Kjølsdalen: Hiking and village culture by the Nordfjord

Kjølsdalen is the largest village in a district with six villages on the north side of the Nordfjord. The mountains around the settlements and the fjord offer opportunities for outdoor activities in every season. When planning an excursion, you can choose between the hike to Kvanndalseggja/Blåfjellet, the nature gathering place near Navestøylen and the other trails in the Kjølsdalen district.

Hiking around Kjølsdalen

The moderately challenging hike to Kvanndalseggja/Blåfjellet from Kjølsdalen is a 6.8-kilometre round trip. It takes about three hours and involves a total elevation gain of 640 metres. The stated season runs from May to October. The distance, approximate duration and elevation gain give you different points of reference for planning the hike.

The route runs entirely through open terrain and follows a good path. Along the way, there are sweeping views in every direction. The Kjølsdalen district also has easy, moderately challenging and demanding hiking trails; many are marked. This gives you a specific hike to Kvanndalseggja/Blåfjellet alongside a wider choice of routes with different levels of difficulty.

The nature gathering place near Navestøylen, established by Trekløveret 4H, is well used and considered an easily accessible excursion destination for everyone. For planning an outing, there are therefore two destinations with different characteristics: the easily accessible nature gathering place near Navestøylen and the moderately challenging round trip to Kvanndalseggja/Blåfjellet, which also starts at Navestøylen.

Starting point and directions

The hike begins at Navestøylen, by a footbridge over the river. From Kjølsdalen, drive along the Rv15, then take the road on the right by the river and continue along a gravel road. Then follow the signs to the nature gathering place. There is a parking area at a passing place at Navestøylen. Road and parking conditions can change; trail conditions also vary by season. Check the current situation before setting out.

Church and history

Kjølsdalen kyrkje was the only church in the district to be consecrated during the war. Its 1940 altarpiece depicts a crucifix with a landscape panel behind it. The panel was created by Jørgen Stene from Haram. The parish is also active in the village church, with services and other cultural offerings.

A little west of Kjølsdalen, at Midthjell by the main road, there is a replica of a stone cross from the Viking Age or the early Middle Ages. The church is in the village; the replica cross is outside it, a little to the west. This distinction helps you keep the two historical points of interest separate when planning your visit.

Community life and cultural offerings

Local offerings include activities for different age groups. Kjølsdalen Idrettslag offers handball, football and Fjelltrim. Activities are free for children, with a small membership fee. The club offers outdoor and indoor activities throughout the year.

Music and film are also part of cultural life in Kjølsdalen. Vindfylla Spelemannslag offers traditional music lessons for children and adults. Kjølsdalen Musikklag holds concerts throughout the year in the village and in concert halls elsewhere in the district. At Kjølsdalen Samfunnshus, Bygdekino screens two films once a month: one for children and one for young people and adults. If you want to attend a specific screening, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Eid, Holmøyane, Haus, Heggjabygda, Nordfjordeid, Torheim, Hennebygda, Stårheim

Go to the main travel overview: Eid.