Årdal

Årdal is an administrative division at the end of Årdalsfjorden in Vestland, encompassing several settlements across a large mountainous area. The main villages sit in valleys and along the coast, where most daily life and services take place.

The municipality was established in 1863 when it separated from a neighboring district and later became an industrial center. This growth transformed the region, especially through aluminum production that began during the 1940s.

The area has two parishes with churches that reflect different periods of local development and faith practices. These places of worship show how the community has evolved and cared for its spiritual needs over generations.

The area is accessible by road through valleys and along the coast, with regular bus services connecting it to other towns in the region. The terrain can make some parts harder to reach, so planning ahead helps when visiting outlying villages.

A striking feature of the landscape is Vettisfossen, a waterfall protected by law due to its exceptional height. This natural wonder stands out as one of the rarest examples of officially protected waterfalls in this part of Europe.