Fjaler: Fjord Views, Hiking Trails and Cultural History

Fjaler stretches from the west coast, with the islands of Lutelandet and Lammetun, to the mountain areas on the border with Sunnfjord Municipality. Its defining features include viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking landscapes, as well as places with a rich cultural history. You can plan your stay around nature or historical themes, and choose your holiday apartment based on the excursions that interest you most.

Wide-open views and protected landscapes

The Vidsyn day-trip cabin stands on Bygdeheia in Ytre Fjaler. From there, views extend in every direction and out across the sea to Alden. Vidsyn can be reached from Furset or Skor; both starting points have parking. Since parking conditions can change seasonally, it is best to check before setting out.

Laukelandsfossen, a waterfall with a 135-metre drop and a width of up to 100 metres, lies in the Dalsfjord near Dale. Several hiking trails through Fossedalen begin near the waterfall. One runs along the fjord and offers a good view of the waterfall along the way. This connects the hike with a view of Laukelandsfossen, although the trails do not all follow the same route.

Fjaler is also home to protected natural areas: Sørebømyrane in Guddalen is a nature reserve, as are the bogs around the lower reaches of the Loneelva. North of Hovlandsdalsvatnet, the old pine forest can be up to 150 years old and is considered worthy of protection. These landscapes offer different aspects of Fjaler’s natural heritage, from bogs to old-growth forest.

Cultural history between Dale and Leirvik

The section of the Trondhjem Postal Road between Dale and Leirvik was built from 1801 to 1806 for weekly mail traffic. It runs through a varied cultural landscape dotted with numerous cultural heritage sites; a total of 19 stone bridges were built for this route. The history of the postal road can therefore also be seen in a specific type of structure.

In Dale, Klokkargarden, the childhood home of poet Jakob Sande, is the main location of the Jakob Sande Centre for Storytelling. Bestefarstaua in the centre houses a museum collection and an exhibition. Løa is a cultural centre used for events, meetings and hire. Also in Dale, the Jakob Sande Centre runs Fjaler Episenter, which preserves Jakob Sande’s legacy at Klokkargarden.

Lillingstonheimen in Tysse and Vonenhuset in Dale offer further examples of architectural and cultural history. Lillingstonheimen comprises a main house in the Empire style, servants’ quarters, an outbuilding, a bakehouse, an English-style garden and a private cemetery. Vonenhuset is a protected, privately owned farmhouse; its oldest section dates from the 16th century. These examples bring together different architectural styles and historical contexts.

Jensbua Coastal Culture Centre offers courses in window restoration, timber framing and clinker-built boats; dates may vary. The theatre festival in Fjaler takes place every September, although programme dates change. If cultural events are part of your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

Hiking trails and planning your trip

Around 2010, a project run by Fjaler Municipality marked and cleared a total of 20 hiking trails; all of these trails are listed on UT.no. TiTur Dalsfjorden is a hiking partnership involving Fjaler Municipality and the Fjaler Hiking Association, as well as other associations and Askvoll Municipality.

Most TiTur Dalsfjorden routes are described on UT.no and offer downloadable GPS tracks. However, not all destinations have marked or signposted trails.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you might first consider whether views and hiking or cultural history will be the focus of your stay. Vidsyn and Laukelandsfossen are highlights for landscapes and views; Klokkargarden, the postal road and the historic buildings offer different cultural themes. Then focus your search on the destinations you actually plan to visit and check which location suits them.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fjaler, Espedal, Hellevik, Hellevik I Fjaler, Guddal, Flekke, Grytøyra, Dale i Sunnfjord.

For the overview of the wider region: Sogn Og Fjordane.