Modalen: Fjord, Mountains and Cultural History

At Mo, Kvernhusfossen plunges almost 100 metres straight down. Together with the Mofjord and the mountains in the fjord basin, it shapes a landscape that can be explored from several directions: on paths by the waterfall, on hikes into the mountains and at historic sites in the valley.

Fjord Views and Protected Landscape

The mountain areas within Modalen’s fjord basin are part of Stølsheimen. The Stølsheimen Landscape Protection Area also includes Modalen and protects a distinctive western Norwegian mountain and fjord landscape with cultural heritage sites, cultural landscapes and natural environments. Norway’s westernmost naturally growing spruce forest is at Otterstadstølen; the area is protected under nature conservation law.

A path to Nedstavatnet leads to the upper part of Kvernhusfossen and offers a good view of the Mofjord. The path is now considered popular; conditions and trail markings may change, so check them before setting out. Another notable viewpoint is Slottet: the rock face rises vertically 200 metres above the Mofjord, offering wide views towards Mo and Langedalen.

From a Short Excursion to a Multi-Day Hike

The path to Slottet starts at the main road in Stokkeviki and follows a blue-marked trail. Allow about two hours for the round trip; the actual duration may vary depending on conditions. The hike is considered easy and is suitable for children from around four to five years old. Take care at the summit. Check access and trail-marking conditions before your visit.

For longer hikes, a frequently used route from Modalen passes through Stølsdammen to Stølsheimen. From there, a path leads to the well-known mountain farm settlements of Solrenningen and Åsedalen. It crosses wet moorland; large parts of the route to Solrenningen are reinforced with stones and wooden boardwalks. Ground and water conditions can change seasonally. The “Fra fjord til fjord i Stølsheimen” hike connects Mo and Ortnevik over a total of 44 kilometres. It is designed to take four to five days, with overnight stays in DNT cabins; conditions and cabin availability may vary.

A shorter excursion leads to Olav-Nygards-Bu by Steinavatnet. The good path runs alongside the lake; as a path goes around the entire lake, the hike can be done as a circular route. The Modalen municipality day-hiking cabin is situated at an altitude of 500 metres and houses a small library with children’s books and local literature. It is open year-round; check conditions before setting out.

Church History, Literature and Rock Carvings

Mo has been a church site for the valley and its higher-altitude farms since the Middle Ages. The present-day Mo Church is a wooden long church dating from 1883. In the chancel, an older altarpiece from 1612 hangs alongside the 1893 altarpiece. In the village of Mo, a memorial stele commemorates the poet Olav Nygard, who was born at the mountain farm Krossen in upper Modalen.

The Bronze Age rock carvings at Mostraumen are also among the area’s distinctive cultural heritage: visitors can see motifs carved into the rock. Together with its church and literary heritage, they show that Modalen is not only a fjord and hiking destination, but also a place with a long cultural history.

Local Experiences and Practical Information

Sognafloren offers, among other things, Modalslefser, potato cakes and flatbread. These baked goods are associated with stories of local traditions, some of them long-standing; confirm what is currently available on site. The premises, fully restored in 2015, have since been used for market days, the sale of baked goods and courses. Check the current programme in advance.

Mobryggja is located on the fjord shore at Mo and is both a guest harbour and a holiday and conference centre. Confirm harbour and facility availability before you arrive. Aktiv i Modalen offers experiences in which Aanesen takes visitors to mountain farms, as well as a local-history walk through Mo and bicycle rentals. For tours and bicycles, it is best to confirm current booking and availability with the provider.

County Road 569 connects Modalen at Romarheim with the E39. Scheduled bus services run from Bergen to Modalen; two transfers are required, at Knarvik bus station and in Ostereidet. Check the latest timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Modalen, Nesheim, Austevoll, Bømlo, Kvam, Askøy, Ulvik, Radøy.

Return to the main travel overview: Hordaland.