2012/2013. Jotunheimen Jostedalsbreen. Luster Sogndal Balestrand Høyanger Vik Leikanger. English

Transcription

1 2012/2013 English Jotunheimen Jostedalsbreen Luster Sogndal Balestrand Høyanger Vik Leikanger

2 How to get here? Distances by car (to Sogndal) From Via Km Driving time Oslo Gol / Hemsedal h Oslo Fagernes / Filefjell h Oslo Lillehammer / Lom / Sognefjellet h Bergen Voss / Lærdalstunnelen h Bergen Gudvangen / Nærøyfjorden (ferry to Kaupanger) h Bergen Voss / Vikafjellet h Bergen Lavik / Balestrand h Trondheim Otta / Lom / Sognefjellet h Trondheim Otta / Stryn / Skei h Kristiansand Haukeli / Odda / Voss h Welcome to Sognefjord! You can find maps and road descriptions at By air Daily direct flights from Bergen (30 min.) and Oslo (45 min.). Timetable: Express boat Daily departures from the centre of Bergen to the centre of Sogndal. The boats also call at Vik, Balestrand and Leikanger. Timetable: Summerroute Bergen-Flåm, daily departures. Sognefjord Fjærland The expressboat to Sogn Express buses Several departures per day from Bergen, Oslo, Lillehammer, Ålesund and Trondheim. Buses from Oslo and Trondheim go via Otta/Sognefjellet in the summer. Timetables: Train Several daily connections between the Oslo-Bergen line and the steep and thrilling Flåm railway. Bus and boat connection to Sogndal, Leikanger, Balestrand etc. Timetables: or To Norway: By air: Ferry: Contents The Fjords 6 Cultural heritage 10 Waterfalls 11 The Glaciers 12 The Mountains 16 Mountain Walks 21 Events 22 Attractions 24 Activities 28 Fishing 36 Climate / season 38 Accommodation 42 Eat & Drink 46 Practical Information 63 Contact information 67 3

3 Sognefjord - major national attractions LONGEST BIGGEST HIGHEST OLDEST The longest fjord, the Sognefjord, lies in the heart of Fjord Norway and extends to the foot of the Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen National Parks. The area is both dramatic and hospitable, with exciting and invigorating activities for the whole family. The Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to the biggest glacier in mainland Europe, whose spectacular arms of blue ice extend down into fertile valleys. The Jotunheimen National Park contains the highest mountains in Norway. The Sognefjellsvegen Road, the national tourist road that passes through the park, is the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe. The Sognefjord is also home to some of the highest waterfalls in Norway. Family walk at Nigardsbreen Vibrant local communities offer genuine cultural experiences. You will find unique visitor centres and museums, such as the Norwegian Glacier Museum, the Breheimsenteret (the Jostedal Glacier Visitor Centre), Sogn Folk Museum, the Sognefjord Aquarium and the Norwegian Book Town. You will also find some of Norway s most famous stave churches here. Urnes Stave Church is the oldest in Norway and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Urnes Stave Church There are many major interesting events, such as Fjellsportfestivalen, High Camp, the Gamalost (traditional Norwegian cheese) festival, Tour de Jotunheimen (cycle race), the Balejazz jazz festival, Kjeringi Open (triathlon), Blue Tunes beneath the Blue Ice (music festival), Fanaråken Opp (Fanaråken Uphill), Solstice bookfair, Molden Opp, Norsk Brefestival, Vidasete Opp, Esefjorden Rundt and plenty more. The biggest selection of activities! Glacier walking Mountain walks Kayaking on glacier lakes and fjords Rafting Summer skiing Caving Cycle trips Boat trips Climbing Canyoning Farm visits Fishing Ice climbing Alpine skiing and much more. About the areas in Sognefjord Luster Luster municipality with its three national parks; Jostalsbreen, Breheimen and Jotunheimen, offers you some of Norway s biggest attractions; Jostedalsbreen and Nigardsbreen glaciers, Urnes Stave Church, Sognefjellet Mountain Road, Jotunheimen mountains and Feigumfossen waterfall. Few places in Norway offer you so many activities within such a concentrated area. Sogndal Sogndal municipality is an important traffic junction for buses going north/south and east/ west. Sogndal has its own airport, express boat to Bergen and ferry to Gudvangen through Nærøyfjorden. Attractions are Sogn Folk Museum, Kaupanger Stave Church, the memorial over the battle at Fimreite, along with The Norwegian Glacier Museum and The Norwegian Book Town. In 2011 Sogndal was voted Best Outdoor Destination thanks to the easy access to great and varied outdoor activities in and around the town. Balestrand Balestrand municipality rigth next to Sognefjorden was a favourite of Emperor Wilhelm II, Hans Dahl, I. C. Dahl and a number of artists, writers and photographers. The remains of this era is very visible from the distinct architecture with hotels and large villas in Swiss- and dragon style. Leikanger Leikanger municipality borders to Balestrand in the west and Sogndal in the east. With the highest average temperature in Norway and 1000 mm precipitation per year the area is ideal for fruit growing. There are more than fruit trees in Leikanger. Here you will also find the beautiful waterfall Kvinnefossen, the 8 m high Balder Stone and the unique farm Henjatunet. Vik Vik municipality is situated on the south side of Sognefjorden with the villages Fresvik, Feios, Vangsnes, and Arnafjord, along with Vik center. The statue of Fridtjov the Brave, set up by Emperor Wilhelm II is a landmark in Vik. In addition there are two beautiful churches, Hopperstad Stave Church and Hove Stone Church, and a boat- and motor museum. Høyanger The municipality of Høyanger is situated on both sides of the Sognefjord with good ferry connections across the fjord. The center of Høyanger is located on the north side where you will also find the towns of Kyrkjebø, Vadheim and Lavik. The villages Ikjefjord, Bjordal, Søreide and Ortnevik is situated on the south side of the fjord. 5 Sognefjellsvegen Jotunheimen National Park

