed by leafy branches with apples..
    Sandane

    Påldtun Cabin

    Welcome to Nilsstova, a unique and charming place that offers the perfect retreat in the heart of Nordfjord. Nilsstova is located in the orchard at Påldtun. When you stay with us, you can pick and enjoy fresh fruit directly from the trees when it’s in season.
  • Sølvane Gard
    Sandane

    Sølvane Gard

    Suites and Deluxe Rooms – Restaurant with Local Ingredients – Culture and National Artists
Wooden houses by the sea in Bremanger.
A suite at a hotel.
A woman eating crab meat.
People kayaking.

Knutholmen is an epic escape if you want to be close to nature! This old fishing village has everything you could need in one place.

Enjoy the cosy rooms, tasty seafood, and plenty of fun things to see and do! They offer plenty of activities, either at sea or in the mountains! It is a truly unique place to stay.

One benefit of being close to the coast is fresh seafood! A lot of people associate it with summer, but did you know that seafood is actually at its best during the winter months? Taste it yourself at one of the local restaurants or on a fishing trip from Knutholmen.

How about catching some waves? As it's a great area for surfing! Head to Hoddevik and Ervik by the Stad peninsula. You'll also find Norway's westernmost point, Vestkapp, in this area!

After taking in the fjords from the mountains, how about gliding over them in a kayak? Loen Active offer short and long trips almost all year!

Food and drink

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

  • Hoven Restaurant
    Loen

    Hoven Restaurant

    A restaurant that resembles a scene from a James Bond film is situated at the edge of the cliffs overlooking the fjord - atop the Loen Skylift. This is where you'll encounter hikers, climbers and revellers who all seek the pleasure of ethereal haute cuisine.
  • Knutholmen Restaurant
    Kalvåg

    Knutholmen Restaurant

    Do you like good atmosphere, good food and remarkable coastal culture? Then Knutholmen and the fishing village, Kalvåg is the place for you, where you will enjoy yourself. Within walking distance around the small bay, you will find sea houses, a restaurant with a dance floor, rooms and conference rooms. Kalvåg is in itself a large living hotel! Food from the sea is our speciality. Fresh local materials are important for good results, we are situated in the middle of a larder with fish just a stones throw away. Our talented chefs prepares the fresh local food in the best way, and we are known for our great food in Kalvåg. Bring your family, good friends, colleagues or customers to fish and experience the paradise of Kalvåg.
  • Wide view of a modern restaurant, Sølvane Wine & Dine in Gloppen, Vestland, with wooden tables set with glassware, green curtains, and pendant lights..
    Sandane

    Sølvane Wine & Dine

    Restaurant, lounge and bar in central Sandane. Local ingredients, good selection of wine and beer.
  • Interior of Restaurant Stovene in the historic part of Gloppen Hotel in Sandane, Nordfjord.
    Sandane

    Stovene Restaurant | Gloppen Hotell

    Restaurant Stovene at Gloppen Hotel in Sandane offers a warm and cosy atmosphere and a delicious 5-course tasting menu based on local ingredients from the Nordfjord region.
  • Minibakeriet (bakery)
    Holmøyane

    Minibakeriet (bakery)

    Minibakeriet – freshly made gourmet
Find more restaurants
An indoor swimming pool.
A viking aboard the Myklebust Viking ship in Nordfjordeid.

After plenty of outdoor activities you can relax at the spa at Hotel Alexandra. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to outstanding spa facilities. It's also a great place for a delectable meal.

Did you know that Nordfjord has one of the world's largest Viking ships? Check out the 30-metre-long Myklebust ship replica at Sagastad Viking Centre.

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

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 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

  • 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 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 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 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

Discover more

The Nærøyfjord in Fjord Norway on a sunny summer day
The most famous fjords
Woman waving the norwegian flag and a flag from the TV-production 71 grader nord in the sunset at a mountain in Rosendal, Hardanger
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  • Hiking at Mount Hoven near Loen Skylift in Loen in the Nordfjord area of Fjord Norway
    Nordfjord

Take advantage of top offers

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

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