The power that shaped Suldal

For over 110 years, Suldal has been one of the most important power municipalities in Norway. The story began in 1913, when Sand power station — the first power station in Suldal — was built. This became a symbol of power generation in Western Norway when Norsk Hydro secured the rights to the Røldal and Suldal watercourses, with the goal of securing hydropower for the future aluminium plant at Karmøy — the largest industrial project in Norwegian history at the time.

In 1974, construction began on Ulla-Førre — Northern Europe's largest hydropower project, which quickly transformed the entire municipality: the population grew by over 1,000 people. Today, Suldal produces approximately 8 percent of all electricity in the country — and remains Norway's largest power municipality.

What can you experience?
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Blåsjø — Norway's largest reservoir

‍Blåsjø spans 83 km² and is held in place by 11 dams. The Storvass dam is Norway's largest rock-fill dam, the Oddatjørn dam is the highest, and the Førrevass dam is the longest concrete dam in the country. The road is open from July to October. Check road status at vegvesen.no and pay the toll at youpark.no.

Hylsfjorden — Hylen power plant‍

In Hylsfjorden lies the Hylen power plant, which uses water from the Suldalslågen river for power production. The iconic Lingvongfossen waterfall was regulated as part of this development. The power plant is currently owned by Statkraft and Skagerak Energi.

Power architecture at Nesflaten‍

Nesflaten is a unique example of functionalist architecture from the era of hydroelectric development. Here you will find Energihotellet — a piece of Norwegian industrial history along the Ryfylke National Tourist Route.

Energihotellet Nesflaten

Experience and stay in the very heart of power history. Energihotellet is an iconic building from the Ulla-Førre development in the 1980s — Northern Europe's largest hydropower project at the time.

Sandsfossen

Where the Suldalslågen river meets the fjord lies Sandsfossen — a visible testament to the power that water carries through Suldal.

Suldal I and II power plants — Nesflaten

At Nesflaten, on the shores of Lake Suldalsvatnet, lie the Suldal I and II power plants. The power plant was commissioned in 1965 as part of the Røldal-Suldal development and has an installed capacity of 180 MW. The electricity originally powered Norsk Hydro's aluminium plant on Karmøy. Google Maps

Practical information

The Blåsjø road is open between July and October and closes when the snow arrives. Statkraft has ongoing construction work (2025–2028) that may lead to periodic road closures. Check the updated road status at vegvesen.no.

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