4 Sognefjellsvegen / Skjolden - at the head of the Sognefjord The Sognefjord has several distinctive fjord arms winding their way between steep mountains to end in small, picturesque villages. One of the most well known branches of the Sognefjord is the narrow Nærøyfjord, which is included on UNESCO s World Heritage List. You can choose between different boat trips to experience the beauty of the fjords all year round. Other tempting fjord activities are kayaking, fjord rafting, angling, rowing, swimming and much more. The Sogn Fjord Museum at Kaupanger tells the story of life beside the fjord, and the Sognefjord Aquarium gives you a picture of life in the fjord itself. The Lusterfjord Highlights Nærøyfjord - narrow and dramatic The Nærøyfjord is the narrowest, wildest and most famous of the fjord arms, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding mountains rise steeply to reach towering heights and create a unique magical atmosphere. A ferry trip on the Nærøyfjord, from Kaupanger to Gudvangen, will take you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway. 6 The Sognefjord - and the beautiful fjord arms The more than 204 km long Sognefjord lies in the heart of Fjord Norway, and is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. At its deepest, the fjord plunges to more than 1,300 m and the mountains along the fjord rise to more than 1,700 m. Lusterfjord - inland towards the Jotunheimen, Breheimen and Jostedalsbreen The landscape around the Lusterfjord is very picturesque, and many great artists have been inspired by the unique beauty of its scenery. The Lusterfjord extends all the way to the foot of the Jotunheimen and Breheimen mountains and the Jostedalsbreen glacier, and from Skjolden in the East to Solund in the West the Sognefjord measures an impressive 204 kilometres. Fjærlandsfjord - inland towards the Jostedalsbreen Glacier This beautiful fjord arm extends almost all the way up to the glacier tongues that reach down to the village of Fjærland, and most of the year the fjord has a beautiful bright green colour because of the meltwater from the glaciers that flows into the fjord. Finnafjord - roadless and exotic At the head of the distinctive Finnafjord, the mountains are steep and the scenery is spectacular. The famous cheese-maker Synnøve Finden was born and brought up beside this lovely fjord. 7

5 Foto: Marcin Skiba Foto: Samferdselsfoto Experience Hardangerfjord Purchase day excursions tickets from the tourist information offices! Experience: The Nærøyfjord (Kaupanger - Gudvangen) and the Flåm Railway Cruise on the Lustrafjord Foto: Frithjof Fure Experience Sognefjord The Fjærlandsfjord, Norwegian Glacier Museum and Bøyabreen Jostedalsbreen: Breheimsenteret, Nigardsbreen and The Glacier bus (JostedalsBrebussen) included glacier walks Urnes Stave Church Balestrand/Leikanger - Flåm Sogndal - Bergen city Island hopping in outer Sogn Gaularfjellet - The waterfall path RIB-boat trip to Finnafjord Roadless Farms (Vik - Ornevik) Experience Norway Fjordsightseeing Foto: Samferdselsfoto Foto: Terje Rakke Experience Coastal FjordNorway Experience Lysefjord We also sell tickets for other ferries, boats and activities in the area. Regular ferry services many times a day, all year round. The Mannheller - Fodnes ferry (the RV 5 road), for example, runs every 20 minutes during the day and hourly at night. For online booking and timetables etc.: For charter boat trips and other boat trips: We offer you sightseeing along the whole coast of FjordNorway as well as in three of the major fjords. We also have charterboats available for groups Tourist Routes Lysefjord Hardangerfjord Sognefjord Expressboat/Flaggruten, Stavanger - Bergen Expressboat, Bergen - Nordfjord and Bergen Flåm. Booking: Charter & Turisme Tlf booking@norled.no Selje Nordfjord Oslo 15 Geiranger E 39 Jostedalsbreen Florø Førde S O G N O G FJ O R D A N E 13 Sogndal Øvre Årdal E 16 Sognefjorden 13 Flåm Voss Myrdal E 39 Eidfjord Norheimsund Bergen 7 H O R D A L A N D Hardangerfjorden E 134 E 39 Haugesund Oslo B U S K E R U D H A R D A N G E R Odda 13 T E L E M A R K Haukeligrend Oslo E R O G A L A N D Kjerag Lysebotn Preikestolen 9 Stavanger Suleskard Lysefjorden A U S T- A G D E R V E S T- A G D E R 44 E 39 Oslo Egersund E 18 9 Kristiansand Great travel experiences DAILY departures from: Oslo Lillehammer Bergen Førde nor-way.no Photo: Terje Borud/

