Førde is a charming town in western Norway, surrounded by majestic mountains. While the town itself is not particularly striking, its surroundings impress with a wealth of natural attractions.
Førde is an excellent base for exploring the remarkable landscapes of the Vestland region. The area hides true natural gems, from spectacular waterfalls to scenic hiking trails. It is an ideal place for those who want to feel close to nature and experience the Norwegian way of life away from the crowds.
LOCATION OF FØRDE AND OTHER PLACES DESCRIBED HERE
FØRDE – CITY GUIDE
We will start our guide with the town itself. It does not have much to offer tourists, but it can be a great base for exploring nearby attractions. Førde stands out with a rather unusual urban layout. You won’t find a traditional center with a market square or a representative plaza here. The buildings are spread out, and city life is concentrated around a few service and shopping areas. A distinctive feature is also the blend of tradition and modernity: wooden Scandinavian houses stand alongside contemporary shopping centers and functional public buildings.
The history of Førde dates back to the Middle Ages, when the area was an important agricultural hub and a local trading center. For centuries, it developed quietly, with major changes coming only in the 20th century alongside infrastructure expansion and population growth. Today, the town serves as a regional administrative and cultural center.
In Førde, it is worth visiting local galleries and museums, as well as taking a walk along the Jølstra River.
HIKING TRAILS FØRDE
The surroundings of Førde are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Here you can find both shorter, recreational routes and more challenging ascents with views of the fjords and mountains of the Vestland region.
HAFSTADFJELLET PEAK
One of the most popular peaks in the area is Hafstadfjellet, towering above the town. The trail leading to its summit is well marked but at times quite demanding, especially on the final ascent. The effort is rewarded, however, by a spectacular panorama of Førde, the valley, and the surrounding mountains. The suggested route includes all the points, whose descriptions are below > MAP
TRAIL START
Unfortunately, we didn’t decide to reach the summit. The weather was terrible, with rain all the time, and the peak was hidden in thick clouds. However, we managed to walk most of the trail and reach Bekkjevatn Lake. The beginning of the trail is in the southwestern part of the town. Lots of greenery and wooden houses scattered everywhere. We even pass a school with wooden roofs.
WATERFALL
Along the way, you pass the stunning, spectacular Halbrendsfossen Waterfall. It is one of thousands in Norway and doesn’t even have a pin on the map or an official path leading to it. Only the roar of the water and a slightly worn patch of moss guide us to the right spot.
LAKE
Bekkjevatn Lake is probably charming in beautiful weather. It has a path around it and a few nice spots along the route.
VIEWPOINT
It’s also worth approaching the mountain from its northern side, that is, from the town center. About 1/5 of the way up the trail, there is a nice viewpoint overlooking the entire town. We reached the viewpoint twice during the day. The second ascent was more successful thanks to the beautiful weather and the sunset.
FORDSNIPA
The trail has a somewhat gentler character and is perfect for those who prefer more leisurely walks. It passes through green valleys, forests, and open spaces. This is a great spot for a relaxing trek away from the town. > ONE-WAY ROUTE MAP
DAGSTURHYTTE GYTTAKVIA
The route to Dagsturhytte Gyttakvia – one of the distinctive Norwegian “day cabins” – is also becoming increasingly popular. The trail is relatively accessible and well-prepared, making it suitable even for less experienced hikers. On-site, there is a modern wooden cabin where you can rest, take shelter from the weather, and enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes. Example > ONE-WAY ROUTE MAP
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM – SUNNFJORD
Sunnfjord Museum is one of the most interesting places in Førde and the Vestland region, offering insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the local community. It is a must-visit for those who want to learn more about the history and culture of Vestland while spending time in a peaceful, picturesque setting.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- LOCATION: Sunnfjord Museum
- OPENING HOURS: 10:00 – 15:00 (closed Saturday – Monday)
- TICKET PRICES: Adults: 140 NOK, Students / Seniors: 110 NOK, Children 0–17: free
- DETAILS ON THE WEBSITE: Sunnfjord Museum
The open-air museum features 32 historic buildings, including a two-part farmstead, a crofter’s farm, and a summer shepherd’s cabin. Three of these buildings come from the original crofter’s farm in Movika. The remaining buildings were moved here from villages deeper in Sunnfjord. They date from the 16th century up to the 20th century. The grounds are open to visitors year-round, but only with a guide can you explore the interiors.
