Sogndalstrand

On Wild Country Roads, stop 2

Travel back in time – enter this tiny old town

Step into Sogndalstrand, a protected tiny town where time seems to stand still. Tucked between river and sea, this former trading post is now a living piece of history, with weathered sea houses and wooden homes standing as they did centuries ago. Look closer and you’ll find more than heritage: art galleries, small shops, and locals who keep the town’s spirit alive. On summer evenings, concerts and open-air theatre fill the natural amphitheatre, echoing against the sea cliffs.

Highlights of the Sokndal and Jøssingfjord stop

National Scenic Route Jæren: A beautiful drive along one of Norway’s 18 official scenic roads, with dramatic coastlines, open sea views, and striking geological formations.
Sogndalstrand: A protected wooden village with 18th–19th century houses, narrow streets, maritime history, local art, and charming coastal atmosphere.

Jøssingfjord: A dramatic fjord landscape shaped by steep cliffs, wartime history, and ongoing mining activity, with viewpoints that reveal the area’s raw power.
Helleren Houses: Two iconic roofless wooden homes from the 1700s resting naturally under a massive rock overhang—one of Norway’s most photographed heritage sites.
Jøssingfjord Science Museum: A modern museum telling the story of geology, industry, and daily life in this striking fjord landscape.
Tunellstuo: A restored 1921 tunnel turned into a unique rest spot with hammocks, fire pit, and views toward the Migaren waterfall.
Nesvåg and the Sea & Motor Museum: A preserved coastal environment with old boathouses, maritime tools, historic boat engines, and traces of Sokndal’s fishing traditions.
Nesvåghålo: A small sea cave with spectacular views toward the North Sea and perfect photo opportunities.
Blåfjelldalen & Malmbanen: Old mining routes, stone bridges from the 1860s, peaceful valleys, waterfalls, and Northern Europe’s largest rocking stone, Ruggesteinen.
Magma Geopark: A UNESCO Global Geopark known for its unique anorthosite “moon landscape,” mining heritage, and geological formations found almost nowhere else in the world.

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Explore destinations in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark here

Best of stop 2: Top experiences

A living piece of history

Jøssingfjord Science Museum

Amidst the majestic landscape of Jøssingfjord stands the magnificent Jøssingfjord Science Museum, next to historic Helleren – ready to welcome guests from all over the world.

A modern museum focusing on industry, geology, and the people who have lived and worked in this dramatic fjord landscape. Exhibitions blend history and nature, offering insight into how the region’s powerful environment shaped local life through generations.

Helleren

Helleren in Jøssingfjord is a unique and distinctive place with two small houses sheltered under a large natural rock face. The cliff has been used as a shelter by humans for thousands of years. Helleren forms a natural roof and shelter that has been used by people for thousands of years. The slab is large – the drop measures 10 meters at its deepest.
We welcome the public to Helleren. But proceed carefully! The houses are not sized to be able to handle today’s pleasant but at the same time high visitor numbers.

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Jøssingfjord Viewpoint

A striking viewpoint along the National Scenic Route, with panoramic views of the fjord, steep cliffs, and traces of industrial history.

Tunnelstuo

A transformed 1921 tunnel now used as a unique rest stop with hammocks, a fire pit, and views toward the Migaren waterfall. Tunnelstuo is also a rest area for cyclists and you can cycle through it. If you come by car, there is a car park up by the viewing platform.

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Nesvåghålo

A small sea cave overlooking the North Sea, offering dramatic coastal scenery and perfect photo opportunities. An eventful trip, where you can get a beautiful view of the water, nature and the charming view along the path. The tour goes along the cliffs so you have a panoramic view all the way.

No booking required, but be careful. If there is a lot of sea and wet weather you should not go there, as it can be dangerous.

Sogndalstrand Havrafting

High-speed RIB adventures along one of Norway’s most dramatic coastlines.

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Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell

A historic hotel set among 18th- and 19th-century wooden buildings, known for local food, warm hospitality, and cultural charm. The hotel consists of several buildings with a total of 29 rooms.

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Ruggesteinen

Northern Europe’s largest rocking stone, a 74-ton geological curiosity set in beautiful natural surroundings.

I want to rock that stone

Motorcenter Norway

A modern motorsport arena offering go-karting, track driving, and thrilling activities with wide views over Sokndal and the coastline.

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MS Sjødis – A restored fishing vessel

The Nesvåg Sea and Motor Museum offers guided tours and trips on the retired shrimp trawler M/S Sjødis, as well as simple meals. Several times during the summer, there is an open café at this idyllic location.

MS Sjødis is a restored fishing vessel used for boat trips and providing an authentic experience of local maritime history.

Blåfjell Mines

An abandoned mining area with visible tunnels and remains from operations in the mid-1800s. The trip up Blåfjelldalen is 3.6 kilometres long with a gravel-covered walking and cycling path.

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