ModalenA small county with a lot of energy Photo: Margunn Farestveit kommune

MODALEN KOMMUNE Modalen is a mountainous county with its’ centre on the waters edge. Modalen is an agricultural county with walls of granit and mineral rock. Modalen is an Energy and ICT county where technology creates modern work places.

You’ll find all-year-round activity in Modalen, whether you’re looking for beautiful and breathtaking nature and scenery, or good social and cultural Photo: Liv Ekse experiences. Modalen is the natural gateway to Stølsheimen, a large nature reserve which lies between the Sognefjord, , Masfjord and Vika mountains. Stølsheimen, idyllic for outdoor activities, has a large network of marked walks and tourist cottages.

The county centre, Mo, a small village which lies on the innermost point of the Mofjord is well worth a visit. Along side the quaint harbour buildings and Photo:Bjarte Nygard promenade you’ll find a shop, post office, café/restaurant, overnight accommodation and an activity centre “Bryggjeslottet” with swimmingpool, sauna, bowling, library and excellent training facilities.

Modalen is the pearl of the Osterfjord, around an hours’ drive by car from – a small county, with a lot of energy, which offers a wide variety of unforgetable experiences. Photo: Margunn Farestveit www.modalen.no Photo: Liv Ekse Mobryggja

“Mobryggja” is the place for food and 2–6 people, each with private bath/ art enthusiasts in Modalen – a place shower room, kitchenette, T.V. and where you can meet people over a wireless fiber optic internet connection. coffee, or just sit and marvel at the 7 of the apartments have a view out fantastic view out over the Mo fjord over the fjord. whilst enjoying a tasty meal. A holiday and conference centre Hosts Egill and Guđbjørg, from Island, offering unique opportunities for guests have together created a place with who want to experience the famous atmosphere, a place with high Western Scenery. The striking quality food, accommodation and surroundings along with an service. atmosphere of great tranquility will give you peace of mind. Mobryggja welcomes both holiday and conference guests to Mo. 18 apart- ments from 20 to 60 m², accommodate

Photo: Magne Sandnes Contact information:

Egill and Guđbjørg, Mobryggja AS, Mo, 5729 Modalen, Norway

www.mobryggja.no [email protected] Tel. (+47) 481 19 941 Mobryggja

Photo: Magne Sandnes

Mobryggja Photo: Britt Farestveit

Fjord Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Just 3 km from Mo lies Fjord Lodge, beautifully situated by the river at Hugnastad. The Lodge has long traditions in the valley, and was originally built as a school, but was bought in 2008 by Janice and her family with the dream of running a bed & breakfast guest house.

Each of the 5 excellent family rooms have ensuite facilities, satelite T.V. and wireless fiber- optic internet connection. Guests have use of a large, fully equipped, communal kitchen/ dining room, seating areas, laundry room and a large garden for play or relaxation and BBQs.

As a basecamp for actitivies in the area, the users have direct access to a Lunch packs and dinners for groups number of walking paths leading up to and clubs can be arranged by request. the beautiful local mountains. Prices include buffet breakfast, bed linen and towels.

Contact information:

Janice Ritchie, Fjord Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Hugnastad, 5729 Modalen, Norway

www.fjordlodge.no [email protected] Tel. (+47) 413 20 405

Fjord Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Fjord Lodge Photo: Britt Farestveit Stølsheimen

In Stølsheimen you’ll find the best the west coast nature has to offer. Here are steep, green valleys and sheer, high mountains, well stocked fishing lakes, babling streams and frothing water- falls cascading down the mountains. Stølsheimen is one of the most beautiful nature reserves we have on the west coast of Norway, an area where you can enjoy peace and tran- quility, even in the high tourist season.

Modalen is a natural starting point for walks in the area, from Mo village, or by following one of the dirt roads, of which several, lead up to the foot of the Photo: Einar J. Grieg mountains. These roads have provided easier access to the 9 tourist cottages, owned by Bergen Turlag (walking club), Information: in the area, both in summer and winter. There are several short-day walks Map from Statens Kartverk 1216 nr. I, II, III og IV. Walking map “Modalen between the cottages in Stølsheimen, & Stølsheimen”, Modalen Kommune which make it also ideal for families 2004. with young children. Starting points: Mo, Hellandsdalen, Steinsland and Stølsvatn-dam.

For transport: Modalen- Billag (Bus) Tel. (+47) 56 59 56 20 Aktiv i Modalen, tel. (+47) 976 28 131 Fjord Lodge, tel. (+47) 413 20 405

For information about the cottages: See Bergen Turlag’s Photo: Torill Refsdal Aase, Bergen Turlag website: www.bergen-turlag.no Stølsheimen

Photo: Einar J. Grieg

Solrenningen Photo: Vibeke Thorsen

Otterstadstølen Photo: Britt Farestveit

Aktiv i Modalen — cottaghire and guided trips

Do you want an active holiday? Do you want to take home knowledge of the culture and nature of the area you’ve visited? “Aktiv i Modalen” offer guided walks to some of the most beautiful areas in the region: Otterstadstølen, Hellandsdalen and Solrenningen. You can combine the trip to Solrenningen with kayak paddling if wished. Photo: Magne Sandnes If you would like a comfortable overnight stay on a mountain farm, with family or friends, hire of a cottage can be arranged at Otterstadstølen through Aktiv i Modalen.

