Villages and places
Sauda
Sauda is situated in the innermost reaches of Ryfylke. The small town has several shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels.
Archaeological finds show there were settlements in the Viking Era and throughout the Middle Ages. Until the 18th century, the sale and export of timber was of great importance. Mining became a prominent activity in the 19th century, and in the 20th century industrialization led to the development of today’s modern Sauda.
In our times, the most important industries are hydroelectric power production, metallurgical industries, and the production of lumber and glass.
Pleasant town centre
Even during the winter, the sidewalks of Sauda are free of ice, making shopping in the compact town centre a pleasant experience.
"Saudadagene", held on the last weekend of May, is a festive annual event that offers great deals and a wide range of activities, including a renowned bicycle race between Haugesund and Sauda that attracts some of the country’s best cyclists.
The historical Åbøbyen
The industrial residential area of Åbøbyen, with its Industrial Workers Museum in one of the homes, is well worth a visit and a guided tour. This well-preserved area was the largest of its kind in Europe when it was established for industrial workers, managers and staff who worked at smelting plant in Sauda. The oldest of the 120 houses were built in 1916.
Paradise all year
With its proximity to fjords and mountains, Sauda is a paradise for exciting activities all year round. During the winter, Sauda Ski Centre in Svandalen draws skiers from afar; the alpine center is situated just 15 minutes by car from the town centre.
The nearby mountains offer great hiking, fishing and hunting, and there is an excellent network of trails.
Saudahallen consists of an indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming facilities. Regardless of the season, the water is a comfortable 32˚C.
Travel inspiration
Activities near Sauda
Outdoor activities and nature
Sauda Ski Centre
Saudasjøen
Sauda Ski Centre Svandalen is situated approx. 8 km from Sauda town centre in Ryfylke.
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.
Outdoor activities and nature
Hovlandsnuten - hike in Sauda
Sauda
Hovlandsnuten in Sauda, Ryfylke, is an easily accessible hike suitable for most people. Highlights are Eventyrskogen, the Sherpa steps and the cabin at the top.
Outdoor activities and nature
Nordag - hiking trail along war memorials in Saudasjøen
Sauda
Discover the fascinating history of Sauda during World War II! The trail takes you through the historical tracks and war memorials.
Outdoor activities and nature
Marked ski trails in Sauda
Sauda
In Sauda, Ryfylke, there are over 100 km of marked ski trails in eight valleys. Sauda is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, randonee and slalom.
Culture
Mining gallery in Allmannajuvet in Sauda
Sauda
The Allmannajuvet zinc mines are located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Sauda. The famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has designed the facility.
Culture
Industrial Workers Museum and Åbøbyen in Sauda (Ryfylkemuseet)
Sauda
Åbøbyen in Sauda in Ryfylke, is one of the best-preserved residential areas for industrial and office workers built during the establishment of energy-intensive industry in Norway.
Outdoor activities and nature
Round the Åbødalen valley in Sauda
Sauda
Around the Åbødalen valley in Sauda, Ryfylke, is a marked and prepared cross-country ski trail. It is child-friendly, but has some steep climbs and descents.
Outdoor activities and nature
Jonestølen in Sauda
Sauda
The hike to the idyllic Jonestølen in Sauda is moderate and around three kilometers.
Outdoor activities and nature
Rundehaugen - hike
Sauda
From Rundehaugen (480 masl) you can see the most of Sauda in Ryfylke. At the top there is a cabin, bench, book and a map.
Outdoor activities and nature
Hovlandsnuten - hike in Sauda
Sauda
Hovlandsnuten in Sauda, Ryfylke, is an easily accessible hike suitable for most people. Highlights are Eventyrskogen, the Sherpa steps and the cabin at the top.
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 Sauda
Accommodation
Historical Sauda Klubb in Sauda
Sauda
Sauda Klubb is a historical building located centrally in Åbøbyen in Sauda, Ryfylke. You can rent the unique house can for small and large gatherings.
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.
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.
You may also be interested in
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.
Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke
The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke through Ryfylke is one of the longest of Norway's 18 Scenic Routes. The route through Ryfylke, from Oanes by Lysefjorden to Hårå in Røldal, is 260 kilometres long and travels Rv. 13, Fv. 523 and Fv. 520.
