Byrkjelo

Camping, glacier and mountains. Welcome to the village where Eggenipa towers over the landscape, and where valleys, lakes and mountains make it hard not to stop—whether to take a photo or simply enjoy the view.

©Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord

©Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord

©@jvingtoft

©Thomas Sagvik

Byrkjelo, Gloppen - Cole Rise / Matador Network

A natural starting point in Nordfjord

Byrkjelo is a small village in Nordfjord, surrounded by mountains, valleys, and a vibrant cultural landscape. Here, nature, activities, and village life come together—an ideal starting point for experiences all year round.

Byrkjelo is located in Gloppen municipality, midway between fjord and mountains, where the E39 meets the road onward to Stryn or Nordfjordeid. From here, you have a short distance to some of the most spectacular nature experiences in Nordfjord.

The village lies in a wide and fertile valley that stretches from Jostedalsbreen down towards Breimsvatnet. Farming is strong here, and the green cultural landscape is surrounded by steep mountains rising all around.

The iconic mountain Eggenipa has put Byrkjelo on the map. The distinctive peak is visible from large parts of the area and is a natural landmark for both locals and visitors.

View over Eggenipa in Gloppen @ Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord

All year round

Spring

When the snow melts from Eggenipa and the valleys turn green, the hiking trails reopen around Byrkjelo. If you drive the road through Våtedalen, you can see how the snowmelt creates powerful waterfalls and large rivers. Feel free to stop by Gloppen Sculpture Park (Kleppeparken) when you arrive in Byrkjelo. There you can experience sculptures by, among others, Audun Hugleiksson and Oddvar Torsheim.

Summer

Summer is peak season for outdoor activities, with great opportunities for mountain hikes, cycling, swimming, fishing, and camping. Popular experiences include the hike to Eggenipa, cycling in Myklebustdalen, and swimming in Breimsvatnet. The second weekend in July, the area comes alive when Norsk Countrytreff takes place, with concerts and activities for all ages.

Autumn

Eggenipa and Våtedalen are at their most beautiful in the autumn colors – and with far fewer people than in summer. Byrkjelo Camping is perfectly located in this landscape and is a great starting point for several trips in the area.

Winter

When the snow settles, Byrkjelo is a great starting point for skiing. If it’s a snow-rich winter, Breimsbygda Skisenter at Utvikfjellet has several runs and a family-friendly offering. In addition, you’ll find groomed cross-country trails, a floodlit trail in the area, and many opportunities for ski touring.

Photo: View towards Eggenipa @ Helene Myhre

Photo: Eggenipa in Gloppen @ Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord

Nature experiences and excursions

Nature is the biggest attraction in Byrkjelo and the surrounding area. The distinctive peak Eggenipa towers above the village and is one of the most well-known landmarks in the region. The hike to the summit offers an airy and spectacular experience with wide views over fjords and mountains. The hike is long, so prepare well before you start.

Våtedalen stretches south from Byrkjelo and is an impressive valley shaped by glaciers. Here, the river runs through a dramatic landscape, and the area is known for both nature and wildlife.

Myklebustdalen is a more accessible hiking area that is well suited for both walking and cycling. The high mountains and the spectacular waterfalls provide a powerful setting for the trip.
Breimsvatnet is nearby and is a beautiful lake area surrounded by mountains, and is a popular destination for both hiking and fishing.

Activities for the whole family

Byrkjelo is well adapted for families who want an active and varied holiday experience. The area has many marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, so both young and old can find hikes that suit them.

There are good opportunities for swimming, cycling, and simple nature experiences that are suitable for children. Byrkjelo stadion is also an important part of the cultural life in the village, and has been the venue for both national championships and well-known track and field events.

A popular accommodation option is Byrkjelo Camping, which offers cabins, tent pitches, and parking spaces for motorhomes and caravans. The campsite has a large outdoor area with a playground, barbecue facilities, and its own bathing area with a heated pool during the summer season. Everything is set up for a safe and pleasant family holiday, while still being close to both nature and the town centre.

Photo: Winter in Gloppen @ Saltnwax

Fishing in and around Byrkjelo

Fishing is an important part of outdoor life in the area. Breimsvatnet is especially known for its population of large trout, and is one of the few lakes in the region with documented big fish. The deep waters and dramatic surroundings create a truly special setting for the fishing experience.

The rivers in the area, such as Breimselva and the river in Våtedalen, also offer good conditions for trout fishing. To fish in the Breimsvassdraget watercourse, you must buy a fishing licence, available in several places in the village, including campsites and shops.

Byrkjelo is a place where nature, activity, and history meet. Whether you come for mountain hikes, fishing, a family holiday, or winter activities, you will find great experiences in this small but eventful place in Nordfjord.

Practical information

Distance from the airports:

Ørsta/Volda Airport Hovden: approx. 85 km (approx. 2 hours)

Sandane Airport Anda: approx. 30 km (approx. 30 minutes)

Ålesund Airport Vigra: approx. 200 km (approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes)

Bergen Airport Flesland: approx. 250 km (approx. 4 hours)

There are direct flights from Oslo and Bergen to Ørsta/Volda and Sandane. To Ålesund there are also direct flights from, among others, Trondheim, London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Gdansk.

How to get here:

Byrkjelo is located along the E39 in Gloppen municipality, and is easily accessible by car from both Ålesund, Bergen, and inland parts of Eastern Norway. The village is easily accessible from other parts of Nordfjord, with good connecting roads onwards to Stryn and Sunnfjord. There are good parking options in the centre. Buses run daily through the area—explore your route here: