Villages and places
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
The town of Sauda is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and rich opportunities for outdoor activities. Here, you'll find iconic attractions such as Svandalsfossen, a powerful waterfall along the National Tourist Route Ryfylke, and Allmannajuvet, where architecture and mining history come together.
Sauda, a charming industrial town nestled deep in Ryfylke, is known for its rich history, impressive nature, and diverse range of activities. With around 4,700 inhabitants, Sauda offers a lively town center with shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Attractions in Sauda
- Svandalsfossen: This majestic waterfall has a total drop of over 100 meters. Visitors can use the Sherpa steps that lead close to the falls, providing a unique nature experience.
- Allmannajuvet: Explore the historic zinc mines from the 1800s with a guide. The site was designed by world-renowned architect Peter Zumthor and offers insight into the significance of mining for the region.
- Åbøbyen: A historic district representing Norwegian industrial history. The area is known for its unique architecture and gives a glimpse into the life of industrial workers in the early 20th century.
Activities in Sauda
- Sauda Ski Center: Located about 8 km from the town center, this is one of the largest ski resorts in southwestern Norway. It offers views of the fjord from the slopes and excellent conditions for both alpine and cross-country skiing.
- Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The area around Sauda offers a varied network of hiking trails suitable for all levels. Whether you're after a short walk or a longer mountain hike, there are options that provide great nature experiences.
- Saudahallen: A modern swimming facility in the town center that includes both indoor and outdoor pools – perfect for a relaxing day with the family.
Cultural Experiences
Sauda has a rich cultural life with several events throughout the year. The town features a cultural center (Folkets Hus), a library, and a cinema, offering a wide range of activities for both locals and visitors.
Sauda uniquely combines its industrial heritage with scenic beauty and a wide array of activities. Whether you're seeking adventure in the mountains, cultural experiences, or simply wish to relax in beautiful surroundings, Sauda has something for everyone.
Travel inspiration
Activities in Sauda municipality
Culture
Guided tours Allmannajuvet, Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet in Sauda, Ryfylke. It will be daily guiding throughout the summer season. Listen to the story of the mining adventure and get a taste of how life inside the mines was in the late 1800's.
Outdoor activities and nature
Sauda Ski Centre
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Sauda Ski Centre Svandalen is situated approx. 8 km from Sauda town centre in Ryfylke.
Bathing and wellness
Swimming facilities in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Saudahallen in Sauda in Ryfylke consists of an indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming facilities.
Outdoor activities and nature
Nordag - hiking trail along war memorials in Saudasjøen
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Discover the fascinating history of Sauda during World War II! The trail takes you through the historical tracks and war memorials.
Outdoor activities and nature
Marked ski trails in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
In Sauda, Ryfylke, there are over 100 km of marked ski trails in eight valleys. Sauda is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, randonee and slalom.
Culture
Mining gallery in Allmannajuvet in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
The Allmannajuvet zinc mines are located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Sauda. The famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has designed the facility.
Culture
Industrial Workers Museum and Åbøbyen in Sauda (Ryfylkemuseet)
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Åbøbyen in Sauda in Ryfylke, is one of the best-preserved residential areas for industrial and office workers built during the establishment of energy-intensive industry in Norway.
Outdoor activities and nature
Round the Åbødalen valley in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Around the Åbødalen valley in Sauda, Ryfylke, is a marked and prepared cross-country ski trail. It is child-friendly, but has some steep climbs and descents.
Outdoor activities and nature
Jonestølen in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
The hike to the idyllic Jonestølen in Sauda is moderate and around three kilometers.
Outdoor activities and nature
Bike rental at Sauda Ski Centre
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Sauda ski centre rents out six electric bikes. The ski centre is located in Svandalen, about 8 km from the centre of Sauda in Ryfylke.
Outdoor activities and nature
Rundehaugen - hike
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
From Rundehaugen (480 masl) you can see the most of Sauda in Ryfylke. At the top there is a cabin, bench, book and a map.
How to get here
Ryfylke is best known for the iconic mountains Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag, which are both on the spectacular Lysefjorden. But when you drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, between Lysefjorden in the south and Hårå in Røldal in the north, you will experience lots of contrasts among majestic mountains and deep fjords.
Getting to and around RyfylkeDining and accommodation in Sauda municipality
Accommodation
Sauda Fjord Camping
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Sauda Fjord Camping is located by the Saudafjord in Ryfylke. The campsite is open all year, but in winter you have to book in advance.
Accommodation
Kløver Hotel, Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Kløver Hotel is ideal for your fjord holiday in Ryfylke. The hotel is situated in the heart of Sauda, a town at the head of the Saudafjord.
Accommodation
Historical Sauda Klubb in Sauda
Sauda Municipality – Spectacular Nature and Industrial History
Sauda Klubb is a historical building located centrally in Åbøbyen in Sauda, Ryfylke. You can rent the unique house can for small and large gatherings.