Kayak on the Lustrafjord – from Skjolden to Solvorn

In 1999 we kayaked on Lustrafjord for the first time. Twenty years later, in June 2019, we did it again. We paddled from Skjolden to Solvorn through calm fjord landscapes, past mountains, waterfalls, and the historic Urnes Stave Church – a fantastic fjord experience.

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The Lustrafjord is the innermost branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is the King of the Fjords. The Lustrafjord and the Luster area is one of the most beautiful spots in Norway, where the fjord meets the top of Norway with it´s numerous mountains and glaciers.

 

Kayaking on the Fjords – Guiding and Important Safety Information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Kayaking in the Norwegian fjords and lakes can be an incredible experience, but conditions can also be demanding and change rapidly. Read more about responsibility and important safety information here, and get an introduction to kayaking in Norway at Visit Norway.

GUIDED TOURS: For safety reasons, it is recommended to join guided kayak tours when paddling in the fjords. Landmark Adventures in Luster offer guided kayak tours on the Lustrafjord.

GUIDE & EXPERIENCE: It is recommended to use a guide when kayaking in the fjords and lakes of Norway. For safety reasons, you should avoid paddling alone. You should be an experienced kayaker with knowledge of paddling, safety and rescue techniques.

COURSES & REQUIREMENTS: Many guided kayak tours require certifications such as the “Wet Card”, a basic kayaking course, and training in self-rescue and assisted rescue. Requirements vary between operators and between single and double kayaks.

CHECK WITH THE OPERATOR: Kayaks are usually provided by the guide companies. Always check with the operator regarding required skills, experience and certifications before joining a tour.

SEASON: Kayaking in the fjords typically takes place during summer. Check with the operators for exact seasons. Dates mentioned on this website are approximate.

EQUIPMENT & COLD WATER: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). A dry suit with warm layers, preferably wool, is strongly recommended. The water in Norwegian fjords and lakes is cold, even in summer. Bringing a paddle float for self-rescue is also recommended.

WEATHER, WIND & WAVES: Always check weather conditions before heading out. Fjords and lakes in Norway can be exposed to strong winds, currents and rapid weather changes. Sudden winds can create frequent and large waves. Avoid kayaking in thunderstorms, strong winds or rough conditions.

BOAT TRAFFIC: Keep a safe distance from boats, ferries and cruise ships. Always stay alert and check behind you frequently. Some fjords have heavy marine traffic.

STEEP MOUNTAINSIDES AND CLIFFS: Many fjords and lakes have steep mountainsides and cliffs. This can make it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get ashore if the weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs. Keep a safe distance from steep terrain where there is a risk of rockfalls, landslides or avalanches.

WHALES & ORCAS: Whales and orcas are sometimes seen in the fjords. These are wild animals and must be treated with respect. Never paddle towards them, and always keep a safe distance.

 

Driving from Oslo to the Fjords

We drove from Oslo in a car stuffed with kayaks and equipment, and our goal for the day was Skjolden at the innermost part of the Lustrafjord. This was the starting point of this summers kayak adventure.

The last part of the drive that day was along the fjord we should paddle the next days, and we could feel the joy when driving in this beautiful scenery.

Kayaking out the fjord from Skjolden

Fjords Selfie on the Lustrafjord.
Fjords Selfie on the Lustrafjord.

It was almost midday before we glided into the Lustrafjord in our kayaks. It was partly cloudy, and the fjord was calm. We headed over to the western side of the fjord, and continued paddling on this side for a long distance. It was a beautiful day, but the weather got even better and the fjord calmer as we paddled along. It took some time, we had to immortalize the beautiful scenery in both pictures and film.

Just before the small village Luster the fjord became wider, and we decided to cross the fjord here. We continued along the eastern side of the fjord, this is the part of the fjord where small wooden houses and farms are beautifully situated by the fjord. I would love to live in a small cozy house, just like this.

Saving a drowning Humble Bee

Humblebee saved on the Lustrafjord.
Humblebee saved on the Lustrafjord.

In the middle of the fjord, it was around one kilometer wide at this point, I passed a humble bee that was floating on the water. After a few seconds I thought it probably needed a helping hand, and decided to turn around to try to help it out of the water.

I managed to pick it up with my paddle-oar, and placed it on the front of my kayak. It stayed on my kayak for almost ten minutes. Then it started to move the wings slowly before it vibrated the wings as it was drying itself. Suddently it “took off” and flew away. We were much closer to the shore now, I hope it made it to safe ground.

Towards Feigefossen Waterfall and Kroken

Feigefossen Waterfall in Luster.
Feigefossen Waterfall in Luster.

