Naustdal: Hiking, Swimming and Waterfalls

Naustdal offers an exciting mix of water-based activities and high-altitude destinations: Sanden, in the centre, has a bathing and outdoor recreation area, while Steinkorshytta stands at an altitude of 732 metres on Steinkorsen. The Nausta is a 12-kilometre-long salmon river that flows into the Førdefjord at Naustdal. There is also Styggelifossen, with a drop of 115 metres, and several places to swim. When planning your holiday, you can choose based on the mix of activity, water and nature you are looking for.

Swimming and outdoor time at Sanden

You can swim at Sanden Beach. At Sanden in Naustdal, DNT rents out kayaks, canoes and SUPs. This gives you several types of watercraft to choose from if you would like to spend time on the water. If you prefer to be active on land, there is a beach volleyball court at Sanden.

Art is also among the area's distinctive features: on Banana Island near Sanden are the sculptures Kyra (the cow) and Budeia (the milkmaid). The two works have distinct names; their names refer to a cow and a milkmaid. If you would like to discover striking sculptures as well as enjoy outdoor activities, this is another aspect of Naustdal to explore.

Hiking to Steinkorshytta

Steinkorshytta is a day-trip cabin on Steinkorsen, at an altitude of 732 metres. The route there is 2.4 kilometres each way; the uphill hike takes about 1.5 hours. The trail is well maintained, marked and easy to walk. These specific details can help you fit the hike into your day’s plans, without mistaking the stated uphill walking time for a time that includes the return journey. There are two parking areas at the trailhead.

If you would also like to swim during your outing, you can consider Kringlevatnet or the body of water near Steinkorshytta. These swimming spots differ from the bathing and outdoor recreation area at Sanden: they are at Kringlevatnet or near the cabin. So, during a stay in Naustdal, you can choose between time at the water at Sanden and swimming opportunities associated with the trip to Steinkorshytta.

The Nausta and Styggelifossen

The Nausta gives Naustdal’s natural landscape a distinctive character: the river is 12 kilometres long, is home to salmon and flows into the Førdefjord at Naustdal. There are good fishing spots along the entire Nausta. At the same time, the river is permanently protected.

Styggelifossen is in Naustdal and has a drop of 115 metres. The trip there takes about two hours; guided tours to Styggelifossen can be booked. This makes the waterfall an outing in its own right, alongside the hike to Steinkorshytta or activities at Sanden. The two destinations offer different ways to enjoy an active day: a hike to a day-trip cabin on Steinkorsen and a trip to the waterfall.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Naustdal, you can consider which experiences you would most like to shape your stay: swimming and outdoor activities at Sanden, the hike to Steinkorshytta, fishing on the Nausta or a trip to Styggelifossen. This way, you can choose where to stay based on the activities you actually want to do.

For the broader travel overview: Naustdal.