Drive it Yourself: The Gaularfjellet Tourist Road
Enjoy this spectacular mountain crossing on one of Norway’s national tourist roads.
Førde may not win any prizes for Norway’s prettiest town, but the scenery surrounding it is incredible. The town is also centrally located in the fjord region, making it a good spot to stop on any Norwegian road-trip.
Latitude: 61.2 degrees north
Population: 10,495
Sunnfjord Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Førde
The Sunnfjord Museum is an outdoor and indoor museum that shows daily life in the Sunnfjord region from historic times through to today. The open-air museum has 32 historical buildings including homesteads and a shieling. The area is open to the public all year round, but in the summer months you can pay a little for a guided tour – this is highly recommended!
Contemporary and classical art exhibitions in the town centre.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Huldefossen is an 80 metre high waterfall located just out of Førde. In fact, the area around Førde is famous for waterfalls so you’ll find many in the region.
Viafjellet is the viewpoint over Førde with the best views. The trail is 3.2km round-trip and is graded as a moderate hike.
Vidsyn Viewpoint, located above Førde in western Norway, is a striking circular concrete installation offering sweeping views of the town, fjord, and surrounding mountains. Easily reached via the Hafstadkleiva stairs, it serves both as an artwork and a landmark symbolising Førde’s openness and connection to nature. The spot is popular for short hikes, photography, and quiet reflection over the landscape.
Easy 6 km loop around Bekkjavatnet lake; flat family-friendly terrain with picnic spots, a beach and campfire facilities.
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Førde
The E39 between Bergen and Ålesund is regarded by many as the most beautiful major highway in Norway. Winding its way around the mountains and fjords of the west coast, this highway connects many charming villages to the two large cities of Bergen and Ålesund.
Gaularfjellet is a mountain area that separates the traditional regions of Sogn and Sunnfjord. The mountains reach as high as 1,615 metres. The tourist road has been open since 1938 and is very popular because of the rapid transition from fjord to mountain. For many, though, it is still a well-kept secret as it is not as popular or well-known as the other tourist roads.
The road was established as a tourist road because of its high number of waterfalls but also the engineering that went into building a road over the mountains.
The scenic highway from Lærdal to Florø weaves its way around the mountains between the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord, passing some of Norway’s most spectacular glaciers including the famous Jostedalsbreen glacier. The road was built in stages throughout the 20th century and is now one of the major highways for Western Norway. This fjord-to-coast highway takes you from the innermost part of the Sognefjord to the coastal village of Florø, on the westernmost part in Norway.
I currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Førde
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Førde
Førde has deep rural roots, traditionally centred on farming and forestry. Agriculture—particularly livestock and dairying—along with timber production, formed the backbone of its early economy.
In the 1960s, Førde entered a new phase of growth when it was designated one of Norway’s regional development centres in 1965. This decision spurred major investment in infrastructure and industry, transforming the once-quiet valley town into a modern regional hub.
The population expanded rapidly, rising from around 3,100 residents in the 1950s to more than 7,000 by 1980. Its continued urban development led to Førde being granted official town status in 1997, marking its shift from rural settlement to regional centre.
As Førde grew, it became home to key municipal and regional institutions, including a branch of Sogn og Fjordane University College and the central hospital. These developments strengthened its role as the administrative and service heart of the Sunnfjord region.
In 2020, the former Førde municipality was merged into the new Sunnfjord municipality. Despite the merger, Førde continues to serve as the principal town and focal point of the area.
Førde is Sunnfjord’s largest town (~10,000 residents). It hosts the Sunnfjord Hospital (largest local employer), campuses of Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, high schools and regional offices. The Øyrane industrial park houses several factories and logistics firms. A local paper (Firda) and public library keep residents connected.
Førde has schooling for all age groups as well as the Department for Engineering and Health at the University of West Norway. Førde also has a hospital that serves this part of Western Norway.
Fly: Førde Airport, Bringeland (FDE) – direct flights to Oslo Gardermoen (Widerøe, daily service)
Drive: Førde lies at the junction of the E39 highway (south to Bergen, north to Ålesund) and Rv5 (east to Sognefjord via Naustdal). Express buses (Vy and Nor-Way) connect Førde to Bergen (4–5 h), Oslo (via Sogn, ~8.5 h) and Trondheim, with multiple daily departures.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Within town, walking and cycling are easy in summer. A local bus network and taxis serve the municipality. The compact centre makes driving optional for visitors staying locally.
Alti Førde and Elvetorget – the two large shopping centres in town, with clothing, sports/outdoor shops, electronics and supermarkets. Several independent shops sell local handicrafts (Norwegian wool sweaters and knitwear, wood carvings, ceramics), regional food products (cheese, cured salmon, berry jams) and design items. Look for souvenir shops downtown and at Sunnfjord Museum. Local bakeries, delis and fishmongers stock fresh Sunnfjord produce (brown cheese, wild berries, game meats). In summer, occasional street markets and farm stands sell fruits, vegetables and crafts from the region. Visitors often pick up cloudberry jam or homemade sausage as mementos.
Cafes & Bakeries
Erketunet Gardsbakeri and Espresso House are located inside the shopping mapp.
Casual Eateries
Elvesus Bar & Restaurant is the local pub and restaurant.
High End & Unique Eats
Røyst Mat & Vin – upscale seasonal cuisine in a stylish setting (seasonal menu with local produce)
Pikant Mat & Vinhus – contemporary à la carte with quality ingredients (offering gourmet burgers, steak and seafood)
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Sunnfjord & Spa is a rare chain hotel with an indoor swimming pool and spa centre!
Click here to view rates & book
There is a Thon chain hotel here.
High End & Unique Properties
Birdbox is a unique tree-house style hotel with three cabins out in the nature.
Enjoy this spectacular mountain crossing on one of Norway’s national tourist roads.