We continued on the east side of the fjord and arrived Feigum and Feigefossen Waterfall with a vertical drop of 229 meters. You can hike to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall cascades into the the Feigeelva River. The hike is easy, it takes an hour and the trail is well marked. We decided to just look at the waterfall from the kayak this day, it was a beautiful sight as we glided quietly past it.

We passed another beautiful village before we found a place to sleep for the night. It was by a boat house on the headland just before Kroken. We slept in open air, with a great view to the fjord and towards Mt Molden on the other side of the Lustrafjord.

Next Day – Kayaking to Ornes and Urnes Stave Church

Local Made Raspberry Lemonade from Urnes Gard.
Local Made Raspberry Lemonade from Urnes Gard.

We continued the next day and rounded the headland towards Kroken. It was a beautiful day, no wind, and the fjord was calm. A great day for kayaking. We passed Kroken and continued towards Ornes. It took some time, and after a few hours on the fjord we reached Ornes. The kayaks were left by some boat houses before we walked along the road uphill towards the UNESCO-Protected Urnes Stave Church.

Urnes Stave Church is the oldest of the remaining Stave Churches in Norway, and is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Western Norway. The Stave Church was built around year 1130 AD. During summer you can join a guided “tour” outside and inside the church. There is also a small café at Urnes Gard close by where you can buy short travelled and local made refreshments. It was a warm day, and we visited the café and drank some ice cold local made Raspberry Lemonade. It was the best lemonade I have ever tasted!

Crossing the fjord to Solvorn

Solvorn is idyllically situated by the Lustrafjord.
Solvorn is idyllically situated by the Lustrafjord.

It was late afternoon, and back in my kayak we decided to cross the fjord to Solvorn and to end our journey there.

Solvorn is a beautiful village down by the Lustrafjord on the opposite side of Ornes. Here you have the oldest historical hotel in Norway, the beautiful Walaker Hotel.

Read about another kayak trip on the Lustrafjord. It was an autumn kayak trip from Vedviki, which is located south of Marifjøra. I paddled across the fjord to Ornes and visited Urnes Stave Church. Then across the fjord again to Solvorn and back to Vedviki, back to the starting point of the kayak trip.

Lustrafjord – What to See and Do

Luster in Indre Sogn is one of the most beautiful areas in Norway, where the Lustrafjord meets the top of Norway with its many mountains and glaciers. From Solvorn you can take the small ferry across the Lustrafjord to Ornes and visit Urnes Stave Church and see the mighty Feigefossen waterfall that reveals itself in the spring. Locals claim that the mountain Molden has the best view in Luster. The Lustrafjord is an arm of the Sognefjord and is located in the middle of Western Norway.

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Lustrafjord and Sognefjord area.

The beautiful fjord villages lies like pearls on a string along the Lustrafjord.
The beautiful fjord villages lies like pearls on a string along the Lustrafjord.

The Lustrafjord – Hotels and Accommodation

Jostedal – Jostedal Hotell
Jostedal – Jostedal Camping
Fortun/Hurrungane – Turtagrø Hotel
Fortun/Skjolden – Vassbakken Kro og Camping
Skjolden – Skjolden Hotel
Skjolden – Skjolden Resort
Lustrafjord – Sørheim Fjordpanorama
Luster – Dalsøren Camping
Luster – Luster Fjordhytter
Luster – Nes Gard
Marifjøra – Tørvis Hotel
Marifjøra – Marifjøra Sjøbuer
Mollandsmarki – Heil pao kanten
Ornes – Urnes Gard
Ornes – Kroken Gard
Ornes – Feriehus på Ornes
Solvorn – Walaker Hotell in Solvorn
Solvorn – Eplet Hostel & Juicefabrikk
Solvorn – Villa Solvorn
Solvorn – Solvorn Gjestehus
Hafslo – BesteBakken Exclusivity and Well Being
Hafslo – Eikum Hotel
Veitastrond/Tungestølen – Tungestølen Turisthytte

Skjolden – Where fjord meets the mountains: Skjolden.com
Activities in Luster: Visit Skjolden
Solvorn – The idyllic village by the Lustrafjord
The UNESCO Protected Urnes Stave Church
Ferry across the Lustrafjord: Lustrabaatane
Glacier Guiding on Nigardsbreen Glacier: Jostedalen Breførarlag
Breheimsenteret Glacier Center in Jostedal: Breheimsenteret
Mountain Hotel in the Hurrungane Mountains: Turtagrø Hotel
Sognefjellet National Tourist Route: Norwegian Scenic Routes
Guided Kayak Tours, Mountain Hikes and Ski Tours in Luster: Landmark Adventures
Guided Motor Boat Tours at Lake Styggevatnet: Ice Troll

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

The Sognefjord and Lustrafjord – Map Overview