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EXPERIENCES
Pockets of peace and guiet in Årdal
Experiences in and around Årdal
Sognefjordcruise
An abundance of MOUNTAIN, FJORD AND
NATURE ....
..is an appropriate key phrase for a visit to Årdal.
In surroundings such as these it is not difficult to
find opportunities for extreme experiences -
activities that challenge both body and soul. Still,
in this mighty and awesome nature there are
pockets
of peace and quiet, providing a sensation
of serenity enhanced by precisely those same
natural contrasts.
Examples of these quiet
pockets are: Offerdalen, Avdalen, Nundalen and
at the "Nature House" under Skåri
in Utladalen.
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Offerdal
Brewing beer in the old "firehouse" in Offerdal
Offerdal is a central location in the industrial history of Årdal.
Among other activities, there was a rock quarry here early in the previous century.
Stone for Grand Hotel in Oslo, among others, was quarried in Offerdalen,
and it was particularly the white, hard granite that was in demand.
Avdalen
View from Avdalsskåri on the road to Avdalen Farm.
A side road takes you up to Avdalen Farm, an abandoned, but recently renovated mountain farm.
Two different paths lead to your destination; the high mountain path goes via Avdalsskåri,
which is located on a natural ledge in the mountainside. This path gives you an impressive
view of Utladalen.
The other path is also a scenic route, but here you will definitely feel on safer ground.
The time required is about the same on both paths.
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Sletterust
View from the road between Sletterust to Heirnosi.
This is a rather unique bicycle trip. It starts at the old dam-attendant's house at Sletterust and
proceeds to the "thousand metre summit" or Heirnosi by its proper name.
The route is replete with historic relics from the power development era. Upon reaching the top,
you are rewarded with a beautiful view of both Øvre Årdal a thousand metres straight down, and to the
rows of pinnacles in Jotunheimen.
The Nature House og Vettisfossen
The Nature House "Under Skåri"
Vettisfossen, the king of Norwegian waterfalls.
A visit to the kingdom of the "Jotuns" (trolls) is an unforgettable experience,
particularly a close look at Vettisfossen; the king of Norwegian waterfalls.
The waterfall is actually quite easy to reach; after going by car to Hjelle, Vettisfossen
is only a two hours walk away. The last 20 minutes from Vettis Farm and the tourist station
are spent on a tortuous but secured path, and as you proceed, Hjellefossen and Avdalsfossen
give you a couple of exciting previews of what awaits you in Styggeli. The same can be said of
Høljafossen, which descends into a pool that looks like a large lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation;
a rest for tired eyes half way up Høljabakken.
Vettisfossen has a free fall of 273 metres and is an impressive sight when viewed from Utla.
From deep in a horseshoe-formed ravine the water is jettisoned into the abyss..
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