The Ultimate 7-Day Fjord Road-trip in Norway
Here’s my itinerary for the perfect seven-day Norwegian fjord road-trip.
Nordfjordeid has a population of 3,100 and is located where the Hornidal Lake flows into the Eidfjord. History here goes back to the Viking Age because of the rich access to resources with easily cultivated agricultural land of good quality as well as good fishing and good hunting. There have been people living here for at least 6,000 years. Nordfjord is located at the end of the Eidsfjorden, which is a branch of the Nordfjord.
Latitude: 61.9 degrees north
Population: 2,974
Stad Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Nordfjordeid
The town’s top attraction is the Sagastad Viking Centre, a modern museum on the waterfront. It houses a full-size replica of the Myklebust ship (30 meters long) – the largest Viking longship ever discovered in Norway. The ship had been King Audbjørn’s cremation ship (around 870 AD) and was unearthed at the nearby burial mound. The interactive exhibits (including VR experiences) bring the Viking saga to life.
Note – image from Sagastad website
Near the old town street is a burial mound called Rundehogjen. It is the burial site of the Viking King Audbjørn and is where the Myklebust ship was found. The mound is located on the Myklebust farm, the oldest establishment in Nordfjordeid.
Near the old town street is a burial mound called Rundehogjen. It is the burial site of the Viking King Audbjørn and is where the Myklebust ship was found. The mound is located on the Myklebust farm, the oldest establishment in Nordfjordeid.
Unusually for a small town, Nordfjordeid built a 500-seat opera/concert hall in 2009. It’s one of Norway’s only opera houses outside Oslo. Locals volunteer as ushers and staff, and productions (from Puccini to musicals) run in autumn. Even if you’re not an opera fan, the building is modern and inviting. Check the schedule for concerts or a film in their cinema.
Note that the photo to the left is from their website.
Nordfjordeid is nicknamed the “Mecca of the Fjord Horse”. At the Fjord Horse Centre, you can learn about Norway’s native horse breed, meet friendly Fjord horses, and even join guided riding trips into the hills. The centre runs events year-round and celebrates this century-old equine tradition
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
The Sagapark (sometimes called Sagaløypa) is a scenic walking trail through the town, past historic sites like a reconstructed Viking longhouse and local monuments. It’s an easy stroll of a few kilometres through town and near Sagastad Viking Centre.
A medium trail (about 5.1 km return) starting from the Rindane farms, taking roughly 3 hours round-trip. It delivers panoramic views of Nordfjord, the Eidsbygda peninsula and Hornindalsvatnetvisitnorway.com. It’s well-marked (look for red “T” signs) and suitable for most hikers from late spring to autumn. The summit view is spectacular on a clear day.
A slightly more strenuous climb (3.2 km one-way) from near Skipenesbrua (parking at Fiskvåg). The ascent takes around 2–3 hours one-way. It’s steep in parts, but rewards you with stunning 360° views over Nordfjordeid and the surrounding peaks.
Trail conditions can be muddy in early spring, and snow lingers late; snowshoes or poles are wise in cooler seasons. Recommend visiting in summer or early autumn, when the grass is green.
A gentler 2–3 km hike to a timber cabin at Naustdalskamben. From the small cabin you have expansive views over Nordfjordeid and the Nordfjord. Depending on your start point (e.g. from Haugen or Torvik), walking time is 45–90 minutes one-way. The trail is moderate and family-friendly; the cabin is open in summer. It’s a classic short hike to enjoy wildflowers in July or autumn colours in September.
Due to the growth of cruise ship tourism, several excursions now depart from Nordfjordeid and venture into the fjords. They are run by the company called Fjordex.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Nordfjordeid
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.
The Rv15 is a fantastic highway to know when road-tripping through Western Norway. The major tourist roads in some way connect to the Rv15, which runs from Otta in the east to Måløy on the west coast. The scenery is dramatic; steep mountain peaks, gorgeous fjords, and historic valleys. There are a number of important historic sites here, such as Lom Stave Church and the Viking discoveries near Nordfjordeid, so be sure to take your time and enjoy all the possible detours. While an ancient road has been here for hundreds of years, the modern road was completed in stages between the 1920s and the 1990s. Part of the highway replaces the historic trade road Gamle Strynfjellsvegen, which today is a tourist road.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Nordfjordeid
People have been living in the area around Nordfjordeid for over 6,000 years. It’s believed the first peoples were hunter-gatherers because of the suitable location for fishing. Eventually they settled down and agriculture began to emerge around the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence of human settlements have been found.