6 Waterfalls There are several places in the Sognefjord region where you can see majestic waterfalls cascading down steep mountainsides, and some of these waterfalls are among Norway s highest Cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Urnes Stave Church The oldest cultural relics from the Inner Sogn area such as arrowheads and stone axes date as far back as BC. We have phallic stones from the Iron Age, and there are several rune stones from the Age of the Great Migrations from 400 to 600 AD. The area had an important role in the Viking Era and in the unification of Norway. When Harald Fairhair started the unification of Norway, he was already king of Sogn, which he ruled from his base at Husabø. The famous Balder Stone is also situated in this area. According to Fritjof s Saga, the stone was erected in memory of the Viking King Fritjof the Bold. The cycle of poems about Fritjof attracted many artists and tourists to the area and, in 1913, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II had a huge statue of Fritjof built at Vangsnes. At Nornes in Sogndal, another memorial stone commemorates the important Battle of Fimreite (15 June 1184). The area has a rich cultural heritage from the medieval period following Christianisation, primarily the many stave churches. The oldest of them, the 12th century Urnes Stave Church, is on UNESCO s World Heritage List. The area also boasts two fine medieval stone churches at Hove and Dale. The number of tourists in this area increased in the latter half of the 19th century. At Kroken in Luster, Gerhard Munthe created a meeting place where some of Norway s most prominent national romantic painters liked to gather. There was also a lively artistic scene in Balestrand. Several artists settled there and built Swiss-style villas down by the shore. Balestrand is still the art village in Sogn. Mountaineers and adventurers were drawn to the breathtaking mountains. Most famous of them was William Cecil Slingsby from England. He was the first to reach the summit of Store Skagastølstind, in The growth of tourism led to many hotels being built. Some of them are still open, and they are an important part of our cultural heritage. The best known ones are Walaker, Mundal and Kviknes. The area can also boast some distinctive contemporary buildings, for example the Norwegian Glacier Museum and Breiheimsenteret Visitor Centre. Today, the Inner Sogn area has a vibrant cultural scene with many big festivals, concerts, open-air events and much more. When the snow thaws in May many of the waterfalls are so big that you can hear their mighty roar a long way off, and it is a refreshing experience on a hot summer s day to get so close to one of the waterfalls that you can feel the spray of cool mountain water on your skin. Highlights Feigumfossen, Kroken / Luster The 218 metre high Feigumfossen waterfall is in an idyllic setting on the southern side of the Lusterfjord. You can take the short walk in to the falls or admire the view of it from the National Tourist Route on the northern side of the fjord. Kvinnafossen Kvinnafossen, Hella / Leikanger Kvinnafossen falls 120 metres and is situated right beside the main road between Leikanger and Hella. During the spring thaw, the spray from the waterfall reaches across the road. Drivandefossen, Mørkridsdalen / Luster Drivandefossen waterfall is found in beautiful and lush Mørkridsdalen in Skjolden, only a minutes walk from the road. This is also the route to Åsetevatnet and the DNT-cabin at Fast. Feigumfossen

7 The Jostedalsbreen National Park - and the beautiful glacier arms At 500 square kilometres, Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in mainland Europe. This gigantic mass of ice covers mountain peaks and deep valleys in the National Park and its spectacular arms of blue ice extend down to the lush valleys near our fjords. Many people are amazed when they realise how accessible these glacier arms are, and discover that it can be almost as warm by the ice as it is down by the fjord. In Jostedalen, Fjærland and several other places, you can enjoy glacier walks, led by experienced guides who know the area like the palm of their hands. On the Nigardsbreen glacier in Jostedalen, daily family walks are among activities organised throughout the summer. Visit the national park centers Norwegian Glacier Museum and the Breheimsenteret (Jostedal Glacier Visitors Centre) to learn more about the Jostedalsbreen National Park. Norwegian Glacier Museum, Fjærland In 2008, Luster municipality with its tree national parks (Jotunheimen, Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen) was designated a national park municipality. This is a hallmark of significance and administrative areas granted this status encompass large and invaluable wilderness areas The Breheimsenter National Park Center. Temporary services New center ready May Nigardsbreen

8 Highlights Nigardsbreen Glacier, Jostedal This is one of the most accessible glaciers, where you can peer into the blue ice at very close range, and everyone above the age of six can join guides on glacier walks. Children above 6 years old can participate. Flatbreen / Supphellebreen Glacier, Fjærland The Flatbreen glacier can be seen from the fjord, and can be reached on foot. The beautiful walk up to the glacier and the Flatbrehytta cabin takes about 3 hours. Guided glacier walks on Flatbreen can be ordered. You can drive by car to Supphellebreen. Bergsetbreen Glacier, Jostedal The spectacular Bergset glacier, only an hour s easy walk from the road, is one of the most beautiful and impressing glacier arms. Austerdalsbreen Glacier, Veitastrond The finest ice scenery in Europe, said the English mountaineer W.C. Slingsby about Austerdalsbreen and the three ice falls called Loke, Odin and Tor. Bøyabreen Glacier, Fjærland You can see the Bøyabreen at quite close range from the main road in Fjærland, or admire it from the Brævasshytta restaurant, even closer to the ice. Guided glacier walks If you join a guided glacier walk you can visit several other beautiful glacier arms, both in Jotunheimen and in Jostedalen (for instance the Austdalsbreen and the Tunsbergsdalsbreen). Breheimsenteret, Jostedal Transport to the Glacier JostedalsBrebussen the Jostedalsbreen glacier bus Daily departures Sogndal - Nigardsbreen (Jostedal). Connections from Balestrand, Leikanger, Vik, Flåm, Lærdal, Årdal and other places. A great opportunity for glacier walking, kayaking, canyoning, rafting or just admire the glacier and visit the Breheimsenteret. Return tickets (including glacier walk, glacier museum and bus) are on sale at the tourist information offices. Brebåten - the glacier boat, Jostedal Season: Daily from approx 10 June 1 Sept (usually 10 18) Provides a daytime shuttle service in the summer season between the car park at Nigardsbrevatnet lake and the Nigardsbreen glacier. Brebussen the glacier bus, Fjærland Daily service starting from the ferry landing in Fjærland and going via the Norwegian Glacier Museum to the Bøyabreen and Supphellebreen glaciers, with connections from Sogndal, Flåm, Balestrand and other places in the summer season. A great opportunity to see the glacier and visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum etc. Return tickets (including the boat trip, bus and glacier museum) are on sale at the tourist information offices. Season: 1 May - 30 Sept Nigardsbreen 14 For guided glacier walks and other other activities, see page 28. Be aware that the glacial ice is always in motion and blocks of ice can break off from the glacier front. Never hike on the glacier without a local guide or venture past the barriers that have been erected. Nigardsbreen 15

