Discover Espedal: The History of the Postal Road

Espedal is connected to the history of Den trondhjemske postvei. A route through the area was put to a different use when a new road alignment was built. For visitors, the regional history offers a tangible point of interest, while Fjaler broadens the picture with culture, landscapes and hiking opportunities.

The Postal Road and its changing uses

A new road alignment between Skor and Rennestraum was built between 1882 and 1885. In this context, the route through Espedal was reclassified as a bridle path. This information marks a change in the route, but does not establish that the old route is accessible today.

Other sections of the Postal Road show the extent of the historic route network. Near the destination, the section through Hyllestad and Fjaler to Langeland formed part of Den Trondhjemske postvei from 1785 to 1868. A 45-kilometre section between Leirvik and Trossebryggja in Dale lies in the wider region. In the broader destination of Fjaler, the Dale–Leirvik route was built for weekly mail service between 1801 and 1806. It passes through a varied cultural landscape with numerous cultural heritage sites; a total of 19 stone bridges were built along the route.

Technical and architectural traces are also part of the region's history. From the mid-1860s, a telegraph line ran along the Postal Road in Fjaler and Hyllestad; the foundations of the telegraph poles remain. The route through Fjaler and Hyllestad was restored in the 1970s and 1980s and is signposted.

Routes and events in the area

The relevant section of Den Trondhjemske postvei can be ridden by mountain bike. For those considering it as a cycling route, Postvegrittet is an annual race that uses this section and runs from Dale to Hovland and back. It is also a qualifying race for Birken. Check the event date when planning your trip.

Another event is the “Posrvegmarsj”: the Svint sports club holds the march in early September, and the route runs from Rennestraum to Hovland. Check the exact date in advance. The two events therefore differ both in their routes and in the timing information provided.

Hiking and landscapes in the broader destination of Fjaler

Fjaler stretches from the west coast, with the islands of Lutelandet and Lammetun, to the mountain areas on the eastern border with the municipality of Sunnfjord. In Ytre Fjaler, the Vidsyn day-trip cabin is located on Bygdeheia. From there, the view extends in every direction and across the sea to Alden. Vidsyn can be reached from Furset or Skor; parking is available at both starting points. As parking conditions may change seasonally, it is advisable to check them before setting off.

Fjaler also offers marked and cleared hiking trails: a municipal project recorded a total of 20 trails around 2010, all listed on UT.no. TiTur Dalsfjorden is a hiking partnership involving Fjaler Municipality, the Fjaler Hiking Association, other clubs and Askvoll Municipality. Most of the partnership's routes are described on UT.no and offer downloadable GPS tracks; however, not all destinations have marked or signposted trails. Check the route description, GPS track and trail markings before setting out.

Culture and architectural history in Fjaler

In Dale, in the broader destination of Fjaler, Klokkargarden, the childhood home of poet Jakob Sande, is the main base of the Jakob Sande Centre for Storytelling. The centre offers a range of cultural experiences: Bestefarstaua houses a museum collection and an exhibition, while Løa is used as a cultural venue for events, meetings and rentals. Fjaler-Episenter is also run by the Jakob Sande Centre and preserves Jakob Sande's legacy at Klokkargarden.

Other buildings offer insight into the region's history. The protected Vonenhuset in Dale has a oldest section dating from the 16th century. Lillingstonheimen in Tysse comprises a main house in the Empire style, a servants' house, an outbuilding, a bakehouse, an English-style garden and a private cemetery. Jensbua Coastal Culture Centre in Fjaler also focuses on traditional crafts: course topics include window restoration, timber framing and clinker-built boats. Course dates may vary. The theatre festival in Fjaler is held every September; programme dates change.

Nature reserves and other regional destinations

Fjaler combines cultural history with protected landscapes. Sørebømyrane in Guddalen is protected as a nature reserve. The marshland around the lower stretches of the Loneelva is also protected. North of Hovlandsdalsvatnet, the old pine forest may be up to 150 years old and is considered worthy of protection. Laukelandsfossen waterfall lies in Dalsfjord near Dale in Fjaler; it is 135 metres high and up to 100 metres wide.

Fredensborg includes the Landmark family cemetery and is considered a popular hiking area with a wide range of outdoor activities. Together with the hiking trails, historic buildings and the Postal Road, this regional setting reveals different facets of Fjaler. For your stay in Espedal, the route through the area remains the tangible historical connection; the other destinations mentioned belong to the broader destination of Fjaler.

Discover more destinations: Dale i Sunnfjord, Hellevik, Grytøyra, Guddal, Hellevik I Fjaler, Flekke, Fjaler

Go to the broader travel overview: Fjaler.