Arnafjord: Fjord Landscapes, Mountain Pasture Trails and Architecture

Arnafjord is a branch of the Sognefjord, surrounded by high mountains. There are many waterfalls around the fjord, and numerous mountain pastures lie on the slopes and in the mountains. Together, the water, mountain scenery, pastures and old trails shape the character of this destination. When planning your trip, two interests are therefore central: would you like to focus mainly on hiking, or also explore architectural and cultural history? In Arnafjord, you’ll find specific opportunities for both.

Hiking between Arnafjord and Stølsheimen

Old mountain pasture trails lead far into Stølsheimen from all three hamlets along the Arnafjord. The marked trail network in Stølsheimen connects with Arnafjorden and Finnafjorden to the north and east. Hikes range from relatively easy day trips to challenging multi-day hikes. They differ both in duration and in the level of difficulty indicated, so choose a specific hike based on how much time you plan to spend. Trail conditions and access may change, so check the latest conditions before setting out.

The Vatnane route: trail history and planning

The Vatnane route follows an old mountain pasture trail that farmers once used to bring their animals to grazing areas in the mountains. On this hike, you’ll also encounter the former use of the mountain pastures. The Tenne–Vatnane–Tenne route is 6.7 kilometres in total and takes four to six hours; the figures may vary slightly depending on trail conditions. The route climbs from 20 to 990 metres in elevation. For planning, it’s worth considering the distance, time and elevation range together rather than judging the route by its length alone. At the Fossesete mountain pasture, the route offers a view of the Arnafjord.

Nese Church and quay

Arnafjord Church stands on the Nese farm. It is a wooden long church, consecrated on 21 October 1880 and classified as a building worthy of protection. Nese quay features an authentic group of buildings from the early 20th century and is worth a visit. These two landmarks offer different perspectives on architectural history: the church, with its architectural type and year of consecration, and the quay, with a group of buildings from a later period.

Practical information

There is a shop and an information point in Framfjorden. If you plan to use these services, check their opening hours in advance. The mountain pastures and waterfalls provide further distinctive points of interest in the landscape, while the old trails and buildings at Nese add cultural history to the natural surroundings.

More cultural history in the wider Vik destination

In the wider Vik destination, you can explore other periods of church architecture: Hopperstad Stave Church dates from around 1130 and preserves the original narrow opening to the chancel. Hove Stone Church has been dated to around 1170 and is one of Norway’s oldest stone churches. These older churches can therefore be compared with Arnafjord Church, consecrated in 1880, without treating the places as one and the same.

A cultural heritage walk in Vik starts in Vikøyri and includes Hopperstad Stave Church, the Moahaugane burial mounds and Hove Stone Church. The walk includes a tasting of Gamalost cheese and raspberry juice. Check availability before booking. Groups visiting Hopperstad Stave Church are asked to book in advance; check the visiting arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Fresvik, Vangsnes, Vik, Feios, Viksøyri.

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