Villages and places

Jølster

Surrounded by majestic mountains and an idyllic lake, Jølster is the perfect destination for rewarding experiences.

The central area of the Sunnfjord region offers a beautiful valley landscape. Here, you can clearly see where the glacier has been and what it has done to the landscape. The valley opens out between the mountains to reveal Jølstravatnet lake, an idyllic lake in which the valley is reflected. Jølster is ideal if you like trout fishing, cycling, kayaking or mountain walks, all of which can be combined with cultural and culinary experiences.

Jølstravatnet lake is known for its exceptionally good fishing, and especially for the high quality of its fish. Around 15 tonnes of Jølster trout are caught every year. The fishing competition Jølster Aurefest (trout festival)takes place on the lake at the beginning of June every year.

In Astrup's realm

Be sure not to miss Astruptunet, which was the home of the artist Nicolai Astrup, one of Norway's most famous painters. He created many iconic images of the local community and landscape. If you visit Astruptunet, you will be able to see where he stood with his easel and get a sense of the stunning landscape. The artist’s beautiful home is in an idyllic location just above Jølstravatnet lake. The vineyard at Jølst is located between the villages of Vassenden and Skei. Visitors can join a tasting of the winery’s fruit wines.

Mountain and glacier walks

Jølstravatnet lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain summits and is therefore a good starting point for mountain walks. The glacier has carved out valleys and ground down the summits. There are several mountain walks to choose from, so you are sure to find one that suits you. If you think glaciers sound exciting, there is a lovely walk up to Haugabreen glacier, on which you have excellent views of the glacier. If you want to walk on the glacier itself, you can take a guided tour with breogfjell. And if you are looking for a fairly easy walk after a long day, you can walk up to the day-trip cabin. This walk suits everyone, and you get excellent views of Jølstravatnet lake. If it’s an Instagram-friendly image you are looking for, then Hamnanova is the right mountain for you. From the summit, you look out over the Kjøsnesfjord and Jølstravatnet lake.

Activities in Jølster

ei jente står og ser utover en fjord. det er høge fjell rundt fjorden som har snø på toppene. jentene står på gras

Outdoor activities and nature

Hike to Hamnanova

Jølster

A mountain hike to Hamnanova in Jølster offers stunning views of Jølstravatnet and Kjøsnesfjorden. The hike is suitable for the whole family.

Culture

Astruptunet

Jølster

Astruptunet is situated in idyllic surroundings on the south side of Jølstravatnet, and is the home of the artist Nikolai Astrup

Bathing and wellness

Sauna at Jølstraholmen

Jølster

Enjoy a steamy sauna and a fresh river bath at Jølstraholmen.

Bathing and wellness

Sauna at Jølstraholmen

Jølster

Enjoy a steamy sauna and a fresh river bath at Jølstraholmen.

Båt ligg på fjorden og fiskar under stupbratte fjell.foto

Outdoor activities and nature

Evening fishing with a guide – in search of the big catch in the beautiful Kjøsnesfjorden

Jølster

Join Nils-Einar from Kjøsnes Feriehytter and go in search of the big catch in the beautiful Kjøsnesfjorden.

Lundeskaret Jølster

Outdoor activities and nature

Lundeskaret

Jølster

Lundeskaret is a proper classic mountain hike in Jølster. From the top, you have a marvelous view of the Kjøsnesfjord.

Culture

Astruptunet

Jølster

Astruptunet is situated in idyllic surroundings on the south side of Jølstravatnet, and is the home of the artist Nikolai Astrup

Ei gruppe sit og ser på verten som står og snakkar om drikkevarene.

Shopping

Guided Tour and Wine Tasting at the Vineyard in Jølst

Jølster

Discover the Vineyard in Jølster – a unique fruit winery where you can sample handpicked fruit wines from Vestavin. Try refreshing non-alcoholic drinks from Vesle Lerka, and browse local treasures in the charming farm shop.

Culture

Eikaasgalleriet

Jølster

In this modern gallery by Jølstravatnet and the E39, you can find works by innovative artist Ludvig Eikaas and others.

Outdoor activities and nature

Haugabreen Glacier Walks

Jølster

A blue ice adventure for the whole family!

kajakk padler mellom bratte fjell

Outdoor activities and nature

Kvåleskajakk

Jølster

Visit Skei in Sunnfjord and take a kayaking course to learn to paddle the ocean blue. Guided tour to the Kjøsnesfjord with its wild nature and glaciers.

Outdoor activities and nature

Cross country skiing - Årdalen Jølster

Jølster

Årdalen is a cross-country ski trails that is up to 11 kilometres long, and the light trail extends up to 2.5 kilometres.

How to get here

You can discover a unique coastline just north of Bergen, in combination with a beautiful fjord kingdom. Below you will find an overview of how to get to and around the region.

Getting to and around Fjordkysten & Sunnfjord

Sleep well in Jølster

  • Accommodation

    Jølstraholmen

    Jølster

    Surrounded by rivers, glaciers and hiking-friendly mountains, Jølstraholmen is the perfect place for an active yet relaxing stay, in close contact with nature.

  • Jølvassbu Camping

    Accommodation

    Jølvassbu Camping

    Jølster

    Jølvassbu Camping is a small and pleasant camping close to the centre of Vassenden.

  • Accommodation

    Lunde Turiststasjon

    Jølster

    Lunde Turiststasjon is a family owned company which have given accomodation since the 1880s.

What´s happening on Jølster?

  • 12. Jun.

    Fishing

    Jølster Aurefest

    09:00

    Jølster Aurefest is an annual fishing competition held over three days, and it has been a tradition since 2014. The inspiration behind the event goes all the way back to the original fishing competition held in 1958.

Other villages in Fjord Norway

  • Førde

    Førde

    The small town of Førde is built around the river Jølstra, which winds its way through the landscape on its way to the Førdefjord. The town is both a commercial and a cultural centre and has plenty of cafés and eateries.

  • Bygstad

    Bygstad is an idyllic place in Sunnfjord, surrounded by majestic mountains and beautiful fjords. Here, you can experience the beauty of nature and local culture at its best.

  • Fjærland

    Fjærland is the area surrounding a branch of the Sognefjord, close to the Jostedalsbreen - the largest glacier on mainland Europe.