Norddal

Welcome to the parishes Fjørå, Tafjord, Norddal, Eidsdal and Valldal in the district of Norddal. The area has lots of attractiones and activities to offer. No less than six hydroelectric plants are located in the Tafjord district. The first dating from 1923 became a museum after its closure in 1989, now a popular tourist attraction. Norddal municipality has approximately 1.800 inhabitants and covers a area of 941,0 km2.

Europe´s most northerly-located orchards are found at the fertile fields of Linge. In Summer the orchards abound with apples, pears, morella, cherries, plums and cherries. If you drive along the Linge Road (Linge vegen) you can buy fruit in the season. Along the way you will see a memorial to Captain Martin Linge, commander of the Linge Company. He was born in Negarden, and spent his childhood here. Captain Linge fell in the raid on Måløy during World War 11.

At Herdalssetra, the largest cooperative dairy farm for goats in Norway, you will find modern dairy farming, based on and at one with 300 years of tradition. The summer farm with its 400 goats, some cows, sheep and horses can easily be reached by a private toll road of high standard.

Summer pastures may be found all over Norddal. Only Herdalseter is still in use, but the abandoned pastures are also well worth a visit. It is possible to drive to Rellingsetra (summer pasture) in Norddal. From here Dyrdalen valley spreads like a fan, with snow-covered mountains, in all directions. It is only a light walk to Innsetsetra from here and in to lake Storvatnet.

A more peaceful place like this is truly difficult to find. The trip to Klovset in Valldal provides marvellous views. From there you can see Norddal, Eidsdal, Valldal in both directions of the fjord. In order to get here you can drive to Lingåsen and park your car. From there you can stroll along a good path, and the trip is not particularly steep.

The striking contrasts between fjord and alpine peak, and between fertile fields and snow and ice, are characteristic of the Tafjordfjella mountains. The gateway to this mountain kingdom, Tafjord, lies in the furthest reaches of Norddal municipality. From here you can pick and choose from a variety of tour alternatives.

The tourism association has marked trails between the cabins in the area, where some are more difficult and others easier going. For those of you who prefer to use a tent and find your own paths, it is merely a matter of doing just that! The highest peaks are located almost 2000 metres above sea level: Puttegga (1999 m.a.s.l.), Karitinden (1982 m.a.s.l.), Torsnos (1975 m.a.s.l.).

The fjord, rivers and mountain lakes, everywhere you go in Norddal you'll find places to swim, but it is icy cold. At Tafjord is the only outdoor swimming pool in Sunnmøre. Open to the general public during the entire Summer. Muritunet in Valldal offers an indoor swimming pool.

In Valldal it s possible to go rafting in Valldøla and mountain climbing. Near the Valldøla river in Alstad a hotel called Juvet Landscape Hotel have been recived the honour to be one of the best hotel in the world by a lot of famous magazines. Here is what Wallpaper say:

Cabin Class

After checking in to the soul-stirring Scandic resort of the Juvet Landscape Hotel in Wallpaper, we got decidedly hooked on the idea of the cabin retreat. Needless to say we´re not talking roadside hut here, but architecturally interesting, fully decked out, five-star luxury suites, complete with the privacy that only being in your very own structure can offer.

Spanning four continents, and grounded in every setting from sprawling countryside to built-up metropolis, here´s the finest, currently available in cabin class.

UNESCO´s WORLD HERITAGE

The West Norwegian Fjords of Geirangefjord and Nærøyfjord was inscribed on UNESCOs World Heritage List in 2005. The two fjords are situated 120 km from each other and they are separated by the Jostedal glacier. The World Heritage Site possesses a unique combination of glacial landforms at the same time as each area is characterised by its own outstanding beauty.

Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord stretches through the municipality of Aurland, Lærdal, Norddal, Stranda, Vik and Voss.

ZAKARIAS DAM

One of Europe's highest magazine dams, 96 metres high, built in 1967. Accumulates water for Tafjord electricity production. Access to dam causeway.

MULDALSFOSSEN WATERFALL

Also called Kaiser Wilhelm's waterfall. 200 metres high and one of the tallest waterfall in the country. Due to energy development, water volume over the falls has bean reduced. Access: 2 km on a good path from the Tafjord road.

GUDBRANDSJUVET CANYON

By Main road RV 63, 15 km from Valldal. Impressive chain of river potholes that form a 5 metres wide and approximately 20 metres deep canyon with the river passing through.

OLAVSSTØTTA, OLAVSHELLAREN and OLAVSKJELDA

Monuments to the Viking King Olav the Holy, who travelled through the valley in 1029 AD. On his ascape from the country. Information boards in 4 languages.

FUNDERGATA

Fundergata is a very special street with historic buildings including an old school house. The name is ascribed to the fact that in this street one could purchase spirits, notably cognac in oak casks imported from the firm of Christian Funder, Copenhagen in Denmark.

THE TAFJORD DISASTER

In the early hours of 7th April 1934 the mountainside of Langhammaren tumbled into the sea below. Around 7 million cubic tons of rock went hurling and caused tidal waves of up to 64 metres in height. The waves caused destruction particularly in the hamlets of Fjørå and Tafjord. Altogether 40 lives were lost. Photos from the disaster are displayed at Tafjord-Naustet in Tafjord.

MUSEUM

No less than six hydroelectric plants are located in the Tafjord district. The first dating from 1923 became a museum after its closure in 1989, now a popular tourist attraction.

NORDDAL CHURCH

Built in 1782, is one of few churches built in the 18th century in our district. Twelve men built the church by hand. A lot of details inside the church are of culturhistorical value. The oil paintings are from the 17th century, and the beautiful altarpiece is from between 1510 and 1520. It is made by one of the most famous church artists in Europe, Bent Notke.

RAFTING

In Valldal it s possible to go rafting in Valldøla and mountain climbing with Valldal Naturopplevingar. They also offer wilderness camps, guided glacier tours and guided walks for individuals and groups. You can book and make your enquiry through the tourist information office in Valldal.

MOUNTAINEERING

"The Sea Snake" at Syltefjellet mountain. A zigzag scar in the mountain that according to legend, is the sea snake that Olav the Holy slung into the mountainside. Geologically, the sea snake is a twisted stripe of quartz in the gneis rock wall.

HIKING

Kallskaret is a protected geological area between Herdalssetra and Tafjord. Distinctive for its olivine mineral and eklogite with large garnets that cultivate exceptional landscape forms.