During the 7th century, a large farm called Myklebust was established. This farm is well-known during the Viking Age, though archaeological evidence indicates that there was a family dynasty here for centuries prior to the Vikings. There are archaeological finds of Saxon objects from Ireland, so it’s believed that the Vikings here were travelling to Ireland and back. The famous Viking King Audbjörn Frøybjørnsson lived here, but was killed in a battle against Harald Fairhair, who unified Norway, in 870. He was buried in Nordfjordeid at Rundehogjen.
Nordfjordeid was christianised in 997 when King Olav Tryggvason came to the area. King Olav visited and gave the locals the choice: Christianity or death. The first church was built around the year 1000 on the Myklebust farm on the same ground where the Vikings had their worship. The church was lost when the entire farm burned to the ground in the early 13th century. A new church was built in the 13th century at Mel. Eventually the town developed into a trade harbour and communications centre.
Nordfjordeid was transformed in the 17th century to an agricultural and trading society. Eventually the Myklebust farm was sold off and divided into eight parts.
During World War II, The Nazis established a war school here. It was a recruit school and offered anti-tank courses, skiing courses, and educated petty officers. Up to 1000 soldiers were in Nordfjordeid during the war. The Norwegian resistance movement established an arms smuggling route to Nordfjordeid, where the goods would then be transported into eastern Norway.
The town is a commercial hub for the municipality and has several industries and is a shopping hub. There’s also schooling and even an opera house here.
Nordfjordeid is a growing tourist destination because of its close proximity to famous villages and fjords. Nordfjord has recently opened up for cruise ship tourism, and in 2022 there were 57 ships calling there.
Fly:Nordfjordeid has no airport. The nearest airfields are Førde/Bringeland (FDE) ~115 km south, and Ålesund/Vigra (AES) ~150 km north. Both have regular domestic flights (Førde from Oslo; Ålesund also to Bergen/Oslo). From there, you can rent a car or take long-distance buses. Bergen Airport (Flesland) is ~260 km south.
Drive:Nordfjordeid sits on the E39 highway (the main Bergen–Ålesund coastal road). You can drive from Bergen (about 5 hrs via Sognefjellsvegen in summer or inland). The scenic Rv15 connects through Stryn (to Valdres/Otta). Driving is easy in summer; watch out for icy roads in winter.
Train: No train access
Ferry: There are local ferries connecting Nordfjordeid to neighbouring villages.
Nordfjordeid is very bike-friendly. E-bike and bike rental is available near the quay/ For example, Visit Nordfjordeid offers modern e-bikes at around NOK 490 for 2 hrs, 690 for 4 hrs. Cycling along the fjord promenade and quiet roads is a nice alternative. Helmets are included by law (provided by rental).
The town is compact; you can explore on foot easily. Most attractions (Sagastad, church, shops, parks) are within 10–15 min walk of each other.
Cafes & Bakeries
Minibakeriet (Eidsgata 42) – A gourmet bakery/café perfect for breakfast or lunch. Famous for its large open-faced sandwiches (gourmet pålegg), pastries and coffee. Try the ‘sandwich of the day’ on fresh sourdough. Also stocks local jams, oils and chocolates. (Bakery website)
Didriks Kafé & Gaver (Eidsgata 25) – Quaint old wooden house café, great for a light lunch or coffee break. They serve waffles, sandwiches, ice cream and small gifts. A nice spot to rest mid-shopping. (Cafe website)
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Magnifikk (Sjøgata 101) – A cosy bistro & bar with a fantastic fjordview. Serves a mix of Norwegian and international dishes, with specialties Including Seafood chowder, grilled steak, and creative seasonal plates. The chef emphasises local, even occasionally hunting his own game for the menu. (Restaurant website)
Flammen 6770 (Eidsgata 40) – A stylish café-restaurant/bar. Lighter atmosphere than Magnifikk. Good for: Wood-fired pizzas, burgers, soups and salads. They also do buffet-buffets of ribs. Family-friendly with outdoor seating. (Restaurant website)
High End & Unique Eats
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Sentrum Hotell (Eidsgata 58) – A quaint, family-owned small hotel in the heart of town. About 10 simple double rooms with private baths. Very central location near shops and eateries. Prices are modest. Good if you want a “cozy local” feel. (click here to view rates & book)
Skipenes Gard (Skipenesvegen 20) – A historic farmstay/gjestehus on the river (800 m from town). They offer two cabin rentals and have a seasonal riverside grill hut. Hosts speak English. Great as a rustic option and popular for fishing or hiking guests.
Chains & Mid-Range
Nordfjord Hotell (Sandplassen 1) – The largest hotel in town (54 rooms). Modern 4-star with spa (pool, jacuzzi, saunas), fitness gym and on-site restaurant. Good for business or spa-getaway. Rooms are comfortable, some with fjord views. (click here to view rates & book)
High End & Unique Properties
Here’s my itinerary for the perfect seven-day Norwegian fjord road-trip.