Norddal by the Fjord: Trails, Water and Culture

Fjord views, hiking trails and a church with a remarkable history give Norddal its varied character. Norddal’s bathing spot lies on the rocky fjord shore; a short trail leads through woodland and berry fields to the Norddal Viewpoint, with sweeping views of the winding fjord and the village’s small houses. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Norddal, it may therefore be important whether you would like to focus your stay on views, hikes, water activities or cultural history.

Fjord scenery and days by the water

Two waterfalls are visible from Norddal. During the snowmelt, water plunges 220 metres at Dyrdalsfossen; in winter, the waterfall can freeze into a block of blue ice. This means the landscape changes with the seasons. The bathing spot has a barbecue area, a jetty, a changing room and a toilet. As facilities may change, check the conditions before your visit.

The harbour is also a landmark: it is at the entrance to the village and has 30 visitor berths, as well as access to electricity and fresh water, parking spaces and rubbish containers. Before arriving, check whether berths and facilities are available. If you would rather head out on the water, you can launch kayaks from the shore in the village centre, opposite the canoe rental or shop. Check before travelling whether canoes are available. One possible kayak route leads from Norddal across the fjord to the villages of Linge or Valldal.

Hikes with different highlights

The Storåsnakken circular route offers at least three viewpoints and is an easy, family-friendly hike through varied terrain. Another short and easily accessible trail leads to Litleåsskagen. There is a simple shelter at the viewpoint where hikers can enjoy the provisions they have brought with them. The routes have different highlights: Storåsnakken is a circular hike with several viewpoints; Litleåsskagen is a short, easily accessible trail with a shelter for a break.

Litleåsskagen is also known as Jonsokskjerva. In the past, midsummer bonfires were lit there and midsummer celebrations were held; the place name preserves the memory of this tradition. Those looking for a more challenging mountain hike will find further differences: the moderately difficult trail up Daurmålsfjellet starts right in the village of Norddal. The route to Torvløysa starts by the fjord, passes an old farm and crosses rocky terrain. It is listed as taking about nine hours; the summit is 1,851 metres high. Check seasonal mountain conditions before setting out on this hike.

There is also an easy, scenic route from Norddal through the valley to Lake Storvatnet. In the surrounding area, the route to Storvatnet starts at Rellingsetra and continues into an impressive World Heritage landscape. For cross-country skiing, there is an approximately seven-kilometre trail from Hatlestad above the village to Rellingsetra. Whether it is groomed depends on the weather.

Church history and cultural heritage sites

Nearby, in Dalsbygda, stands the octagonal Norddal kyrkje. It was built in 1782 and consecrated on 25 July 1784; it was the first octagonal church in Sunnmøre. The altarpiece with paintings was made in Germany between 1510 and 1525. Old sources also refer to Norddal kyrkje as Dale kyrkje; the name Dale kyrkje is also recorded for the church in Norddalen or Dalsbygda.

The hike to Botnen leads to the remains of a former crofter’s farm. Only the main part of the dwelling house remains from the former farm. On the opposite side of the river lies Bergingssteinen, which is also listed as a cultural heritage site; an information board points out the stone. Nearby, Herdalssetra is also associated with traditionally made goat’s cheese and goat’s milk caramel, which you can taste there. Check current availability before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Valldal, Eidsdal, Fjøra, Tafjord.

Go to the main travel overview: Norddal.