Høyanger: Industrial Heritage, Art and Trails

In the centre of Høyanger are both the Høyanger Industristadmuseum and the Gunnar S. Galleriet in Byporten. This shared address brings together a building designated as a cultural heritage site and an art collection spanning several decades. The Kraftruta also explores the town’s industrial history on a walking tour. Høyanger Kyrkje and the trails to Synkenhytta add architecture and hiking to the picture. This gives you the option to focus your trip on different things: cultural history, art, the history of hydroelectric power, or excursions into the mountain landscape.

Byporten: Museum and Gallery

Byporten was completed in 1934 and now houses the Industristadmuseum. The museum is in the centre of Høyanger. Gunnar S. Galleriet is also located in Byporten. This brings two distinct cultural subjects together at the same address: the town’s industrial history and a collection of visual art.

The collection at Gunnar S. Galleriet comprises around 30 works from approximately 1950 to 1980. These include drawings, watercolours, paintings and serigraphs. The range of media gives the collection a tangible breadth: alongside paintings, you will also find works on paper and prints. If you are interested in art, you can make a visit to the gallery a separate focus alongside the Industristadmuseum.

Hydroelectric Power and Architecture

The Vasskraftmuseet in Høyanger was established in 1986 in the former Kraftstasjon 1. A central part of the exhibition is one of the original units, with its turbine and generator. This means that the historic building and the technical equipment itself are both in focus. The Høyanger Vannkraftmuseum is located on the premises of Hydro Høyanger Metallverk.

Høyanger Kyrkje is a modern masonry church built in the basilica style. It was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Olav S. Platou, and Bishop Ragnvald Indrebø consecrated it in 1960. It has 374 seats. Another notable detail is the stained-glass window depicting Jesus on the cross.

Kraftruta: Bergefjell and a Town Walk

Kraftruta is designed as a two-day experience and includes a hike across Bergefjell and a walking tour through Høyanger. The route from Høyanger is about 13.5 kilometres long, with 700 metres of elevation gain. It is moderately challenging and marked. The town-walk section focuses on Høyanger’s development: it shows how the management of the aluminium works built the town as an ideal community, and how a distinct industrial culture and architecture emerged. Kraftruta thus combines a hike across Bergefjell with a closer look at the town’s history.

Synkenhytta and the Trails Leading There

Synkenhytta is Høyanger Municipality’s day-trip cabin on Høyangerfjellet. The shortest route is about four kilometres long and follows the gravel road from “Flyplassen”. The longest route to the cabin is 6.5 kilometres and starts at the car park by Siplo. The routes differ both in length and starting point. As trail conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting off.

Synkenhytta is accessible to people with reduced mobility; a ramp leads into the cabin. Two Hasle canoes, paddles and life jackets are also available to borrow free of charge at the cabin. These details add further practical options at the destination to the choice of hiking routes. When planning, you can consider both the route and the facilities at the cabin without confusing the two.

Getting Around the Municipality

The Sognefjord divides Høyanger into two parts. Places within the municipality also have different points of reference: Lavik in Høyanger Municipality is served by the Oppedal–Lavik ferry connection. Timetables may change; check the latest departure times before travelling if you plan to use this connection.

Discover More Destinations

Høyanger, Vadheim, Kyrkjebø, Lavik, Bjordal, Jølster, Sogndal, Hyllestad

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