Svandal: Skiing, Mountain Trails and Summit Hikes

Sauda Skisenter in Svandal is a starting point for numerous outdoor activities in both summer and winter. In winter, offerings range from downhill runs and cross-country trails to a child-friendly area. In summer, you can enjoy marked trails, summit hikes and—once the snow has melted—the option to rent an electric mountain bike. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Svandal, you can start by considering which of these activities will shape your stay.

Winter sports in Svandal

Sauda Skisenter has downhill runs for all ability levels, a dedicated family lift, a park and groomed mountain trails. At the Lyngmyr ski area, you’ll find cross-country trails across hilly terrain, groomed, floodlit trails and a biathlon area. The lower part of Lyngmyr has its own distinctive feature: near the car park is a flat, child-friendly area where children can sled and ski.

Summer trails and summit destinations

During the summer season, marked trails in Svandal lead to Djuvsbotn. Established summit hikes lead to Ravnafjell, at 983 m above sea level, and Hustveitsåta, at 1,187 m above sea level. From Svandal, there are views of the Saudafjord and the centre of Sauda. If you’re choosing based on summit elevation, Ravnafjell is the lower destination and Hustveitsåta the higher one.

There’s also a seasonal option for exploring on two wheels: once the snow has melted in Svandal, you can rent an electric mountain bike at Sauda Skisenter. Plan according to the season: in winter, choose from ski runs and trails; during the summer season, explore marked trails and established summit hikes.

Culture and hiking in the Sauda destination

The Sauda destination combines nature with mining history. Allmannajuvet is a former zinc mining area in Sauda and is now a museum. Its buildings are designed in an industrial style to convey the story of mining. During the tourist season, guided tours along the mining trail and into the mine are offered daily. Dates may vary from year to year, so check them before your visit.

The Industrial Workers’ Museum features two authentically furnished apartments. One illustrates how workers lived in the 1920s; the other is furnished in the style of the 1960s. Alongside outdoor activities, Sauda therefore also offers an insight into living conditions in different decades.

Another hike in the Sauda destination leads to Hovlandsnuten. It passes through a fairytale forest and follows a paved path with 987 steps. For planning your trip: the hike is 14.5 km in total; it’s about 7 km to the summit, with an ascent of 918 m. The route offers fjord views and leads to a mountain lodge with Norway’s highest-altitude art museum.

Getting there

From Ropeid, follow Rv 520 to Saudasjøen, then turn towards Svandal and the alpine centre. When choosing your hotel, you can then decide what to focus on during your trip: winter sports in Svandal, summer hikes, or a stay that also includes cultural and hiking destinations in the Sauda area.

Discover more destinations: Saudasjøen.

Return to the main travel overview: Sauda.