Villages and places
Allmannajuvet
As part of the establishment of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed new facilities at Allmannajuvet gorge in Sauda in Ryfylke.
The area consists of an exhibition gallery to show the history of the mines in a striking new way, a café and service facility, and parking for visitors. In order to reach the entrance of the mine, a spectacular road was constructed along the wild river.
The history of the mines
The zinc mines were in operation from 1881 to 1899. The mining operations brought life to the village with as many as 168 employees and the export of ore on ships heading abroad. The operation was a forerunner of subsequent hydroelectric development and industrialization in Sauda in Ryfylke.
Café and guided tours
During the summer season, there are guided tours to the mines several times every day, and the rest of the year there are groups on request.
The exciting new café building, which is open in the summer, has a great view.
Getting to Allmannajuvet
Allmannajuvet is located near Sauda in Ryfylke. You can get to Allmannajuvet with your own car both from the south or from the north.
From the south:
Follow the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv 520, along Saudafjorden. Drive through Sauda center and follow the road through Hellandsbygd towards Saudafjellet. The road from Sauda to Hellandsbygd is open in winter, so driving from the south to Allmannajuvet is available all year round.
From the north:
From Røldal in the north you cross Saudafjellet on the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Fv 520. The road over Saudafjellet takes you through a varied landscape and a 900-metre high mountain pass. The scenery is magnificent and parts of the road are quite narrow, so please take your time. Saudafjellet pass, on Rv. 520 between Hellandsbygd and Røldal, is closed in the winter when the snow can pile up to five–six metres thick!
Travel inspiration
Activities near Allmannajuvet
Culture
Guided tours Allmannajuvet, Sauda
Sauda
Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet in Sauda, Ryfylke. It will be daily guiding throughout the summer season. Listen to the story of the mining adventure and get a taste of how life inside the mines was in the late 1800's.
Culture
The Architectural Route along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke
Sand
Experience world class and historic architecture while driving through a spectacular landscape over mountains and along fjords, rivers and lakes in Suldal, Sauda and Røldal in Ryfylke.
Outdoor activities and nature
Spelhustoppen - hike
Sauda
The old travel path to Spelhustoppen was used as a traffic artery for the Germans during World War II, and is today called "Tyskerstien".
How to get here
Ryfylke is best known for the iconic mountains Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag, which are both on the spectacular Lysefjorden. But when you drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, between Lysefjorden in the south and Hårå in Røldal in the north, you will experience lots of contrasts among majestic mountains and deep fjords.
Getting to and around RyfylkeDining and accommodation near Allmannajuvet
Food and drink
Summer cafe at Allmannajuvet, Sauda
Allmannajuvet
Summer open cafè in Allmannajuvet, Sauda. Exciting café building with a great view.
Accommodation
Kløver Hotel, Sauda
Sauda
Kløver Hotel is ideal for your fjord holiday in Ryfylke. The hotel is situated in the heart of Sauda, a town at the head of the Saudafjord.
Accommodation
Sauda Fjord Camping
Saudasjøen
Sauda Fjord Camping is located by the Saudafjord in Ryfylke. The campsite is open all year, but in winter you have to book in advance.