WHAT TO DO

Paddling a kayak beneath really steep mountainsides with cascading waterfalls or between icebergs on the turquoise water of glacier lakes is a unique way to experience nature. There are now several places in the Sognefjord area where such activities are available to the general public. The kayak companies offer exciting guided trips for both beginners and experienced kayakers

With more than 70 shops, the small town of Sogndal is the shopping and service centre for the region. The biggest shopping centre is Sogningen Storsenter, with around 46 shops and three cafés, but there are of course also good opportunities for shopping in all the eight municipalities along the Sognefjord. 

If you are looking for hand-made products, art or souvenirs, there are several specialist galleries and outlets in the Sogn area. You can shop at places such as the well-known Galleri Walaker, the shoe factory in Aurland, design knitwear shops, weaving outlets, goldsmiths, handicraft shops and many more. Hotels, tourist information offices and others often have good souvenir shops.

Many grocers and supermarkets also sell locally-produced food and drink, for example goat’s cheese from Undredal and produce of the Lustramat brand, which are usually displayed on special shelves in shops.

There are wine and spirits shops in Sogndal, Årdal and Gaupne, and beer can be bought from grocers and supermarkets in most places in the Sognefjord area.

There is a great variety of lakes, streams and rivers in the Sognefjord region. Most of the lakes are in the mountains, and the region is therefore ideal for visitors who would like to combine fishing and hiking. The mountain trout you can catch in these clear, freshwater lakes is considered a delicacy.

There are 15 rivers along the fjord where you can fish for salmon or sea trout. The area has a long tradition of fishing, and salmon rivers like the Lærdal river have enjoyed high status among anglers for more than a century. You can visit the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre in Lærdal to find out all there is to know about salmon and the traditions associated with salmon fishing.

Fishing permits can usually be purchased at places like tourist information offices, hotels or campsites. Please contact the local tourist information office for detailed information about fishing regulations, permits etc.

Fishing in the fjord

Fishing in the fjord is free throughout the year, and if you are lucky you may catch sea trout, cod, haddock, whiting or saithe. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat. There are also a few organised fishing trips you can join, and most accommodation sites along the fjord have boats.

Just remember not to fish closer than approx. 100 m from the mouth of a river containing protected salmon or sea trout, and note that special regulations apply to the use of fishing nets.

The mountain areas surrounding the innermost half of the Sognefjord are among Norway’s most popular walking and hiking areas. The most famous are the Jotunheimen National Park, the Jostedalsbreen National Park, Breheimen and the Aurlandsdalen and Utladalen valleys, but there are many beautiful walks to choose from everywhere along the fjord.

This spectacular landscape offers perfect conditions for easy walks suitable for the whole family as well as more challenging peak and glacier hikes and mountain climbing. You can take a stroll beside the fjord, walk on historic roads or choose paths that will lead you to the most stunning views of the fjords, glaciers and mountains.

Walkers can make use of the extensive network of well-marked trails and mountain cabins run by the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT). The standard of these cabins varies from staffed mountain lodges of hotel standard to plain self-service huts. You can either go hiking from cabin to cabin over several days or use the mountain cabins as bases for superb day hikes. Download Planning map for hikes from cabin to cabin in Jotunheimen and Breheimen.

The Sognefjord area is an excellent outdoor destination throughout the year, but in the high mountain areas the best hiking season is from July to September.

Note that at high altitudes a bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes, with driving rain, snow or fog. Be prepared for changing conditions and carry the important essentials, such as rainwear, map and compass etc. Topographic maps (1:50 000 and 1:100 000) can usually be purchased at bookshops, tourist information offices and staffed tourist cabins.

Tourist information offices can also provide advice on which trails are most suitable for your level of fitness and experience. If you only have time for a few hikes, ask which ones not to miss!

Despite the fact that the Sognefjord area is dominated by dramatic mountain scenery, it still offers many opportunities for cycling enthusiasts, young and old, to experience the natural and cultural landscape at close hand. There are several places where you can cycle on old, romantic roads alongside the fjord and in the valleys, and if you want to avoid the longest tunnels and the roads with the heaviest traffic, you can a take a car ferry or passenger boat. The tourist information offices will provide information about the best places for cycling.