1. Eidsvatnet Lake Viewpoint – Skjolden Photography Guide
How to Get There
Drive or take a bus from Skjolden towards Fortun. This Skjolden Photography Guide recommends several parking spots along the lake where you can start your walk to find the best vantage point.
What to See – Skjolden Photography Guide
From this viewpoint, you can capture the serene Eidsvatnet Lake reflecting the towering mountains and sky. The tranquility and mirror-like reflections make it a perfect spot for landscape photography.
Best Time to Shoot
Early morning or late evening is the best time to shoot, as recommended in this Skjolden Photography Guide, when the light is soft and the water is calm.
Camera Settings – Skjolden Photography Guide
– ISO: 100-200 to minimize noise.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for a deep depth of field.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s for handheld shots; slower for long exposures if using a tripod.
2. Feigumfossen Waterfall Viewpoint – Skjolden Photography Guide
How to Get There
From Skjolden, drive or take a bus towards Feigum. Park at the designated area and follow the marked trail to the waterfall. The hike is moderate and takes about an hour.
What to See
This viewpoint offers a dramatic view of Feigumfossen, one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 218 meters into the valley. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfall is mesmerizing.
Best Time to Shoot – Skjolden Photography Guide
Late afternoon when the sun illuminates the waterfall.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for clarity.
– Aperture: f/11 to f/16 to keep both the waterfall and the surroundings in focus.
– Shutter Speed: 1-2 seconds with an ND filter for a silky-smooth water effect.
3. Best Camera Settings for Skjolden Photography
How to Get There
Drive or take a bus from Skjolden towards Ornes. There are several lookout points along the road where you can stop and take in the view.
What to See
This vantage point provides sweeping panoramic views of the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. The fjord’s vastness, flanked by steep mountains, offers a breathtaking scene.
Best Time to Shoot
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, for warm and soft lighting.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for minimal noise.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for sharpness across the frame.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
4. Urnes Stave Church Viewpoint
How to Get There – Skjolden Photography Guide
From Skjolden, drive to Solvorn and take the ferry to Ornes. The church is a short walk from the ferry landing.
What to See
This viewpoint captures the historic Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set against a stunning natural backdrop. The intricate wood carvings and the surrounding landscape create a picturesque scene.
Best Time to Shoot
Early morning for soft, even lighting and fewer visitors.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-400 depending on light conditions.
– Aperture: f/5.6 to f/8 to highlight the details of the church.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
5. Jotunheimen National Park Viewpoint – Skjolden Photography Guide
How to Get There
Drive from Skjolden towards Lom. The viewpoint is accessible from several marked trails within the park, with parking available at designated trailheads.
What to See:
Located a short drive from Skjolden, this viewpoint in Jotunheimen National Park offers stunning views of some of Norway’s highest peaks and expansive hiking trails. The rugged mountain landscape is awe-inspiring.
Best Time to Shoot
Late afternoon for dramatic shadows and golden light.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for best quality.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for a wide depth of field.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots; slower for long exposure landscapes with tripod.
6. Bedrock Viewpoint at Senjaberget at Måbødalen Valley
How to Get There
From the center-point in the village at the fjordstova, the touristinformation point of Skjolden, you can walk up to the viewpoint of Bedrock, passing the local cider farm fields and beautiful Norwegian white wooden houses. Turn right from the main road to follow the yellow hike path, next to the ‘curioso house’ not finished painting yet. Maybe it is, by the time you pass there:-), but I doubt it, hihi…The hike is moderate, taking about 1-hour depending on your pace.
What to See
The Bedrock Viewpoint at Senjaberget offers an incredible view point over Skjolden and the surrounding fjord. A beautiful stunning view over Skjolden and the Eidsvannet Lake at one side and the turquoise waters of Lustrafjord on the other side. Worth the walk!
Best Time to Shoot
Early morning or late afternoon when the lighting accentuates the textures of the landscape.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-200 for clear, detailed shots.
– Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for depth of field.
