The nature in Masfjorden is impressive. So is the war history.
Masfjorden is only an hour and a half from Bergen. Nevertheless, Masfjorden is referred to as the fjord off the beaten track. It is exactly off the beaten track where you often find the hidden treasures. If you are exploring Sognefjorden by car, then a visit to Masfjorden can be a great detour.
The story of the white angels
Some of the very last fights in Europe during the Second World War took place in the mountains of Matre (Matrefjella). At the Bjørn West Museum in Matre, you can learn more about the dramatic struggle in the last days of the war in 1945. The museum is named after the Norwegian guerrilla base that was based in Matrefjella during the last six months of WW2.
The soldiers in Matrefjella were also called "the white angels". At the museum you will find a collection of weapons, equipment and personal effects that belonged to the Bjørn West soldiers and local contacts in the villages around the base.
From the museum, you can join a guided tour to Stordalen Fjellstove in Stølsheimen - the white angels' headquarters.
The hiding place in Stølsheimen
Stordalen, about 20 minutes' drive from Matre, is the western gateway to Stølsheimen. The Stølsheimen mountain area stretches between Masfjorden in the west, Sognefjorden in the north and Voss in the east. Today Stordalen Fjellstove offers good food, accommodation and meeting facilities, and a good starting point for mountain hikes.
The reason why the military resistance movement base Bjørn West was established precisely in Matrefjella was the combination of steep, wild, desolate mountain expanses and many summer dairies that could be used for accommodation. Matrefjella is still here, ready to give you a nature experience you won't forget so easily. Choose between a number of mountain hikes of varying length and difficulty. On one of the hikes, you can follow in the footsteps of the resistance group Bjørn West.
Masfjorden is more than wild mountains. The municipality is almost divided in two by the fjord. In the western part of Masfjorden, you will find the beautiful archipelago well suited for kayaking, swimming and boating.
Nautesund Camping is also located in this area, situated between the fjord, islands and mountains.
The campsite is referred to as one of Norway's most beautiful campsites. Nautesund Camping offers cabins, mobile home parking, tent pitches, as well as a harbor and boats for hire.
The taste of Nordhordland
For foodies, the area Nordhordland is an exciting destination with an abundance of good, local ingredients. Sandneskafeen at Sandnes (municipal center in Masfjorden) can remind you of a Greek tavern, but here you will find home-made food prepared with love and local ingredients.
In the same you can also visit Kvamsdals Fargeri, which was established in 1889. Today, the dye shop is an exhibition and concert venue open to the public.
Things to see and do
Photo from Matre: Visit Bergen / Espen Bakketun - visitBergen.com
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