What do you do in Nordfjord when it rains?

What do you do in Nordfjord when it rains? Here are the best indoor and outdoor experiences—for families with children, food lovers, and active visitors.

©Ruben Soltvedt

©Ruben Soltvedt

Nordfjord on a rainy day

Rain isn’t the enemy – it’s just part of the fjord experience. And honestly: the waterfalls are more powerful, the forest is greener, and you’ll often have the whole place to yourself. Here are the best things to do in Nordfjord on a rainy day.

Indoor culture and history

Nordfjord has a thousand years of history to offer – and the museums and visitor centres are made to be enjoyed on days just like this. Spend an hour or two exploring, and come away with new perspectives on the fjord you are travelling through.

Cinema, cultural centres, libraries and swimming pools

Most of the towns in Nordfjord have great cultural offerings that are perfect on a rainy day – for both children and adults.

In Sandane you’ll find Trivselshagen – a complete indoor complex with a swimming pool, climbing wall, cinema and library. Here, a family can spend the whole day without having to plan anything at all. Operahuset Nordfjord, in Nordfjordeid, has a cinema and a regular summer programme. In Stryn, the cultural centre has a cinema and various events, and Stryn swimming pool is open for parts of the summer.

The libraries in the region are an underrated tip. All the libraries in Nordfjord are open all or part of the summer – in Svelgen, Hauge, Nordfjordeid, Selje, Stryn and Sandane. Here you’ll find a good selection of books and activities for children and families. If you have a Norgeskort, you can borrow books at all libraries in the country and bring your reading material with you on your travels.

Various products:

Trivselshagen, Sandane
Stryn cultural centre, Stryn

Trivselshagen swimming facility Sandane @ Trivselshagen

For families with children

Put on your rain gear and let the adventure begin. Nordfjord offers experiences for all ages, no matter what the weather brings.

Indoor activities in Nordfjord

Hotel Alexandra Bath @ Marius Beck Dahle / Hotel Alexandra

Heated outdoor pool

Swimming outside in the rain is an experience of its own – and when the water is warm, it’s truly superb.

Farm experiences, animals and fjord horse

Meet alpaca, deer, goat and horse up close. Many farm experiences have a roof and indoor area – rainwear and good footwear are all you need. Nordfjord is also one of the leading areas in the country for the fjord horse.

Fiske i Lovatnet - Sandeåsen Feriesenter

Fishing in Lovatnet @ Sandeåsen Holiday Center

Fishing in Nordfjord – rain brings good fishing luck

Did you know that fish tend to bite better when it’s cloudy and cool? Rainy weather is actually ideal for fishing in the fjords and lakes of Nordfjord. Rent a boat, find a good spot, and enjoy the experience.

Briksdalen in Oldedalen @ Ruben-Soltvedt

Outdoors with the right gear

Dress for the weather, and suddenly a rainy day becomes one of the best days of the whole trip. The waterfalls are at their most powerful, the air is fresh, and you rarely meet others on the trails.

Kayaking and paddling

See the fjord from the water’s surface – rain or shine. Experienced guides know what is safe and enjoyable regardless of the weather.

@ Sverre Hjornevik

Hydlaparken @ Christer Lunde Solberg

Hydlaparken, Stryn

Just outside Stryn town centre lies Hydlaparken – an activity park with a zipline, climbing activities and nature trails that are well suited for families with children and active visitors. The park makes use of the natural terrain and is great to explore regardless of the weather – just dress for the conditions.

Photo opportunities – Nordfjord is at its most beautiful in rainy weather

Mist drifting in over the fjord. Waterfalls bursting out of the mountainside in white foam. Light that changes from minute to minute. For photographers – amateurs and professionals alike – a rainy day in Nordfjord is a treasure trove. Here are some of the most photogenic places when the sky opens up:
Fosseteateret in Trivselsskogen, Sandane – here you get up close to the waterfall, surrounded by lush Western Norway nature. Dramatic and beautiful whatever the weather.

Tvinnefossen, Stryn – one of the most photographed waterfalls in Norway, and one that really comes into its own when the rain has filled up the water in the mountains.

Dosebua storm cabin – raw and robust, and an unusual motif for anyone who wants to tell a different story about Nordfjord.

Hoven Restaurant @ Danielle Langedal

Food, drink and local flavours

A rainy day is a perfect day to sit down and taste your way through what Nordfjord has to offer. The region has a surprisingly rich food scene – local ingredients, strong food traditions, and some real gems to discover.

Loen Skylift and Hoven Restaurant are open year-round – take the gondola up to Hoven and enjoy the view over Nordfjord while you eat. Even in fog and rain, this is an experience out of the ordinary.

Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge is beautifully located by Briksdalsbreen. Walk up to the glacier or take a troll car, and then enjoy a well-deserved meal break afterwards.

Nordfjord Distillery and Gildehallen are among the more unique food experiences in the region. Here you can taste your way through the best Nordfjord produces: local cheeses, cured meats and artisan products from nearby – under the concept Taste of Nordfjord. It is also possible to taste Taste of Attåt here.

Nordfjord is known for the high quality of local ingredients – especially meat, fish and dairy products. Feel free to ask where the food comes from where you are eating. You are rarely disappointed.

Shopping and shopping trips

A rainy day is also a good reason to drop by a shop or two. Skogstad Sport has outlets in Innvik, Olden, Nordfjordeid and Stryn – and is perhaps best known for hiking clothes and leisurewear with roots in Nordfjord. Here you’ll find clothing and gear that are actually made for the weather you’re out in. Intersport Sandane is another good option for active people. If you just want to wander around and see what turns up, Stryn centre, Nordfjordeid and Sandane centre have a nice selection of shops and cafés that are perfect for a quiet rainy day.

Skogstad Sport - Simon Sjökvist

Lidasanden Sauna @ Lidasanden cabins

Sauna and well-being

There are few better ways to end a rainy day than with a good sauna session. Nordfjord has several great sauna experiences – some right by the fjord, others more hidden and intimate. Combined with a cold dip in the fjord, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Frequently asked questions about rainy weather in Nordfjord

Is there anything to do in Nordfjord when it rains?: Absolutely. Nordfjord offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences that suit any weather – museums, cinema, cultural centres, kayaking, farm experiences, restaurants, and much more.

Is Loen Skylift open when it rains?: Yes, Loen Skylift is open year-round. Weather and visibility affect the experience, but the gondola also runs in rainy weather. Check the operating notice on their website in case of particularly bad weather.

What can children do in Nordfjord on a rainy day?: There are many good options for families with children: Loen Play, Hamna bouldering centre, Trivselshagen in Sandane with a swimming pool and climbing wall, farm experiences with animals, and fishing. The libraries in the region are also a nice stop.

Can I kayak in rainy weather?: Yes – many operators offer kayak tours regardless of the weather. With the right equipment and clothing, paddling in rainy weather is both safe and a truly unique experience. Local guides always assess the conditions.

Where can I buy rainwear and hiking gear in Nordfjord?: Skogstad Sport has outlets in Innvik, Olden, Nordfjordeid, and Stryn. You can find Intersport in Sandane. Both have a good selection of outdoor clothing and equipment for all weather conditions.

Vandring til Gytrifossen i Oldedalen - Ruben Soltvedt

Hike to Gytrifossen in Oldedalen @ Ruben Soltvedt