– Shutter Speed: 1/125s or faster for handheld shots.
7. Åsafossen Waterfall Viewpoint
How to Get There
Åsafossen is accessible by car or you could walk. From Skjolden, follow the signs towards Åsa following the F55 road, the blue hike route along Eidsvatnet lake. (7 km from the center, about 1,5 hours walk) The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area, and Vassbakken restaurant.
Walk up (crossing the fence) passing 3 meters of a wet route with water and stones, becoming a normal path up.
What to See
Åsafossen is a hidden gem, a beautiful waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs surrounded by lush greenery. The secluded nature of this spot makes it perfect for tranquil nature photography. You can visit the waterfall closeby, make it worth to work with striped and longershutterspeeds.
Best Time to Shoot
Late morning or early afternoon when the sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the waterfall.
Camera Settings
– ISO: 100-400 depending on the lighting conditions under the forest canopy.
– Aperture: f/11 to f/16 for depth and detail.
– Shutter Speed: 1-2 seconds with an ND filter to achieve a smooth water effect. Use a tripod if shooting with slower/longer shutterspeeds. Otherwise use 125s or up to freeze the water, and you don’t need a tripod.
8. Folgefonna Glacier, a magical experience
How to Get There
Folgefonna Glacier, located within Folgefonna National Park, is accessible from multiple entry points. The most common access is via Jondal, approximately a 2-hour drive from Bergen. From Jondal, follow signs to the Folgefonna Summer Ski Center, where guided glacier hikes commence. But Access to Åsafossen Waterfall from Skjolden is approximately 3 km from Skjolden, making it accessible by a short drive or a walk. The path to the waterfall has been improved, with Sherpas from Nepal constructing a new trail, making the hike accessible to most visitors. Walking from Skjolden to Åsafossen takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace. Driving reduces travel time to approximately 10 minutes, with parking available near the trailhead.
What to See
As Norway’s third-largest glacier, Folgefonna offers expansive icefields, deep crevasses, and panoramic views of the Hardangerfjord region. Guided tours provide insights into glacial formations and the surrounding ecosystem.
Best Time to Shoot
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers optimal conditions for photography, with clear skies and accessible trails. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the glacier’s textures and contrasts.
Camera Settings
- ISO: 100 for bright conditions; increase up to 400 if overcast.
- Aperture: f/11 to f/16 for a broad depth of field.
- Shutter Speed: 1/125s to freeze motion; slower speeds (with ND filter) to capture movement in melting streams.
More Tips for Capturing Skjolden’s Beauty – Skjolden Photography Guide
Equipment Recommendations:
- Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm) for general shots, a wide-angle lens (10-24mm) for landscapes, and a telephoto lens (70-200mm) for distant details.
- Tripod: Essential for stability, especially for long exposures and low-light conditions.
- Filters: Polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance colors, and ND filters for long exposure shots of waterfalls and streams.
Composition Tips:
- Rule of Thirds: Position your main subject off-center to create more dynamic and balanced compositions.
- Leading Lines: Use natural lines such as roads, rivers, or trails to draw the viewer’s eye into the image.
- Foreground Interest: Include elements in the foreground to add depth and context to your landscapes.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Summer (June-August): Offers long days with ample light and the midnight sun.
- Autumn (September-October): Features vibrant fall colors and fewer tourists.
- Winter (November-February): Provides snowy landscapes and the potential for Northern Lights photography.
By visiting these top viewpoints at the optimal times and using the recommended camera settings, you can capture the essence and grandeur of Skjolden. Whether you’re drawn to serene lakes, powerful waterfalls, or historical landmarks, Skjolden offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. Happy shooting! 🙂
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If you want to read more articles of Norway, press the next article titles!
Coming Soon:
- Exploring Ålesund, Norway: 6 Top Viewpoints for Photography
- A Photographers guide: Exploring Eidfjord, Norway: 7 Top Viewpoints for Photography
- Exploring the surroundings of Kristianstad, Sweden: 7 op Viewpoints for Photography
