Man holding chantarells
Hiking © Skattkammeret Suldal. Foto: Lise Bjelland
Lady on top of a moutain during sunset
Hiking © Skattkammeret Suldal. Foto: Espen E. Søreng

10 autumn tips

Arts and crafts
Biking
Boat sea
Event
Exhibition
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountains

During the autumn, the rich Suldal nature transforms from a lush, green canvas to a colourful and dramatic landscape. The season is a perfect time to enjoy relaxing hikes in the moutains with local dining experiences, a relaxing bath in a fire-heated outdoor tub and join one of the many cultural events in our villages. Here are our ten top tips for autumn!

 

1. Explore our hiking trails

Suldal has hiking trails to offer any level of experience and ambition. Suldal has several of the highest mountain peaks in Rogaland country, as well as more relaxing hiking paths. From Hellandsnuten you get a view of five fjords, at Napen you feel you are on top of the world, whilst at Nipe you get an iconic photo overlooking the Suldalsvatnet lake. A hike in the Suldalsheiane Mountains is perfect to combine with a stay at a cabin of the Norwegian Trekking Association. If you want a more relaxing trip you can take a stoll along the Suldalslågen river from Sand or the hiking path along Ritlandsvatnet lake, which both are a good option also for those with strollers. In autumn, nature show you from its best side so do not be surprised if you get to pick some berries and mushrooms along the way!

 

2. Enjoy a day in the fjord village Sand

Sand is located at the point where the three fjords; Sandsfjorden, Hylsfjorden and Saudafjorden meet, making it a beautiful spot. In between white, wooden houses along the fjord and further up along the Suldalslågen river you can visit charming cafes, unique shops, a museum, climbing parks and more. At Sand sport you get all the clothes and equipment you need for fun days out in nature, whilst Extra Suldal offers everything the family needs of groceries. Until the end of September, you can also visit the Salmon Studio at the Sandsfossen falls.

 

3. Treat yourself with a hot bath

Dip into a hot pool or a fire-heated hot tub after a wonderful day out in nature. At Suldal Baths in Sand you can enjoy an outdoor jacuzzi, a pool, therapy baths, sauna and more – everything with a beautiful view of the fjord. At Mo Laksegard and Vikane hyttetun you can rent your own fire-heated tub for the night to enjoy relaxing hours with family or friends.

 

4. Explore our local cuisine

Our restaurants and kafes are dedicated to local products from our municipality and the region at large. Why not take your friends on a guided tour in a local farm brewery at Mo Laksegard or visit a farm shop at Træ Gården or Fuglestein Fruktgard? At Energihotellet you can enjoy a four-course dinner with stunning views of the Suldalsvatnet lake and at Ryfylke fjordhotel you get a panoramic view of the Sandsfjorden fjord. KULP and Brunsj offers delicious lunch – and dinner dishes in our municipality Sand.

 

5. Enjoy our rich culture

Suldal is rich on tradition and culture, both historical and modern. At Ryfylkemuseet museum in Sand you can explore two exhibitions all year around, whilst you at the nearby Suldal Cultural Center can watch the newest movies and challenge the family in bowling. We also have a lot of festivals and market days throughout the year so make sure you check out “Visit Suldal” on Facebook for the latest updates.

 

6. Try your luck salmon fishing or hunting

Suldal has a long and proud tradition of fishing and hunting. In fact, Suldal is home to both the most southern wild rain deer in the world and has one of the best salmon rivers in Norway! There are strict rules attached to the salmon fishing and hunting to preserve and protect our unique species, but we always welcome new people who are interested to learn more. If you are new to salmon fishing, we recommend starting with a guided fishing trip with Mo Laksegard. Fishing in the lakes are less restricted, but you have to remember to buy are fishing card and follow the regulations. Fishing in the fjord is free. You can buy fishing cards for lakes and some hunting licences in Suldal on inatur.no.

 

7. Get close to the wet element

To explore our nature from the water gives you a completely new perspective of the surroundings, and the activity is perfect to combine with some fishing! You can rent a boat/canoe/kayak for the fjord from Fjord Expedition in Jelsa, Ryfylke fjordhotel in Sand andJoker Vatlandsvåg in Vatlandsvåg. If you want to explore the largest lake in Rogaland, Suldalsvatnet, you can rent boat/canoe/kayak from Energihotellet and Vikane hyttetun. In the mountains you can rent boat and canoe from Gullingen turistsenter. FjordExpedition and Aktiv Fuglestein also offers guided kayak andSUP tours in Økstrafjorden fjord and the surrounding area. Mo Laksegard offers river expeditions and their world famous salmon safari!

 

8. Go on a village safari

Suldal is divided into many small and charming villages, from the architectural hub of Nesflaten to the best preserved fjord village in our region; Jelsa. You also have the home of the viking chieftain Torstein of Heimnes at Ropeidhalvøya and the charming village in the historical Hylsfjorden, Vanvik. At Ropeidhalvøya you also find the shop Joker Vatlandvåg where you can get groceries, rent boat and bikes and fuel up. Every village in Suldal has its own uniqueness with hiking trails, areas for swimming, shops and more. Pick out a few villages to explore on the map and start your adventure!

 

9. Go on an adventure on two wheels

Get up close with nature and the beautiful autumn scenery on two wheels! Suldal is home to several large hydropower developments, and amongst them the biggest hydropower development in Northern Europe! This has led us to have many charming roads that go deep into the mountains. Rent an e-bike and you will get a little extra help up the steep hills!

 

10. Take a day trip

Suldal is located in the heart of the West Coast, only a two hour drive from Stavanger and Haugesund city. If you want to, you can take the speed boat to Stavanger in the morning and enjoy the day exploring the oil capital of Norway before you follow the speed boat back to Suldal in the afternoon. Suldal is also only a two-hour drive from the popular Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Trolltunga. For those with car we recommend day trips to Norway´s largest water reservoir, the Architectural Day Trip and an adventure on roads less travelled along our fjord peninsulas.

 

Suldal has a rich selection of hotels and traditional cabins, all with beautiful views of our fjords, lakes, rivers and mountains. Read more under “Eat & Stay”.