Solheim Gard in Luster

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 by the Lustrafjord

Solheim Gard på Nes ved Lustrafjorden.
Solheim Gard på Nes ved Lustrafjorden.

Solheim Gard is beautifully situated at Nes in Luster, in the middle of the 40 kilometer long Lustrafjord – the innermost branch of the Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountains, fruit orchards and peaceful fjord landscapes, the farm is a wonderful place to experience the quiet atmosphere that makes this part of Western Norway so special.

The farm has been in the family for generations and reflects the rich farming traditions that have shaped the landscape around the Lustrafjord. Throughout the year, the scenery changes dramatically – from blooming orchards in spring and lush green hillsides in summer to colourful autumn landscapes and snow-covered mountains in winter.

Below you can see a selection of photographs from Solheim Gard. Further down the page you will also find inspiration for some of the best places to visit and experiences to enjoy around the beautiful Lustrafjord. We hope this page will inspire you to explore one of the most scenic parts of the Norwegian fjords.

Solheim Gard is currently under development. At present, there are no services available.

Solvorn – the idyllic village by the Lustrafjord

Kvitabui Boathouse in Solvorn by the Lustrafjord.
Kvitabui Boathouse in Solvorn 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.

The idyllic fjord village of Solvorn, seen from the Lustrafjord.
The idyllic fjord village of Solvorn, seen from the Lustrafjord.

Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord

Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord.
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.

The UNESCO-Protected Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord. The idyllic Fjord Village Solvorn on the other side of the fjord.
The UNESCO-Protected Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord. The idyllic Fjord Village Solvorn on the other side of the fjord.

Hike to Mt Molden

View from Svarthiller towards Ornes and the Lustrafjord.
View from Svarthiller towards Ornes and the Lustrafjord.

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.

Guided Glacier Hikes on Nigardsbreen Glacier

The Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedal is mighty and beautiful.
The Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedal is mighty and beautiful.

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.

From a guided Glacier Tour on the Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedal, Luster.
From a guided Glacier Tour on the Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedal, Luster.

Hike to Austerdalsbreen Glacier

The Odin and Tor glaciers falling down from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and creating the Austerdalsbreen Glacier.
The Odin and Tor glaciers falling down from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and creating the 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.

The Lustrafjord, a branch of the Sognefjord

The abandoned Svarthiller Mountainfarm above the Lustrafjord.
The abandoned Svarthiller Mountainfarm above the Lustrafjord.

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.

Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedalen in the Sognefjord area.
Nigardsbreen Glacier in Jostedal in Luster.

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.

View from Svarthiller towards Ornes and the Lustrafjord.
View from Svarthiller towards Ornes and the Lustrafjord.

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.

From Skjolden at the innermost part of the Lustrafjord.
From Skjolden at the innermost part of the Lustrafjord.

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.

Visit Sognefjord

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

Feigum and the Feigefossen waterfall is on the opposite side of the fjord compared to Nes Gard.
Feigum and the Feigefossen waterfall is on the opposite side of the fjord compared to Nes Gard.

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
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

Solheim Gard in Luster – Map Overview