Discover Marifjøra: Sjøbu, Fjord and Hiking Trails

Marifjøra lies on the south side of the Gaupnefjord along National Road 603. This branches off from National Road 55, the Sognefjellsveien. The village was once a trading and market town; today, it is a tourist destination.

Local History and Waterfront Culture

Like Solvorn, Marifjøra developed at a time when the sea route served as a means of communication. The village has a valuable stock of historic buildings. A striking example is the Sjøbu in Marifjøra: it is one of only two protected buildings in the area and is included in Luster Municipality’s cultural heritage plan.

The Sjøbu is part of a lively waterfront setting that reflects Norwegian coastal culture. Visitors can experience the building from Strandgata or from the sea. These two perspectives offer a way to discover the history of the waterfront through the Sjøbu.

Food and Village Life by the Fjord

Kafè Marifjøra is a gathering place for locals and visitors. In peaceful, scenic surroundings, you can enjoy a meal there with a view of the fjord. A visit to the café complements the historic and scenic impressions with a glimpse of village life.

Hiking Trails and Views

The hiking trail to Hafslo begins near the quay in the center of Marifjøra. You can park there before the trail starts a little way back towards FV55. For the hike via Oppheimshaugen to Molden, the route first follows a tractor or gravel road. It then climbs steeply through the forest for 1.5 kilometers to Steinkveane.

The route from Marifjøra via Oppheimshaugen to Molden also passes the disused mountain pasture hut Svolsete. The trail leads through varied forest, and there are tables and benches at the hut. At Molden, visitors can enjoy views in every direction. The trail sections described and the views at the destination provide different points of reference for planning your hike.

Joranger Church and Eikjabu Nearby

Near Marifjøra, the richly decorated Joranger Church stands on a hill south of Gaupne. It was built around 1660 and is listed as a protected church. The hill offers a view of the inner Sognefjord.

Eikjabu lies between Solvorn and Marifjøra and can only be reached by fjord. You can reach the cabin from Marifjøra by kayak. Luster Turlag also operates a kayak house in Marifjøra: DNT members can rent kayaks there at a low cost, but access requires a DNT key. Keep this restriction in mind when planning to use the kayak house.

Cultural Sites in the Wider Luster Destination

The wider Luster destination also features notable examples of Norwegian architectural history. Urnes Stave Church was built in the 1130s and is one of Norway’s oldest surviving stave churches. It is richly decorated both inside and out. Dale Church was built around the middle of the 13th century; its richly decorated west and south portals set it apart among Norway’s medieval stone churches. These churches form a distinct regional cultural context alongside the Sjøbu and Joranger Church near Marifjøra.

Discover more destinations: Veitastrond, Ornes, Fortun, Luster, Solvorn, Jostedal, Skjolden, Høyheimsvik.

Back to the main travel guide: Luster.