Solheim Gard is situated by the Lustrafjord in Høyheimsvik, at the headland between Gaupne and Luster.
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.
Solheim Gard
Our goal is to start up Solheim Gard in the summer of 2024. Until then we hope you will be inspired by the pictures and video from Solheim Gard and the beautiful Lustrafjord area.
The Lustrafjord, a branch of the Sognefjord
The Lustrafjord area is deemed to be one of the most beautiful spots in Norway. It is where the fjords meet the top of Norway and the mountains and glaciers never ends. There are many wonderful and exciting things to see and do there.
Solvorn is an idyllic village located down by the Lustrafjord. The oldest historical hotel and one of the finest, the Walaker Hotel, is located in the village. Time has in a way stood still in Solvorn. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and refined.
From Solvorn, you can take the small ferry across the Lustrafjord to Ornes and visit Urnes Stave Church and see the mighty Feigefossen waterfall which reveals itself in the spring. Urnes Stave Church is the oldest of our remaining stave churches in Norway, and is one of four world heritage sites in Western Norway.
The hike to mt Molden gives you a fantastic view both in and out of the Lustrafjord. The locals claim this is the best view in Luster municipality, and in Luster there are many great viewpoints.
The Nigardsbreen glacier in Jostedal and the Austerdalsbreen glacier at Veitastrond are two of the most beautiful and easily accessible glaciers in Norway. Mørkridsdalen and Fortunsdalen are two classic areas for mountain hikes near Skjolden, which is located at the innermost part of the Lustrafjord. Stay at Skjolden Hotel in Skjolden, a great hotel with short-travelled food and drinks from the top shelf.
High in the Jotunheimen mountains, the Sognefjellet Mountain Road runs between the Lustrafjord and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. The Sognefjellet National Tourist Route is the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe with its 1434 masl at the highest point. Along the road is Turtagrø Hotel, Sognefjellshytta and Krossbu where you can stay and get information and guide to Hurrungane and the mountains and glaciers around Sognefjellet, which is one of Norway’s wildest mountain areas.
The Lustrafjord is approximately 40 kilometers long and is the innermost branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is located in the middle of Western Norway.
Solvorn – the idyllic village by the Lustrafjord
Solvorn is an idyllic village located by the Lustrafjord, which is the innermost arm of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord. In Solvorn you can experience calm and peace while taking a break from the hectic everyday life.
Solvorn is a typical fjordvillage from the time when the fjord was the most important transport route. Today, the boathouses lie in a row and bear witness to a bygone era from when Solvorn was an important trading center with bustling life both on the Lustrafjord and in the village.
Walaker Hotel in Solvorn is the oldest hotel in Norway, and one of the finest. The hotel has been owned and run by the same family since year 1690. Ole Henrik, who runs the hotel today, is the ninth generation Nitter Walaker at Walaker Hotel.
Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord
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 church was built around year 1130 AD, and is situated at Ornes by the Lustrafjord.
A nice way to explore Urnes Stave Church and the beautiful surroundings is to drive to Solvorn and cross the Lustrafjord by ferry to Ornes. From the ferry quay at Ornes, there is only a short walk uphill to the Stave Church.
During summer you can join a guided “tour” outside and inside the church. There is also a small café close to the church where you can buy short travelled and local made refreshments.
Guided Glacier Hikes on Nigardsbreen Glacier
From Gaupne close to Marifjøra, take to the left towards the Jostedalen Valley and Nigardsbreen Glacier. There you have Breheimsenteret Glacier Centre with its exhibition, multimedia glacier slideshow, information about the glacier and guiding and equipment-rental on the Nigardsbreen Glacier.
The hikes on Nigardsbreen Glacier can be done in small or large groups. All hikes on the glacier are guided by experienced guides, and all necessary equipment are provided.
Some of the hikes you can choose between are Short or Long Blue Ice Hike and Special Blue Ice Hike. You can also choose the KIDS SPECIAL which is a more challenging hike, for sporty and adventurous kids.
You can join the Glacier Bus from Sogndal to Jostedal if you do not have a car, there are one daily departure during the season which is between the end of June to the beginning of September.
Hike to Austerdalsbreen Glacier
For over a hundred years, Austerdalsbreen Glacier, together with the three hanging glaciers Loke, Odín and Tor, have all been recognized as the most beautiful glacial landscape in Europe.
Austerdalsbreen is an offshoot from the larger glacier, Jostedalsbreen. It is located in Austerdalen valley, which is the innermost part of Veitastrond.
From Hafslo in Luster you can drive to Veitastrond. From there, drive the private toll-road to Tungestølen, a brand new Mountain Lodge which had its inauguration in 2019. From there you have a two hour hike to the Austerdalsbreen Glacier.
The three glaciers (Loke, Odin and Tor) are falling down from the plateau glacierJostedalsbreen, together creating the beautiful Austerdalsbreen Glacier down in the valley named Austerdalen.
Hike to mt Molden
Mt Molden in Luster is a popular hiking destination among the locals. The hike is relatively short, and the fjord view is fantastic.
The trail is marked, and it takes about an hour to hike to the abandoned mountain farm Svarthiller. From Svarthiller you have a great view towards the southern part of the Lustrafjord.
The hike continues from Svarthiller (865 masl) towards Mt Molden at 1116 masl. Parts of the trail to Mt Molden consist of stone stairs built by Sherpas from Nepal.
From the top of Mt Molden you can see the Lustrafjord in all directions. Locals claim that this is the best view in Luster, and in Luster there are many great viewpoints.
Pictures from the Lustrafjord area
The Lustrafjord area – Useful Links
The Lustrafjord – Useful Links
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 Trip on the Lustrafjord: Fjordseal at Marifjøra
Guided Motor Boat Tours at Lake Styggevatnet: Ice Troll
Kayak and hike in Luster: Landmark Adventure