Nordfjord logo Gloppen - Dag Ulvedal
©Dag Ulvedal / Visit Nordfjord
Trivselsskolen - Thomas Sagvik
©Thomas Sagvik
Utsikt fra Haugsvarden - Matilde Ulleland Kvamme
©Matilde Ulleland Kvamme
Laksefiske i Gloppenelva - Espen Mills
©Espen Mills
Stisykling - Samantha Saskia Dougon
©Samantha Saskia Dougon

A natural starting point in Nordfjord

Between fjord and mountains, where the waterfalls plunge and the landscape opens up, you’ll find Sandane and Kandal in Gloppen. Here, genuine experiences await—from vibrant village life to peaceful moments in beautiful nature.

Sandane is beautifully located by the fjord. This small village is a hidden treasure for those seeking authentic experiences, with a rich cultural scene, award-winning food producers, and activities for the whole family. Nearby is also the small village of Kandal, known for its award-winning local food and idyllic landscapes.

Haugsvarden - Thomas Sagvik

Haugsvarden @ Thomas Sagvik

All year round

Spring 

Spring in Sandane and in Kandal is a time when nature awakens to life. The snow melts in the mountains, the waterfalls gain new power, and the landscape gradually turns green. This is a great time for hikes in the forest and mountains or along the fjord, and to experience nature before the summer season begins. 
 

Summer 

Summers in Sandane are lively, with the Glopperock festival among other things and plenty of outdoor activities. Summer is a great time to paddle on the Gloppenfjord, swim by the fjord, and go for walks in the surrounding nature. 
 

Autumn 

Autumn colors the landscape around Sandane and Kandal in warm tones. The mountain slopes turn golden and the air is clear and crisp. This is a perfect time for mountain hikes, trail biking, and nature experiences at a calmer pace. 
 

Winter 

Winter brings a quiet and atmospheric landscape around Sandane. In the surrounding mountains you’ll find great opportunities for cross-country skiing and ski tours, including at Kleivane ski center. At the same time, the villages offer indoor activities, culture, and great food experiences. 

Trivselsskolen Fosseteater - Thomas Sagvik

Photo: Trivselsskolen Fosseteater, Sandane @ Thomas Sagvik

Vinter Trivselsskolen i Gloppen - Saltnwax

Photo: Trivselsskolen i Gloppen @ Saltnwax

Nature experiences and landscapes

Sandane is surrounded by magnificent nature, with the fjord on one side and the mountains on the other. Just above the centre you’ll find one of Norway’s finest hiking areas, here in Trivselsskogen right by Sandane town centre. You can start the walk right in the middle of town, and a selection of trails will lead you up to a fantastic viewpoint where you can look down on Holviksfossen. Along the way, locals have turned the path into an adventure in itself.

For those who want to head higher into the mountains, the area offers several great hiking destinations. Ryssdalshornet and Haugsvarden provide wide views over Gloppefjorden and the surrounding mountain landscape, and are perfect for anyone who wants to combine nature and views.

Kandal is a small side valley east of Sandane, known for its calm and idyllic landscape. Here you’ll find farms that have produced food for generations, surrounded by lush pastures and beautiful cultural landscapes.

 

Activities for the whole family

Sandane is an eldorado for both small and big experiences. At Trivselshagen you’ll find a swimming facility, climbing, and indoor activities – perfect whatever the weather. Outside, a network of gravel roads and trails makes it easy to explore the area on foot or by bike, whether you want a leisurely trip or to try trail cycling.

By the fjord, the beaches are shallow and family-friendly, and are well suited for swimming on warm summer days. You can also paddle on Gloppefjorden or try your luck fishing – both in the fjord and in the salmon river Gloppenelva.

At Stall Rygg you can join a horseback ride in the dramatic fjord landscape, an experience suitable for the whole family. In the surrounding mountains you’ll also find a wide selection of fishing lakes for those who want quiet days in nature.

Sykling på Haugsvarden - Jon Terje Tjellaug

Photo: Cycling at Haugsvarden @ Jon Terje Tjellaug

Culture and history

Nordfjord Folk Museum is idyllically located just outside the town centre and offers a vivid insight into life in the region over several hundred years. The open-air museum consists of 44 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Here you can also experience the impressive Holvikejekta from the 19th century – often called “the stave church of the sea” – one of Norway’s most distinctive cultural heritage sites.

Throughout the year, the village is filled with music and events. Glopperock, Norway’s oldest rock festival, draws visitors from all over the country every summer, while Gloppen Music Festival offers powerful concert experiences with world-class folk music. 
 

Local food of the highest calibre

The villages are known for their proud food traditions and excellent ingredients. In Kandal you’ll find producers such as Kandal Ysteri and Gardsmat, where you can taste award-winning cheese and local food from the area.

Several farms offer genuine taste experiences close to nature. At Sølvane Gard you can combine local food with culture in unique surroundings. The farm Pâldtun and the distillery Gardsbrenneriet also offer locally produced food and drink of high quality. In Sandane, you can also enjoy a meal at the historic Gloppen Hotell, known for seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.

 

Whether you’re looking for trail cycling, nature, fjord experiences, local food, or cultural history, Sandane and Kandal offer authentic experiences off the beaten track. Here, contrasts await—from tranquil cultural landscapes to dramatic mountains and vibrant village life.

 

Practical information

Distance from the airports:

Sandane Airport, Anda: approx. 10 km (approx. 10 minutes) 

Ørsta/Volda Airport, Hovden: approx. 70 km (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes)

Ålesund Airport, Vigra: approx. 150 km (approx. 3 hours) 

Bergen Airport, Flesland: approx. 270 km (approx. 4 hours) 

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

How to get here:

Sandane is located along county road 615 in Gloppen municipality and is easily accessible by car from Bergen, Ålesund and the rest of Nordfjord. From Sandane, it is a short distance to several of the best-known experiences in the region. 
Buses run daily through Sandane from several parts of Western Norway, and there are good parking options in the town centre. 

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Sølvene Gard Kandal - Dag Ulvedal

Photo: Sølvene Gard, Kandal @ Dag Ulvedal

Food and drink in Sandane and in Kandal

Experiences and activities in Sandane and in Kandal

Accommodation in Sandane and in Kandal