Things to do
From a stroll along the fjord to glaciers and a UNESCO stave church. Many sights and boat trips are summer only; the walks in town work all year.
Opening hours change with the seasons. Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see today’s hours, photos and reviews.
Easy walks
Fjørestien (the fjord path)
★ Our tipAll yearFlat path along the fjord, 1.5 km
In town
Paved, with benches, play areas and outdoor gym equipment. Fine for buggies.
Stedjestova
All yearShort climb to a day cabin, 30–40 min up
In town
An open cabin at 300 m with views over the town. Some steep parts, but fine for families. Start by Stedje church.
Vatnasete and the waterfall
May–SepGlacier river, waterfall and picnic spot
Sogndalsdalen · 15 min drive
A short family stop in the valley above Sogndal, with a picnic area and toilet.
Anestølen summer farm
Summer onlyFamily walk to a mountain summer farm
Sogndalsdalen · 20 min drive
Guided farm visits in summer.
Swimming
Swimming in the fjord at Sjøkanten
★ Our tipSummer onlyFjord swimming in town
In town
Take a dip in the Sognefjord right by Sjøkanten. The water is fresh, even in summer!
Lustrabadet
★ Our tipAll yearIndoor swimming pool with slides
Gaupne · 40 min drive
One of Norway’s most beautiful indoor pools: a 65 m slide, diving tower, climbing wall, warm pools, a children’s pool and an outdoor cold plunge. Café on site. Great on a rainy day.
Hikes
Bring water, warm clothes and good shoes, and check the weather (yr.no). Higher routes usually have snow until June.
Stedjeåsen loop
Apr–OctFrom the centre, 6.6 km, about 3.5 h, moderate
In town
The local hill above the town, passing the Stedjestova cabin. Good views over the fjord.
Hesteggi
Apr–SepDemanding, 2–2.5 h up, 800 m climb
5 min drive
Through pine forest past the Loftesnesfjellet viewpoint. Starts at Tjødnali parking, 5 minutes from town.
Togga
May–Sep1205 m summit, 2–3 h up, demanding
Sogndalsdalen · 20 min drive
Steep through the forest, then wide views over Dalavatnet. Signposted from Vatnasete. No water on the way.
Storehogen
May–Oct1169 m, about 12 km and 3.5 h, demanding
Kaupanger · 25 min drive
From Storemyri parking near the airport, via Veslehaugen. Gets steeper near the top.
Molden
Jun–Oct1116 m, 8.6 km, about 4.5 h, moderate
Hafslo · 35 min drive
One of the best-known views in Sogn, looking down on the inner Lustrafjord.
Flatbrehytta
Jun–OctCabin beside a glacier, about 5 h return, demanding
Fjærland · 40 min drive
From Supphelledalen up to 1000 m, right next to the Flatbreen glacier. Guided trips are available.
Sights and experiences
Urnes stave church
May–SepUNESCO World Heritage stave church from around 1130
Ornes · 25 min drive
The oldest and most richly carved of Norway’s stave churches. Drive to Solvorn and take the short ferry across the Lustrafjord.
Sogn Folkemuseum (Heiberg Collections)
Open-air museum with about 40 old buildings
Kaupanger · 12 min drive
One of Norway’s oldest folk museums. Children under 18 free. Closed mid-December to mid-February.
Kaupanger stave church
Summer onlyStave church from around 1140
Kaupanger · 15 min drive
Still a working parish church. Opening has varied in recent years because of building work, so check before you go.
Norwegian Glacier Museum
Hands-on glacier and climate centre
Fjærland · 35 min drive
Touch 1,000-year-old ice and watch a panoramic film about the Jostedal glacier. Great with children and on rainy days.
Nigardsbreen glacier
May–OctGlacier centre, boat to the glacier and guided glacier walks
Jostedalen · 60 min drive
Start at Breheimsenteret, then take the toll road and a small boat to the glacier front. Book guided glacier walks in advance.
Rafting and glacier kayaking
Summer onlyRiver rafting and kayaking among icebergs
Jostedalen · 60 min drive
Rafting on the Jostedøla river, from family trips (age 4+) to wild water. Can be combined with a glacier walk.
Kayak on the fjord
Summer onlyGuided kayak trips or rental from the quay
In town
3–4 hour guided trips in double kayaks from Dampskipskaien. Booking required.
Cider and fruit farms
Summer onlyTastings at local cider farms
Sogn
Sogn is known for its fruit. Try Haug Gard (also by boat from Sogndal quay in summer), Ølmheim (Slinde), Amble Gård (Kaupanger) or Ciderhuset (Balestrand).
Balestrand
Pretty fjord village with a historic hotel
Balestrand · 60 min drive
Kviknes Hotel (1877), the stave-style St Olaf’s church and Viking burial mounds. The drive includes the Hella–Dragsvik ferry.
Sognefjellet scenic route
May–NovNorthern Europe’s highest mountain pass by road
Gaupne · 45 min drive
A spectacular day trip by car up to 1,434 m, via Skjolden and Turtagrø. Closed in winter.
Sogndal Skisenter Hodlekve
Winter (Nov–May)Ski resort: slopes and cross-country trails
Sogndalsdalen · 20 min drive
13 slopes, floodlit cross-country trails and ski touring. Children under 7 ski free. Weekend bus from Sogndal.
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