When the meltwater comes down from the glaciers, the valleys fill with life. Oldedalen and Lodalen – two of the most beautiful fjord valleys in Norway – are especially magical at this time. The rivers are full, the vegetation is fresh and green, and you can walk in to Briksdalsbreen, Kjenndalsbreen and Bødalsbreen without the heavy summer traffic. Loen and Olden are natural base locations for exploring both valleys.
Stryn Sommerski often opens at the end of May – and from the glacier you can look down on green valleys. It’s one of the more surreal experiences Nordfjord has to offer: a ski lift and the barefoot phenomenon in the same week. Loen Skylift is open and offers snow-covered mountains and crystal-clear views – with far fewer people than in summer.
On Stadlandet and in Bremanger, the spring coast is wild and beautiful. Hoddevik and Ervik are still great for surfing, and sea and mountains are at their most dramatic. Travel to Selja and see the monastery ruins on the island farthest west in Norway – often a quiet and moving experience early in the season.
The Viking ship Myklebustship is traditionally launched in Nordfjordeid in spring, and Sagastad opens its doors again. It’s a great opportunity to start the season with a deep dive into the fjord’s dramatic past.
Photo: Emil Eriksson
Photo: Ruben Soltvedt
