Holmedal

Rivedal, Holmedal and Vårdal are three picturesque farming villages on the northern banks of the Dalsfjord, all with exciting histories.

For a long time, Holmedal was the “village centre” for these tiny hamlets, with its church, school, several shops and various industrial activities. Today, the shops have closed, and the public school is now a Montessori school. The small villages are still active however, and Holken Pub on the quay in Holmedal is a popular meeting place.

Both Holmedal and Rivedal are perfect bases for wonderful hiking. From Holmedal, you can walk up to Kletten viewpoint (150 metres above sea level) for panorama views over the village. If you prefer a longer hike, you can set off from the car park nearby Holmedal hydropower plant and walk to Nykshytta, the cabin run by Askvoll municipality for day trips and at around 450 metres above sea level. The walk takes around one hour. From Nykshytta cabin, there are paths to Dokka viewpoint at 756 metres above sea level and Moldura at 837 metres above sea level. From Rivedal, you can hike through Vagstaddalen valley to Nipebu, a cabin run by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).

We recommend:

• A visit to Holmedal village museum for a fascinating insight into the comprehensive history of industry on the banks of the Dalsfjord.
• A visit to Helle knife manufacturer. The factory outlet is open on working days and you can book guided tours for small groups in advance.
• A visit to the statue of Ingolf Arnarsson in Rivedal, the first Norse settler on Iceland, who fled from the Dalsfjord after dramatic events and settled on Iceland in the year 874.
• A visit to Rivedal Galleri, with its idyllic location on a farming hamlet, open during the weekends from mid-June to mid-August.
• A visit to Vårdalsneset where Fjordlagunen and Verket Pub can be found on the old site of what was Vårdal brick works. Fjordlagunen has a lovely beach and a range of water activities, in addition to a campsite and Smedhuset café.