Spectacular experiences of nature spiced up with rich industrial history

Many of Norway’s most beautiful natural attractions are enhanced by the history of industry and hydropower – a history that makes the experience of nature even richer. Below is an overview of mother nature’s very own treasures that are just waiting to be explored.

The beautiful fjord landscape forms the basis for many of most popular hikes and experiences in Norwegian nature, but there are many nature and cultural experiences that are less well known, which offer the chance to experience both stunning nature and fascinating history. Some people see travel as a way of delving deep into history, while for others, enjoying nature is what inspires them to travel. Regardless of your inspiration, these beautiful experiences around the history of hydropower will appeal to almost everyone.

Flørli: The world's longest wooden staircase offers unique views

Flørli is a village on the south side of the Lysefjord, and is the last port of call for the ferry that goes to Lysebotn. It’s a roadless village situated on a steep hillside, and the 740-metre drop between Flørvatnet lake and the fjord makes the village particularly well suited to power production.

Sauda – from zinc mines to war memorials in Allmannajuvet gorge

In Allmannajuvet gorge, situated between Sauda and Hellandsbygda in Rogaland, are the remains of the old zinc mines that were built in the late 19th century. Allmannajuvet gorge is now part of the Norwegian Scenic Route. What was initially going to be a small stopping place is now a museum and experience centre that relates to the old zinc mines.

Suldal: Powerful architecture in Norway's powerhouse

Suldal is situated in the south of Fjord Norway, between Haugesund, Stavanger, Bergen and Hardanger. It boasts wild nature, award-winning architecture, salmon rivers, lively villages and mountains you can enjoy all to yourself. The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke runs through Suldal, and the stretch between Suldal and Sauda (via Røldal) has some of the best historical and modern architecture in Fjord Norway. The design hotel Energihotellet, situated in the tiny village of Nesflaten, is an excellent place to start your adventure. Here you can enjoy beautiful scenery with high mountains and the calm waters of Suldalsvatnet lake as your nearest neighbour. The three-hour architectural tour takes you from Suldal, via Sauda, to Røldal, and includes such sights as Høsebrua bridge, the Ostasteidn viewpoint, Allmannajuvet gorge and Svandalsfossen waterfall.

Ullensvang/Tyssedal: A trip in the realm of the navvies!

With its beautiful waterfalls, fjords, glaciers and mountains, Ullensvang and Tyssedal have been attracting visitors throughout history. It’s a place that bears witness to the huge contrasts between man-made industry and wild, unspoiled nature. At the centre of these contrasts is Odda, where the remnants of past and present industry converge. The town has several restaurants and places to stay, as well as companies that offer a wide range of nature-based activities, such as RIB boating, kayaking, glacier walks and cider cruises. Odda is a good starting point for activities on the Folgefonna glacier, and of course for trips to the world-renowned mountain formation Trolltunga.

Eidfjord. Waterfalls and spectacular views at the heart of the Hardangerfjord

Eidfjord is a power-producing municipality situated at the head of Hardangerfjord at the bottom of the Hardangervidda plateau. Its hydropower industry has made it one of Norway's wealthiest municipalities. The village, situated on the Rv7 road – one of the main arteries between east and west Norway – is perhaps best known for one of Norway's most spectacular waterfalls - Vøringsfossen. The municipality is also home to Sysedammen dam, which enjoys views towards Hardangerjøkulen glacier. Several paths, bridges and viewpoints have been constructed around Vøringsfossen, which allow visitors to get up close to the spectacular waterfall. The waterfall is an important part of the Norwegian Scenic Route experience along the Rv7 road.

Høyanger Historical tours with splendid views

The village of Høyanger in the county of Vestland played a very special role during the industrialisation of Norway in the 1900s, and, along with historical traces from that time, it offers some of Fjord Norway's most magnificent experiences of nature. The Kraftruta power route over the Bergefjell mountain leads you through magnificent landscapes. It's a 700-metre hike up the mountain ridge between Toppenhytta and Skålebotn, with stunning views of the Høyangerfjord, the Sognefjord and the Stølsheimen mountains. You will find accommodation at Larsgarden Tunhotell farm hotel, where you can stay in a farmhouse dating from 1901.

Årdal - villages of industry with national park status

The municipality of Årdal is situated farthest in the Sognefjord, and comprises the villages of Årdalstangen and Øvre Årdal. This is where the Sognefjord meets land, and Utladalen valley becomes the western gateway to Jotunheimen National Park. Årdal is fast becoming a unique destination and wears its status as a national park municipality as a badge of honour. The historic Rallarvegen – the Navvies’ Road – is now renovated between Sletterust, via the thousand-metre viewpoint, to Øvre Årdal, which offers a unique view right into the heart of Jotunheimen National Park.

Bremanger – coastal culture with historic roots

After transiting from a farming village to an industrial village in the 1900s, Svelgen in Bremanger municipality is quickly becoming known for its beautiful hiking trails and cultural walks in the old village streets. The cultural heritage trail leads you on an historical journey from the village being a farming community and up until the present day. In addition to the municipal centre of Svelgen, there are several other beautiful towns and villages in Bremanger that are well worth visiting. Join a guided walking tour in the village of Kalvåg to discover the fascinating history held by the historic sea-house environment.