Topp 10 Florø

Florø – Norway’s westernmost town situated out at the ocean’s edge Enjoy this idyllic small town, with exciting activities and scenic experiences in easy reach. Enjoy the small-town vibe with charming cafés and lovely shops in Strandgata, at the same time as exciting activities and spectacular scenic experiences are within easy reach

 

 

1.     Kinn Brewery: Beer tasting at Vesle Kinn

Here you can get guided tours and beer tasting. Guided tours and beer tasting at Vesle Kinn. Vesle Kinn can be found at the heart of Strandgata in Florø and is the beer café and test brewery for Kinn Brewery. The rear part of the premises contains the small brewery, where new recipes are tested. The Vesle Kinn microbrewery offers fixed guided tours in the summer, and all year on request. Visitors can enter the brewery premises and learn about the brewing process and the history of Kinn Brewery. Kinn Brewery was established in 2009 in Florø, a small town situated by the fjords on the west coast of Norway. The pure water from the mountains surrounding the town is the perfect base for the beers. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/kinn-brewery-beer-tasting-at-vesle-kinn

 

2.     The coastal museum in Sogn og Fjordane

Showcases the natural and cultural history of the coast - from the Stone Age to the "oil age The Coastal Museum in Sogn og Fjordane showcases the natural and cultural history of the coast. The exhibition halls provide a glimpse of daily life on the coast, the development of the town of Florø, tools used for fishing and hunting, and a large collection of local boats. The museum is located on a lovely spacious coastal site within walking distance of Florø town center. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/the-coastal-museum-in-sogn-og-fjordane

 

3.     Pilgrim cruise to Svanøy and Kinn

Travel on a magical coastal cruise from Florø to two of the most popular historical travel destinations; "The pearl of Sunnfjord" Svanøy and mythic island Kinn. Both the islands are key places on the coastal pilgrim route. Kinn is the home to one of the oldest stone churches in the country, and Svanøy has the historic main house Svanøy Hovedgård, as well as a long Viking history. During the guided day trip, you will experience a saga dating back to the Viking Ages to pilgrims, beautiful nature, and the island communities in the unique coast of the westernmost town Florø. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/pilgrim-cruise-to-svanoy-and-kinn

 

4.     Cycling in Florø 

Experience Florø form the seat of a bike. See most of what the town hat to offer in a couple of hours. The terrain is flat and good, and you can see the center of town with its charming cafés and shops, pretty lakes and museum, and the wonderful archipelago on its doorstep within the space of just a couple of hours. Om our website you get to see 6 different routes of where you can cycle. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/inspiration/cycling-in-floro

 

5.     Ausevika Rock carvings

Ausevika is one of the most extensive rock-carving sites in Norway, with figures dating back more than 3000 years. There are more than 300 carvings of both animals and humans. There are also fertility and agricultural motifs, known as Veidemannskunst, literally 'huntsman's art'. Geometric symbols, spirals and labyrinths are found throughout the site. Ausevika in Kinn municipality is visitor friendly, with a car park, footpaths, ramp access and infoboards. Ausevika is situated approximately 40 minutes drive from Florø driving towards Stavang.  You can follow a cultural trail at Ausevika when you are on the spot. Experience the fascinating history is brought to life through video and audio stories on your mobile. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/ausevika-rock-carvings

 

6.     Kinn island

On Kinn there is stunning scenery and a fascinating history and a beautiful medieval church. Far out in the ocean gap, you can find the green, and gras covered, island Kinn, and its church and characteristic mountain site Kinnaklova. The excellent walking paths and hikes, and the short travel from Florø make Kinn a very popular destination all year around.  

The area around Kinn was the central herring region in Norway during large parts of the 19th century. At its height, there were about 15 000 people living on Kinn island and the surrounding islands during the herring season. There are currently only a couple of people who live on Kinn island full time. The island is the home of the beautiful stone church from the Middle Ages. The church was renovated from 2018 to 2020. The mythical church is built in a roman building style, and has been used since the 12th century. This is the oldest church in Sunnfjord Region, and was traditionally linked to the legend of St. Sunniva and the Selju Menn.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/kinn-island

 

 

7.     Guided tour, The best of Svanøy

Experience the historic island of Svanøy. Svanøy, known as the "pearl of Sunnfjord", is Flora municipality's southernmost and most verdant island.  

