Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Norangsdalen
Norangsdalen is one of the most inspiring yet little-visited crannies of the northern fjords.
This glorious hidden valley connects Hellesylt with the Leknes-Sæbø ferry on the scenic
Hjørundfjorden, via the village of Øye.
The boulder-strewn scenery unfolds among towering snowy peaks, ruined farmsteads
and haunting mountain lakes. In the upper part of the valley at Urasætra, beside a dark
mountain lake, are the ruins of several stone crofters' huts. Further on, you can still see the
foundations of one-time farmhouses beneath the surface of the pea-green lake Lang-
støylvatnet, created in 1908 when a rock slide crashed down the slopes of Keipen.
Hikers and climbers will find plenty of scope in the dramatic peaks of the adjacent Sun-
nmørsalpane, including the lung-searingly steep scrambling ascent of Slogen (1564m)
from Øye and the superb Råna (1586m), a long, tough haul from Urke.
Beside the road about 2km south of Øye, there's a monument to one CW Patchell, an
English mountaineer who lost his heart to the valley.
Villa Norangdal
HISTORIC HOTEL
( 70 26 10 84;
norangdal.com
; s/d Nkr1450/1900; )
This enchanting 'mountainpolitan style' hotel began welcoming guests in 1885. The cur-
rent owner, a descendent of the hotel's founder, began restoration in 2007, after it lay aban-
doned for decades. Six rooms are each an homage to a different 20th-century decade, util-
ising iconic Scandinavian design pieces, including Norwegian gems by Nora Gulbrandsen
and Grete Prytz Kittelsen.
Downstairs, the traditionally decorated, wonderfully atmospheric lounge has a log fire,
there's a spectacular dining room and an outdoor jacuzzi. The freeride skiing from outside
the door is excellent and in summer kayayking and climbing oppurtunities are close at
hand. It's a magical place, in a fairytale location.
Hotel Union Øye
HOTEL
( 70 06 21 00;
www.unionoye.no
;
r Nkr1850; May-Sep)
Constructed in 1891, the Union has attracted mountaineers, writers, artists and royalty for
over a century. With period artwork and furnishings, panelled in wood and speaking old-
