Discovering Mundal: Norway’s hidden gem for book lovers in Fjærland

Fjærland was a surprise stop during our road trip around Norwegian fjords carefully planned by my husband. He thought I’d love it, but I probably loved it much more than he expected.

I guess you didn’t hear about Fjærland or Mundal. And I don’t blame you. I almost feel hesitant to share this discovery. Fjærland is the region surrounding a branch of the Sognefjord, close to the Jostedalsbreen, which is the largest glacier on mainland Europe. And Mundal is truly a hidden gem among Norwegian fjords and the first booktown in Norway. Only 300 people live in Fjærland. Mundal lies in the centre of Fjærland, only 3 km from the main road (imagine a picturesque drive along the fjord.

Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Norway lies a quaint little town that seems to have leaped straight out of a storybook. Mundal is a picturesque haven for bibliophiles, offers more than just scenic beauty. It’s a sanctuary where literature thrives, and the love for books lives in every corner.

Actually, there are more books than residents in Mundal with estimated of 150000 books.

If you’re planning a getaway that combines the tranquility of nature with the magic of books, Fjærland should be your next destination. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this hidden gem among Norwegian fjords with all best things to do and see in Fjærland area and Mundal.

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Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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Getting to Fjærland

Fjærland is accessible yet delightfully secluded, ensuring a peaceful escape. The nearest major city is Bergen, from where you can reach Fjærland.

While there are some options, I think the best way to get Fjærland and explore the beautiful surroundings is by car. As I mentioned earlier, we stopped in Fjærland as part of our road trip around the region. It was the best idea. You can rent a car here (this is the website we always use for searching and renting our cars). The journey from Bergen to Fjærland takes approximately four and half hours. The route winds through stunning fjords and lush valleys, making the drive a memorable part of your trip.

It also includes a ferry, so you need to keep that in mind. You can imagine that with such a rugged landscape with water everywhere, it’s hard to built roads, but it is so pretty to taje ferries in this oart of Norway, especially when the weather is good.

Rent a car in Norway here

Some other options

By boat: During the summer months (April to September), a boat service runs from Balestrand to Fjærland. It is an adventure on its own and I think a it’s a good idea to add this stunning fjord cruise as part of your journey.

By bus: Several bus services operate from major cities like Bergen and Oslo to Sogndal, the nearest town to Fjærland. From Sogndal, a local bus or taxi can take you to Fjærland in about 40 minutes.

Where to stay in Fjærland

Fjærland is small, but offers some charming accommodations.

Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel: This cozy hotel offers beautiful views of the fjord and mountains. It has a lovely library and reading lounge for guests to enjoy. This is the hotel we stayed at and I would choose it again abd again. Nothing can beat the foggy lake view from the bed.

Bøyum Camping: For a more rustic experience, Bøyum Camping offers cabins and camping spots close to nature. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a simpler, outdoor lifestyle.

Mundal Hotel: This historic hotel, dating back to the 19th century (it was built in 1891) used to offer an elegant stay with a literary twist. Each room is decorated with books and literary memorabilia (as of July 2024, it seems to be temporarily closed, but check for updates, hopefully they refubrish it to its glory).

What to do in Fjærland

I loved this region as it offered so many unexpected attractions. I’m listing below the main things we discovered in Mundal and around, but feel free to explore all the activities.

The library by the fjord

This modern library, set against the stunning backdrop of the fjord . It also hosts regular literary events and discussions.

Visit Norwegian Glacier Museum

The Glacier Museum is a cool place to visit to learn about glaciers and climate. And on top of that, you’ll notice its unique architecture.

Kayaking and stand up paddle

This is something that you can do anywhere in the world, however, it’s hard to match the breathtaking backgound you will have in Mundal. We had a foggy evening that made the view even more stunning. You can check out the prices and rent the equipment here.

Walk to a glacier (or hike it)

Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest on the European continent, has multiple outlet glaciers extending in various directions. In Fjaerland, you have the opportunity to get very close to two of these outlets: Bøyabreen (the one we visited) and Supphellebreen. There are also glacier walks, something a bit more adventurous. I did not have the time to do that, but there are some glacier walking tours if you are interested from May to October.

In Fjaerland you can walk to Supphellebreen, which lies at 1000 metres above sea level. This is a demanding hike, for which you need to reserve 2-4 hours, before you can enter the glacier. However, if you have the time and are fit enough, you will be rewarded by an incredible view towards Fjaerland and the Fjaerlandsfjord.

There are also easier glacier walks, for example, on Haugabreen (in Jølster) or Nigardsbreen (in Jostedalen). Fjaerland Guiding offers all sorts of kayaking or hiking tours and it’s a good place to research your options.

Mundal Valley hike

Hiking and nature walks are one of the best things to do around the area if you have a bit more time. For those who want to combine their love for books with the great outdoors, Fjærland offers beautiful hiking trails. Many trails have reading benches where you can pause and enjoy a book while soaking in the natural beauty. Mundal Valley hike is an easy walk that a whole family could enjoy. It is 10 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. Walking on mostly flat terrain (with some rocky parts), you will pass through farms and watch some sheep and goats on the way.

There are many other hiking options, so do some research if that’s what you are looking for because it offers such a unique opportunity where you can see glacier, fjord and mountains at the same time.

Hike to Flatbrehytta Mountain Cabin

The cabin is located 1000 above the fjord and near Flatbreen Glacier. The hike there is not the easiest with some steep parts, so make sure that you’re fit enough before you start. However, the walk is incredible with some of the most beautiful views. You will need tp reserve around 7 hours to complete the hike (2-4 hours to go up and 2-3 hours to go down).

Relax at a floating sauna

Norway is famous for the saunas, it’s such huge part of the culture. But the sauna in Mundal is another level. It is a kind of floating sauna called dampen. The landscapes is breathtaking (as you can see on the picture), so using the sauna with such a view is pure relax.

Where to eat in Fjærland

Brævasshytta– it is a restaurant and a souvenir shop with a lovely view of the Bøyabreen Glacier. It serves traditional Norwegian and local food.
Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel– we stayed in this hotel, so having a restaurant there was handy after a full day of activities. And the views are just amazing.