A visit to Svanøy makes an excellent day trip from Florø! On Fridays during the summer, you can join a guided tour of both the Norwegian Deer Centre and Svanøy Manor House. You can enjoy a delicious venison or salmon burgers made locally from locally sourced ingredients at Svanøy Kro.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/guided-tour-the-best-of-svanoy

 

8.     Skorpa

Visit the island of skorpa, here you can hike along the ocean and up to the highest point Blåkollen. The island Skorpa outside of Florø is a green, beautiful and tranquil island. Although Skorpa consists mostly of rocks and mountains, you will also find large areas with forest.  Take a walk up to the top of Blåkollen, 392 meters above sea-level, you will find a fantastic view in all directions, and one can practically look down on the rest of the surrounding islands. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/skorpa

 

9.     Askrova/ Tansøy

Askrova and Tansøy is a living total community located just outside Florø. When you go there you will have a panoramic view of the sea and the islands around. The Island Askrova is flat and quite elongated with its highest point at 233 meters above sea level. The island Tansøy is close by, and only the 100 meter wide Tansøysundet seperates them. From the island you have a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands.  

Askrova is a green and lush island. Here you may explore "Trollhola", a prehistoric cave from antiquity. The main cave is the size of a cathedral and contains several caves. A beautiful and very exciting natural phenomenon.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/askrova--tansoy

 

10.  Dagsturhytta in Florø – Fløgjen

The cabin is located on Fløgjen, and it is 444 meters over the sea level. It is on the way to Hatlesetnipa. This is an easy hike that everybody can make. This cabin is one of two in Kinn. It has a view to Norddalsfjorden, eastwards towards Eikefjord and Westwards towards Flore and the islands to the west and south.  The hike is about 1 hour long and is 2,3 km one way.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/no/se-og-gjore/dagsturhytta-i-floro---flogjen

Topp 10 Måløy

Måløy

Vågsøy is filled with small idyllic places where you can enjoy and relax. You can relive exciting war stories and enjoy powerful nature scenery. Here you are guaranteed good experiences! Wondering what to do next? Here is our top list:

 

1.     The coastal town of Måløy

The coastal town of Måløy, connected to the mainland by the Måløy bridge is one of the most important fishing ports in the country. Be charmed by the streets of Måløy, explore the street art that decorates the walls in the city centre and hear intriguing stories from the war at Måløy raid centre. You will find a large and tempting selection of shops in the small and pleasant shopping street, Gate 1. Let yourself be tempted by cosy cafes and restaurants where you can choose everything from fish and chips to sushi. 

At the end of Gate 1 you will find the guest pier in Måløy. Here you have good facilities such as a sanitary building with shower, washing machine and dryer. There is access to water and electricity, and while grilling dinner on the quay, the kids can play on the playground. 

 

2.     Måløy raid centre 

Early morning, 27 December 1941: the Christmas peace is shattered by a loud bang. In ten minutes, more than 560 British bombs fell on Måløy. For the next six hours, it is total war: aerial bombs, street fighting and artillery fire from warships. Through the deafening racket: the high-pitched sound of bagpipes.

Original pictures from the raid and metres of original film are displayed in a vivid exhibition, which has touched thousands of visitors. The displays also showcase original uniforms, Mad Jack’s bagpipes and Martin Linge’s pistol, accompanied by the smells of Christmas baking and explosions.

As well as the exhibition on the Måløy raid, there are displays on Martin Linge, the Linge Company, and the daring Shetland Bus missions. You can also find out more about what it was like to be a German soldier stationed at Måløy during the war.

The centre is located at the heart of the town, with parking in the square and several good cafés nearby. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/the-maloy-raid-center

 

 

3.     Lighthouse 

On the west coast of Vågsøy you will find Kråkenes lighthouse. An area that is famous for its harsh climate. Ulvesund lighthouse is one of four lighthouses that guides ships safely around Stad – one of the stormiest places along the Norwegian coast. Relax with a cup of coffee in the sunny garden covered with flowers while enjoying the panoramic view of the boats sailing by. On the northern tip of the island Vågsøy you will find Skongenes lighthouse. Take the family on a Sunday trip, relax, and enjoy the sound of waves crashing by the sea. In early July you can also visit Hendanes lighthouse. The lighthouse is located on the southwestern tip of Vågsøy by the village Færestrand. Take a stroll along the trail and enjoy a great view of Kvalheimsvika and the villages Kvalheim and Oppedal. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/eat-and-sleep/krakeneslighthouse & https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/eat-and-sleep/skongenes-lighthouse

