Suldal is home to several salmon rivers and the wild salmon strain Salmo Suldal. Here you can hunt for the big salmon, float down the river in a dry suit, and visit Norway's first salmon studio. This is the complete salmon guide to Suldal.

Salmon fishing: The dream of the big salmon!

Anglers come from all over the world to Suldal each season hoping to catch the big salmon. Suldalslågen is the most water-rich river system in Western Norway, and is particularly known for its wild salmon strain named Salmo Suldal.

Before you start fishing, you must secure a fishing license from the local landowner, and you must pay the fishing fee to the Norwegian Environment Agency. Fishing licenses for Suldalslågen can be obtained from the relevant landowner, and an overview of all landowners is available at suldalslagen.no. Tourism businesses such as Mo Laksegard, Lågatun Hytter, Mo Feriehytter, and Lindum Camping offer both accommodation and fishing licenses.

You must familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations for the river. If you are new to the river, we recommend starting with guided fishing trips. At Mo Laksegard, you can get high-end salmon fishing packages and fish with a guide.

To avoid the risk of infection between rivers, it is very important that you disinfect all equipment before you start fishing.

Norway's first salmon studio

The Salmon Studio in Suldal was completed in 1988, making it Norway's first. Here you get an insight into the life of the wild salmon and its natural life cycle. At the bottom of the studio, you can look into the fifth step of the salmon ladder, at the salmon making its way from the fjord up to its spawning grounds. Perhaps you can even spot the salmon you hope to catch in the river later? You can also learn more about this unique species, how salmon have brought both great joy and significant disagreement to the Suldal community, and about the ongoing management efforts. The Salmon Studio is open from June to September.

Right next to the Salmon Studio, you'll find the architectural marvel Høsebrua bridge, which leads you further to Garaneset or Fiskebergåsen. Within walking distance is also Sand town center with specialty shops, a museum, cafes and restaurants, a cultural center, and tourist information.

Float down the river on a salmon safari

At Mo Laksegard, they offer (except when the river is too low during December-March) the world-renowned Salmon Safari, which has, among other things, led American and Chinese superstars to Suldal. Here you put on a dry suit and diving mask before entering the river and floating downstream with the current in search of salmon. Read more and book at Mo Laksegard.

Feel free to combine the salmon safari with the wilderness camp, a stay in the sauna with a view of the river, or a fine dinner at Mo Laksegard. If you want to try something different, the salmon farm also offers river expeditions downstream, with lunch in the open air.

Suldal Hunting and Fishing Association

Suldal Hunting and Fishing Association gathers fishing enthusiasts from across the municipality. Several times a year, they offer salmon fishing courses, gatherings for salmon enthusiasts, and dedicated camps for female salmon anglers, or youth.

Riverside Accommodation

Along Suldalslågen, you'll find a variety of excellent hotels and farm stays with fantastic river views, so close that you might even see fish jumping if you're lucky. Many of these accommodations also offer riverside fishing cabins, barbecue areas, and more. Read more about our accommodation options on the "Food & Accommodation" page.

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History and Salmon Castles

When the Englishman Archer arrived in Suldal in the 1800s, he bought all the fishing rights in the river and began extensive conservation work for wild salmon. He settled in the salmon castle Rophaug in Sand with his wife Alice, and eventually more Englishmen came to Suldal. They also built houses, known as salmon castles, along the riverbanks. Examples include Juvåsen and Hiimsmoen, but perhaps the most famous is Lindum. The salmon castle has served as both a boys' home and a convalescent home, but today the property is used as a campsite. Therefore, you have a unique opportunity to visit Norway's largest salmon castle up close, from a tent, motorhome, or by renting one of the camping cabins.