Skjolden: Where the Sognefjord and Jotunheimen meet

Skjolden lies at the end of the Sognefjord in the municipality of Luster, where the fjord meets Jotunheimen. The mountains and valleys around the village invite you to go hiking, while RIB tours put the Sognefjord in the spotlight. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Skjolden, you can consider when planning whether the fjord, mountains or culture should shape your stay.

Fjord, mountains and mountain pass

The mountains and valleys around Skjolden offer many opportunities for hiking. For a different perspective on the mountain landscape, you can drive a short distance to the Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet. It crosses Norway’s highest mountain pass. Adventure Tours Norway also offers RIB tours exploring the Sognefjord. This gives you different options to choose from: hiking through mountains and valleys, driving over the pass or experiencing the fjord on the water.

Culture and encounters

A cycling trip from Skjolden leads to the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church. It is located in the wider destination of Luster and is a remarkably well-preserved wooden church dating from the 12th century, as well as an important cultural treasure. The route combines a bike ride with a specific cultural and historical destination.

Skjolden Llamas farm is nearby, about 500 metres from the centre of Skjolden. Visitors can meet llamas there and learn how to handle them. On a walk of about 20 minutes each way along the Mørkridselva river, they can lead their own llama.

Luster: glaciers and churches in the wider destination

Luster, as a wider destination, also offers a focus on glaciers. Jostedalsbreen National Park extends across Luster, and Jostedalen is a starting point for seeing the glacier or taking a glacier tour. Nigardsbreen is an offshoot of Jostedalsbreen in Jostedalen. From the car park, visitors can reach the glacier on foot along the lake or by boat across it; these options may vary seasonally. Check access options before your visit. Guided glacier hikes at Nigardsbreen are open to people aged five and over; the tour operator’s safety rules apply.

The Breheimsenteret in Jostedalen is also a starting point for glacier hikes. Its interactive exhibition covers Jostedalen and the Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen national parks, with a focus on climate and glaciers. It is another way to learn about the glacier region through its landscape and climate.

The churches in Luster offer a different cultural highlight. Dale Church was built around the middle of the 13th century. Its richly decorated west and south portals set it apart from Norway’s medieval stone churches. The Old Church of Gaupne was built between 1647 and 1652. Its colourful, richly decorated interior includes painted walls and ceilings; it also preserves a west portal from an earlier stave church, dated to the second half of the 12th century.

Choosing the right focus

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to weigh up the different holiday themes: should Skjolden’s location on the Sognefjord and near Jotunheimen shape your stay, or would you also like to include glacier destinations in the wider destination of Luster? Local bus services connect Skjolden with the surrounding area; check the frequency before travelling.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Marifjøra, Ornes, Luster, Solvorn, Fortun, Jostedal, Veitastrond, Høyheimsvik.

To the wider travel guide: Luster.