Modalen between fjord and mountains
Accommodation in Modalen
Modalen combines a western Norwegian mountain and fjord landscape with hiking trails, a vibrant local history and special natural sites. The Stølsheimen Landscape Protection Area also includes Modalen and protects cultural heritage sites, cultural landscapes and the natural environment. The mountain areas within the fjord basin are part of Stølsheimen. Whether you prefer short outings, a longer hike or cultural discoveries, Modalen offers different ways to shape your stay.
Fjord views and nature in the valley
A striking viewpoint is Slottet: the rock outcrop rises 200 metres vertically above the Mofjord and offers wide views towards Mo and in the direction of Langedalen. Near Mo, Kvernhusfossen also plunges almost 100 metres vertically. The popular hiking trail to Nedstavatnet leads to the upper part of the waterfall and offers a good view of the Mofjord. Near Otterstadstølen is Norway’s westernmost naturally growing spruce forest. The spruce forest lies within a nature reserve protected under nature conservation law.
Hikes of varying lengths
The hike to Slottet is suitable for a shorter outing: the trail starts at the main road in Stokkeviki and is marked blue. The round trip takes about two hours. It is considered not very demanding and is suitable for children from around four to five years old; take care at the summit. This is a way to combine a hike with a specific destination and expansive views, without immediately planning a multi-day trek.
For a longer outing, the route “Fra fjord til fjord i Stølsheimen” (From Fjord to Fjord in Stølsheimen) runs from Mo to Ortnevik. The hike is 44 kilometres in total and takes four to five days; overnight stays are planned in DNT cabins. A frequently used access route from Modalen to Stølsheimen goes via Stølsdammen. From there, a trail leads to the well-known summer-farm settlements of Solrenningen and Åsedalen. It crosses wet moorland. Large sections of the trail to Solrenningen are reinforced with stones and wooden boardwalks.
Another hiking idea is Olav Nygards bu, the municipality of Modalen’s day-use hiking cabin at Steinavatnet, at an altitude of 500 metres. The cabin has a small library with children’s books and local literature. The route there follows a good trail along the lake. Since a path goes all the way around Steinavatnet, the hike can also be done as a loop.
Cultural history and local discoveries
In Mo, a memorial stele commemorates the poet Olav Nygard, who was born at the mountain farm Krossen in upper Modalen. Since the Middle Ages, Mo has served as a church site for the valley and the farms at higher elevations. The wooden Mo Church is a long church dating from 1883. In the chancel, alongside the altarpiece from 1893, there is also an older altarpiece from 1612. At Mostraumen, you can see Bronze Age rock carvings chiselled into the rock.
Aktiv i Modalen offers experiences with Aanesen, who takes visitors to the mountain farms. The activities also include a local history walk through Mo and bicycle rental. Those interested in regional baking traditions can find Modalslefser, potato cakes and flatbread, among other things, at Sognafloren. The baked goods come with stories about their sometimes long-standing local traditions. The premises of Sognafloren, fully restored in 2015, have since been used for market days, baked goods sales and courses.
Getting there and choosing the right kind of trip
County Road 569 connects Modalen near Romarheim with the E39. There are scheduled bus services from Bergen to Modalen; these require two transfers, at Knarvik bus station and in Ostereidet. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Modalen, your preferred focus can help guide your decision: short hikes such as the one to Slottet, a multi-day trek in Stølsheimen, or a stay centred on local history and traditions.
For further orientation, see the pages for Modalen and Nesheim.
For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.
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