Adventures
Western Norway offers incredible and unique nature experiences that really take your breath away. Loen Skylift makes it easy for everyone to experience the magic at the peak of a mountain.
Gita Simonsen
Loen Skylift, one of the world's steepest gondolas, first opened its doors in 2017. Since then, it has transported hundreds of thousands of tourists. The journey starts at Loenvatnet, known for its beautiful green water, which comes from meltwater from the glaciers. Loenvatnet has become a very popular destination for Instagram photos.
Loen Skylift will take you up Hoven Mountain. It’s also possible to hike up. If you want an even more airy experience, you can climb up the via ferrata.
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Amazing view
With Loen Skylift everyone can reach the top. Enjoy the view.
Loen Skylift will take you up Hoven Mountain. It’s also possible to hike up. If you want an even more airy experience, you can climb up the via ferrata.
The Loen via ferrata is a spectacular climbing path that takes you to the top of Hoven. The route is secured by wire throughout, and you have constant views of the fjord, Lodalen, Oldedalen, Skåla, and the mountains towards the Jostedalsbreen glacier as you climb. About 750 metres above the fjord, you cross Europe's longest via ferrata bridge, before reaching Loen Skylift and the restaurant at the top.
There are several via ferrata routes from which to choose, the most challenging of which is for highly experienced climbers. The basic route can be completed by most people in reasonably good shape, but if you have a fear of heights you will feel it in the airiest parts. You just have to remember that you're secured all the way, and it’s not possible to fall. The trip can be done with a guide, or alone if you have some climbing experience.
Once you have reached Hoven, there are a number of trails you can walk or cycle from the top. It’s possible to hire equipment if you do not have it with you. Zipline Loen is also open during the summer season. Here, you can attach yourself to the zipline and soar for 220 metres.
There are also lots of exciting things to do by the fjord. Here, you can rent pedal boats, kayaks and paddleboards with which to explore the fjord.
Fun in the air
Zipline Loen is open during the summer season. Here, you can attach yourself to the zipline and soar for 220 metres.
Hoven has a number of trails you can take to the top with both snowshoes and skis. You can visit the igloos, or you can join longer guided tours where you spend one or more nights in the mountains. Here, you really get to test out your skis and give your thigh muscles a workout.
If the winter is cold and there's plenty of snow, there are groomed cross-country skiing trails in the mountains. There is also an ice rink, and one of the most fun things to do is to sled down Hoven. This is Norway's longest toboggan run at 7 km and is fun for both young and old. You can rent toboggans at the top and return them at the base of the mountain.
Norway's longest
One of the most fun things to do is to sled down Hoven. This is Norway's longest toboggan run at 7 km and is fun for both young and old.
The restaurant at the top of Hoven offers modern premises and unique panoramic views of the fjord and mountains. They have an à la carte menu, as well as a separate pizza menu. Lunch and dinner are served here, and the restaurant also has an accompanying café. It’s a good idea to book a table in advance during the busiest season. Book here.
Magical view
The restaurant at the top of Hoven offers modern premises and unique panoramic views of the fjord and mountains.
Hotel Alexandra is a family-run Hotel in Loen, located right at the foot of Loen Skylife. The hotel has been in operation since 1984, and is traditional, but not old-fashioned. The hotel has its own spa area and two restaurants. Restaurant Charlotte serves a dinner buffet as well as breakfast, and Restaurant Andrine is the hotel’s à la carte restaurant, which serves 3-5 course dinners. In addition, the hotel has two cafés, as well as a lounge. The hotel is a nicer and more luxurious hotel than its hotel neighbours.
Hotel Loenfjord is an informal and pleasant hotel located right by the Loen river and the Nordfjord. The hotel has 137 rooms and two restaurants. Fiskekroken Restaurant & Bar serves à la carte during the summer months, and Karjoen serves breakfast and dinner buffets. The hotel is wholly owned by Hotel Alexandra.
pool and spa
Hotel Alexandra is a family-run Hotel in Loen, located right at the foot of Loen Skylife.
Olden Fjordhotel is a classic 1970s-style hotel, with a good location right by Olden Brygge, a short drive from Loen. It features 60 rooms, a bar, restaurant and a cosy garden with fjord views. The restaurant serves both buffet and à la carte.
Hotel Visnes, located in Stryn, is a historic hotel in a classic Swiss style. Visnes Hotel first opened its doors in 1850 and has been awarded a Saint Olav’s Rose, which is awarded to those who preserve and promote a high standard of Norwegian cultural heritage. The rooms have been refurbished, but in the same historical style as the rest of the hotel. Visnes Hotel focuses on locally sourced food in its restaurant. With its own hunter, the hotel has access to game. In addition, the fish and shellfish are sourced from the coast. Their restaurant is à la carte, and a three-course dinner is served during the summer season.
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