Discover Luster: glaciers, waterfalls and churches

Glaciers, waterfalls and richly decorated churches shape the range of things to discover in Luster. Jostedalsbreen National Park covers part of the area; in Jostedalen, you can set out to see the glacier or take a glacier tour. There are also hiking trails in two national parks, water activities and cultural sites with very different stories. When choosing your holiday rental, it is therefore worth first considering whether you want to focus on nature experiences, churches, or a mix of different activities on your trip.

Glaciers and national parks

Jostedalsbreen National Park extends into Luster. Jostedalen is a starting point for seeing the glacier or taking a glacier tour. Breheimen National Park also extends into Luster. Hiking trail starting points include Jostedalen and Mørkridsdalen. If you want to plan your trip around hiking, you can choose from several starting points within the municipality.

Nigardsbreen is an outlet glacier of Jostedalsbreen and lies in Jostedalen, within the municipality of Luster. From the car park, you can reach the glacier on foot along the lake or take a boat across the lake. Guided glacier hikes at Nigardsbreen are offered to visitors aged five and over. This age requirement is a useful point of reference if you are considering taking this kind of tour with children. Breheimsenteret in Jostedalen is also a starting point for glacier hikes.

At Breheimsenteret, an interactive exhibition shares information about Jostedalen and the Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen national parks. The main themes are climate and glaciers. The restaurant serves homemade food from local producers. This means a stay in Jostedalen can include not only glacier activities but also an exhibition and dining options in one place.

Hikes and water experiences

Feigefossen is 218 metres high and is one of Norway’s tallest unregulated waterfalls. The route there climbs steeply uphill. This is important to bear in mind when planning your day: the waterfall is not reached by a hike described as easy. By contrast, the Solvorn–Lægene route is listed as an easy 2.8-kilometre walk, taking three hours, with a total elevation gain of 38 metres.

Water activities are also among the options in Jostedalen: rafting is offered on the Jostedøla river, and kayaking on Nigardsbrevatnet. Guided cultural walks are also available there. If you want to balance nature, exercise and culture in different ways, these activities can help you plan your outings accordingly, though they do not form a single combined route.

Another option for families is Lustrabadet in Gaupne. The swimming complex has a 25-metre pool, a five-metre diving tower, a 65-metre slide, a climbing wall and children’s pools. With its specific pools and facilities, it offers a different experience from the glaciers and hikes that Luster also has to offer.

Churches with their own stories

Urnes Stave Church was built in the 1130s and is one of the oldest surviving Norwegian stave churches. It is richly decorated both inside and out. Dale Church dates from around the middle of the 13th century. Its richly decorated west and south portals, in particular, set it apart among Norway’s medieval stone churches.

Gaupne Old Church has a different building history: it was built between 1647 and 1652. Painted walls and ceilings give its interior a colourful, richly decorated appearance. The church also preserves a west portal from an earlier stave church, dated to the second half of the 12th century. Those interested in religious architecture can include churches from different periods in their travel plans.

Getting around and places

For driving from Sogndal to Jostedalen, it is useful to know that the road passes through Hafslo and Gaupne. Norway’s first National Tourist Route, Sognefjellsvegen, begins in Fortun. This road information may help you choose your destinations. Whether you are looking for a holiday rental for a nature-focused stay or a trip that includes cultural experiences and swimming depends on which of Luster’s many different sides interests you most.

Other places for orientation: Luster, Veitastrond, Gaupne, Høyheimsvik, Solvorn, Skjolden, Hafslo, Marifjøra, Ornes, Fortun and Jostedal.

For the broader travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.