9 Turtagrø, Hurrungane / Jotunheimen mecca for climbers and other mountain sports enthusiasts, with more than 20 peaks above 2,000 metres. Turtagrø in Luster, at the foot of the Hurrungane range, with its long history of climbing, is sometimes called the cradle of mountaineering. Mountain guides offer climbing expeditions in the peaks, guided glacier walks and other activities. Around Easter, long stakes are driven into the snow along several of the tracks in Jotunheimen, Breheimen and other mountainous areas to help skiers find their way more easily. At the Sognefjellet Summer Ski Centre you can enjoy cross-country skiing on prepared tracks in the summer. 16 The Jotunheimen National Park - and other beautiful mountain areas Jotunheimen National Park the highest mountains in Norway The whole of the Jotunheimen National Park consists of high mountains and glaciers, and it is here that you find Norway s highest mountains. The three highest peaks are Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), Glittertind (2,465 m) and Store Skagastølstind (2,405 m). A drive along the national tourist road over the Sognefjell mountain between Lom in the East and Luster in the West gives you a close up view of Store Skagastølstind (Storen) and many other impressive peaks. In the summer season there is a bus service twice a day across the Sognefjell Road from Otta to Sogndal with correspondence from Oslo and Trondheim. Jotunheimen is one of the most popular areas in Norway for walking and skiing, summer and winter alike. And the Hurrungane range in the western section of Jotunheimen is a Breheimen National Park Breheimen is the mountain area between the two national parks of Jotunheimen and Jostedalsbreen. The walk through the Mørkridsdalen valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Norway, and the Norwegian Trekking Association has voted it the walk with the richest flora. There are many summer pasture farms and large fishing lakes in the area, which are used extensively by both the locals and visitors. Stølsheimen The Stølsheimen landscape preservation area is a mountain area with many summer pasture farms in hilly terrain bordering on a spectacular fjord landscape. Within the protected area you will also find the roadless and exotic Finnafjord in the municipality of Vik. Jostedalsbreen National Park the largest glacier Almost half of the Jostedalsbreen National Park is covered by the Jostedalsbreen glacier, which is the largest glacier in mainland Europe. For more information, see special chapter, page 12. There are plenty of other attractive mountain areas around the fjord. Contact the tourist information offices for more information. Saurdalen, Balestrand For guided walks, climbing and other activities see page 28. Winter in Turtagrø / Jotunheimen

10 Scenic mountain passes Walking and climbing 18 The Sognefjord is surrounded by spectacular steep mountains. You can drive through the mountain areas on scenic mountain routes and go hiking, climbing, summer skiing and fishing, or just sit back and relax while enjoying the fresh air and the stunning scenery. Sognefjellsvegen - The National Tourist Route Route 55 across the Sognefjell mountain area between Luster and Lom is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe (highest point 1430 meters), and it has been awarded the status of National Tourist Route because of the spectacular and wild mountain scenery it passes through in the Jotunheimen National Park. Gaularfjellsvegen (Rv13) The Gaularfjellet mountains lie to the north of Balestrand, and the road between Dragsvik and Moskog (near Førde) passes through them. On the Balestrand side, the road twists and turns through nine hairpin bends. There are many beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the route. At the top there is a magnificent view. Vikafjellsvegen (Rv13) The road through the mountain area between Vik and Vinje/Voss (route 13) provides an ideal base for hikes in both the Vikafjellet and the Stølsheimen mountains, where there are many old summer pasture farms set in hilly terrain. All of the old mountain pasture farms are characteristic for Stølsheimen. Other mountain passes A nice road to include in your round trip is the Tindevegen (peak s road), which during the summer joins up the town of Sognefjellet Årdal with the Sognefjellet National tourist route. This rather narrow and winding toll road is not suitable for large buses. The mountain road between Aurland and Lærdal (Fv 243) can be included in a round trip to (for example) the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway. Most roads are open all year, but some are closed during the winter months. For information about current road conditions, please call (+47) (hold for information in English). For information on bus services across the mountains, please call (+47) or visit The Jotunheimen National Park, the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Breheimen National Park and Stølsheimen mountains are the most popular areas for mountain walking around the Sognefjord, although every village along the fjord also has great walks to choose from. You can ramble beside the fjord, follow culture trails and historical roads or head for the mountains and enjoy unique views of the fjord, mountains and glaciers. Many places also offer guided treks, walks, glacier walking and climbing (see page 28). Large network of paths and mountain cabins The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has many waymarked trails and welcoming staffed lodges and cabins in the mountains around the fjord, and Luster is the municipality in Norway with most DNT cabins. The standard ranges from rather luxurious staffed lodges that serve meals to simple selfservice cabins. You can walk from cabin to cabin or use the cabins as a base for day hikes in the mountains. Seasons and weather The Sognefjord is a great area for outdoor pursuits all year round, but July, August and September are the very best months for walking in the mountains. Remember that the weather changes faster in the mountains than in the lowlands and that you may be surprised by sudden storms and mist. Equipment and information Prepare for all kinds of weather when you set off on a long walk. Equip yourself with a map and compass/gps, waterproof clothing etc. Topographic walking maps are on sale in bookshops and tourist information offices in the area. The tourist information offices can also give you local information about good hikes that are not to be missed! Find more information at and Vikafjellet Molden, Hafslo

