Ulnes on Strandefjorden
Accommodation in Ulnes
Ulnes lies on the northern part of Strandefjorden. Three topics in particular can help you choose a destination: the medieval Ulnes kirke, the heathland and marshland towards Flæin, and the panoramic route. This can help you decide whether the history of the village, the landscape, or a longer cycling tour should be the focus of your stay.
Ulnes and its location by the fjord
Ulnes kirke stands on a headland on the eastern side of Strandefjorden. The area of Ulnes stretches westwards to Tisleifjorden. On the western side of Strandefjorden, Åsbygda Hippesbygdi lies high above the fjord. These place descriptions provide different reference points for Ulnes and its surroundings: the church’s location on the eastern shore of the fjord, the area’s westward extent, and the elevated Hippesbygdi on the western side of the fjord.
The medieval Ulnes kirke
Ulnes kirke is a medieval stone church built around 1270. It is one of two medieval stone churches in Valdres that can be visited. Its age makes it a notable historic landmark for anyone interested in medieval church architecture. Visiting arrangements may vary, so check the information for your preferred visit date before you arrive.
Heathland, marshland and nature near Flæin
Ulnes includes extensive areas of heathland and marshland that stretch towards Flæin. Flæin has a diverse range of wildlife, birdlife and plant life. This brings two distinct aspects of nature to the fore: heathland and marshland as defining features of the area, and the diversity of animals, birds and plants at Flæin. This perspective complements the fjord as a point of reference and helps you understand the landscape beyond its position on the shore.
The panoramic cycling route
The panoramic route runs steeply downhill from Vaset to Ulnes. There it turns right and follows Lovegen along the western shore of Strandefjorden towards Leira. The route is 56.5 kilometres long, includes around 700 metres of elevation gain, and is rated moderate to difficult. Distance, elevation gain and difficulty are useful details when planning the cycling part of your trip; road conditions may vary.
For another section of the regional route, between Leira and Tisleidalen, taking the scheduled bus is recommended to avoid cycling on the busy Fv51. If you include this recommendation in your tour plans, check the current timetable in advance. This lets you consider the route details near Ulnes separately from the recommendation for the section between the other two places.
Nord-Aurdal as a wider travel destination
In the wider destination of Nord-Aurdal, Langsua National Park offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and skiing throughout the year. Nord-Aurdal is one of the municipalities associated with the park. Since 2011, Nord-Aurdal Municipality has held the annual Sommervandring hiking event. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for the relevant year.
The cross-country ski trail network in Nord-Aurdal offers well-groomed trails for residents and visitors. Check the latest grooming information before planning a day of cross-country skiing. Stølsvidda is another regional point of reference: the area extends across Vestre Slidre and Nord-Aurdal and was recognised as a selected cultural landscape in 2018. It is often used as a recreational area by local residents, cabin owners and visitors. Its open grazing landscape and extensive wetland complexes are associated with an unusually high density of birds, particularly waterbirds.
Discover more destinations: Fagernes, Leira i Valdres, Aurdal, Tisleidalen, SkrautvĂĄl.
Return to the wider travel overview: Nord-Aurdal.
