Dale in Sunnfjord – Fjord, Culture and Art

On the southern shore of the Dalsfjord, fjord scenery, church architecture, art and the memory of a former barrel industry come together in Dale in Sunnfjord. The town offers a variety of starting points for your stay: from exploring the history of Dale kyrkje to visiting open studios and taking trips to the water. What you want your holiday to focus on may also help you choose the right base for your days here.

The church and industrial history

Dale kyrkje is a spacious wooden long church, built in 1864 with room for around 400 people. Its history goes back further: it is already mentioned in written sources from around 1350. It is also listed in the register of churches eligible to apply to the Norwegian Church Preservation Fund. Its architecture, historical mention and status in the register each tell a different chapter of its history.

Barrel-making also shaped Dale: Dale Tønnefabrikk A/S began operating here in 1915. In the first half of the 20th century, barrel production in the inner parts of the Dalsfjord developed into an entire industry, with Dale as its centre. Barrel production later came to an end. Those interested in the industrial heritage will therefore encounter a story of past work and manufacturing, not a barrel industry that is still operating.

Art and storytelling in town

The non-profit Nordic Artists’ Centre Dale (NKD) is an artist-in-residence centre in Dale. It is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality and run by an independent foundation. The centre also welcomes the public with open studios, workshops and seminars. Events may vary by season and date; check the programme for the period of your stay.

Another cultural landmark is Episenter Fjaler, run by Jakob Sande senter for forteljekunst. At Klokkargarden, Episenter manages the legacy of the poet Jakob Sande. Vesle Daniel also commemorates him: the sculpture stands in the park in the centre of Dale and was erected in his memory. You can encounter this literary heritage both at a cultural institution and in a public space.

The Dalsfjord, waterfall and trails

There are opportunities for walks and hikes around Dale. Nearby, on the Dalsfjord, is the Laukelandsfossen waterfall. It is 135 metres high and up to 100 metres wide. The waterfall can be reached by boat or kayak; swimming is possible in a pool below it. Access and viewpoints may vary. Assess the water and safety conditions yourself before swimming.

A boat trip from Dale to Alden is another option and takes about an hour. Timetables and availability may change, so it is advisable to check in advance. The boat trip and the waterfall offer different ways to experience the Dalsfjord: one as a journey on the water, the other as a destination nearby.

In the wider destination of Fjaler

Looking beyond Dale, the wider destination of Fjaler offers more landscape and historical highlights. The Vidsyn day-use hiking cabin stands on Bygdeheia in Ytre Fjaler. From there, the view stretches in every direction and across the sea to Alden. From either side, access is via a trail of about two kilometres; the climb takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your pace. Vidsyn can be reached from Furset or Skor, and parking is available at both trailheads. Trail conditions and walking times may change; check them before setting out.

The Dale–Leirvik section of the Trondhjemske Post Road offers another way to discover the region. It was built in 1801–1806 for weekly postal traffic and passes through a varied cultural landscape with numerous cultural heritage sites. A total of 19 stone bridges were built for the route. Fjaler also hosts its theatre festival every September; specific programme dates vary. Around 2010, a Fjaler municipality project also marked and maintained a total of 20 hiking trails; the trails mentioned are listed on ut.no.

Choosing the right base

When looking for a holiday apartment, your preferred pace for each day can be a useful guide: would you mainly like to experience the cultural attractions in Dale, explore trails in Fjaler or make time for the fjord? National Road 57 runs through Dale and connects the town with Ytre Sogn and inner Sunnfjord. Together with the destinations themselves, this road connection can help you decide what you want your stay to focus on. For events with changing dates and for the boat trip, it is worth checking the latest information before planning your days.

Discover more destinations: Fjaler, Espedal, Hellevik, Hellevik in Fjaler, Flekke, Guddal, Grytøyra.

Back to the wider travel guide: Fjaler.