11 Fuglesteg (DNT-cabin) Mountain walk suggestions Mountain Total Level of walk Place walking time difficulty Highlights Bergsetbreen Krundalen/ 2-3 h Easy Glacier view, one of Norway s Jostedalen loveliest walks for families Fuglesteg Fortun 3 h Easy / medium Lovely stone building and view of Skjolden and the fjord Austerdalsbreen Tungestølen/ 3 h Easy The finest ice scenery in Veitastrond Europe, (W.C. Slingsby) Raudmelen Balestrand - Centre 6 h Strenuous Panorama view over the Sognefjord (0-978 m.a.s.l.) Viasethovden Garden Lunde/ 4-6 h Medium High above the Sognefjord Feios (VIk) Molden Mollandsmarki/ 3 h Medium Lovely fjord view Hafslo Storehaugen Sogndal 3-4 h Medium Great view to Sogndal and Airport Haukåsen the fjord The Waterfall Path Balestrand 3-4 h Easy - Medium Along the way you will see 14 Gaular Mountain waterfalls and seven lakes Nuken Sogndal 5-6 h Medium Popular walk. Views of summer centre pasture farms and villages Flatbreen Supphelledalen/ 5 h Strenuous Great view of glacier and fjord Fjærland Fannaråken Turtagrø / Jotunheimen 6 h Strenuous Peak in Jotunheimen, Alpine landscape, wonderful view 12 Saurdal valley Balestrand Saurdalen 3-4 h Easy / medium Easy and accessible area with many alternatively routes Buy maps and tour descriptions at the tourist offices. For cabin-to-cabin trips, find out more at

12 Events 2012 Events 2012 Events 2013: see Here is a list of events registered at the time of going to print. A complete list of events is available on our web site or you can contact one of our tourist information offices for further information. April 1. Palm Sunday Jazz Turtagrø Yoga course at Turtagrø hotel Turtagrø 21. Randonee Competition Turtagrø Opening weekend, Norwegian Book Town Fjærland August 4. Mensen Ernst memorial run Fresvik/Vik 11. Buff Fanaråken uphill Fanaråken Sogn Folk Music Festival Gaupne 19. The Sognefjellet March Sognefjellet June May 1. Esefjorden Race Balestrand High Camp, outdoor festival Turtagrø 12. NERK challenge Sogndal Balejazz Balestrand Cultural Days Skjolden Gamalostfestivalen, old cheese, food & music festival Vik The Lustramarknaden fair Gaupne 9. Gøyanger, sports festival Høyanger Norwegian Glacier Festival Jostedal 16. Molden Uphill Marifjøra Midsummer Opera by the Sognefjord Balestrand 23. Solstice Book Fair in the Norwegian Book Town Fjærland Yoga course at Turtagrø hotel Turtagrø Sognefjord Lerum Cup, football tournament Sogndal/Luster 30. Jazz by the foot of unique mountains Turtagrø July 6. Tour de Jotunheimen, cycle race Lærdal/Lom/Luster/Sogndal 7. Sognefjellsrittet, cycle race Lom/Luster/Sogndal 7. Sognefjordrittet, cycle race Skjolden/Sogndal 8. Vidasete Uphill Feios/Vik 20. Rockabillyshow at Beim Farm Hafslo Finnafjorden Blues Vik September Turtagrø Mountain Film Festival Turtagrø Blåe tonar under breen, musical weekend (Blue tunes beneath the blue ice) Jostedal End of season event in the Norwegian Book Town Fjærland October Norsk Drikke, Norwegian beverage festival Balestrand Other events lists Football matches in Sogndal, Fosshaugane Campus Cinema, concerts and theatre in Sogndal, Sogndal Culture Centre Concerts at Meieriet in Sogndal * In addition there are plenty of local events in the Sognefjord area, for example in connection with 17th May (Norwegian Constitution Day), Midsummer s Day, St Olaf s day etc. Contact the local tourist office for more information about these events, and see 23