 

4.     Refviksanden

Enjoy lazy days on one of Norway's most beautiful beaches, Refviksanden. Take the whole family on a beach day, snorkel for fish, surf or just lie on the mattress and enjoy. Take a walk around Refvik and be fascinated by the houses. Did you know that all the houses have a brick wall on the south side of the house? This is to protect the houses from the strong autumn storms which can be extremely powerful. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/beach-refvik

 

5.     Kannesteinen

Kannesteinen is a special shaped stone that lies on the shore in the village of Oppedal, approximately 10 km from Måløy city centre. The unique stone have been shaped by the ocean waves by thousands of years, this has given its special structure. The stone is about 3 meters high. There are good parking possibilities by the stone, and it is open all year round. 

Stop and enjoy the view of the fishing village Torskangerpollen with its many boathouses and fisherman's cabins. Around the end of the 19^th century and the beginning of the 20^th century, there was a bustling life here. The sea was filled with cod and almost 500 fishermen worked in this small village. One can really feel a historical buzz when you stroll among the old buildings. 

Around the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, there was a bustling life here. The sea was filled with cod and almost 500 fishermen worked in this small village. One can really feel a sensation of history when you stroll among the old buildings. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/kannesteinen

 

 

6.     Experience nature with Sjøbris Adventure

Join Sjøbris Adventure and experience nature from a whole other angle. Challenge yourself both in water and on the rocks. Coasteering is a combination of free diving, swimming, rock jumping and bouldering. This is an activity that can be adapted to all ages and it is an excellent starting point for team building or a challenge for the family. Coasteering can be done both at sea and on land, and together with an experienced guide, quality-assured routes, and safe equipment, you can jump, climb, and swim along the cliffs by the sea. Continue your holiday by experiencing the outdoors and beautiful nature scenery from the kayak seat. Get close to nature in a new way. Canoeing suits most people, old and young, and here you can customize the trip as you wish.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/coasteering---sjobris-adventure

 

End the day with yoga out in nature. Outdoor yoga is a unique combination of the spectacular and the quiet. The practice is adapted to weather conditions, customer wishes and needs. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/outdoor-yoga---sjobris-adventure

 

7.     Explore 62 North

Sail with us and create memories for life. We will bring you close to the elements. We will challenge, create commitment, stories, memories, and a sense of achievement. On the shore and by the sea. It is somewhat unique with the wind, waves, and refreshing sea air. It is this feeling and experience we seek to convey to our guests.  Join Explore 62 North on exiting excursions this summer. 

The sea eagle population around Vågsøy has increased dramatically in recent years. You can join us and meet them up close. Did you know that the largest eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.40 meters?

 

Surrounded by open seas and fjords, you can join and look for the best fishing spots where lyre and cod bite. If there are good weather conditions, the trip will go out towards Klovningen and the islets around. Otherwise, fishing will take place in calmer surroundings around Gangsøy and Bjørnøy. 

 

What is better than enjoying lazy summer days with swimming, sunbathing, and delicious barbecue food. Join us to sail from Måløy to Halsørsanden, also better known as Sætrasanden. Here we anchor approximatively 300 meters from land where you can relax and cool off in the sea. It is also possible to take the rubber boat onto the beach.

 

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a real cuddle. We sail out to the charming islet at Venøy. Cool off in the sea and enjoy the heat from the hot tub afterwards. Here we set up the grill and grill some juicy meat and preferably some fresh fish. If the islet is rented out, the sailing trip goes to Selje where we stay at Åhjemsbua. 

 

End the perfect day with a sunset cruise. We sail north towards Ulvesund and Skongenes lighthouse. Here you can see the beautiful sunset facing the Stadhavet. We then continue around the island Silda and back to Måløy. Read more here: https://www.explore62.com/nor/

 

8.     Vågsberget.

Vågsberget is beautifully situated towards the sea, a short drive from Måløy, on the road to Vågsvåg and Kannesteinen. This was one of many trading and inn towns along our coast and today it is one of the most complete and well-preserved trade museums we have In Norway. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/no/se-og-gjore/vagsberget-handel--og-gjestgjevarstad

 

9.     Mountain hikes in the area

The summer is a fantastic time to experience Norway's natural landscape. Veten in Måløy is 615 meters above sea level. Together with Brurahornet, Veten shapes the “background” for the town of Måløy, and seen from the mainland side of Måløybrua, Veten lies to the left and Brurahornet to the right. Read more here:https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/veten

 

With its 689 meters above sea level lies the Sankta Synneva Horn (Synneva Horn). The mountain offers magnificent views in all directions and can be reached from several edges. Then pack your backpack, tie your shoes, and get to the mountains!

