Nesflaten: Farming Village, Architecture and Suldalsvatnet

Nesflaten brings together the landscape around Suldalsvatnet and a remarkable architectural history: the traditional farming village lies on the lake’s northern shore and is also considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of functionalist architecture in Norway. This offers more than a single focus when choosing a holiday destination: you can centre your trip on village history, architecture and excursions in the surrounding area.

A village by the lake and tourist route

Nesflaten lies along the Ryfylke National Tourist Route, one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes. The 260-kilometre route follows the Rv 13 from Oanes by the Lysefjord to Hårå in Røldal. Fjords, mountains and cultural history shape the varied landscape along the route; Nesflaten is a natural stopping point. If you choose your holiday apartment based on the character of the destination, this place is particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine a village setting with a longer scenic route.

Just north of Nesflaten, the Juvo rest area is nearby on the Rv 13. The facility includes two viewpoints. Juvo is connected to the old Kvelven Tunnel in Brattlandsdalen via a historic stretch of road. The Flesefossen rest area is also located between Nesflaten and Røldal. A concrete platform offers views of the waterfall; the facility includes seating areas, a toilet building and parking for eight cars and two buses. These places offer different highlights for a stop along the way: Juvo combines views with a historic stretch of road, while Flesefossen focuses on the waterfall.

Functionalist architecture and village history

The Norwegian architect Geir Grung (1926–1989) designed the power station, workers’ housing and administration building in Nesflaten, now known as Energihotellet. The surviving buildings make functionalist architecture a defining feature of the place. Energihotellet retains original furniture from the 1960s by Sven Ivar Dysthe, as well as an intact gold-coloured fireplace. Anyone interested in architecture and design will find tangible details here that go beyond a building’s exterior form.

Another historical trace is the Nesflaten Chapel, dating from 1853. It is among the post-Reformation churches and cemeteries in Suldal that enjoy special heritage protection. Together with Grung’s buildings, it shows that Nesflaten cannot be defined by just one period of construction. You can park at Energihotellet and walk down from there to the power station and residential area; this also gives you a chance to explore these other buildings designed by Grung.

Cycling along Suldalsvatnet

A cycle tour from Nesflaten to Mosvatnet starts in the village and initially follows the FV 691 past Kilen. The route runs along a narrow asphalt road dating from the construction period, close to Suldalsvatnet, and passes waterfalls and streams. This excursion differs from the viewpoints along the Rv 13: here, the road beside the lake and the waterways along the way shape the experience. These route details can help you decide whether, during your stay, you would rather explore architecture and village history or experience the surrounding area on a cycle tour.

Local ingredients and more pages about the area

The food at Energihotellet also reflects the place’s connection to its surroundings: it is based on local ingredients as far as possible. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, Nesflaten remains a destination whose distinctive features lie above all in its landscape, architecture and village history. Which of these aspects interests you most can help shape your travel plans.

Find more pages about the area here: Hebnes, Marvik, Suldal, Sand, Foldøy, Suldalsosen, Jelsa and Vanvik.

Return to the main travel overview: Suldal.