Discover Årdal: Between the Sognefjord and Jotunheimen

Årdal lies at the innermost end of the Sognefjord and forms the western gateway to Jotunheimen. The town thus connects two landscape landmarks: the fjord and the high mountains. Jotunheimen National Park extends across Årdal, was established in 1980 and covers a total of 1,151 km². Utladalen Landscape Protection Area lies in the municipalities of Årdal and Luster. The two names refer to different protected areas and offer a first point of reference for the region’s natural attractions.

Nature, trails and views

One of the area’s notable natural attractions is Vettisfossen. Its free fall is 275 m, and it is considered Northern Europe’s highest protected waterfall. The trail to the viewpoint starts at the car park in Hjelle and follows the Folkevegen for about five kilometres to Vetti Gard. The Folkevegen is also known as Vettisvegen and runs through inner Utladalen to the two farms at Vetti. From there, the climb to the viewpoint takes about an hour. Allow this time in addition to the distance: it applies to the climb, not the entire route.

Another hiking destination is Tusenmeteren. Tunnelvegen is a route for hikers and cyclists; a challenging option starts in Øvre Årdal. From the viewpoint, you can see Hurrungane, Bøttejuvet and Utladalen. Bøttejuvet viewpoint, in turn, offers views across Årdal, the fjord and the surrounding mountains. This gives you a choice of two different perspectives on the landscape: the view from Tusenmeteren towards the named destinations, and the panorama of the town, fjord and mountains from Bøttejuvet.

Dagsturhytta Moakamben offers a different kind of outing. It sits at an elevation of about 245 m above Ytre Moa and is an accessible place for hikers to eat, warm up and read. While views are the focus at Tusenmeteren and Bøttejuvet, Moakamben is a place to spend time and enjoy these specific amenities.

History and culture in Årdal

In Øvre Årdal is the Viking farm complex at Ytre Moa, considered Norway’s most extensive known farm complex from the Viking Age, from 800 to 1050. Årdal visningssenter, by contrast, presents the region’s metal industry from the 1700s to the present day. The two subjects offer different perspectives in time: Ytre Moa belongs to the Viking Age, while the visningssenter spans the period through to today. If you would like to visit Årdal visningssenter, confirm visiting arrangements in advance.

Utladalen National Park Centre is a visitor centre for Jotunheimen National Park and Utladalen Landscape Protection Area. It presents the natural and cultural history of Utladalen and western Jotunheimen. It therefore complements the individual viewpoints with an overview of the natural and cultural history of these areas.

Indre Ofredal reveals another side of Årdal’s history. From the early 19th century until the Second World War, it was a fjord community whose operations were based on a water-powered mill and a sawmill. The old wooden mill can still be seen today. Together, these places offer a range of themes, from the Viking Age and industrial history to a fjord community whose mill has been preserved.

Routes for planning your trip

Tindevegen is a 32 km mountain road between Årdal and Turtagrø, leading from the Sognefjord to Jotunheimen. In summer, the Tindevegsbussen runs between Årdal and Turtagrø. If you plan to use this seasonal service, check the current timetable and operating period before your trip.

Consider which of these different elements you want to include in your days. This will help you focus your hotel search on the planned nature trails, viewpoints or cultural attractions.

Discover more destinations

Seim, Øvre Årdal, Årdal, Årdalstangen, Stryn, Sogndal, Jølster, Flora

Go to the main travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.