We also offer hire of bicycles and can advise on the best cycle routes in the area.

If you like mushrooms, but have never had the courage to pick them, then Photo: Liv-Anne AAnesen why not join one of the mushroom courses run during the autumn by Aktiv i Modalen. Contact information: Liv-Anne Aanesen, Aktiv i Modalen, Mo, 5729 Modalen, Norway

www.aktivimodalen.no [email protected] Otterstadstølen Photo: Britt Farestveit Tel. (+47) 976 28 131 Bryggje slottet The activity centre “Bryggjeslottet” lies alongside the harbour at Mo and offers excellent facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, bowling hall, sports hall, training room and library. The “Bryggjeslottet” also offers a wide variety of arrangements throughout the year including cinema, concerts and conferences, and has an amphitheatre which can seat up to 230 people. Hire of location and catering can also be arranged for birthday parties etc.

The building was opened in June of 2007 and is a fantastic facility for both residents and tourists alike. The swimming pool and bowling hall have set opening times, but are also avail- able for hire on an hourly basis.

How about a walk in the mountains, a few lengths of the swimming pool, a relaxing half hour in the sauna – and, to round off the day, a gourmet dinner at Mobryggja restaurant! Contact information:

Bryggjeslottet, Mo, 5729 Modalen, Norway Tel.: (+47) 56 59 90 52

www.bryggjeslottet.no Bryggje slottet

Photo: Magne Sandnes

Photo: Britt Farestveit

Photo: Britt Farestveit

Photo: Roar Christiansen /BT Photo: Roar Christiansen /BT Lundekvams Kayak

In Modalen you’ll find both the dramatic west coast mountain land- scape and glittering mountain lakes – an eldorado for kayak paddling. Come on your own, or take family or friends for a fantastic nature experience on the Mo fjord or a mountain lake. An experience you’ll never forget.

Lundekvams kayak have a wide variety of kayaks, both single, double and for children. Geir Lundekvam gives instruction to new beginners and offers both whole and half day guided trips. If you want to paddle on your own, he’ll give you good Photo: Britt Farestveit

tips of beautiful and exciting places to visit. The kayaks are based at Mo, but can also be driven to your choice of starting point.

Photo: Elisabeth Dale Contact information:

Geir Lundekvam Lundekvams Kajakk Nedre Helland, 5729 Modalen, Norway

www.lundekvams.no post@lundekvams Photo: Esben Hesjedal Tel. (+47) 995 02 602 Lundekvams Kayak

Photo: Britt Farestveit

The beach in Mo village Photo: Margunn Farestveit Fishing in the Modalselva

Photo: Einar J. Grieg

Photo: Liv-Anne Aanesen

The river in Modalen is a good sea trout river with fish of up to 4-5 kilos. Salmon can also be caught here. The anadromous stretch of river is 6 km in Photo: Hallgeir Neset length and lies between Mo and the Hellands waterfall. The river is open Fishing permits for the river can be for fishing of sea trout and salmon purchased from land owners or from the 15th of July until the 30th of Fjord Lodge Bed & Breakfast, September. The fish take advantage of tel. (+47) 413 20 405 the strong tidal current at Mostraumen, also a good place to try you luck with Fishing permits for the lakes can be a fishing rod. There are also several purchased from the land owners. mountain lakes in Modalen, which are rich with trout, and fishing permits are For information on development of the available for purchase. river go to: http//www.modalselva.net/ Coop Modalen Harbour

Mo Coop has been a meeting place for the locals since it was established in 1887. A grocery store of a good old household name: here you can buy milk and bread, and if you need “wellies”, nails, a fishing rod or zip you’ll also find those on the shelves in the Coop. The store has modern post and bank services, and also runs the petrol and diesel pumps in the villiage.

Coop also have a small store at Øvre- Photo: Britt Farestveit Photo: Einar J. Grieg Helland, further up the valley. The boat harbour at Mo has been acclaimed as the 3rd best in Opening times: district, and here we have boat turists from both near and far. Monday-Friday: 09:30 AM – 4:30 PM The harbour has 72 guest places with Saturday: 09:30 AM – 15:00 PM good availability of electricity and Sunday: Closed sanitation. The white sandy beach, which lies nearby, is a summerday magnet for children of all ages. Here Photo: Hallgeir Neset you’ll also find petrol/diesel pumps, a shop, post office, restaurant, sports centre and playground nearby.