13 Product: Stavechurch Hopperstad Stave Church Place: Vik i Sogn Map ref.: C3 Fortidsminneforeninga Tel: (+47) Season: Medio May - medio Sept Dates from the first half of the 12th century and is one of our oldest stave churches. This is a popular tourist attraction, with its characteristic appearance of timber upon timber several storeys high. The richly carved western portal is believed to be one of the oldest Romanesque portals in the country. The 14th century altar canopy is the only one of its kind in Norway. Product: Museum De Heibergske Samlinger Sogn Folkmuseum Place: Kaupanger Map ref.: C4 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept This is one of the oldest and biggest folk museums in Norway. It consists of a large open-air museum with a working farm and extensive exhibitions. Sogn Fjord Museum is the branch of the museum devoted to fjord culture. Admission is free. The museum, which is open in June, July and August, includes a unique collection of boats from Sogn. Attractions The wonderful Sognefjord landscape, with its cascading waterfalls, blue glaciers, fertile valleys, narrow fjord arms, massive mountain ranges and idyllic villages has been a magnet for explorers, mountaineers and artists for more than 150 years. It has an abundance of interesting culture and is home to many national cultural treasures. Vibrant communities offer genuine cultural experiences, unique visitor centres, museums, art galleries, stave churches and historical sites. Urnes Stave Church, the oldest stave church in Norway, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo: Jiri Havran Product: Akvarium Sognefjord Aqvarium Place: Balestrand Map ref.: C4 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept A fjord centre situated in the centre of Balestrand and devoted to information about the Sognefjord. Here, you can study more than 100 different species from the fjord and study models and exhibitions. Film to the accompaniment of local folk music. Fishing activities, rowing boats and canoes. Gallery. Quayside restaurant. Product: Secondhand books The Norwegian Book town Place: Fjærland Map ref.: B3 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept The Norwegian Book Town in Fjærland has more then 250,000 second-hand books in several different languages. Old byres and boathouses have been converted into bookshops. Some of the bookshops also double as small cafés and art galleries, or handicraft outlets. Product: Glacier museum Breheimsenteret Place: Jostedal Map ref.: A4 Tel: (+47) Season: 1 May - 30 Sept Product: Glacier museum Norwegian Glacier Museum Place: Fjærland Map ref.: B3 Tel: (+47) Season: April - Oct (Nov - Mars: reservation required) Product: Cider Cellar Ciderhuset Place: Balestrand Map ref.: C3 Tel:(+47) Season: Summer restaurant and all year for groups on request Product: Farm visit Anestølen Place: Anestølen / Sogndal Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: 20 June - 20 Aug Tuesday and Wednesday Breheimsenteret is a National Park Visitor s centre for the Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park. The center burned down in July 2011, but will be rebuilt before the 2013 summer season. For 2012, temporary solutions will be in place with activity bookings, lunch restaurant, tourist information and other services. A hands-on museum about ice, glaciers, landscape and climate. Do your your own experiments with 1000-year old ice from the Jostedalsbreen glacier. Don t miss the breathtaking panoramafilm from the glacier. Travel through time and experience our planet from her birth, warm periods, ice ages, before you walk into the future. Goat farm with approx 600 goats. The hosts are demonstrating milking and how to make cheese, and you can also taste fresh made goat cheese here. They are serving traditional Norwegian food, and sell brown goat cheese and local made souvenirs. The area around the goat farm is perfect for family walks. Product: Stavechurch Urnes Stave Church Place: Urnes Map ref.: B4 Fortidsminneforeninga Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept Product: Stavechurch Kaupanger Stave Church Place: Kaupanger Map ref.: C4 Fortidsminneforeninga Tel: (+47) Season: June - Aug The Cider House is situated in an organic orchard with more than 100 fruit varieties. Cider cellar with our own sparkling apple cider, still cider and fruit wines. Cider tasting and interpretation. Gregorian song in the cider crypt. Summer restaurant with an a la carte menu from local produce. Food souvenirs like homemade jam, canned fruit, honey and our local Balholm juice. Guided walk from the village centre for groups on request. Product: Gallery Gallery Walaker 300 Walaker Hotel Place: Solvorn Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: April - Sept Product: Sculpture Jonsok Place: Skjolden Map ref.: B5 Season: all year 25 The oldest stave church in the country (1132) and the only stave church to be included on UNESCO s World Heritage List. The church contains ornaments dating from the 1060s and is unusually ornately decorated. It stands in a beautiful situation on the southern shore of the Lustrafjord. The area also contains the oldest traces of church building in Norway. The biggest stave church in Sogn (c. 1150), it has been in continuous use as a parish church for more than 850 years. Its medieval design has been preserved, and the body of the church is supported by 22 staves, the largest number of staves found in any stave church. Most of the interior dates from the 17th century. The building as is stands today was built in 1883 using materials from the old timber-built church in Solvorn, which was constructed in approximately The old building, well worthy of preservation, has housed exhibitions of works by both local and national artists. In Skjolden you can find the new sculpture Jonsok by Kati Casida. The aluminium sculpture is symbolising a midsummer night s bon fire. Kati Casida is an American artist with roots in the Sognefjord and Luster area.

