Sognefjord - round trip
From Stalhiem Hotel to Vik, via the Glacier Museum in Fjærland and back to Stalheim, is a nice day trip. Here you will experience several nice viewpoints on the way, you will drive over the beautiful Vikafjellet mountain and can visit the village of Sogndal.
You take two ferries that allow you to experience the Sognefjord up close. If the weather is clear, you can see parts of the Jostedalsbreen glacier.
From Stalheim, via Vik - to Norsk Bremseum
The trip starts by following the E16 to Vinje, from Vinje you follow the R13 over Vikafjellet to Vik in Sogn. Just before you begin the descent to Vik you should stop and admire the fantastic view over Vik and the Sognefjord - if the weather is clear you can also see large parts of the Jostedalsbreen glacier from here.
It takes about 1 hour to drive from Stalheim to Vik.
Vik is a very beautiful village with a history that goes back a long way. Hove Steinkirke and Hopperstad Stave Church, both from the mid-12th century, testify to Vik's long and rich cultural history and both churches are worth a visit. From Vik, follow the R13 to Vangsnes - approx. 15 minutes from Vik. At Vangsnes, board the ferry that takes you across the fjord to Hella. If you have time before the ferry leaves, a trip up to the Fridtjov statue is definitely recommended. This enormous statue of the Viking Fridtjov the Fair was erected and given to the Norwegian state by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1913. According to myth, Fridtjov was a local Viking chieftain who lived in Vangsnes, and who was in continuous conflict with King Bale in Balestrand.
The ferry takes you across the fjord to Hella in 20 minutes. From there you continue on the R55 along the fjord through the beautiful fruit villages of Leikanger and Hermansverk to Sogndal. Sogndal is the commercial center for Indre Sogn and there is a good selection of shops of all types. There are also restaurants in all categories. It takes about 1 hour to drive from Hella to Sogndal.
From Sogndal you now have the opportunity to take a detour to Fjærland and visit the famous Norwegian Glacier Museum. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Sogndal to Fjærland.
Nærøyfjord
Photo: Norwegian Glacier Museum
The road back to Stalheim
From Sogndal you drive over Kaupangerskogen to Manhellar (approx. 25 minutes) and take the ferry across to Fodnes (15 - 20 minutes). Then drive to Lærdal where the old Lærdalsøyri is definitely worth a visit before continuing up the valley until you meet the E16 and the Lærdalstunnelen. Now you follow the E16 back to Stalheim through Aurland, Flåm and Gudvangen.
From Lærdal you can also take the road over the mountain to Aurland. On the way down towards Aurland it is natural to stop at Stegastein where you have an incredible view over the Aurlandsfjord. From Aurland you then follow the E16 back to Stalheim.
Back to Stalheim Hotel You can enjoy good food and drinks with a fantastic view.
