Hoyanger combines stunning mountain scenery with a gritty industrial heritage. Once a small farming community, the village morphed into an energy-producing powerhouse in the 1900s. Venture outside the village to discover the rugged mountains and glacier-carved fjords of Western Norway.
Things to do in Hoyanger
Learn about the town’s blue-collar past at the Hoyanger Industrial Museum. Ground-floor exhibits chart how Hoyanger transitioned from a small farming village to a thriving industrial town. Upper-level exhibits explore how the power industry has influenced the lives of Hoyanger citizens over the past century.
Hoyanger is a popular base for exploring a wild and rugged pocket of Norway known as the Western Fjords. The hiking around the village is spectacular, with well-marked trails taking you deep into the mountains. The Power Route is one of the most popular trails, starting in the village and leading you past dams built in the Berge mountains. You’ll cover around 13 kilometres and gain 700 metres of elevation, making it great for experienced hikers. There are also several family-friendly trails if you’re hiking with kids.
It's worth driving 40 minutes east to visit the charming fjord town of Balestrand. Stroll around the picturesque waterfront and visit the Norwegian Museum of Travel & Tourism, which features excellent exhibits on mountaineering. Glacier tours depart from the marina and get you up close with the shimmering Bøyebreen Glacier.
After a day of sightseeing, return to the village for a meal at a local restaurant. Try hearty “farikal” stew made with mutton and cabbage, “sursild” pickled herring and smoked salmon. Fresh-baked “skillingsboller” cinnamon buns make excellent hiking snacks.
Getting around Hoyanger
Hoyanger is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the region and visit surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Hoyanger is a three-hour drive from Bergen and 3.5 hours from Bergen Airport.