14 Product: Museum Satfhuset, The Juice House Place: Sørheim Map ref.: B5 Tel: (+47) Season: May Sept In 1909, Kari and Nils H. Lerum started juice-production at Sørheim, between Skjolden and Urnes. They built a small factory, the so called «Safthuset» (the juice house), and started production on an industrial scale. Lerum is today Norway s leading jam and juice producing company. Guided tour for groups. NOK 40 pr person. Product: Church Hove Stone Church Place: Vik i Sogn Map ref.: C3 Fortidsminneforeninga Tel: (+47) Season: Medio June - medio Aug Dating from c Rich grave finds from Roman times indicate that Hove was an early chieftain s residence. In the 1880s, the church was bought and restored by architect Blix, who saved it from demolition. The church s medieval interior is beautiful and richly decorated. Architect Blix was buried under the floor of the church. Produkt: Powerstation Jostedal Kraftverk Place: Jostedal Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: approx. 20 June - 20 Aug The power station in Jostedal will be open for tourists from the 20th of June to the 20th of August. We offer guided tours Monday to Friday at 10.00, and You have to meet at the guide s office outside the entrance for further information. Product: Church Gaupne Old Church Place: Gaupne Map ref.: B4 Fortidsminneforeninga Tel: (+47) Season: July Gaupne old church, which dates from 1647, contains several traces of the older stave church, including planks from the portal with dragon carvings dating from the 12th century. The interior testifies to a great love of painting, and it is rich in detail and old fixtures and fittings. Other attractions (For natural/wildlife attractions, please look at page 6-21) Product Company Map ref. Place Tel Web Church Kvamsøy kyrkje C3 Balestrand (on req.) Stedje kyrkje C4 Sogndal Gallery/exhibitions Tørvis Bre-, Ski- og Fjordhotell B4 Marifjøra Haukaas Emaljeverksted C3 Balestrand Bryggehuset B5 Skjolden Turtagrø hotell B5 Turtagrø Gaupne Hotell B4 Gaupne Balestrand Art Village C3 Balestrand Historical sites Vikøyri strandsitjarstad C3 Vik Borgstova C3 Vik Wittgenstein Memorial B5 Skjolden Battle of Fimreite Memorial C4 Nornes Henrik Angell - Memorial B4 Luster Moahaugane, Burial mounds C3 Vik The Rune stone from 1100 C4 Sogndal Museum Sogn Fjordmuseum C4 Kaupanger Munthehuset B4 Kroken/Luster Norsk Reiselivsmuseum C3 Balestrand Hoyanger Industrimuseum C2 Høyanger Massnes Wildlife Museum C1 Bjordal Kristianhus boat- and engine museum C3 Vik Statue Kong Bele statue C3 Balestrand Baldersteinen C3 Leikanger Gjest Baardsen statue C4 Sogndal Fridtjov den Frøkne C3 Vangsnes Product: Church The English Church Place: Balestrand Map ref.: B5 Season: May - Sept The English church, which was built in 1897, is a copy of the old stave churches. It is under the authority of the Archbishop of Gibraltar. In summer, Anglican mass is held here by English vicars. Gamalost - Cheese of the Viking Age -your local bank in Luster Product: Church Dale Stone Church Place: Luster Map ref.: C3 Season: June - Aug In the village of Luster there is a distinctive stone church built around The architecture is Gothic and the church contains frescoes dating from the 15th century. Open to visitors. A centuries old cultural treasure, rooted back to the age of the Vikings, is produced by TINE Meieriet Vik on the banks of Norway s largest fjord. The dairy in Vik has its own cheese bar, offering a diverse selection of cheese and drink*. *The cheese bar is fully licensed. VIK Gaupne Tel

15 Guided activities The Sognefjord landscape is full of contrasts, making it an ideal place to enjoy breathtaking nature experiences and invigorating activities. There are few places in the world that can offer such a large selection of activities in such a small area! Regardless of whether you are looking for relaxation or physical challenges, you are sure to find an activity that will bring you into close contact with nature. Expert guides lead organised activities that are adapted to suit all age groups. Product: Kayaktrip on the Lusterfjord Fjord Seal Place: Marifjøra Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept The trip is about 4 hours and is designed for the whole family. After instructions we paddle towards Solvorn. En route we will visit a colony of seals and have a lunch break. Bring your own food, drinks and extra clothes/towels, and don't forget your camera-you will have four exciting hours- guaranteed! The tour is designed for people of any ability. Children 7-14 years are required to paddle in a tandem with an adult. Product: Heritage walk Balestrandguidane Place: Balestrand Map ref.: C3 Tel : (+47) Season: May - Sept Guided walks around the village and its cultural heritage. A thorough explanation and description of what you see along the route. The walk can be concluded with a visit to Sognefjord aquarium. The tourist information office has brochures that describe the route. Product: Farm visit Eide Gard Place: Skjolden Map ref.: B5 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept Eide farm has a unique history you can learn about. You can see different kinds of farm animals along nice pathways. Our cozy farm café offers good food, and you can enjoy the idyllic surroundings. Eide is a place for the whole family. Welcome! Product: Nature walks Balestrandguidane Place: Balestrand Map ref.: C3 Tel : (+47) Season: May - Sept Guided walks from the centre of Balestrand on nature trails with a lot to offer in terms of experiences. Ideal for families. A map and information available at the tourist information office. Glacier walks The Jostedalen Ice Cap is the largest european mainland glacier. In the Sognefjord region, you can go on guided glacier hikes in the Jostedalen Valley, Fjærland, Jotunheimen and other areas. The guides know the glaciers well - and will guide you safely through the exciting, blue and icy world of the glacier. Product: Guided glacier walks Jostedalen Breførarlag Place: Nigardsbreen, Jostedal Map ref.: A4 Tel: (+47) Season: May - Sept The experienced glacier guides at Nigardsbreen offer a wide range of well-organised glacier hikes on the blue ice, both for children as young as 6 years old and for those who are looking for something more challenging. Daily tours from may to september. Buy tickets at Breheimsenteret glacier museum, Jostedalen. Product: River Canyoning Leirdalen Bre og Juv Place: Leirdalen Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: June - Sept Equipped with wet suit, life coat and helmet we are swimming in the river, and doing easy climbing up waterfalls and cliffs. We are sliding down waterfalls, and jumping from cliffs. Everybody can decide the size of their own challenge. We can guarantee it`s wet and funny! Product: Mountain climbing Norgesguidene AS Place: Hurrungane, Sognefjellet, Jotunheimen Map ref.: A4 Tel: (+47) Season: June Sept Spectacular all-day climbs with guide to legendary peaks that need climbing to reach the top. This gives you the opportunity to get to Store Skagastølstind, Store Austabotntind, Skeia and other climber s mountains in Jotunheimen and Hurrungane. Norgesguidene has all necessary climbing equipment. Product: Guided glacier walks Leirdalen Bre og Juv Place: Leirdalen Map ref.: B4 Tel: (+47) Season: June - Sept Product: Guided glacier walks Norgesguidene AS Place: Smørstabbreen, Sognefjellet, Jotunheimen, Austerdalsbreen Map ref.: A4 Tel: (+47) Season: May Sept Product: Activity centre Fjordstova Place: Skjolden Map ref.: B5 Tel: (+47) / (+47) Season: all year 29 Glacier walk on the Tunsbergdal glacier, the longest glacier arm in Norway. In small groups we travel by RIB boat into the Jostedal Glacier National Park. In easy walking terrain we walk to the glacier. We explore the blueice world, it`s crevasses and high ice-towers. Before we return, we enjoy lunch at a traditional Norwegian tipi. A blue ice walk in the middle of the high mountains of Norway where you will get a spectacular view of the western part of Jotunheimen and Hurrungane. On the glacier we do a tour through a landscape of crevasses and blue ice towers. This is a nice all-day hike where the guide will tell you something about flora, geology and glaciers. Fjordstova is located idyllically down by the fjord, in Skjolden, innermost in the Sognefjord. In the Fjordstova you will find : tourist information, café, handicraft shop, public library, conference auditorium, gym, a 12 m. high climbing wall, swimming pool, sauna and shooting range. Nordic Walking

