Located at the innermost part of the Nordfjord, Stryn is a lively town surrounded by majestic glaciers, snow-capped mountains and sparkling lakes in Norway’s west. It’s a popular base for outdoor pursuits throughout the year, with the 1,065-metre-high Stryn Summer Ski Centre offering snow sports even in the warmer months.
Things to do in Stryn
Enjoy a scenic drive on the 27-kilometre-long Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, which was completed in 1894 and was considered a masterpiece of road building and engineering for its time. Passing through dramatic, glacial-carved landscapes, it was once the only route between Skjåk and Stryn and is now designated as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes.
Ever wanted to ski in the middle of summer? Visit the Stryn Summer Ski Centre, which lies a short drive east of the town centre. It’s based near an arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier and is the largest summer ski area in Northern Europe. You can take advantage of the cross-country pistes and alpine slopes while wearing shorts and a T-shirt or challenge yourself in the resort’s terrain park.
With a wide range of restaurants and amenities, Stryn can be used as a base for visiting Briksdalsbreen. This famous glacier plunges into a valley between soaring peaks and thundering waterfalls in Jostedalsbreen National Park. Several hiking trails offer access to Briksdalsbreen and its surrounding glaciers while more challenging routes traverse the slopes of Mount Kattanakken and Oldeskaret.
Getting around Stryn
Ålesund Airport, Vigra is 2.5 hours’ drive from Stryn and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Stryn to towns and villages across the region, although having your own car gives more freedom to explore. The centre of Stryn is compact enough to navigate on foot.