From Easter until late autumn you’re guaranteed good company if you take a trip into Mo. Contact:

Mobryggja AS, tel. (+47) 481 19 941

Walks in Modalen

Modalen is ideal for walkers and hikers alike, with a good variety of easy going terrain for those who enjoy a relaxing stroll, and well marked trails leading up the mountains for the more energetic walker or hill climber. The old thoroughfare begins at Nygård south east in the valley and down to Mo, and the stretch between Mo village and Farestveit is a 2–3 hour walk on good trails. Along the whole of this Bleidalsstølen Photo: Margunn Farestveit narrow valley there are trails which lead up the mountains, either to the many old mountain farms, to neighbouring valleys or to “The Castle”, overlooking the Mofjord. Several of the trails are marked with the new standard tourist signs, which give information on the length of the walk and how demanding it is, and there are blue markers along each trail which lead the way.

Slottet/The Castle Photo: Esben Hesjedal This gigantic block of mountain rock hangs mid-way over the Mofjord attracting both locals and tourists alike. You can walk up the well marked trail from the main road and feel the tension in you stomach when you lie down flat and peer over the edge of this amazing cliff. It’s around 200 meters straight down to the fjord below, and the view in towards Mo and further out over Oster fjord is unbelievable.

Information: “Turar i Modalen” by Photo: Ole Kristian Johannessen, Bergen Turlag Kenneth Monsen .

Photo: Britt Farestveit Worth a visit

There is lots to see for those who visit Laksetrappen (The Salmon Stairway) Modalen, here you’ll find information During the building of the dam above on the different attractions. Hellands waterfall, BKK built a 34 meter long salmon stairway, this is amongst Atelier Midtun the longest of its kind in Norway. This little art gallery lies across from the church, in Mo village, and is both the work place and gallery of local artist Jarle Midtun. A good variety of art (paintings and graphic art) is exhibited and available for purchase. Flexible opening hours.

Contact information: Jarle Midtun www.aterlier-midtun.com Tel. (+47) 56 59 97 33 Photo: ©Eilif Stene

Mostraumen (The Mo current) Mostraumen is a 400 meter long, strong, tidal current found at the mouth of the Mo fjord. At its lowest it’s only 3,5 meters. A beautiful place with a Photo: Tom Imsland special cultural landscape and good fishing. Gummiluka (Rubber “sausage”) Across the river, above Hellands water- Mo kyrkje (Mo Church) fall, lies a water-filled rubber “sausage” Mo church grounds have a history going — a unique technology which regulates back to the 1200s’. The church which the water level and in-take to the stands today, is a beautiful wooden powerstation. The dam was the first of church built in 1883 and here you’ll find its kind when installed by BKK i 1991. a nice collection of old church relics. Astrids Gartneri At Farestveit, a lovely farmland area in the valley, you’ll find Astrids’ a market farm with a good variety of flowers, vegetables and bushes. Astrid grows her own roses in a greenhouse on the farm.

www.astridsgartneri.no [email protected] Photo: Britt Farestveit Tlf. (+47) 56 59 98 47 Nygard Nygard, the place where the well known Norwegian poet Olav Nygard (1884- 1924) grew up. His childhood home still stands today, and a monument was built there in his memory.

Photo: ©Eilif Stene The Emerald Ribbon Modalen lies in conjunction with the tourist based business adventure “The emerald Ribbon” – a destination which Photo: Liv Ekse includes the area in the Osterfjord region. Here you’ll find many small turist based businesses offering, amongst other things, accommodation, home-made produce, guiding and other activity based experiences. Members of the Emerald Ribbon are listed on large signs around the region.

For more information see www.sloyfa.no or ask one of the members for a leaflet. In Modalen all those involved with tourism are

members of the Emerald Ribbon. Photo: Torill Refsdal Aase, Bergen Turlag Modalsdagane 2009 Photo: Britt Farestveit Events

Modalsdager (Mo Valley Days) 3 days (around the beginning of July) of markets, concerts, exhibitions, good food, dancing and festivities in Mo village.

Veteranbåttreff (Veteran Boat Rally) Popular arrangement, early autumn, with a visit from “”, “Oster” and other veteran boats and cars.

Dalastemna Family church service on the mountain pass between Flatekval and Farestveit. Photo:Torill Refsdal Aase, Bergen Turlag

Barna sin dag (Childrens’ Day) Lots of fun for the youngest children – and those who are older too!

Motbakkeløp Nedstavatnet opp A race, early autumn, which suits both the toughest and for children from school age. 250 meters up to the top of the Kvernhus waterfall.

Modalsdagane 2009 Photo: Britt Farestveit

Photo: Britt Farestveit MODALEN KOMMUNE

Modalen Kommune Local government administration Box. 44 5729 Modalen , Norway

Telephone: (+47) 56 59 90 00 Fax: (+47) 56 59 90 01

Office hours: 08:00 AM – 03:30 PM www.modalen.no

Photo front cover: Margunn Farestveit Photo back cover: Liv Ekse