Kjølsdalen – Fjord Views and Mountain Hikes

Between the Fjord and Mountain Trails

Kjølsdalen is the largest village in a district of six villages on the north side of the Nordfjord. Mountains define the surroundings of the settlements and the fjord, offering opportunities for outdoor activities in every season. From Kjølsdalen bustadfelt, you can see the fjord and the mountains. The bustadfelt is in Stad Municipality, about 20 minutes from the centre of Nordfjordeid. This information can help you choose where to stay if you are comparing Kjølsdalen and Nordfjordeid as possible bases.

A Mountain Hike with Clear Details

The Kvanndalseggja/Blåfjellet hike from Kjølsdalen is a moderately difficult 6.8 km out-and-back route. The hike is listed as taking about 3 hours, with a total elevation gain of 640 metres; it is intended for the period from May to October. The route runs entirely through open terrain and is in good condition. This hike offers wide views in every direction. If you are choosing a holiday apartment with a mountain hike in mind, you can use these details to plan your day.

The starting point is at Navestøylen, by a footbridge over the river. From Kjølsdalen, drive via the Rv15, then take the road to the right of the river, followed by a gravel road, and follow the signs to the nature meeting place. There is a parking spot at a passing place at Navestøylen. The directions and distinctive starting point give you a clear reference for the hike, but do not indicate how long it takes to walk to the starting point.

Beyond this hike, the Kjølsdalen area also has easy, moderately difficult and challenging hiking trails; many are marked. This lets you plan your hikes to suit your preferred level of difficulty rather than choosing the same type of route for every outing. At the upper end of the valley, towards the mountain trails, the Trekløveret 4H association has established a popular nature meeting place. This meeting place at Navestøylen is considered an easily accessible destination for everyone. It provides a separate reason to visit in addition to the more demanding mountain hike; the accessibility assessment applies to the meeting place.

Village Life, Music and History

The village also offers community activities. Kjølsdalen Idrettslag offers handball, football and Fjelltrim, and organises outdoor and indoor activities throughout the year. Activities are free for children, with a low membership fee.

Another glimpse into everyday life in the village is the Bygdekino’s monthly film programme at Kjølsdalen Samfunnshus: it screens one film for children and one for teenagers and adults. Kjølsdalen Musikklag holds concerts throughout the year in Kjølsdalen and in concert halls elsewhere in the district. Vindfylla Spelemannslag offers traditional music lessons for children and adults. If you are interested in music and the local community, you can experience different aspects of cultural life, from lessons to concerts and cinema.

Kjølsdalen kyrkje also has a special history: it was the only church in the district to be consecrated during the war. Its 1940 altarpiece depicts a crucifix with a landscape panel behind it, created by Jørgen Stene from Haram. The parish is active in the village church, holding services and other cultural events. Another trace of history lies a little west of Kjølsdalen: at Midthjell, a copy of a stone cross from the Viking Age or early Middle Ages stands beside the main road.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Kjølsdalen, you can consider whether mountain hikes, getting to know village life, or both, will be the focus of your trip. For additional driving information: the road to Lisjebreiløken runs from Kjølsdalen along the paved road through the valley, then continues for about 1 km on a gravel farm road to Salhaugen.

More local pages in this overview: Holmøyane, Heggjabygda, Nordfjordeid, Hennebygda, Stårheim, Torheim, Eid, Haus.

Return to the main travel overview: Eid.