Overlooking the end of the Gloppefjorden, Sandane is a tranquil village located partway between Alesund and Bergen. It’s home to a modern church and an open-air museum while it’s also on the doorstep of sparkling lakes and glaciers.
A cultural highlight of Sandane is the Nordfjord Folk Museum, which comprises 45 historic buildings dating back to the 17th to 19th centuries. You can wander between the old stables, cottages and a milking building, then learn about Sogn og Fjordane’s hydropower industry while admiring the water wheels. Artefacts collected from the region’s coastal and agricultural communities are also on display.
Sandane is a popular base for enjoying the lakeside pursuits of Breimsvatn and exploring the dramatic landscapes of Jostedalsbreen National Park. Sprawling east of Sandane, this protected area is home to the largest glacier on the European mainland, as well as lush valleys and barren mountains, all of which are accessible on a network of hiking trails.
Getting there
Sandane is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Alesund Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Sandane to towns and villages across Vestland county while the centre of Sandane is compact enough to explore on foot.