The museum is set in a picturesque location near Movatnet Lake, with walking trails and spots for resting.
MOSTIEN – HIKING TRAIL TO THE WATERFALL
The trail starts at the parking lot by Sunnfjord Museum and follows a clearly marked path. From the parking area, the route follows the Trondheim Postal Route, then enters the forest and ascends to the museum’s shepherd cabin. From there, it runs parallel to Movatnet Lake toward the Mo settlement and the agricultural school. The trail to the 90-meter Huldefossen Waterfall crosses a bridge and then follows the Jølstra River. From the agricultural school, you can return along the same route to Sunnfjord Museum.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Length: approx. 3.5 km
- Hiking time: 45–60 minutes one way
- Views and attractions: Movatnet Lake, Jølstra River, Huldefossen Waterfall, traditional farms, shielings, sawmills.
GUIDE TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SPOTS IN THE AREA
GAULARFJELLET SCENIC ROAD
HAUKEDALSVATNET LAKE
We now head east of Førde along road Fv613. The route runs along Holsavatnet Lake, with views of green forests, rocky mountains, charming colorful Norwegian houses in places, and “private” waterfalls.
The first stop is worth making at Haukedalsvatnet Lake. Surrounded by mountains and green valleys, its crystal-clear water reflects the changing light of the sky, creating incredible photographic landscapes. From a distance, you can even see a glacier in the nearby Jostedalsbreen National Park.
The further east we go, the more colorful the mountains become, with increasing patches of snow. Now we have to go around the mountains, so the route turns west before leading us eastward again. We enter the road known as the “Waterfall Trail” along the Sæta River. We pass several smaller waterfalls but stop a little further on at one of the most beautiful ones.
LIKHOLEFOSSEN
Likholefossen is one of those spots where a stop is an absolute must. This spectacular waterfall on the Sæta River is located literally 50 m from the parking lot.
There isn’t a large cascade here, but a charming bridge crosses the river, allowing you to view the waterfall from literally every angle.
From here, a beautiful several-kilometer trail runs along the mountains. Unfortunately, not this time, and not for us.
GAULARFJELLET – EAST
The further east you go, the more beautiful it becomes. The road known as Gaularfjellet is one of the most scenic routes in Norway, part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes network. The route passes through wild and rugged terrain, connecting the towns of Balestrand and Moskog (near Førde). The entire Gaularfjellet road is about 114 km long and is best explored by car, stopping at numerous viewpoints and rest areas. Due to weather conditions, the road is usually open from late spring to autumn. There is still plenty of snow here in May.
GAULARFJELLET – UTSIKTEN VIEWPOINT
One of the most famous and spectacular spots along the Norwegian Scenic Route is the Utsikten viewpoint. Its hallmark is the modern, minimalist concrete platforms and blocks, designed to blend harmoniously with the mountainous landscape.
From the platforms, a spectacular panorama unfolds over the valley and the famous hairpin bends of the Gaularfjellet road, winding down the slope like a ribbon. This is one of those places where you can best appreciate the scale of Norwegian road engineering combined with nature. The curves, steep drops, and shifting perspectives create an incredibly photogenic landscape.
We didn’t go any further and had to start heading back toward Førde.
ROAD 610 LANDSCAPES
On the way back to Førde, we took a different road, which allowed us to see another amazing waterfall on the same river (description below). The entire route, however, is so magical and breathtaking that it’s impossible not to reach for the camera almost constantly.
EIKJELANDSFOSSEN
Eikjelandsfossen like the previously visited waterfall, is located right by the road, just about a 50-meter walk from the parking lot. Although it isn’t particularly tall, the sheer volume of water is impressive, and the powerful roar makes it definitely worth stopping.