 

With beautiful view of the boat traffic coming from both the south and the north, you can walk up the love trail. From the church in Måløy you can walk up magnificent stairs to the well-made exercise track. This is a nice trip for the whole family where you will get a magnificent view of Måløy town and the beautiful mountains on the opposite side. Next to the hiking trail you will find Måløy stadium.

The trip out to Mehuken is on a nice gravel road from Movatna and is a hike that is suitable for most people. At the far end of the plateau is a small cairn with a fantastic view of Kråkenes and the surrounding sea. Here you can write your name in the book! 

 

10.  Festival life

 Take of your shoes, get sand between your toes, and experience the magical atmosphere with good music at the Beach Festival in Refvik. This festival is cancelled due to Covid-19, but you can already plan to join next years festival. 

“Elvis has left the building” and came to Måløy. At the end of August, the table is set for the Elvis Festival. Have a good meal in Graceland or have a cup of coffee at Café Boulevard. See the parade with Norwegian and American Flags and listen to good classical Elvis music. 

Top 10 Hyllestad

Hyllestad

Hyllestad is filled with small, idyllic places where you can relax and enjoy. Rent a holiday home or stay in a cosy family hotel. No matter where you are, the view of the fjord is guaranteed. Wondering what to do in Hyllestad? Here is our top 10 list: 

 

1.     Lihesten

The spectacular Lihesten is a famous landmark on the coast and is most likely one of the most photographed mountains in our region. The mountain has many different trails and you can spend several days exploring it. A trip to the popular Gygrekjeften takes approximately 5-6 hours. If you like to climb a bit you can go from Nipestien up to Gygrekjeften. The highest point is Risnesnipa with 777 meters above sea level. The trails can be demanding, but the view at the top is worth all the effort. Here are many small, idyllic places where you can really enjoy peace and quiet. Here you are guaranteed a spectacular view of the fjord. 

 

The sea eagle accident was the first aircraft accident within civil scheduled flights in Norway. The accident occurred on June 16^th, 1936. At 7 a.m., the plane with the name Sea Eagle flew into the mountain wall. Everyone on board, a crew of four and three passengers lost their lives in the accident. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/lihesten

 

2.     Kvernsteinsparken

 

Travel back in time. The Millstone Park in Hyllestad is an outdoor museum in the largest stone quarry landscape from the Viking period and Middle Ages in Northern Europe. Stone was the “gold” of Hyllestad. Stonemasons worked at hundreds of stone quarries, carving millstone after millstone to be shipped out into the wider world. Currently the millstone was a fundamental item. There was no food without the millstone! If you wanted to eat bread or porridge, you first had to grind the grain using a quern stone or water mill to make flour. The millstone trade in Hyllestad was a good source of income – for those who owned the land and held the power.

Bring your family and participate in a wide range of activities. You can grind grains with millstones. You can also use the flour to make dough that you can fry over a fire. 

In Kvernsteinsparken there is a Kvernstein troll who hides his treasures! To find the treasure, you must first walk the Troll-trail and solve exiting puzzles. For every correct answer, you get a tip about where the treasure is! If you find the treasure, you get to peek at the troll, but be aware, he might wake up!  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/kvernsteinsparken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.     Fishing and boat life 

If you like fishing, you have come to the right place. Here you can fish from typical coastal areas to more sheltered valleys and moorland and a diversity in geology and plant cover. Hyllestad is very popular for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. You can choose whether you want to join an organized fishing trip or rent a boat and travel on your own. 

 

Hyllestad has a fantastic coastline with Sognefjord and Åfjorden flowing into the open sea. With thousands of islands and reefs, the coastline has been the vital core of Hyllestad in hundreds of years. Take a trip on the sea and sail in the ancestors' footprints and experience a bit of the richness and stories created in these unique waters. Rent a boat and go on your own, or even better: take the trip with a local guide. Read more here: 

https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/fjordkick---fishing

 

4.     Kvernhusfossen in Skor

Kvernhusfossen in Skor is one of Norway's most beautiful collection of water mills. Here you will find five restored mill houses and a sawmill. The Trondheim Post Route goes right by and here you can rest by a beautiful stone bridge. You can experience a guided tour to Kvernhusfossen. You can either go on this trip yourself or walk along the old church road. 

