Nesflaten

The traditional farming village of Nesflaten lies on the north shore of Suldalsvatnet along the Ryfylke National Scenic Route. The 260-kilometre route follows the Rv 13 from Oanes on the Lysefjord to Hårå in Røldal through a varied landscape of fjords, mountains and cultural history. It is one of Norway’s 18 National Scenic Routes; Nesflaten is considered a natural stopping point along the way. If you are looking for hotels for a trip to Nesflaten, you can assess the area according to the themes that interest you: architecture in the village, scenery along the route and destinations in the surrounding area.

Functionalist architecture in Nesflaten

Nesflaten is considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of functionalist architecture in Norway. Norwegian architect Geir Grung (1926–1989) designed the power station, workers’ housing and the administration building, now known as Energihotellet. The three buildings represent different functions within the village: energy production, housing and administration.

Special details have also been preserved inside Energihotellet: original furniture from the 1960s by Sven Ivar Dysthe and an intact golden fireplace. They add specific design elements from that period to the architectural perspective. You can park at Energihotellet and walk down from there to the power station and residential area.

An earlier historical landmark is the Nesflaten Chapel, dating from 1853. The chapel belongs to the group of post-Reformation churches and cemeteries in Suldal, which is under special heritage protection. Together with the 20th-century architecture, it offers another perspective on the village’s history.

Stops along the Ryfylke Route

Just north of Nesflaten, the Juvo rest area is nearby on the Rv 13. It has two viewpoints and is connected to the old Kvelven Tunnel in Brattlandsdalen by a historic road section. Juvo opened in November 2025; check the current access situation before visiting.

The Flesefossen rest area lies between Nesflaten and Røldal. A concrete platform offers a good view of the waterfall. The site also has seating areas, a toilet building and parking for eight cars and two buses. It opened in 2023. Check current access and the status of the facilities before travelling.

Travelling by Suldalsvatnet

The cycling route from Nesflaten to Mosvatnet starts in the village and initially follows the FV 691 past Kilen. The route runs close to Suldalsvatnet on a narrow asphalt road dating from the construction period, passing waterfalls and streams. The ride links the lake with a journey through the roadside landscape. Road conditions can change; check them before setting off.

Suldalsvatnet in Suldal is the largest lake in Rogaland and one of the deepest lakes in Norway. It is 28 km long and 376 m deep. These regional measurements provide a broader perspective on the lake, on whose north shore Nesflaten lies. The dishes at Energihotellet are also based on local ingredients as far as possible; the selection may change. This makes Nesflaten a distinct focal point for architecture, the lake and the roadside landscape on a trip through Suldal.

Discover more destinations: Sand, Hebnes, Foldøy, Marvik, Erfjord, Jelsa, Vanvik, Suldalsosen.

Back to the main travel overview: Suldal.