DALSFJORDEN – THE ROAD WEST OF FØRDE
Leaving the town and heading south (toward Bergen Airport), we decided to take yet another route this time. The road along Dalsfjorden is slightly longer, but it offers new, unexplored views along the way.
OVER THE FJORD
Dalsfjorden is one of the lesser-known but incredibly charming fjords in the Vestland region. Unlike the most popular Norwegian fjords, it is quieter and practically free of tourists, allowing for a true connection with nature. The fjord is surrounded by gentler slopes than in other parts of Norway, green valleys, and small settlements that give the area a peaceful, idyllic character.
LAUKELANDSFOSSEN
We stop along the fjord at only one spot, from which you can see a stunning waterfall on the opposite side of the water. Laukelandsfossen is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. It is about 135 meters tall and, depending on the water flow, can reach up to 100 meters in width, making it one of the more impressive waterfalls nearby. It cascades down a rocky cliff in a wide, spreading fall, and its distinctive shape comes from the Storelva River splitting into several channels just before the drop.
ROAD 57 BETWEEN DALSFJORDEN AND SOGNEFJORD
This is the final stretch of road through Norway that I’ll show you in this guide. Road 57 is one of those routes that lets you fully experience the rugged beauty of western Norway. It passes through mountains, valleys, mountain passes, and along crystal-clear lakes. Along the way, you’ll see green pastures, traditional farms, and characteristic Norwegian waterfalls.
FØRDE – PRACTICAL GUIDE
FØRDE AIRPORT
The main airport serving the town is Førde Airport, Bringeland – a small regional airport located about 16 km south of the town center. It is a typical local airport, mainly handling domestic traffic. It has a single runway and a small terminal. The airport primarily operates domestic flights, especially to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen, served by the regional airline Widerøe. Flights run regularly throughout the week.
HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE TOWN CENTER?
Getting from the airport to Førde is simple. There is an airport bus that reaches the town center in 20 minutes. You can also take a taxi, though it is a more expensive option. Renting a car is worth considering, as it is the most convenient way to explore the region.
TRANSPORT IN FØRDE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
The main way to get around the town and region is by buses operated by Skyss. They connect Førde with nearby towns as well as larger cities in the Vestland region. Buses run regularly, but outside the main routes, frequency may be limited.
If you plan to explore the surrounding fjords, mountains, and waterfalls, renting a car is definitely the best option. It provides full freedom and allows you to reach places that public transport either doesn’t serve or serves infrequently.
HOW MUCH TIME TO PLAN?
Førde is not a large city full of historic landmarks, so the length of your stay mainly depends on whether you treat it as a stopover or a base for exploring the region.
- 1 day – enough to see the town itself: a walk along the Jølstra River, a quick look around, local galleries, or the town center. This is a good option for a short stop on a journey.
- 2–3 days – the most optimal time. It allows you not only to get to know Førde but also to take trips to nearby mountains, fjords, or waterfalls.
- 3–5 days – for those who want to explore the Vestland region more intensively. During this time, you can plan treks, longer scenic routes, and visit less obvious places away from the tourist crowds.
ACCOMMODATION IN FØRDE
Førde is not a typical tourist resort, and the number of hotels is limited, so it’s advisable to book accommodations in advance during the summer season. The most popular places to stay:
Scandic Sunnfjord Hotel & Spa – the largest and most comfortable hotel in town, offering a spa, swimming pool, and restaurant; a good choice for those seeking higher standards. We were invited here for an official dinner – the cuisine is highly recommended!
Førde Hotell – Unike Hoteller – a classic hotel in the town center, popular with both tourists and business travelers, with convenient access to services and transport. We stayed here, so I can personally recommend it. We also had a great view of the whole town from our window.
When booking, we recommend using the trusted portal Booking.com, which we have used many times. Through any link on their site, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!
Enter your desired dates and book safely:
