Norddal: Fjord Shores, Hiking Trails and Culture

In Norddal and the surrounding area, you’ll find viewpoints, hiking trails, cultural sites and activities on the fjord. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you’d prefer to spend time by the water, on shorter walks or on longer hikes. Routes range from short walks to a hike that takes about nine hours.

Harbour, Fjord Shore and Kayaking

Norddal’s harbour is at the entrance to the village. It has 30 visitor berths, access to electricity and fresh water, parking spaces and rubbish containers. Check capacity and facilities before you arrive.

Norddal’s bathing spot is a rocky shore on the fjord. It has a barbecue area, a jetty, a changing room and a toilet. As the facilities may change, it’s a good idea to check them before your visit.

In the village centre, kayaks can be launched from the shore opposite the canoe rental outlet or shop. Check canoe availability before your trip. One kayaking route runs from Norddal across the fjord to the villages of Linge or Valldal.

Views and Hikes

A short path through the forest and berry fields leads to the Norddal Viewpoint. From there, you can see the winding fjord and the village’s small houses. Trail conditions may vary depending on the season.

The Storåsnakken circular route offers at least three viewpoints. It crosses varied terrain and is considered an easy, family-friendly hike. Another short, accessible route leads to Litleåsskagen. There is a simple shelter at the viewpoint where hikers can enjoy the food they have brought with them. Litleåsskagen is also known as Jonsokskjerva: Midsummer bonfires were once lit there and Midsummer celebrations held.

A moderately challenging hiking trail to Daurmålsfjellet leads directly from the village of Norddal. The route to Torvløysa requires more time: it starts at the fjord, passes an old farm and crosses rocky terrain, taking about nine hours. The summit is 1,851 metres high. Check seasonal mountain conditions before setting out.

Church and Cultural History

Nearby, in Dalsbygda, stands Norddal kyrkje. Built in 1782 and consecrated on 25 July 1784, it was the first octagonal church in Sunnmøre. Old sources also refer to Norddal kyrkje as Dale kyrkje. This name is also recorded for the church in Norddalen, or Dalsbygda. The altarpiece, with its paintings, was made in Germany between 1510 and 1525.

The hike to Botnen also leads to a cultural landmark: the remains of a former crofter’s farm. Only the main part of the house remains of the former farm. On the opposite side of the river lies Bergingssteinen, also a cultural landmark; an information board points it out.

Nearby Destinations and Seasonal Impressions

An easy, scenic route leads from Norddal through the valley to Lake Storvatnet. Another route to Storvatnet starts at Rellingsetra, outside the settlement, and continues into an impressive World Heritage landscape. Nearby, there is also a cross-country ski trail about seven kilometres long, running from Hatlestad above the village of Norddal to Rellingsetra. The winter trail’s grooming depends on the weather conditions.

Two waterfalls are visible from Norddal. During the snowmelt, water plunges 220 metres at Dyrdalsfossen; in winter, the waterfall can freeze into a blue block of ice. The landscape looks different depending on the season, while both waterfalls remain part of the view from Norddal.

Nearby Herdalssetra is associated with traditionally made goat’s cheese and goat’s milk caramel, which you can sample there. Check current availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Fjøra, Eidsdal, Valldal, Tafjord.

Return to the main travel overview: Norddal.