Many of the people driving in Fjord Norway are travelling from Bergen to Ålesund and most of them take the E39 road. This route, however, takes you past some of the hidden gems on the way from Bergen to the Sognefjord.
Distance: 261 km
Driving time: 4 hours and 42 minutes.
Best time to do it: May to September
Map with details of the trip.
Alternative route to the Sognefjord – have the road all to yourself
Follow the E39 road from Bergen to Matre i Masfjorden, where you will find the Bjørn West Museum and have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the last acts of war in Europe during World War II. From Matre, turn right and follow the Fv 381 road to Stordalen. Matredalen valley offers great nature experiences between the fjord and mountains. Follow the river up the valley, the steep hairpin bends up ‘helveteshjelet’ where the waterfall crashes down into the gorge. There are beautiful views of the waterfall and valley from the top. Drive further into the mountains to Stordalen fjellstove.
After Stordalen, follow the Fv 92 road on to Bjordal in the Sognefjord. The descent from the mountains down to the fjord is a magical experience, where you have the fjord almost all to yourself. Very few people know about this gem of a road. From Bjordal, drive on to Oppedal, and continue towards Ålesund or back to Bergen.
The dramatic end to World War II in Norway is told in the Bjørn West Museum. Photo: Bjørn West Museum / Museum Vest.
Dramatic end to World War II
The story of Bjørn West is a dramatic and exciting chapter in the history of World War II in Norway and the last acts of war in Europe in 1945. The base established in the Matrefjellene mountains, was a regular military camp subordinate to the high command of the Norwegian Armed Forces in London. Its purpose was to establish a large force to assist in the liberation of Norway. Towards the end of April and early May, fighting took place between the Bjørn West forces and the German forces. Learn more about the dramatic history of this period at the Bjørn West Museum in Matre.
Enjoy ‘Heimalaga mat frå Pøylo (home-made food from Pøylo)
Stordalen fjellstoveis run by Laila and Bjørn. They make food from scratch using as few ingredients as possible. They have taken their passion for local food from Eksingedalen with them to Stordalen. At Stordalen fjellstove, you can enjoy fjord-to-table food in the restaurant and buy products to bring home with you.
There is a vast number of trails to choose between in the Stølsheimen mountains. Photo: Arne Berg.
Walking in the Stølsheimen mountains
Stordalen fjellstove is an excellent starting point for walks in the majestic Stølsheimen mountains, a mountainous area extending from Masfjorden in the west, to the Sognefjord in the north and Voss in the east. There are lots of options – from easy to more demanding walks.
Stordalen fjellstove is an excellent starting point for walks in the majestic Stølsheimen mountains. Photo: Arne Berg.
The top three hikes in Stordalen
All the hikes is availeble at ut.no.
- Skavlebotn, circular walk from Stordalen fjellstove. Level of difficulty: Moderate. Length: 4.3 km. Duration: 3 hours.
- Nystølen to Geitenakken, 987 m above sealevel. Level of difficulty: Moderate. Length: 3.9 km. Duration: 3 hours.
- Circular walk around Meinsperra via Gygrebotn and Rusta to Stordalen fjellstove. Level of difficulty: Demanding. Length: 7.4 km. Duration: 5 hours.
Find more suggestions for day trips by car from Bergen.
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