A Travel Guide to Stryn

When to visit Stryn

Stryn is a year-round destination. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant greenery and long daylight hours of summer or the winter wonderland, deciding when to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Stryn, and for good reason. The weather is mild – generally between 10-15°C – perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling and kayaking. 

Stryn becomes a playground in the colder months for everyone loving winter sports and snowy activities. Typically from December to March, The mountains in the Stryn area are covered in snow, transforming the landscape into a magical winter wonderland.

What to do in Stryn, Loen, Lodalen and beyond

The Stryn area is famous for its wide range of activities, all with an insanely beautiful backdrop. 

One of the most peaceful ways to experience the area is by taking a boat out on Lovatnet or by hiking in this area. The lake’s emerald waters are surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. 

Opt for a drive along the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, one of the National Scenic Drives. This 27 kilometer road is only open during the summer months, but will take you through Videdalen valley. Along the way, you will drive past waterfalls and experience what it was like driving in the fjords a long time ago… This road was handmade in the late 1800s!

For an adrenaline-filled family vacation, climb Via Ferrata Loen or hop on the Loen Skylift. This is one of the steepest cable cars in the world and takes you up to the top of Mount Hoven. The views are breathtaking, with endless fjords and snow-capped peaks.

If you’re a fan of skiing, you can even hit the slopes at the Stryn Summer Ski Centre, one of the rare places where you can enjoy skiing in the middle of summer! 

Hotel Alexandra is the perfect spot to relax, with heated pools, saunas, and Jacuzzis offering stunning views of the mountains and fjords – a serene way to recharge after a day of exploring. 

Loen is the most inland village of the Nordfjord, meaning more adventure is around the corner. Read our 9 reasons to visit Nordfjord for more inspiration.

Hiking in Stryn

Stryn is a hiker’s paradise. There are trails that cater to all levels of experience. For those seeking a real challenge, Skåla is the crown jewel of hikes in the area. Known as one of Norway’s most demanding hikes, the trek to the summit involves a 1848-meter ascent, but the effort is well rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. This hike is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a bucket-list experience for experienced hikers. Our self-guided hiking tour can include this hike, if you dare…!

If you’re after something less challenging, there are plenty of well-marked trails starting from the top of the Loen Skylift. 

Stryn has more hiking trails and routes you would probably expect. Have a look on Outdoor Active’s website for more information and proper instructions.

Kjenndal Glacier & other glaciers

Stryn is known for the many glaciers, and it makes sense! Jostedalsbreen National Park, neighboring Stryn, is home to the largest glacier on mainland Europe, the Jostedalsbreen glacier. One of the park’s most famous glaciers is Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the Jostedalsbreen that attracts visitors from around the world, and rightfully so, because the glacier and glacier lakes are some of the more beautiful ones we have.

A relatively hidden gem in the region is Kjenndalen, known for its own impressive glacier, Kjenndalsbreen. 

Briksdalsbreen glacier is another arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier. It descends down to the Briksdal Valley, making it one of the most accessible glaciers in Norway. 

Just nearby lies the Breng pasture, a traditional summer farm (called “sæter”) where cattle graze in the open fields. It’s a picturesque area where the cabins of the farm contrast with the glacier in the background. 

But the area has more glacier arms… We love showing our guests the hidden glacier in this area, one that only the locals know of, which we like to keep it that way to avoid it getting too crowded. Enquire for our tours and we will show you it!

Where to stay

Stryn has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from campsites to luxury hotels. This area has been hosting tourists for a long time, so naturally, all the hosts are known for their dedication to their work and hospitality. You’re in good hands here. 

Hotel Alexandra, which dates back all the way to 1884, is in the middle of the action located in the village of Loen. It has spa facilities, beautiful views, a long and renowned history and great service.

Stryn also has lots of cabins in the area which you can rent for a night or longer. Our personal favorite are the cabins on Sande Camping overlooking the Lodalen glacial lake. It’s picturesque and includes the necessary facilities.

There are so many different types of accommodation in this area that it is hard to select only a few of them. You can find them by selecting Stryn, and your dates on Visit Nordfjord’s accommodation overview.

Stryn itinerary

Want to explore Stryn yourself? We get that! Enquire now for a customized vacation in the fjords that includes Stryn or look at our private tours.