16 30 Other guided activities Activity Company Place Tel Web Avalanche course Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Boat trips Norway Fjord Cruise C3 Leikanger Målsnes Fjordopplevingar C3 Balestrand Tørvis Bre-, Ski- og Fjordhotell B4 Marifjøra Charter Cruise C3 Vik Norled C4 Sogndal Fjord1 C4 Sogndal Ice Troll A4 Jostedal Cave trips Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Climbing Park Trollsteinen B5 Fortun Farm visit Anestølen B4 Sogndal Bjørk Gard A5 Fortun Ciderhuset C3 Balestrand Henjatunet C3 Leikanger Skjolden Llamas B5 Skjolden Naustvoll Gard C3 Kvamsøy Urnes Gard & Hjortefarm B4 Urnes Nesøyane gjestegard B4 Veitastrond Fishing trips Norway Fjord Cruise C3 Leikanger Charter Cruise C3 Vik Målsnes Fjordopplevingar C3 Balestrand Glacier walks Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fjærland kayak & glacier B3 Fjærland Ice Troll A4 Jostedal Heritage-, Gamle strandsitjarstad Vikøyri C3 Vik Cultural walk Knaken C4 Kaupanger Ciderhuset C3 Balestrand Hiking trip/ Ice Troll A4 Jostedal Summit trip Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Jostedalen Breførarlag A4 Jostedal Nes Gard B4 Høyheimsvik Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Nørdstedalseter turisthytter A5 Fortun Activity Company Place Tel Web Hunting Tørvis Bre-, Ski- og Fjordhotell B4 Marifjøra Ice cave trips Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Ice climbing Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Jostedalen Breførarlag A4 Jostedal Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Kayak Fjærland kayak & glacier B3 Fjærland Ice Troll A4 Jostedal Lama walks Skjolden Llamas B5 Skjolden Mountain climbing Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Rafting Ice Troll A4 Jostedal RIB trips on fjord Charter Cruise C3 Vik River fishing Vik Jakt- og fiskelag C3 Vik Rock climbing Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Skiing course Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Skiing trips Balestrandguidane C3 Balestrand Breogfjell C4 Sogndal Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Jostedalen Breførarlag A4 Jostedal Norgesguidene AS A4 Jostedal Snowshoe trip Fimbul Jostedal A4 Jostedal Balestrandguidane C3 Balestrand Ice Troll A4 Jostedal SPA BesteBakken B4 Hafslo Summer skiing Sognefjellet Sommarskisenter A6 Sognefjellet Vik Skisenter/Vik Turistinformasjon C3 Vik Many of the companies also offers trips over 2-3 days (e.g. a combination of kayak- and mountain trips, kayak- and glacier walks etc.) 31

17 NORWAY S UNIQUE CULTURAL HERITAGE VISIT THE STAVE CHURCHES Borgund Stave Church ca 1180 and Visitor Centre Hopperstad Stave Church ca Photo: VisitFlåm/M. Rakke, H. Valderhaug Urnes Stave Church ca 1132 Kaupanger Stave Church ca 1190 Knaken Café Hove Stone Church ca 1170 Gaupne Old Church ca 1647 Wild and dramatic nature - the world s best reason to visit Flåm Beautiful Flåm is an all year destination, situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord. Experience the Flåm Railway, an incredible train journey between Flåm and the mountain station Myrdal on the Oslo-Bergen line. This 20 km stretch of railway has an amazing height difference of nearly 900 metres, and views that will take your breath away! Flåm is a junction that is easily accessible whether you are travelling by boat, train, bus or car. While in Flåm enjoy a cruise on the beautiful Nærøyfjord, a part of UNESCO s World Heritage List. Welcome to Flåm! 32 Fortidsminneforeninga Vestreim NO-6854 Kaupanger 33 Sogn og Fjordane avdeling Tlf The Society for the Preservation of Norwegian Ancient Monuments Photos: Finn Loftesnes, Jiri Havran, Håkon Li. Design: cuatroelefantes.com info@stavechurch.com FMF Sogn og Fjordane Veg Tunnel Jernbane Ferje Postboks 75, NO-5742 Flåm Tel: (+47) Fax: (+47) flaamsbana@visitflam.com Sognefjordguiden_2012.indd