 

 

 

5.     Hiking

For most of us, exploring mountains and nature is part of being Norwegian. When the spring comes and the snow melts, there is nothing better than taking advantage of our beautiful mountains. Whether it is in the mountains or hiking alongside the fjords and the sea, along Hyllestad you will find hikes that suit everyone. From a mountain that is only 350 meters above sea level, you can see over 60 km on a clear day. 

In Hyllestad you will find many nice, idyllic roads with almost no traffic that are well suited for hiking. Sørefjordhytta, which is Hyllestad's day trip cabin, is a popular hiking destination. The cabin is located right by the trail to Hesjetiden, and there is a beautiful view towards Lihesten and over Åfjorden. 

 

The Trodheim postal route is a 40 km long road between Dale in Fjaler and Leirvik in Hyllestad. The trip is a great starting point for hiking, and here you can see great examples of early masonry crafts. The postal route is a comfortable trail with slight incline. Most of the road is free of traffic and very idyllic. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/the-trondheim-postal-road

 

 

 

 

 

6.     Cultural walk in Hyllestad

Join a cultural walk through Hyllestad together with Martha. Martha grew up in Hyllestad right after World War II and she has lived here most of her life. She will tell exiting stories about her childhood, about exploratory outdoor games, playful battles between children, and a dangerous trip up to Lihesten. It was a world without television and very few cars and telephones. The war was also fresh in memory. It was a life where the children had a lot of freedom and they became independent at an early age, but at the same time they had to help their parents who worked very hard to make ends meet. The guide Martha emphasizes that what she is telling is her version of what it was like living at Hyllestad at that time. Others may have experienced it quite differently. The guided tour is about 2.7 km long and with 8 stops. The road is easy to walk and with very little incline. 

Experience historic places and intriguing history brought to life through video and audio stories in easy cultural hiking trails along the Fjord Coast. Using your mobile phone, you download the stories along the trail. 

 

 

7.     Cycling

Are you planning a cycling holiday? Then the Fjord Coast is perfect for you. You can cycle on beautiful country roads through idyllic and beautiful landscapes full of cultural history. How about combining the bike ride with exiting cultural experiences?

 

A nice trip with a small incline and a great view of the Sognefjord is from Hyllestad center or Leirvik through Lavikdal to Lavik and then along the Sognefjord back to Leirvik (approx. 50 km.)

If you have a mountain bike, you can cycle the Trondhjem postad route. According to many experienced mountain bikers, this is one of the most spectacular cycling experiences in this country. Originally, 19 stone bridges were built on the postal route between Dale and Leirvik, and many of them still stand as great examples of early dry masonry crafts. There are a few places on the 40 km long road that you might have to roll the bike. Sometimes you also must enter the paved RV 57, but most of the road is free from traffic and very idyllic. You can also do the postal route by foot. 

 

Cycling along the Åfjord, a landscape shaped by stonemasons for more than a thousand years. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/inspiration/cycling-in-hyllestad

 

 

8.     Kayak

Discover Hyllestad from the Kayak. Take the kayak between islets along the fjord and sea or on one of the many beautiful lakes in Hyllestad. Paddling is suitable for most people, young and old, and you get close to nature in a way you might not otherwise experience. Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/fjordkick---kayak

 

 

9.     Guided Jet ski safari tour - Sognefjord Boating

Jet ski safari is a fantastic nature experience combined with a little speed and excitement. In cooperation with Hotel Sognefjord in Leirvik in Hyllestad, Sognefjord Boating offer guided jetski safaris for smaller groups (2-5 persons). Jetski safari is a great nature experience, which can be combined with action and excitement if you wish. Jetski safari is something for you if you would like to try jetski in a safe environment, at the same time as you can experience some of the magnificent coastal nature and coastal culture Ytre Sogn and Sunnfjord has to offer.  Read more here: https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/guided-jetski-safari-tour---sognefjord-boating

 

 

 

10.  Nesje fort

In the summer of 1940, the German navy began the construction of a coastal fort on Nesje. It was important for the German navy to quickly establish a defence of the entrance to the Sognefjord. Therefore, the navy started the construction of Nesje quickly. The purpose of the fort was the cannons that could reach beyond Sognesjøen. The fort is nicely located by the sea and one has a nice overview of the entrance to the Sognefjord.