Saudasjøen: Culture, Hiking and Relaxation

Saudasjøen combines a diverse cultural landscape with opportunities for exercise and relaxation. The concentration of cultural monuments illustrates important historical periods; the cultural landscape as a whole is considered to be of significant regional value.

Cultural Sites in Saudasjøen

A medieval cemetery has been preserved at Kyrkjehaugen. At Nesøyra, remnants from the Second World War include a railway wagon scale and a guard hut that belonged to the NORDAG facility. In Eventyrskogen, wooden sculptures depict mythical creatures from Norwegian folklore; there is also a shelter and a barbecue area. Together, a medieval cemetery, traces of wartime and industrial history, and folkloric motifs represent different cultural highlights.

The Hike to Hovlandsnuten

The hike to Hovlandsnuten starts at Risvoll School in Saudasjøen. The full route is listed as 14.5 kilometres long with an ascent of 918 metres; it also includes 987 Sherpa steps. Measurements may vary slightly depending on how the route is interpreted. In the wider Sauda destination, the distance to the summit is given as approximately 7 kilometres. This approximate section should be distinguished from the total route length. Distance, elevation gain and number of steps provide different ways to assess the scale of the hike.

Winter Sports, Swimming and Golf

The Sauda Ski Centre in Saudasjøen has five ski lifts and two conveyor belts. In the wider Sauda destination, the ski centre offers downhill runs for all ability levels, a dedicated family lift, a park and groomed mountain trails. These winter sports are seasonal, so take this into account when choosing your travel dates.

Rødstjødna is a public swimming spot with a shelter and a floating jetty. Swimming conditions vary by season. At the municipal recreation area of Nesøyra, you can swim, fish and relax. Sauda Golfbane is a nine-hole golf course. The Sauda Golf Club also operates a driving range at Rødstjødna, where floating balls are hit into the lake. Operating conditions may change; check before your visit. The Dagsturhytta i Sauda is located on Giljafjell, next to Rødstjødna and Sauda Golfbane in Saudasjøen.

In the Wider Sauda Destination

The Ryfylke National Tourist Route runs to Sauda and continues over a mountain pass to Røldal. Road conditions may vary by season. Allmannajuvet is also part of the wider Sauda destination: the former zinc-mining area is now a museum. During the tourist season, guided tours along the mining trail and into the mine are offered daily; schedules may vary from year to year. The buildings are designed in an industrial style to convey the history of mining.

The Industrial Workers’ Museum in Sauda contains two authentically furnished apartments: one shows how workers lived in the 1920s, while the other has furnishings from the 1960s. The museum is within walking distance of Sauda’s shopping streets; seasonal opening hours may vary. If you plan to walk there, also check the current route beforehand.

Jonegarden på Hustveit is a nature, cultural and recreation area with an authentically preserved cultural landscape and buildings as they were at the end of the 19th century. The area around Jonegarden is a protected landscape.

The wider Sauda destination also includes Anna's Kafe, a rural café in the Sauda area. It serves locally made homemade pastries and is open on Sundays during the summer season. Check the current opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Svandal.

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