Nordfjorden

RIB Olden Active @ Andreas Solbakken

Many fjord arms to discover

From the main fjord, several side fjords branch off, each with its own character. Together, and for example Eidsfjorden, Gloppefjorden and Ålfotfjorden, are all well worth exploring – whether from land, from a kayak, or on one of the local boat routes.

Kayaking on the fjord is one of the best ways to start getting to know Nordfjorden. From quiet coves in Gloppen to the exposed fjord mouth at Bremanger, there are experiences for all levels. Many visitors combine paddling with fjord trips by RIB boat, summit hikes and walking on the fjord slopes – often on the same day.

Jostedalsbreen meets the fjord

At the inner end of Nordfjorden lie Loen and Olden – two villages where the fjord narrows and meets the green valleys that extend southwards towards the glaciers.

In Lodalen lies the blue-green Lovatnet, and in Oldedalen you’ll find Oldevatnet. Both lakes are shaped by glacier and mountain, and are the gateway to Jostedalsbreen National Park. The mountain hikes from here offer some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region.

Read more about mountain hikes in Nordfjord: nordfjord.no/topptur

Tvinnefossen – walk behind a waterfall

Along Panoramavegen between Stryn and Hopland lies Tvinnefossen – probably the largest waterfall in Northern Europe that you can walk behind.

Park for free at Rand skule and start the walk along the 1,500 metres of flat terrain in to the waterfall. The walk is suitable for the whole family and takes about half an hour each way. The waterfall is at its most beautiful in spring when the snow melts.

@ Loen Active

Nordfjord Viking The Myklebust Ship @ Dag Ulvedal

Reconstruction of the Myklebust ship, Sagastad @ Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord

Nordfjord Folk Museum – life along the fjord

In Sandane lies Nordfjord Folk Museum, one of the best preserved open-air museums in Western Norway. Here, 45 historic buildings have been brought together into a small community, and they tell the story of how people lived along the fjord for centuries – from farming and crafts to fishing and fjord trade.

Sagastad – the Vikings and the fjord

In Nordfjordeid lies the Sagastad Viking Centre, right by the fjord’s edge. Here you can board a full-scale reconstruction of the Myklebust ship – the largest Viking ship ever found traces of in Norway. The original ship was burned at a burial site here in Nordfjordeid in the 9th century, and is linked to King Audbjørn of the Firdakingdom.

Sagastad offers interactive exhibitions about the Viking Age, VR experiences, and its own cinema film. The centre is located in the middle of Nordfjordeid town centre, a few hundred metres from the fjord where the ship once sailed.

Some fjord arms and side fjords

Gloppefjorden and Sandane

At the innermost end of Gloppefjorden lies Sandane, the administrative centre of Gloppen. The fjord landscape is calm and intimate, and during nesting periods you may be lucky enough to see sea eagles on the steep hillsides. Nordfjord Folk Museum is also located here.

Eidsfjorden and Nordfjordeid

Where Eidsfjorden branches northwards lies Nordfjordeid – a natural hub where the fjord meets the road towards Hornindalsvatnet, Europe’s deepest lake with its depth of 514 metres. Nordfjordeid is a trading centre, a cultural town, and home to Sagastad and the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre.

Ålfotfjorden and Ålfoten

At the innermost end of Ålfotfjorden lies the small village of Ålfoten, surrounded by the Ålfotbreen protected landscape area. Here you’ll find a deer farm and one of the wettest areas in Europe – nature is lush and the terrain is open and wild.

Activities on and along Nordfjorden