Stadlandet

Outermost toward the open ocean lies Stadlandet – a rugged and spectacular peninsula with world-class surfing, mountain hikes, and dramatic nature experiences all year round.

©Nordlandblog

©Saltnwax

©Camilla Monsen

©Saltnwax

Outermost by the open ocean

Stadlandet lies at the far edge of Vestland, where the open Norwegian Sea meets the land. Here you’ll find a landscape shaped by wind, waves, and time, with white sandy beaches, open mountains, and small villages close to nature.

Stadlandet is known as one of the best surfing destinations in Norway, but it also offers spectacular mountain hikes, history, and activities for the whole family. With short distances between experiences, it is an ideal destination for those who want to see and do a lot in one place.

Hoddevik @ Photolads

All year round

Spring

Spring is a calm and fresh time on Stadlandet. The snow still lies on the peaks, while the trails open up in lower terrain. This is a great time for hikes to Mosekleivhornet and Hushornet, with clear air and great views. At the same time, calmer conditions provide good opportunities for beginners who want to try surfing in Hoddevik.

Summer

Summer is peak season, with long, bright days and good conditions for both surfing and mountain hikes. Vestkapp is a natural highlight, where you get panoramic views over the sea. Hoddevik and Ervik tempt with white beaches and consistent waves, while hikes in the open landscape offer experiences close to nature.

Autumn

Autumn is dramatic and atmospheric on Stadlandet. The waves get bigger, and conditions for surfing in Ervik are at their best. At the same time, clear days offer great hiking opportunities to Vestkapp and in the mountains around Hoddevik. The colours in the landscape and the changing light make this an especially beautiful time to visit the area.

Winter

Winter offers a truly special experience with “cold water surf” in Hoddevik and Ervik. Snow-covered mountains combined with waves from the open ocean create a unique landscape. On days with stormy weather, it is also an experience in itself to visit Vestkapp and feel the forces of nature up close.

Winter surf Ervik @ Saltnwax

Mosekleivhornet @ Joakim Vedvik

Surfing and coastal life

Stadlandet has established itself as one of Norway’s leading surfing destinations. Hoddevik in particular is known far beyond the country’s borders for its white sandy beach and consistent waves. Surrounded by steep mountains and open sea, you get a truly special nature experience—whether you’re out on the board or simply enjoying the view from shore.

In Ervik you’ll find an active surf community with good conditions for much of the year. Here you can rent equipment, get tips, and meet other surfers at Ervik Surfshop, which also serves as an informal meeting place by the sea.

For those who want to learn to surf, there are several options with experienced instructors. Hoddevik Surf House offers surf camps, courses, and stays where you can combine learning and activity in unique surroundings.

Mountain hikes and nature experiences

Stadlandet offers open and easily accessible hiking terrain with views in every direction. One of the most popular hikes is to Mosekleivhornet, where you get panoramic views over Hoddevik, the sea, and the distinctive landscape.

Another highlight is Vestkapp, the westernmost mountain plateau on mainland Norway. Here you stand 496 meters above sea level, with one of the most spectacular views along the coast.

In addition, you’ll find a range of other hikes, from short and easy paths to more demanding mountain treks—all close to the sea and the open nature that characterizes Stadlandet.

Honningsvåg @ Saltnwax

Activities for the whole family

Stadlandet is well suited for both young and old. Surf courses in Hoddevik give children and adults a safe and exciting introduction to the waves, while calm areas such as Honningsvåg are well suited for SUP and paddling.

In Leikanger you will also find activities such as a tennis court, sand volleyball and activity trails, which provide great opportunities for play and physical activity. The combination of nature and facilitated offerings makes it easy to find something that suits the whole family.

Culture and history

Stadlandet has a history closely tied to the sea. In Ervik you will find memorials from the St. Svithun disaster during World War II, where the local population took part in the rescue effort. At Hovden you can explore remnants of German defensive installations and gain an insight into a dramatic time.

Dragseidet is the lowest mountain pass across Stadlandet. Here, seafarers from prehistoric times dragged their boats over logs across land to avoid the dangerous Stadhavet, which has given the place its name. Dragseidet was an important travel route along the coast, and probably one of the oldest constructed roads in Western Norway.

The forced conversion of the king is also part of the place’s history. Here, Olav Tryggvason gathered farmers from large parts of Western Norway for an assembly around the year 997, where they were converted to Christianity. Today, a stone cross stands on Kongshaugen as a memorial of the event.

Practical information

Distance from the airports:

Sandane Airport Anda: approx. 100 km (approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes)

Ørsta/Volda Airport Hovden: approx. 110 km (approx. 2 hours and 15 minutes)

Ålesund Airport Vigra: approx. 160 km (approx. 3 hours 50 minutes)

Bergen Airport Flesland: approx. 380 km (approx. 6 hours and 30 minutes)

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:

Stadlandet is located at the outermost part of Stad municipality, and is accessible by car via the county road from Nordfjordeid and the rest of Nordfjord. The journey out to Stadlandet passes through an open and beautiful coastal landscape, with views of fjord, mountains and sea.

There is a bus to Stadlandet and the surrounding area, but note that public transport options may be limited. There are good parking facilities in several places on Stadlandet.

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